 |
Agglomerated bodies:Produced from granulated cork with optimised grain size and density in order that their characteristics are as similar as possible to the characteristics of the disks.The length and diameter are pre-established in accordance with the final measurement of the cork to be produced |
 |
Cork disks: Produced
from thin cork (slow growing) granting excellent sealing capacity
and high elasticity. Electronic selection machines filter the disks.
The class of disks to be used is thus predefined. |
 |
Gluing of Disks:One or more natural
cork disks are glued onto the ends of the agglomerated cork bodies,
depending on whether the corks are 1+1, 1+0 or 2+0. |
 |
Stabilisation: During the gluing phase the corks are submitted to pressure at a controlled temperature. The stabilisation process leads to the cooling and complete dimensional stabilisation of the corks. The process lasts a minimum of 48 hours. |
 |
Dimensional rectification: Correction of the diameter and length of the cork through abrasion in accordance with the specified measurement. |
 |
Washing: Washing process encompassing the cleaning, disinfecting and bleaching of the corks. |
|
|
Drying: Reduction of the humidity content of the corks in order to prevent microbial growth. |
 |
Electronic selection: Separation of the corks into 3 base classes using machines equipped with optical sensors. Removal of defective corks. |
 |
Manual selection: Refinement
of the class in accordance with predefined standards. Removal of
defective corks. |
 |
Branding: Printing,
by ink or heat, of symbols and/or characters on the surface of the
corks in line with the specification of the client. |
 |
Surface treatment:
Application of silicone and/or paraffin based products on the surface
of the corks to aid their functionality (facilitate insertion into
and extraction out of the bottle neck, and improve the sealing qualities). |
 |
Sterilisation: Injection of sulphur dioxide and sealing of the corks in sacks in order to maintain antiseptic conditions so as to prevent microbial growth. |
|
Packaging: Packaging
in accordance with that agreed by the client. |