Materials
Solid surface offers a series of technical characteristics that have positioned it as one of the best options for projects that require high-level design, resistance, and ease of maintenance. From its ability to adapt to complex designs to its performance in demanding environments, this material has established itself as a reliable option in commercial, industrial and infrastructure applications. This section details the main advantages that make solid surface an optimal choice for companies seeking durability, flexibility and aesthetics in their projects.
Solid surface is known for its resistance to wear and tear and its ability to withstand moderate impacts and a wide range of chemicals. This makes it an ideal material for industrial environments and commercial projects that require durable, easy-to-maintain surfaces. In addition, its scratch resistance makes it suitable for applications in high-traffic areas such as airports, hospitals, and shopping centres.
Its resistance to chemicals makes it an excellent choice for laboratories, industrial kitchens, and any other environment where hygiene and surface maintenance are crucial. Furthermore, unlike other materials such as marble, solid surface does not allow permanent stains to form from corrosive products or oils.
One of the most valued characteristics of solid surface is its ability to be thermoformed. This means that it can be moulded into almost any three-dimensional shape or curvature without compromising its strength. This property opens up a range of possibilities in complex architectural designs and custom furniture projects.
Solid surface allows for the creation of continuous surfaces without visible joints, an essential advantage in high-end design spaces such as shop windows, commercial interiors and display surfaces, where aesthetics are crucial. In addition, the possibility of integrating backlit lighting into the material further enhances its versatility, making it ideal for commercial interior design and high-end retail space design.
Unlike other materials such as marble or glass, solid surface is easily repairable. In large-scale projects, where material replacement costs can be high, this advantage is essential. Scratches or minor damage do not require replacement of the entire piece, as they can be polished and restored on site without losing functionality or aesthetics.
This type of maintenance significantly reduces long-term operating costs, especially in public or commercial facilities that are in constant use, such as healthcare centres, industrial kitchens or corporate office spaces.
One of the main solid surface manufacturers Indutec works with is Krion. It incorporates advanced recycling technologies that allow up to 40% recycled material to be integrated into its production. This not only reduces the ecological footprint, but also contributes to the circular economy, allowing the reuse of materials and promoting a sustainable production model.
Furthermore, Krion® Lux is 100% recyclable, ensuring that products made from this material have an extended lifespan and a lower environmental impact. These characteristics, combined with its high durability and ease of maintenance, make solid surface an ideal choice for projects seeking to meet environmental standards without compromising on quality or functionality.
Despite its numerous advantages, Solid Surface has some technical limitations that must be evaluated before implementation. Although it is a versatile and resistant material, factors such as its initial cost, the need for specialised installation, and its sensitivity to high temperatures can influence the viability of the material for certain projects. The main disadvantages are detailed below, allowing for a more accurate assessment of this material based on the needs of the project.
Solid surface is a high-quality material, and this is reflected in its initial cost. Although the installation cost may be higher than that of materials such as laminate or treated wood, its durability and ease of repair make it a long-term investment. In large-scale projects, such as the construction of hospitals, hotels or commercial buildings, this material can be more economical when considering the product's life cycle.
This additional cost is justified in many cases by its superior performance and the flexibility it offers for custom designs and unique architectural solutions.
Although solid surface is a resistant material, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can affect its surface. In environments such as industrial kitchens or work areas where hot utensils are handled, it is crucial to implement thermal protection to prevent permanent damage. Despite this limitation, the ability to repair it without having to replace it, as is the case with more fragile materials, makes it a viable option in many professional environments.
Solid surface requires specialised processing to adapt it to project specifications. This process includes tasks such as cutting, thermoforming and polishing, which are carried out using specialised equipment such as 3- and 5-axis CNC machines. These machines allow for high-precision cutting and the creation of custom shapes, which is essential for meeting the complex designs and specific shapes required by many commercial or architectural projects.
The use of this type of machinery can generate additional costs and longer lead times, as precision in the transformation of the material is crucial to ensuring a high-quality finish. This factor is especially relevant in large-scale projects or custom furniture, where precision and customisation of the material are essential to achieve the desired result.
Although the transformation process may be more complex than that of other materials, the high level of customisation and the quality of the final finish justify the need for this specialised equipment and techniques.
Solid surface is primarily designed for indoor applications, and its weather resistance may be limited if exposed to extreme weather conditions. However, some versions of solid surface have been developed to withstand UV radiation and more adverse conditions, making them suitable for ventilated facades and other outdoor applications.
For outdoor projects, it is essential to select the appropriate version of the material to ensure long-term performance, especially in high-temperature environments or areas with high sun exposure.
Solid surface is an ideal solution for projects that require strength, design flexibility, and minimal maintenance. It is especially useful in commercial and industrial environments where both aesthetic finishes and material durability are valued. If the project includes unique designs, continuous surfaces, or requires hygienic solutions, solid surface may be the most suitable option.
At Indutec Solid, we offer comprehensive advice for each phase of the project, ensuring that the material perfectly suits the technical and aesthetic requirements, guaranteeing quality and long-term performance.
If your company is considering the use of solid surface for large-scale projects, our technical team is available to provide a detailed consultation and help determine the best option based on the specific needs of the customer contact us.
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