Solid surface
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Solid surface is a man-made material usually composed of a combination of
installations.Solid surface was first introduced by DuPont in 1967 under the name of Corian. Since the expiration of their patent other manufacturers have entered the market with their own branded products. These include Hi-Macs by LX Hausys, Hanex Solid Surface by Hyundai L&C, Staron by Lotte Chemical and Velstone.
Performance characteristics
Solid surface is a non-porous low-maintenance material used for surfaces such as countertops. It can mimic the appearance of
In a residential setting, solid surface can be used as kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity tops, and shower and tub surrounds. Countertop fabricators typically join solid surface sheets into desired shapes using a two-part adhesive, after which the cured joint is machined flat. The same method is used to build up edge thickness, which can be profiled using tools and techniques similar to those used to work hardwoods.
A major appeal of solid surface is its impermeability. Solid surface sinks can be joined to the countertop surface with no gaps, which eliminates areas for water to collect and bacteria to grow. Integral backsplashes can also be created that follow the contours of the wall “seamlessly” and without gaps.
Should the material become scratched or broken, solid surface can, in most cases, be repaired quickly by a certified solid surface repair company or trained fabricator. Cracked sinks can be replaced as well. Because the surface is solid throughout, a countertop that has undergone years of
Availability
Solid surface is available in hundreds of colors and visual textures, ranging from solid colors to sparkling, marbleized, or granite effect. Dozens of multinational companies manufacture solid surface sheet goods and sinks for the world market; and hundreds of smaller, regional manufacturers produce for local markets.
Although solid surface faces competition from
Manufacture
Solid surface is manufactured by mixing
Acrylic-modified polyester solid surface can be mixed one sheet at a time using different formulations, effects and appearances. Acrylic-modified polyester solid surface can be injected into molds to produce various solid decorative design figures.
Solid-surface manufacturing companies may be members of the
Solid surface can also be moulded using dedicated moulds. For example, free standing baths are manufactured using a two-part mould tool which creates a cavity for the material to be poured into. Once the mould has been prepared for casting, the material is mixed and degassed in an automated casting machine. It is then injected into the cavity of the mould. Many finishes are available including, gel coated, matte, gloss, metallic and textured.[citation needed]
Fabrication
A surface fabricator shapes and installs functional and decorative surfaces, usually in buildings. Surface fabrication, as a distinct professional enterprise, usually involves complex tasks of surface shaping. A leading case is countertop fabrication.[citation needed]
Materials
For interior spaces, surfaces include solid coverings or decking for floors or walls, and countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces. Natural surfaces are composed of naturally occurring materials like wood, stone, mineral, metals, clay, gum and resin. Synthetic surfaces contain, in addition to any natural materials, human-made substances such as metal alloys or polymers. Solid surfaces are synthetic surfaces manufactured from polymeric materials.[citation needed]
Tools
Tools of surface fabrication include
Applications
Solid surfaces is used in the following environment:[2]
- Kitchen/Bathroom: kitchen countertops with integrated sink, vanity tops with sink(s), shower, etc.
- Hospitality/Catering: bars, tables, reception desks, etc.
- Shop Fitting: displays, counters, wall cladding, etc.
- Airports: check-in counters, etc.
- Public buildings: displays in museums, facades, meeting tables, etc.
- Hospitals: laboratory countertops, decontamination sinks, endoscopy, etc.
Solid surface is priced to compete with natural stone or quartz surfacing. It is available in many colors and patterns. The material can be formed to shape, which makes it appealing to commercial and industrial designers. Specialist fabricators possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide advice and customer service.
Certain high-heat applications (anything above 400 F /200 C) are discouraged, due to the danger of cracking. Because scratches in solid surface appear white to the human eye, most dark colors are not recommended for high use areas.[citation needed]
Features
Reporting on the general features:
- impact resistance, resistance to chemicals, UV radiation and water
- it is compact, non-porous, non-hygroscopic, has smooth joints without seams, which contributes to its hygienic and aesthetic appearance; it is easy to remove scratches and dirt from it
- can be handled like wood (same equipment, different tool hardness)[3]
- available predominantly in plates - the decors mimic the appearance of artificial stone, wood, there are variants of both monochrome and translucent (transparent, translucent) as well as luminescent. The plate overhang is usually about 20 mm.[4]
- Formable in hot presses - vacuum and hydraulic thermoforming, minimum forming radii vary according to the type of binder
- properties may vary slightly depending on the specific composition or production process. Additives such as crushed optical fiber increase hardness and strength, but prevent thermoforming.[5] Hardening during the solidification of the mixed mass or an additional polymethyl methacrylate binder ensures greater homogeneity of the material composition and therefore better thermoforming. Grinding the manufactured boards on both sides facilitates their use by the processor.
Related materials
- Engineered stone uses quartz powder and pigments and generally requires different tools from those used with solid surface materials.
- Epoxy granite
See also
References
- ^ "Steel belt casting and drying system for the production of solid surface".[unreliable source?][failed verification]
- ^ "Creative use of solid surface". 20 February 2015.[self-published source?]
- .
- ^ "General Questions". leileier.com. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
- .