When Zschimmer & Schwarz Ceramco launched its official app in 2022, the project was built around a simple yet ambitious idea: making ceramic chemistry accessible without oversimplifying or trivializing it. The app—aptly titled Apparentemente Invisibili. La chimica in ceramica (“Apparently Invisible. Chemistry in Ceramics”)—set out to shed light on everything that quietly but decisively shapes ceramic production processes: chemical reactions, additives, material interactions and production dynamics that often go unnoticed but have a profound impact on the result.

Today that original vision has evolved with a new release of the app, introducing a completely redesigned interface, updated content and new video sections designed to present ceramic chemistry through images, movement and real-life processes. This is more than a technical update—it marks another step in the development of a digital tool that, over time, has become a point of reference for professionals across the ceramic production chain, as well as for anyone curious to explore it. The core goal remains unchanged: to offer a free, practical and always-accessible app that helps technicians, operators and industry enthusiasts better understand complex processes. What has changed is the experience itself—now more immersive, intuitive and content-rich than ever.

A redesigned interface: simpler navigation, smoother experience

One of the most noticeable improvements in the new release is the user experience. The app’s entire visual structure has been redesigned with a clear objective: making navigation easier and more immediate while improving the way content is accessed.

The new layout features a cleaner design, clearer visual hierarchies and a structure that helps users quickly orient themselves across the different sections. Fewer steps are needed to find information, readability is improved and the overall browsing experience is smoother.

The updated interface allows users to move seamlessly between sections, consult technical materials, listen to podcasts or explore educational content without interruptions. In essence, the technology fades into the background so that knowledge can take center stage. The app becomes a discreet, yet effective tool designed to support everyday work in the ceramic industry.

UA project designed to make ceramic chemistry accessible

At the heart of the app lies a clear conviction: applied ceramic chemistry can be explained clearly without sacrificing scientific rigor. Many processes in the ceramic sector rely on complex phenomena that often remain confined to highly specialized contexts. The app was created precisely to bridge this gap, offering content that can speak to different levels of expertise. It is not intended exclusively for laboratory technicians or researchers. It is also a valuable resource for production operators, line managers, students and professionals who want to explore specific aspects of ceramic technology in greater depth. The approach remains consistent across the platform: start from a real-world problem, analyze its causes and provide tools to understand or address it. This method reflects the everyday reality of the industry, where theory and practice are constantly intertwined.

Since its launch, the app has been structured around six main sections dedicated to learning and exploring ceramic chemistry and production processes. These include Podcasts, which regularly address practical issues in ceramic manufacturing; Chemistry Pills, a continuously expanding technical glossary; Did You Know?, featuring visual explanations and downloadable educational materials; the Tools section, which provides practical calculators and utilities for daily operations; and Quizzes, designed to test and reinforce users’ knowledge. Alongside these well-established and widely appreciated sections, the latest update introduces new areas that further enrich the app experience.

A fully updated product section

With the new release, the Products section has been completely redesigned and expanded.
It now includes the latest additions to the Z&S Ceramco portfolio and is organized in a clearer structure that distinguishes between categories, product lines and individual solutions. This makes navigation more straightforward and allows users to quickly identify the most relevant solutions for specific production needs. The value of this section goes beyond simply presenting products. It helps users understand how each solution fits within ceramic manufacturing processes. Every product is part of a broader system where chemistry and technology work together in an integrated way.

New feature: Inside the Matter – chemistry through video

One of the most engaging additions to the app is the new section Inside the Material. Here, ceramic chemistry is explored through short videos dedicated to products and their applications. The collection is constantly expanding and already includes more than seventy clips, offering users an immersive visual experience. Through images, sound and close-up details, the videos provide a dynamic way to discover the role of different products within the Z&S Ceramco portfolio. Navigation is designed to be fluid: with a simple swipe or switch, users can move from one video to another, creating a visual journey through the content. The result is a form of storytelling that combines technical precision with a more imaginative, sensory dimension—an alternative way of communicating chemistry that moves beyond purely theoretical explanations.

New feature: ACTION! Behind the scenes of chemistry

Alongside the educational dimension of the app, the new release introduces a section with a more spontaneous and direct tone: ACTION! This collection of ultra-short videos offers a glimpse into the daily activities taking place in the company’s laboratories and production environments. Rather than polished, scripted content, these clips capture authentic moments of real work—almost like quick snapshots taken on the spot. Viewers can observe laboratory tests, material trials, measurements and experimental procedures. The gestures are brief yet precise, reflecting the expertise and attention to detail that underpin the development of chemical solutions for the ceramic industry. There is almost a voyeuristic element in this type of content. And that is precisely where its value lies: revealing the complexity and dedication behind the development of products and chemical solutions that may appear invisible yet are essential to ceramic production.

Where to find it – and why it’s free

The app is available in Italian, English and Spanish, reflecting the company’s international reach and enabling it to serve a broad and diverse audience. Content is designed to be accessed in different ways—by reading, listening or watching—so that each user can choose the learning format that best suits their habits and schedule. Another key feature of the project is that it is completely free. All content is accessible at no cost, as the initiative aims to support the dissemination of technical knowledge and contribute to the growth of the entire ceramic supply chain. In this sense, the app is not simply an informational tool but a shared space where expertise, experience and practical resources are made available to the ceramic community.

The app can be downloaded from both the Apple Store and Google Play. To find it, simply search for “Apparentemente Invisibili” or “ZS Ceramco.”