What are large-size slabs?
Large size refers to square or rectangular slabs where one or both of the dimensions is greater than 60 cm.
Kontinua is the name of Casalgrande Padana’s large and thin porcelain stoneware slabs, the latest product in a constantly evolving range designed to expand the possible uses and broad scope of the brand's products. Beginning with a selection of products from the Cemento, Marmoker, Marmostart, Onici, Pietre di Paragone and Pietre di Sardegna collections, Kontinua is extending the range with the 160x320 cm, 120x260 cm, 120x240 cm, 120x120 cm and 60x120 cm, 90x18 cm and 90x270 cm sizes, which can be integrated with the traditional-thickness products to help meet the new demands of contemporary design.
Handling the packs
60x60, 60x120, 59x118, 120x120, 118x118, 37.5x75.5, 75.5x75.5, 75.5x151, 45x90, 90x90, 88x88, 90x180, 88x176 cm sizes shipped on pallets with side collars/ protective cages. Store in stacks up to a maximum of 3 or 4 pallets, depending on format. Slabs in 120x240, 118x236, 120x260, 118x258, 160x320 cm size are packed in wooden crates. The 160x320 size can be supplied on A-frame pallets, on request.
Before moving the packs, make sure that the forklift has forks long enough to handle the size of the pack. It is also essential that the forklift be rated to lift and move the packs safely, whether crates or A-frame pallets. Using maximum fork width when moving It will be a better pack stability.
Never stack A-frame pallets
Remove boxes from the pack, handling them with care. Be careful of the edges to avoid chips and breakage. Number of personnel recommended for handling:
- 60x60, 37.5x75.5, 45x90 cm one worker
- 60x120, 59x118, 75.5x75.5 e 75.5x151 cm two workers
- 90x180, 88x176, 120x120, 118x118, 120x240, 118x236, 120x260, 118x258 cm preferably four workers (at least two) using suitable vacuum lifting frames
- 160x320 cm six workers using vacuum lifting frames.
Handling large slabs (up to 120x260)
Position the slab in a stable manner on supports, allowing movement into vertical position and subsequent application of adhesive (movable vertical racks). Use of suction cup devices with pressure gauge is recommended for continuous monitoring of suction grip. Avoid sudden oscillations and vibration of the material when transporting the slab.
Handling 160x320 slabs
Recommended for moving 160x320 cm slabs: mobile vacuum lifting frames with pneumatic rotation; lifting clamps; - lifting slings with soft straps (avoid steel cables or chains); these can also be used for moving more than one slab at a time Whatever the system, the weight to be lifted must be properly balanced around the lifting point. All operations must be carried out by trained personnel, using equipment rated for the weight. When using clamps or vacuum lifters, be certain to clean dust or any other material from the surfaces beforehand to ensure a good grip. If single slabs need to be moved by hand (not recommended), suitably rated vacuum lifting frames must be used, carried by at least 6 operators.
