Patent ID: 7323082

Claim:
An apparatus for forming substantially plate-shaped ceramic articles, comprising: a framework for supporting a substantially absorbent transfer surface; at least one deposition unit for depositing by pouring at least one mixture layer of a ceramic mixture that comprises an aqueous vehicle on said surface; at least one drying unit for drying at least a lower portion of said surface so as to achieve at least a partial evaporation of the aqueous vehicle absorbed by said surface, with consequent at least partial drying of said mixture layer in order to obtain a continuous strand of plastic ceramic material; and a cutting unit for cutting said strand into a plurality of ceramic articles; said transfer surface comprising at least one first layer made of a material adapted to substantially absorb said aqueous vehicle, and at least one second layer for supporting said first layer, which is arranged below said first layer and is constituted by a material that is substantially permeable to air, the apparatus further comprising first and second synchronized actuation means for actuating advancement of said first and second layers respectively.