Custom size tiles from India are possible in two ways: pressing a tile in a size the factory already has tooling for, or cutting a larger tile down to your size after firing. A genuinely new pressed size needs new press dies, so factories ask for a larger minimum order. Cut-to-size is more flexible but wastes material and adds edge work.
Before you ask for an unusual format, check the standard sizes first. Many 'custom' needs are already covered.
What sizes are standard?
Morbi plants press a wide set of formats, from small wall tiles to large slabs. Floor tile sizes such as 600x600, 600x1200 and 800x800 are routine, and wall tiles commonly include 300x450 and 300x600. See standard floor tile sizes in Morbi for the usual list. Nominal sizes are labels; the actual pressed size is slightly different, so confirm the work size with the factory.
What limits a custom size?
Several machine limits decide what is feasible:
- Press size: each press has a maximum tile format, and larger slabs need much larger presses or continuous-compaction lines.
- Kiln width: the tile must fit the kiln roller width after shrinkage, which can be several percent.
- Shrinkage and calibre: unusual sizes need trials to confirm they come out within tolerance.
- Printing: digital printers have a maximum print width, which limits the size of continuous designs.
- Packing: odd sizes may not fit standard cartons or pallets, which increases waste and freight.
What drives the minimum order?
The minimum reflects set-up. A new die, a trial run, a changed glaze setting and a printed design all cost the factory time before the first good tile is made. The factory wants enough volume to spread that cost. A catalogue size in an existing design has the lowest minimum; a new size and a new design together have the highest. Our guide to tile MOQ in Morbi explains the logic, and a real figure comes from a quote in a sourcing review.
Ask whether a pressed size already exists at another factory, or whether cutting from a standard tile can meet your need with a smaller order.
What about cut-to-size and trim pieces?
Cutting after firing is how factories make skirting, steps and many special formats. A tile is cut and edged to size. This suits trims and small orders but leaves visible cut edges unless they are rectified or polished. Check edge finish on a sample, and be aware that cutting loss raises the real cost per usable tile.
If you need rectified tiles, remember that rectification already trims the edges to a tight tolerance. See rectified against non-rectified tiles.
How do you ask for a custom size?
Send the factory a drawing with the finished size, thickness, edge type and the tolerance you can accept. State the surface design and quantity, and say whether the tile must be rectified. Ask the factory to confirm in writing whether it will press the size, cut it from a larger tile, or source it elsewhere. Request a trial sample before approving the order, and measure it yourself. Tolerances on a new size are easier to agree before production than to dispute afterwards, and a written drawing avoids misunderstandings about nominal against actual size.
Next step
Tell us the size, the use and the quantity, and we can tell you whether a factory already presses something close. We find and audit manufacturers and check samples and documents. Book a free sourcing review to scope your size.