Introduction and Design Inspiration

The RakU collection by Naxos is inspired by the traditional Raku ceramics technique, featuring minimalist and sophisticated white body wall tiles. The tiles exhibit a unique textured surface combining glossy glaze traces with a matte base, creating subtle light effects reminiscent of natural refractory clay irregularities.

Product Range and Aesthetic Combinations

The collection includes finishes such as Cord, Silvery, Copper, Sulphate, and Black Clay, with sub-collections like Chic Silvery, Chic Black Clay, Symbol Copper, and Symbol Turquoise. These wall tiles can be paired with Naxos porcelain stoneware floor tiles, notably the CHAMAREL collection in White and Beige, to achieve cohesive and personalized interior designs.

Tile Dimensions and Formats

• Standard wall tile size: 26 x 60.5 cm (10.2" x 23.8")
• Additional formats: 8.5 x 60.5 cm, 25.9 x 60.2 cm (brick format), 30.5 x 30.5 cm (spaccatella), and hexagonal shapes (35.5 x 37 cm)

Technical Specifications and Compliance

The RakU collection meets international standards UNI EN 14411 Annex G - BIa and UNI EN ISO 13006 Annex G - BIa for full-body colored porcelain stoneware. Key technical parameters include:

• Dimensional tolerances: Sides ±0.9 mm or ±0.6%, thickness ±0.5 mm or ±5%
• Flatness, straightness, rectangularity: Within ±0.75 mm or ±0.5%
• Water absorption: ≤ 0.1%
• Flexural strength: ≥ 35 N/mm² (≥ 1300 N)
• Impact resistance: Declared value > 0.80
• Abrasion resistance: ≤ 175 mm³
• Thermal expansion coefficient: α = 6.7 x 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹
• Resistance to thermal shocks and frost: Passed without damage
• Chemical resistance: Compliant with household chemicals, swimming pool additives, and both low and high concentrations of acids and alkalis
• Stain resistance: Compliant
• Lead and cadmium release: Below detection limits
• Slip resistance: Meets DM 236/89 BCRA > 0.40, ANSI A137.1 Wet DCOF > 0.42, DIN 51130 R9

Installation Recommendations

For optimal installation, avoid staggering joints by more than 20 cm and maintain a minimum grout joint of 2 mm. Mixing tiles from multiple boxes is advised to ensure color uniformity and accommodate natural variations.

Packaging and Weights

Packaging varies by tile size and format. For example, 26 x 60.5 cm wall tiles are packed 48 pieces per box, covering 60.48 m² with a total weight of 864 kg.

Color Variations and Manufacturer Notes

Colors shown are indicative; natural variations are expected. The manufacturer reserves the right to modify products without prior notice and disclaims liability for damages resulting from such changes. Verification of codes, packaging, and weights against the current price list before ordering is recommended.

Detailed Technical Compliance Summary

The tiles comply with EN ISO 10545 series standards, ensuring:

• Dimensional Accuracy: Nominal size tolerances ±0.75 mm or ±0.5%, thickness ±0.5 mm or ±10%, straightness ±0.5 mm or ±0.3%, rectangularity ±0.75 mm or ±0.5%, and surface flatness within specified curvature limits.
• Physical Properties: Water absorption classified per EN ISO 10545-3, flexural strength minimum >600 N or >12 N/mm², impact resistance declared >0.6, thermal expansion coefficient α = 6.7 x 10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹, resistance to thermal shocks passed, and moisture expansion max 0.2 mm/m.
• Chemical Resistance: Compliant with household and swimming pool chemicals, as well as low and high concentrations of acids and alkalis.
• Additional Properties: Stain resistance minimum class 3, lead and cadmium release below detection limits.

Additional Information

Special pieces and decorative elements are excluded from these specifications. Detailed certificates and specific test values are available upon request from the manufacturer, Fincibec S.p.A., Italy. The document date is February 2018.

Summary

The Naxos RakU ceramic tiles demonstrate high quality and reliability, meeting or exceeding international standards for dimensional precision, mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and safety. They are suitable for diverse applications, including domestic interiors and swimming pool environments. For detailed certifications and technical support, direct contact with the manufacturer is advised.