Defying Gravity with Ceramics
Large format porcelain (like Statuario Platina) is the modern architect's dream for exterior facades. It is UV stable, graffiti-proof, and lightweight. But how do you attach a 3.2-meter slab to a building safely?
The Failure of Glue
Chemical bonding (glue) eventually degrades due to thermal expansion/contraction cycles and UV exposure. For any building higher than one story, mechanical fixing is mandatory for safety.
The Solution: Undercut Anchors
We use the Keil or Fischer undercut anchor system.
1. Drilling: A specialized drill bit bores a hole into the back of the porcelain slab. It then oscillates to create a wider cavity at the bottom of the hole (an undercut).
2. Anchoring: A stainless steel expansion bolt is inserted. When tightened, it expands into the undercut, locking mechanically into the ceramic material without creating stress that would crack it.
3. Hanging: These bolts attach to an aluminum substructure on the wall.
This system is invisible from the front (hidden fixing) and ensures the tile can never fall, even in high winds or seismic events.
