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Expert Lab Service
Expert Lab Service
 * Products
 * MDF
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 * Case Study
 * Publications
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CAN YOU SIMULATE YOUR COMPLETE CERAMIC PROCESS?

Ask the right question to the right people, at the right time: before production

Book a conference call


HOW TO COMPETE ON LARGE SLABS MARKET?

The constant increase in ceramic tile dimensions reduces the technological
margins: did you ask the right question?


THIN TILES

How to reach the perfect planarity on ultra-thin slabs? Did you ask to the right
people?


PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY AND EFFICIENCY

If every new product involves lengthy tests and adjustments, did you ask the
question at the right time?

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DISCOVER OUR INSTRUMENTS AND OUR METHODOLOGY

Expert Lab Service provides the tools to answer the right question and compete
in ceramic excellence.

Do not hesitate to contact us to discover our lab instruments and services and
also ask for consultancy.

You can schedule a meeting and an exclusive conference call.

Book now




PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Heating Microscope

To study the fusibility of materials (ceramic raw materials, glazes, frits,
ashes, glasses);. More information available

Optical Dilatometer

To study the coefficient of thermal expansion and sintering behaviour during
firing, also to determining the best firing cycle; More information available

Optical Fleximeter

To study the pyroplasticity and the state of tension between the glaze and the
ceramic body. More information available

Research and development and quality control on raw materials

Quality control on raw materials, ceramic bodies and glazes; ceramic body
formulations; study of emissions concerning digital inks and glues. More
information available

Consultancy and education

How to solve industrial issues Contact us


TRUSTED BY

Our Customers take advantage of our services and our measurement instruments to
carry on research on advanced ceramic materials, for quality control in
industrial ceramic tile manufacturing, for the characterization of raw
materials, to study the interaction between different materials, and much more.









ELS-MDF: MICROSCOPE, DILATOMETER, FLEXIMETER

ELS-MDF is the new contact-less optical thermal analysis instrument able to
reproduce industrial heating cycles, by unifying the following measurement
techniques:

 * Heating Microscope. Fusibility (ceramic raw materials, glazes, frits, ashes,
   glasses);
 * Optical Dilatometer. Coefficient of thermal expansion, glass transition
   temperature, volume variation, sintering behaviour beyond the the softening
   point;
 * Optical Fleximeter. Piroplasticity and the state of tension between layered
   materials.

The instrument reproduces a real industrial firing cycle:

 * Up to 80°C/min
 * Up to 1600°C (other options available)
 * With shock cooling

Discover the ELS-MDF advantage


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THE THERMAL DYNAMICS IS THE KEY

I was used to study the fusibility of glazes running test at 10°C/min. I
couldn’t reproduce the industrial process in my lab. ELS-MDF can now reproduce
industrial firing up to 80°C/min (Quality control manager, Colorificio)


THE QUESTION NO ONE WAS ASKING

Since using the Optican Fleximeter, I have realized that the coefficients of
expansion are almost never related to planarity defects and residual stresses.
Now I look at the coupling temperature. (Ceramic body formulation lab)


COOLING RATE

Once the dilatometric tests had to be the very first and the only test of the
day. But the ELS-MDF optical dilatometer cools completely in an hour. Being
contactless, does not require calibration. Sometimes we run more than 5 tests a
day. (Quality control manager, Ceramica)


BEYOND THE SOFTENING POINT

I can run test folllowing the industrial firing, without fear of damaging of the
instrument. (Laboratory manager, Ceramica)


WRONG PROBLEMS AND RIGHT ANSWERS

Breaking load is a false parameter, but until now it was the only one that was
easily measurable. The combined fleximeter-dilatometer allows to study the
residual stresses, the real cause of the fragility of the ceramic products.
(Ceramic body formulation lab, Ceramica)


IT IS IMPOSSIBLE

It is impossible to estabilish the compatibility between a ceramic body and a
glaze without the ELS-MDF full-featured instrument. (R&D, Ceramica)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


CERAMIC PROCESS SIMULATION


HOW TO DETERMINE THE BEST FIRING CYCLE?

The Optical Dilatometer is the best instrument to study the sinterization and to
determine the best firing cycle avoiding any risk of damage thanks its optical
technology.


HOW TO ASSESS THE STABILITY INTERVAL OF A CERAMIC BODY?

Take advantage of the Optical Dilatometer to study of the interval of stability
of a ceramic body avoiding the risk of bloating.

Take advantage of the Optical Fleximeter to study the piroplasticity of the
ceramic body, which is its tendency to deform under its own weight.


HOW TO VERIFY THE COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN A CERAMIC BODY AND A GLAZE?

The heating Microscope can indentify the softening temperature, which must be
suitable for the ceramic firing cycle.

The studies run thanks to the Optical Dilatometer can match those run taking
advantage of the Optical Fleximeterto determine the state of tension in final
products.


RELIABLE QUALITY CONTROL THANKS TO PRECISE AND REPEATABLE MEASUREMENTS


HOW TO STUDY THE FUSIBILITY OF RAW MATERIALS AND GLAZES?

The heating Microscope can identify the softening and the melting point. It is
really useful to study the fusibility of both raw materials and glazes


HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COOL UNTIL ROOM TEMPERATURE?

Both the refracotry kiln and the heating elements are designed to heat and cool
in the short time. The laboratory techincians can use also an electric fan to
cool the instrument.


HOW MANY CTE (COE) CAN I DETERMINE PER DAY?

ELS-MDF can run up to five dilatometry tests per day thanks to the optical
system and the heating equipment.


HOW MANY MICROSCOPE SAMPLES CAN I ANALYZE AT THE SAME TIME?

ELS-MDF Heating Microscope can run up to four simultaneous analyses.


HEATING MICROSCOPE

The Heating Microscope measurement technique, included in ELS-MDF:

 * Is able to store images of the test piece at predetermined temperature or
   time intervals;
 * Works in the range between 25°C and 1600°C;
 * Automatically identifies characteristic shapes.





The applications of heating microscopes include:

 * Identifications of charactristic shapes of glasses, glazes and frits;
 * Determination of melting point;
 * Comparison between different kind of samples that undergo the same thermal
   cycle;
 * The study of behaviour of mold powders for continuous casting.

We can provide custom-made heating microscopes for specific fields:

 * A special 1750°C variant, for advanced ceramics, ashes fusibility, etc;
 * An high-throughput variant, able to analyze 8 concurrent samples.

Case study: Fusibility of glazes, ceramic bodies and frits


OPTICAL DILATOMETER

The Optical Dilatometer measurement technique is included in the ELS-MDF
instrument.

 * Is based on two optics which are framing both the ends of the sample that is
   free to expand in both directions;
 * Allows to extend the range of research to temperatures higher than the
   softening point;
 * Works in the range between 25°C and 1600°C.



The applications of optical dilatometry include:

 * Measurement of thermal expansion. ELS-MDF can be used also to measure the
   thermal expansion of ultra-thin materials and soften ones;
 * Sintering studies;
 * Optimization of the firing cycle of ceramic bodies;
 * Quality control of raw materials.

Case studies:

 * Finding the best firing cicle for a ceramic body
 * Sintering curve for quality controls
 * Determination of coupling-temperature
 * Thermal expansion of incoerent materials (Fontainbleu sand)


OPTICAL FLEXIMETER

The Optical Fleximeter measurement technique, included in ELS-MDF instrument:

 * Performs flexion measurements on a sample placed on two holding rods, 70mm
   spaced;
 * Is equipped with a camera that frames the center of the sample. It is free to
   move downwards or upwards during the test.



The applications of fleximeter include:

 * Measurement of ceramic body pyroplasticity
 * Study of deformation after firing of glazed ceramic materials and
   identification of coupling temperature
 * Bending of green tiles due to consecutive applications of water

Case studies:

 * Bending of green tiles due to consecutive applications of water (simulation
   of the glazing process) at room temperature:
 * Study of the pyroplastic behaviour of a glazed tile
 * Determination of coupling-temperature


CASE STUDIES

Daniele Paganelli
June 2021 Case Study
The effect of cooling rate on the specific volume of glassy phases

The specific volume of glasses and ceramics depends on the cooling rate applied
during the transition from a viscous liquid to a solid glass. A slow cooling
rate allows molecules to reorganize from the disordered liquid structure to the
partially ordered glassy phase, with a dramatic reduction in the coefficient of
thermal expansion and a smaller specific volume.

Maria Chiara Vaccari
August 2020 Case Study
Bending of green tiles due to consecutive applications of water

The bending of green tile is common during glazing process. Excessive
deformation frequently happens during tile glazing, and it is caused by the
decorating machine which sometimes imposes such high deformation on the raw
tiles to sometimes lead to the breaking of the material.

Maria Chiara Vaccari
August 2020 Case Study
Determination of the coupling temperature

The study of deformation after firing of glazed ceramic materials detect the
state of tension between the ceramic bodies and its decoration (engobe, glaze)
This study takes advatge of both the Optical Dilatometer and the Optical
Fleximeter.

Maria Chiara Vaccari
August 2020 Case Study
Determination of the optimal firing cycle for ceramic products

Sintering is a densification process occurring during a heat treatment in
powders systems, which involves a reduction in porosity and volume (shrinkage).
The sintering tests are run using the Optical Dilatometer.

Maria Chiara Vaccari
August 2020 Case Study
Fusibility of glazes, ceramic bodies, hashes

Fusibility analysis can be carried out thanks to the heating microscope, which
allows the direct observation of materials behaviour during a heating cycle.
This technique can be applied to direct characterization of glazes, glasses,
powders for continuous casting, coal, slag, ashes, etc…

Maria Chiara Vaccari
August 2020 Case Study
Sintering curves for quality control

Sintering is a densification process occurring during a heat treatment in
powders systems, which involves a reduction in porosity and volume (shrinkage).
Traditional sintered ceramic bodies, like stone-ware or porcelain-ware, achieve
densification through mass transfer by means of a mechanism known as glassy
phase viscous flow.

Maria Chiara Vaccari
August 2020 Case Study
Study of pyroplasticity of ceramic bodies during their firing with the optical
fleximeter

Pyroplasticity is the material tendency to deform under its own weight, due to a
low viscosity during firing. The measurement of pyroplasticity is particularly
important for ceramic bodies that have to be completely sintered, because during
the final stage of firing they develop an abundant vitreous phase with a
sufficiently low viscosity to cause rapid deformation of the material.

Maria Chiara Vaccari
August 2020 Case Study
The measurement of thermal expansion of incoerent materials with the optical
dilatometer

The thermal expansion analysis measures the dimensional variations of a material
subjected to a heat treatment as a function of the temperature. The thermal
expansion of incoherent materials (like sands), plastic materials (like glasses
or polymers above their glass transition temperature), extremely thin samples
(having thickness of tens microns) or soft materials (like felt or wax) cannot
be studied by means of traditional dilatometry.

Maria Chiara Vaccari
August 2020 Case Study
The planarity of glazed tiles

It is really important to study the behaviour fo glazed tiles during their
firing. Indeed, both the engobe and the glaze can affect the sintering process.
This plot shows how the enamel application on the ceramic body changes its own
behaviour.


PUBLICATIONS

Quickly discover relevant content by filtering publications.
Characterization of Ceramic Bodies Through Optical Techniques: State of Tension
and Green Mechanical Properties
The optical techniques shown in this work allow the characterization of ceramic
bodies from different points of view. The measurement …
Chiara Venturelli

Experimental study of deformations and state of tension in traditional ceramic
materials
Generally, the deformations of ceramic materials during and after firing may
have a complex origin. If the products are made up of a …
Chiara Venturelli, D. Sighinolfi

Experimental study of the state of tension between
The porcelain glaze is a borosilicate glass coating, which is usually applied
and then melted on metallic surfaces, i.e. cast iron, …
Chiara Venturelli

Glass transition temperature and activation energy of sintering by optical
dilatometry
A new possibility for measurements of glass transition point, fictive
temperature and activation energy of viscous flow in the glass …
Alexander Karamanov, Boris Dzhantov, Mariano Paganelli, Davide Sighinolfi

The study of ceramic materials behaviour during firing
Traditional sintered ceramic bodies, like stoneware or porcelain-ware, undergo a
viscous flow sintering process, where the driving …
Mariano Paganelli, Chiara Venturelli

See all publications


NEWS

Quickly discover relevant content by filtering news.
AllForTiles, the ceramic district expo
We are glad to invite you at All For Tiles, the second edition of the ceramic
industry convention near Sassuolo. All For Tiles will be held at Modena Fiere,
13-14 July 2021.
Jul 5, 2021

MDF 5.4: Important software update
MDF 5.4: Important software update for Microscope, Dilatometer, Fleximeter The
new MDF 5.4 version has been released, both for instruments control (Heating
Microscope, Optical Dilatometer, Optical Fleximeter) and for data processing.
Feb 15, 2021



TOPICS

sintering bodies ceramics deformations delayed crazing dilatometer dilatometry
fired bulk density Flash Cooling Fleximeter frits fuel ashes glass glass
ceramics glass transition glazes mould powders for continuous casting news
Optical Dilatometer raw materials


EXPERT LAB SERVICE


ADVANCED SOLUTIONS AND INSTRUMENTS FOR THE CERAMIC INDUSTRY

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ABOUT US

Expert Lab Service produces tailor-made thermal analysis instruments
specifically designed for the ceramic industry. The company also provides
skilled assistance in the ceramic field, from laboratory analyses to scientific
instruments, from raw materials to excellence products. It is situated in
Modena, Italy, at the core of the ceramic district, and benefits from the renown
experience of its founder, dott. Mariano Paganelli.




LONG-STANING EXPERIENCE

Expert Lab Service enjoys the unique experience of Doctor Mariano Paganelli.

 
 
 
 
 
MDF: Microscope Dilatometer Fleximeter
Expert Lab Service
Jan 2019 – Present Italia
Since 2019 ELS started to develop and sell new optical laboratory equipment,
characterised by the fact that all the measurements are made with no contact
with the specimen. The new machines show an innovative design, both in their
hardware and in their software. The new instruments are designed to reach higher
performances than before in the thermomechanical field. For example, they can
reproduce complex industrial firing cycles (flash heating and flash cooling) and
the heating microscope can run up to four simultaneous analyses.
 
 
 
 
 
Price giving ceremony: Aldo Villa 2018
Expert Lab Service
Oct 2018 – Present Italia

Mariano Paganelli shows an innovative method developped by Expert Lab Service to
solve issues concerning ceramic industries and the introduction of digital inks.
The main focus is digital ink emissions.

Mariano Paganelli is rewarded for his for his extraordinary ability to apply
research to industrial processes in an incisive and original way, for his effort
to the advancement of scientific knowledge in ceramic production and for the
brilliant development of measurement techniques and technological solutions for
improvement of ceramic products and processes."

 
 
 
 
 
Establishment of Expert Lab Service
Expert Lab Service
Jan 2014 – Present Italia
Establishment of Expert Lab Service Srls, again under the guidance of Mariano
Paganelli. The company started its activity as a laboratory for ceramic
industries.
 
 
 
 
 
Expert System Solutions sale
Expert System Solutions
Jan 2013 – Jan 2014 Italia
Expert System Solutions Srl was sold to TA Instruments.
 
 
 
 
 
Establishment of Expert System Solutions Srl
Expert System Solutions
Jan 2000 – Jan 2013 Italia
Establishment of Expert System Solutions Srl, which was a company focused on the
development of equipment for the ceramic field, both software and hardware.
Under the leadership of the president Mariano Paganelli, new laboratory
instruments were designed, such as Optical Dilatometer and Optical Fleximeter.
 
 
 
 
 
Establishment of Expert System Srl
Expert System
Jan 1989 – Jan 2000 Italia
Establishment of Expert System Srl, which was a company that putted into
practice Mariano Paganelli’s ideas. The company developed new software extremely
useful for ceramic industries, nowadays Mariano Paganelli still holds its
copyright. He designed also the first Heating Microscopes equipped with
computerised images analysis techniques, they are still in operation all over
the world.


CONTACT

Contact us to discover our lab equipment, available analyses, ask for
consultancy and any further information. You can schedule a meeting or book an
exclusive presentation.

 * info@expertlabservice.it
 * +39 059 8860020
 * Viale Virgilio 58/L, Modena, MO 41123
 * Entra nel sottopasso dove si trova la segreteria condominiale, sali la rampa
   carrabile a destra. Ingesso nel tunnel.
 * Monday-Friday 9:00 to 16:00
 * Book an appointment
 * Connect on Linkedin
 * Subscribe Newsletter

© Expert Lab Service 2014-2021

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