Ceramica TF

Alpha® is proud to introduce Ceramica TF designed to eliminate the manual task of abrasive brushing to achieve that textured finish look. Use the sequence of four 4” flexible discs with an undersized rubber backer pad on any wet polisher to effortlessly create a textured edge look on internal corners and sink rims. Ceramica TF is the perfect solution for textured finishes on Engineered Stone/Quartz Surfaces.

Question : What materials can I use Ceramica TF on?

Answer : Ceramica TF is primary designed for engineered stones/quartz surfaces to create a textured surface. You can also use on other materials such as granite and marble to produce a good honed surface.

Question : Why Ceramica TF does not produce textured surface on granite and marble?

Answer : Although there are varieties in hardness in various minerals, they are similar in the range of hardness. Engineered stone/quartz surfaces on the other hand, are made of mostly very hard quartz and very soft resin as a binder which Ceramica TF removes much faster. This is the reason the surface will be textured.

Question : Why do I need to use the 60 and 150 Grits Ceramica Vitrified or Ceramica Metal Bond discs?

Answer : The 60 and 150 grit Ceramica Vitrified or Metal Bond disc is necessary to remove saw marks and grinding marks. If you do not prepare the surface with these two grits, you will see heavy scratches on the surface even though you go through all 4 positions of the Ceramica TF grits.

Question : Can I use Ceramica TF on an angle grinder?

Answer : No. Alpha® Ceramica TF is designed to be used wet and at a low RPM. Ordinary angle grinders are much too fast and will cause the discs to burn. Only a water-fed machine will supply enough water to Ceramica TF discs. Do not try to run on high-speed machines that run above 4,000 RPM.

Question : Do we really need a center water-fed machine or can we sponge on water when needed?

Answer : Alpha® Ceramica TF is designed to be used on center water-fed polishers. These center water-fed polishers are designed to distribute water evenly on the polishing discs during the polishing application. Trying to get the job done any other way will only guarantee frustration, lack of texture, and a waste of time and money. We recommend using the Alpha® VSP-320, AIR-680 or AIR-300, since all of these polishers have a center water-feed system.

Question : How long does Ceramica TF last?

Answer : Due to the many variables in materials, it is very hard to say exactly how long a Ceramica TF disc will last. However, proper usage will achieve the maximum life.

Question : Can Ceramica TF be used on other materials other then engineered stone/quartz surfaces?

Answer : Ceramica TF can be used on marble as well as granite, travertine, terrazzo, porcelain, ceramic tile and many types of engineered stones/quartz surfaces. However, you can obtain a textured finish only on engineered stones/quartz surfaces. Other materials will only produce a good honed surface.

Question : What sizes are Ceramica TF offered in?

Answer : Ceramica TF is currently only available in 4” diameter that is the most common size of discs and can be adapted for many applications by using smaller-sized backer pad.

Question : My Pos. 0 seems to wear faster than I expect it to. What can I do?

Answer : If you are using the Ceramica TF Pos. 0 after the grinding wheel or saw cut, then what you are experiencing is normal. We recommend using 60 and 150 Grits Ceramica Vitrified or Metal Bond discs prior to Ceramica TF Pos. 0. If you are using other grinding wheels, even though it is indicated as 150 Grit, their Grit sequence may not be comparable with our system. In the event your 150 Grit disc leaves deeper scratches than Ceramica 150 Grit, what you are experiencing is also normal.

Question : What RPM speed is the best, I’ve been told many answers?

Answer : Alpha® Ceramica TF is design to operate in the range of 2,000 to 2,500 RPM. However, Ceramica TF will work at a maximum of 4,000 RPM for people who prefer to work at a higher RPM. Exceeding 4,000 will only wear the discs quicker and quality of texture will be disappointing.

Question : How many passes do you have to make?

Answer : It is important to make sure all prior scratches are removed before moving onto following grit. An average of 2 to 3 passes is all that is needed. Moving two passes across and one pass up and down is a good technique and will usually provide an adequate amount of time. Never rush through the grits! You will only risk having to do your work piece over again.

Question : Sometimes I notice slight burn marks on edge. How can I prevent these marks so I don’t have to repeat the process?

Answer : First, make sure you have ample water supply during your texturing process. Second, try reducing the RPM of the polisher. Using a slow RPM will reduce friction and drag (heat) during the texturing process (which usually burns the surface of engineered stones/quartz surfaces). Using the Alpha® AIR-680 (pneumatic polisher), AIR-300 (Mini-Polisher) or VSP-320 (variable speed electric polisher), can allow you to reduce the RPM for use on engineered stones/quartz surfaces.

Question : Can these discs be used on my floor polishing machine?

Answer : Although the Ceramica TF and floor discs may look similar, they differ greatly. Ceramica TF discs are designed only for edge polishing applications. Do not try to use these discs on a floor polishing machine.

Question : Can these discs be used on the single head edge polishing machine?

Answer : Yes. Ceramica TF can be used on single-head edge polishing machines such as the Park Pro-Edge. You need to make sure to prepare the edge by using two metal bond Grits and one resin bond Grit prior to Pos. 0 of Ceramica TF.

Question : Can these discs be used on scratch removal and seamless countertop installation?

Answer : No. We do not recommend Ceramica TF for top polishing. Ceramica TF is designed for edge treatment and is not suitable for top surface polishing.

Question : What are the different Backer Pads used for?

Answer : Alpha® Flexible Backer Pads are rubber and used for curves and Bullnose edges. Alpha® Rigid Backer Pads are for flat areas and straight edges.

Question : Do we really need to use all of the discs? Pos.0 – 3? Somebody told me you only need thee grits to polish.

Answer : Yes. Using anything less than the full system will not ensure the high quality texture finish. Skipping grits or not spending enough time on each grit does not work and always yields unsatisfactory results. Alpha® Ceramica TF is a complete modern and effective system, which can prove its value under the toughest of work conditions and the most demanding inspections.

Question : My employees don’t like to get wet when texturing! What can I tell them?

Answer : Fabrication is easier, faster and much healthier when the material is fabricated in wet environments using a quality diamond system. Breathing dust generated by dry texturing techniques is very unhealthy. A higher quality texture is obtained with wet texturing. Using proper attire and equipment such as rubber boots, safety glasses and the Alpha® Apron, will keep them dry.