DESCRITION OF THE PROCESS

The Lenoble process is a tilemaker system for the manufacture of 70 models of tiles of any size, any design, eithersmooth or in relief, by means of high frequency vibrating tables and rubber moulds, indeformable and very resistant against wear of the concrete.

The production cycle is as follows

a. Preparation of the mix + special additives, according to the specifications of the tiles, in a mixer, having a capacity of 250 liters.

b. Pouring of a precise quantity of the mix into the moulds.

c. Travelling of the rubber moulds filled across the vibrocompacting table.

d. Reception of the rubber moulds on very level and rigid base-plates and stacking for drying during several hours, depending on the local weather conditions and the type of tiles. This storage is made on special pallets, in +-0,8 m high stacks.

e. Self-drying (without artificial heat) varies with the local climatic conditions and the temperature of the concrete mix.

f. Demoulding.

g. Empty moulds return to the manufacturing cycle.

h. The tiles are stored on special pallets and dry during a few day in the factory.

In case of polished terrazzo tiles (marbled tiles) it would be advisable to provide an extra polishing machine.

The advantage of our system are as follows

° Total abcense of hydaulic compression
° Terrazzo tiles are of better quality than means of presses
° Consumption of water and electricity much lesser than with the press system
° Low initial capital investement with possibility of flexible and progressive expansion as the business develops
° High profitability, quick depreciation and low manufacturing costs resulting in reduced consumer prices
° Through a combination of line, design, shape and colour, virtually unlimited possiblities to meet and create market demands including "terrazzo", perfect ceramic imitation, anti-skid and light-reflecting tiles.
° High quality superior to the standards established for cement products, backed by several years of experience gained worldwide.
° Simple process, restricted production area, unskilled labour

A comparative study of our tiles those produced with an hydraulic press shows :

Quality of the finished products:
° Very sharp and straight edges (so that our could eventually be laid without being grouted)
° Very smooth surface, or non skidding surface, or decorative surface models,
° The edges of the tiles are chamfered and on each of the 4 lateral sides of the tile there is a "groove", which ensures stability after jointing wioth cement.

Other characteristics:
Slip-resistant-Frost proof-Firesafe-Low water absorption-Colorfast-High impact Resistance-High Compressive

Strength-High Resistance to Abrasion-Unique Styling.

Some test results:
° Bending strength: 5 to 10 MPA
° Resistance to wear after 500 m =0,2 to 0,8 mm, as against 2,0 to 2,4 mm, i.e. up to 10 times more resistant than

as per Belgian stantards.
° Resistance to scratch (Mohs test) : 7 to 9
°Surface water absorption : 0% after special treatment of the nice side of the tile.
° Total water absorption of tile : 4 to 8% as against the 10 to 12% standard

Safety of operation:
Press systems are more and more sophisticated and automated. Therefore, they require highly qualified labour, high maintenace costs, high training costs, etc. In case of breakdown, the production is stopped pending the delivery of
special equipment coming from abroad, with all resulting consequences.

These drawbacks are avoided thanks to the simplicity of the process which only requires unskilled labour, almost no
maintenance costs, low training costs, few production refuse,few spare parts, no electro-techinician.

Economy of ressources:
° Reduced consumption of raw materials, especially in the case of terrazzo tiles.
° Low power and water consumption, since our tiles dry by themselves, without artificial heat, which gives them a much better quality.
° Use of local raw materials.

Simplicity of work:

° Unskilled labour,
° Short training period : 2 to 3 weeks traind provided by our engineer includin installation of the equipment, selection of the local aggregates and staff training.

Mobility of the production unit:
if necessary - e.g. important works to be executed far from the plant - the equipment may be totally installed onmobile vehicles allowing on site production and avoiding product transport costs.