Ceramic tile quality recovery for Mexico
LIFA investigated tile thickness variation for a Mexican buyer, coordinated replacement stock and qualified factories holding the agreed dimensional tolerance.
- The buyer
- A Mexico City, Mexico importer of building materials supplying contractors and DIY retail chains.
- The product scope
- Ceramic wall and floor tiles; 600×600mm, 8,400 m² per container.
What needed to change?
Installed tiles showed lippage; measurement found thickness varying 8.4-11.2mm within one batch; contractor refused to accept the job; returns exposure ~$240,000.
How LIFA managed the work
We measured dimensional calibration across 5 production lots at the factory.
We identified inconsistent pressing pressure and kiln settings between shifts.
We qualified 2 alternative tile factories with documented calibration control.
We added first-article and random-box dimensional checks to the inspection protocol.
Defective lot replaced at supplier cost; claims from contractors settled; new factories held ±0.4mm tolerance; project pipeline restored.
From our company project database, with the work, approvals and results shown together.
What this project shows
Inspect variation across lots and shifts, not just one sample box. Pressing and kiln settings explained why the installed product failed to sit evenly.
Client identities, supplier contacts and confidential commercial terms are withheld from this public company record.
