Corian
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: Counter tops - 12 36 00,Sinks 22 41 16, signage - 10 14 00
Traditional uses
- Corian was traditionally used as Counter tops in kitchen and bathrooms.
Emerging uses / trends
- Inlays, back splashes, inline sinks, bathroom vanities and bar tops wet wall surfaces.
- Also used in making furniture, lighting solutions, objects and vertical applications. [1]
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- Corian 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.
- Corian is available in over 130 colors and patterns. [2]
Surface forms / shapes
- Corian can be easily cut, carved, routed or machined.
- Solid surface materials are very versatile and can be joined, shaped and finished to create many products.
- It can be glued together inconspicuously to create a seamless look, giving virtually unlimited design possibilities for surfaces.
Cost analysis
- Price - 50$ - 70$
Material properties
Primary structural use
- Solid corian surface can support weight but it cannot be used as a structural material.
Material performance
- Corian is a seamless, non-porous solid surface material that is stain-free and does not require annual sealing or other maintenance.
- If the Corian solid surface material is ever damaged or scratched, it can be easily and inexpensively repaired by light sanding or filling.
- The translucency of Corian is used to create lamps or lighting effects in various applications. The new color family, called the Illumination Series, consists of 6 colors in 6 mm and 12.3 mm sheets featuring enhanced translucency to be used for creating special lighting effects.
Dimensional and opening restriction
- All colours in the standard colour palette are available in 12.3 x 760 x 3658 mm sheets.
4 mm sheet - 930 x 2490 mm 6 mm sheet - 760 x 2490 mm 930 x 2490 mm 12.3 mm sheet - 760 x 3658 mm 930 x 3658 mm 19 mm sheet - 760 x 3658 mm
Manufacturing process and assembly
- Corian 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.
- It is said to be a thermosetting plastic, but can be thermoformed by heating it to 300°F (149°C), allowing unique shapes to be created. [3]
- When fabricated into work surfaces a MDF subframe is used to create a thicker work surface, usually work surfaces are fabricated to 38mm in thickness this consists of the 12.7mm corian with a 25mm sub-frame.
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental impact
- Corian surfaces do not support the growth of mold, bacteria or fungi and has been certified by an independent laboratory as a hygienic material according to the international norm DIN EN ISO 846.
- Corian is manufactured in compliance with strict standards in order to limit waste and energy consumption at all stages of the production process. Both the material itself and the adhesives and sealants used to install it are GREEN GUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified as producing low VOC emissions.
Flammability rating
- Corian is an inert and non-toxic 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. [4]
References
Similar materials
Notes
- ↑ http://corian.co.uk/Corian/en_GB/uses_apps/applicationindex.html
- ↑ http://www.carapacecorp.com/literature/corian_lit.php
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corian
- ↑ http://corian.co.uk/Corian/en_GB/assets/downloads/pdfs/design/corian_book_2008.pdf
Student contributions
- Neha Shah, Spring 2009
External links
Leading manufacturers
- Dupont Corian
