TECHNICAL MANUAL
Handling Maximus
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Maximus extra-large format slabs arrive in oversized crates, which require specific Handling equipment to prevent from damage occurring
during forklift operation, specific fork sizes must be used. For example, to handle a crate of 135cm x 305cm tiles from the side, 112cm/ 44”
long forks are recommended.
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To handle the same crate from the narrow end requires forks that are at least 213cm/ 84” long. Lifting multiple crates with longer forks may
require forklifts with a greater lift capacity.
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Specialized tools and equipment are currently available for the handling, installation and cutting of large porcelain surfaces. Innovative
trowels with unique notch configurations can help increase the consistency of the mortar coverage on the back of the tile.
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To increase rigidity and limit twisting, use a system composed of parallel and transverse guides.
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For a perfect adhesion clean the slab and the sukers with a damp spongue.
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The suckers run along the guides and adhere to the slab. Make sure that a vacuum is created between the device and the surface.
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A single guide device can be used for sizes of maximum length.
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Use four operators at a time to carry out handling operations of large size slabs.
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Lift the slab along the long side and hang it vertically to the handles of the frame.
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For the large size slab a suitably reinforced trollry is recommended. Set the guides to the trolley for carrying the slab.
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Follow the same procedure for handling the 120x240cm and all other sub-sizes, where ony two operators are sufficient.
Cut-to-pieces and drilling
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RAK Ceramics recommends the use of special designed devices for handling as well as cutting and laying of big slabs.
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Handle slab with a proper and professional trolley of aluminum parallel profile with crossbars and vacuum suction cups along with
a vacuum gauge. Please use double suction cups for slabs above 300cm. This could make sure that appropriate vacuum is created
between the device and the slab. Lift the slab and keep it vertically to the trolley frame.
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Keep the slab on a stable, flat and intractable surface. For successful cutting and drilling, RAK Ceramic recommend using a profes-
sional modular workbench with aluminum profiles and proper cutting tools for each type of cut.
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Set the cutting unit on the tile so that the references coincide with the marked lines and lock it with the appropriate suckers. Score
the slab from one edge to the other, being carefully maintaining the same pressure while moving.
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When the cut has been made, move the slab until the slit line sticks out a 10 to 15 cm from the workbench. Start hew from both
sides using appropriate cutting-off pliers and follow the scoring line to complete the hew.
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Smooth rough edges and sides with an appropriate diamond polishing pad.
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To drill internal cutouts from the slab, first you need to draw the guide lines. For circular cuts, use the compass device with suction
cups. For rectangular cut, drill first a 5 – 7 mm hole at the corners of the rectangle shape, using a non-percussion drill. For a better
drilling always, keep the surface and drill a little bit wet. Then Follow the drilled lines using a diamond-blade angle grinder and
then finish off the edges with a diamond-polishing pad. Round holes (4) must be made in wet drilling, using diamond-blades. Start
engraving the surface with a 75 degrees point angle, then straighten out the drill avoiding excessive pressure on the slab. Also, in
this case finish with a diamond-polishing pad.
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Manual traction devices are available, in order to make a finishing cut at 45° and thus enable special applications of the material.
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