Onboarding by MZ TONER Technologies
What is necessary for ceramic digital printing
The application of ceramic digital printing is easier than many think – especially when you know the right components. That’s why we provide a clear overview of exactly what you need to create high-quality ceramic decals, from the first design to the finished product. Everything is modular and perfectly coordinated – for the best results with minimal effort.
Whether you're just starting out or already have experience: our goal is to support you step by step – with personal guidance, technical clarity, and a real person by your side. We usually communicate in your native language – directly, clearly, and solution-oriented.
Whether you're just starting out or already have experience: our goal is to support you step by step – with personal guidance, technical clarity, and a real person by your side. We usually communicate in your native language – directly, clearly, and solution-oriented.
01
Computer & Software
Standard PCs or Macs with current versions of Microsoft Windows or macOS are suitable for designing the print templates.
We recommend using professional image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop® – ideally with Adobe® Print Tools for precise color control.
We recommend using professional image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop® – ideally with Adobe® Print Tools for precise color control.
02
Modified laser printers
Ceramic digital printing requires modified color laser printers, such as those offered by MZ Toner Technologies.
The patented printing system enables the production of high-resolution water-slide decals that can be reliably transferred onto ceramics, porcelain, glass, enameled metal, or earthenware.
The patented printing system enables the production of high-resolution water-slide decals that can be reliably transferred onto ceramics, porcelain, glass, enameled metal, or earthenware.
03
Ceramic Toner & Developer by MZ
Only specially formulated ceramic toners and developers are used, perfectly matched to the printing systems.
They contain inorganic pigments that are heat-resistant and fuse permanently with the glaze during the firing process.
They contain inorganic pigments that are heat-resistant and fuse permanently with the glaze during the firing process.
04
44 / 5.000Printing and transfer papers
To transfer the prints onto the substrate, special transfer papers from MZ Toner Technologies are used – either:
• Uncoated decal papers, which need to be coated after printing, or
• Pre-fabricated direct-print papers that are already coated with a lacquer layer and are ready to use immediately.
Examples include: – MZ CoverCal for inglaze applications – MZ PureCal for food-safe designs – MZ BasiCal for universal applications
• Uncoated decal papers, which need to be coated after printing, or
• Pre-fabricated direct-print papers that are already coated with a lacquer layer and are ready to use immediately.
Examples include: – MZ CoverCal for inglaze applications – MZ PureCal for food-safe designs – MZ BasiCal for universal applications
05 If the paper does not have a protective coating
Varnish & Lamination
To protect the surface of the design, the printed images are either coated with lacquer or laminated. This results in highly durable decorations that are, for example, dishwasher-safe and resistant to mechanical stress such as abrasion.
06
kiln
The final step in the process is the firing. Depending on the material, the decoration is fired at temperatures ranging from 560 °C to 1,250 °C. This step permanently fuses the colors with the substrate – such as ceramic, glass, or enamel. Currently, we do not offer kilns.
Color sets & individual color solutions for professional demands and brilliant results
Color systems for maximum expressiveness
Traditional CMYK colors are not used in ceramic digital printing. Instead, a specially developed, reduced color gamut is applied, optimized specifically for the demands of the ceramic firing process. Thanks to precise color systems, this approach allows for print results of exceptional brilliance – comparable to offset printing standards.
One of the most challenging aspects in ceramic printing is achieving accurate reproduction of the color red. That’s why ceramictoner by MZ Toner Technologies offers several specially optimized color gamuts:
– MC Multi Color Professional: Maximum color variety & flexibility. Easy color correction for portraits – ideal for ultra-fast applications starting from 800 °C. From 950 °C, a glossy ceramic surface is achieved without additional flux. Maximum firing temperature: 1250 °C.
– Magenta Gamut: Ideal for delicate pastel tones and violet/purple shades.
– Red Gamut: Delivers vibrant, warm red tones and striking brightness – perfect for logos, brand colors, or decorative highlights.
All color systems are precisely matched to the modified printers and papers from MZ Toner Technologies, ensuring maximum color reliability in the final result.
One of the most challenging aspects in ceramic printing is achieving accurate reproduction of the color red. That’s why ceramictoner by MZ Toner Technologies offers several specially optimized color gamuts:
– MC Multi Color Professional: Maximum color variety & flexibility. Easy color correction for portraits – ideal for ultra-fast applications starting from 800 °C. From 950 °C, a glossy ceramic surface is achieved without additional flux. Maximum firing temperature: 1250 °C.
– Magenta Gamut: Ideal for delicate pastel tones and violet/purple shades.
– Red Gamut: Delivers vibrant, warm red tones and striking brightness – perfect for logos, brand colors, or decorative highlights.
All color systems are precisely matched to the modified printers and papers from MZ Toner Technologies, ensuring maximum color reliability in the final result.
CREATIVE freedom & industrial efficiency
Diversity in form and function
Digital ceramic printing opens up a vast range of creative possibilities for a wide variety of substrates. Whether ceramic tiles, stoneware mugs, porcelain tableware, glass objects, enamel signs, or memorial portraits – the digital process produces high-resolution, brilliant designs and decorations with precision on diverse surfaces.
In addition to classic applications such as tableware decoration, souvenirs, wall and floor tiles, or plaques, digital ceramic printing is also used for large-format objects. These include backlit design panels for interior architecture or façade elements made of glass and ceramics that turn buildings into striking visual highlights.
In addition to classic applications such as tableware decoration, souvenirs, wall and floor tiles, or plaques, digital ceramic printing is also used for large-format objects. These include backlit design panels for interior architecture or façade elements made of glass and ceramics that turn buildings into striking visual highlights.
Detailed, long-lasting decors
Ceramic Refinement with Water-Slide Transfer Images
Ceramic digital printing is a high-resolution laser printing process used to produce ceramic decals.
These decals, also known as water-slide transfers, are developed and manufactured by MZ Toner Technologies in Germany. They are known for their easy handling and long-lasting results: after printing, the decals are placed in water, which allows the printed layer to effortlessly detach from the backing paper. The design can then be flexibly positioned on ceramics, glass, or porcelain. Thanks to this technique, detailed and durable decorations are created for tableware, tiles, glassware, and much more – efficiently, precisely, and with brilliant color quality.
These decals, also known as water-slide transfers, are developed and manufactured by MZ Toner Technologies in Germany. They are known for their easy handling and long-lasting results: after printing, the decals are placed in water, which allows the printed layer to effortlessly detach from the backing paper. The design can then be flexibly positioned on ceramics, glass, or porcelain. Thanks to this technique, detailed and durable decorations are created for tableware, tiles, glassware, and much more – efficiently, precisely, and with brilliant color quality.
Good for the environment – good for us
Sustainability meets economic efficiency
Unlike traditional screen printing, digital ceramic printing does not require solvents. This makes it:
• Environmentally friendly • Odor-free and pleasant for employees • Space-saving – no screen storage or cleaning needed • Cost-reducing – no special ventilation required
This allows production environments to be designed with greater flexibility and efficiency – even in sensitive areas.
• Environmentally friendly • Odor-free and pleasant for employees • Space-saving – no screen storage or cleaning needed • Cost-reducing – no special ventilation required
This allows production environments to be designed with greater flexibility and efficiency – even in sensitive areas.
The printing speed remains consistently high
Focus on speed and flexibility
Regardless of the number of colors, the printing speed remains consistently high – a key advantage over screen printing.
• Print-on-demand in real time • Top quality with up to 8 colors • Small and large production runs with maximum cost-efficiency • Format flexibility – ideal for the sanitaryware, construction, and porcelain industries
• Print-on-demand in real time • Top quality with up to 8 colors • Small and large production runs with maximum cost-efficiency • Format flexibility – ideal for the sanitaryware, construction, and porcelain industries
Ceramic digital printing with modified laser printers enables razor-sharp image reproduction at resolutions of 600 to 1,200 dpi – ideal for detailed designs such as portraits, illustrations, or logos.
The result: brilliant colors and stunning clarity, even on complex surfaces.
Unlike screen printing, the digital process does not require time-consuming image changes. New designs can be loaded at any time – with no setup time required.
This saves both time and costs, especially for small batches, personalized one-offs, or flexible series production.
Digital printing is carried out on special water-slide transfer paper, meaning the object to be decorated does not need to be present during printing.
The decals can be pre-produced, stored, or shipped worldwide and transferred to the substrate at a later time – ideal for decentralized production or on-demand projects.
After printing and transfer, the decoration is fired at temperatures between 580 and 1250 °C.The inorganic pigments used permanently fuse with the glaze or surface, ensuring an extremely durable, UV- and chemical-resistant decoration.