Abstract: In order to prepare particles of a vitreous enamel for use in forming a vitreous enamel body by fusing the particles together to form the body, at least one enamel frit and at least one non-vitreous additive are formed into an agglomerated granular feedstock and passed through a heating chamber whereby such feedstock becomes at least partially molten and rounded, whereafter the resulting rounded vitreous enamel beads are caused or allowed to cool to a temperature below their melting point.

Abstract: The method involves the making of a crude ceramic tile from a clay material. A first way of producing this tile involves the application of a layer of frit, which is made up of monolithic granules of a spheroidal form, on the crude tile. The tile with the layer of frit subsequently undergoes a thermal process, which includes the firing both of the tile and the frit. A second way of producing this tile involves the application of a layer of frit, made up of monolithic granules of a spheroidal form, on a tile which has been previously fired. Then the file with its layer of frit, undergoes a thermal process which includes the firing of the frit.