Solid Surfaces Manufactured from Polymeric Materials

Solid surfaces manufactured from polymeric materials are gaining high attention in the market. If you’re renovating your bathroom or kitchen, you may find yourself torn between two popular choices: stone or solid surface countertops. Both present a wide range of colors and decorative possibilities. On the other hand, both have disadvantages. In this text, solid surface features will be discussed.

 

Solid Surface Manufactured from Polymeric Materials

Solid surface is manufactured by mixing acrylic, epoxide or polyester resin with powdered bauxite filler and pigments. The material chemically cures and is heated to 60 °C or more. Cured material is then cut in sheets or shapes and sanded on one or both sides depending the brand used. Sometimes the material is brought to 160 °C and cooled, to improve its heat resistance.

 

Solid Surface Formulation

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

Solid-surface manufacturing companies may be members of the trade organizations American Composites Manufacturers Association, ISFA (International Surface Fabricators Association, and ICPA (International Cast Polymer Association). These organizations identify the product under the brand of Engineered Composites.

 

Solid Surface Molding

Solid surface can also be molded using dedicated molds. For example free standing baths are manufactured using a two-part mold tool which creates a cavity for the material to be poured into. Once the mold 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 mold. Many finishes are available including, gel coated, matte, gloss, metallic and textured.

 

Surface 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.

 

Solid Surface 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, man-made substances such as metal alloys or polymers. Solid surfaces are synthetic surfaces manufactured from polymeric materials.

 

Surface Fabrication Tools

Tools of surface fabrication include routers, drills, templates, clamps, ovens, suction cup grips, and table saws. Larger surface fabricators may also use CNC routers. For all but the simplest jobs, surface fabrication usually takes place in the workshop, after which the finished product is assembled and installed at the work site.

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Sources

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_surface

www.rdmarble.com/blog/engineered-stone/stone-vs-solid-surface-countertops/