What is artificial stone?

Artificial stone is a solid, non-porous, homogeneous surfacing material composed of ± 1/3 acrylic resin (also known as PolyMethyl MethAcrylate or PMMA) and ± 2/3 natural minerals. The main mineral is Aluminium TriHydrate(ATH) derived from bauxite, an ore from which aluminium is produced.

RESISTANT

Since its introduction artificial stone has proved itself to be a remarkably durable material that is easy to live with. It cannot delaminate and stands up well to daily wear and tear. It resists most of the impacts, nicks and cuts that occur in heavy traffic areas. Artificial stone has been tested for its mechanical, thermal, electrical and other surface properties.

HYGIENIC

Artificial stone is a non-porous material. It is solid through its entire thickness and can be fabricated with inconspicuous seams, rendering its surface hygienic. Artificial stone surfaces do not support the growth of bacteria or fungi. Artificial stone materials have been certified by an independent laboratory as a hygienic material according to the international norms.

REPAIRABLE

Surfaces in artificial stone are renewable, meaning they can be fully restored with ordinary mild abrasive cleansers and a scouring pad. Cigarette burns, for example, can be easily removed in this way. Damage caused by abuse can usually be repaired on site without having to completely replace the material.

NON -TOXIC

Artificial stone is an inert and nontoxic material. Under normal temperature conditions, it does not emit gases. When burned, it releases mainly Carbon Oxides and the smoke generated is optically light and does not contain toxic halogenated gases. Because of these properties, artificial stone is used in public areas and for sensitive applications such as airport check-in counters, walls and work surfaces in hospitals and hotels.

SOLID

Colours and patterns run through the entire thickness of the material and cannot wear away. Artificial stone is a solid material and cannot delaminate.

INCONSPICUOUS JOINTS

The applications for artificial stone are limited only by your own imagination. Pieces of artificial stone can be glued together inconspicuously to create a seamless look, giving virtually unlimited design possibilities for surfaces. Long counters, for example, can be easily made in pieces in a workshop and then joined together at the installation site. Edges can be built up to look thicker.

THERMOFORMABLE

Artificial stone can be thermoformed in wooden or metal moulds at controlled temperatures in order to create various 2D and 3D design objects. Embossing effects can also be created using the Bas Relief technique.

TRANSLUCENT

The translucency of artificial stone is especially striking in the lighter colours as well as with thinner sheets. Many designers are now using the material to create lamps or lighting effects in various applications. The colour family, called the Illumination Series, consists of 6 colours in 6 mm and 12 mm sheets featuring enhanced translucency to be used for creating special lighting effects.

COLOURFUL

The colours of artificial stone allow for an almost unlimited working palette. You can choose a single colour; a neutral basis for design; or experiment with eye-catching harmonies. Artificial stone can also be used as inlays, accents, or as a versatile complement to other materials like metal, wood, stone, etc.