HI-MACS
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HI-MACS is a material composed by 70% of bauxite, 25% of acrylic and 5% of pigment. Fabrication of HI-MACS is based on the most recent technology on the solid surface market, which notably allows a better resistance to heat. This material is fabricated by LG Group.
Properties
- Thermoformability
- Translucidity
- Seamless joining therefore very hygienic
- Is worked like wood (CNC machins etc.)
- Soft to touch
Fabrication
Solid Surface is fabricated by mixing PMMA (Acrylic) with Stone (Bauxite) and pigments. Then, a chemical cure is operated, bringing the material to 60°C. The material is then cut in sheets and sanded on both sides.
HI-MACS is also operating a thermal cure, bringing the material to 160°C and therefore improving the heat resistance.
Applications
Solid surfaces is used in the following environment:
- Kitchen/Bathroom: kitchen worktops with integrated sink, vanity countertop, bath tub etc.
- Hospitality/Catering: bars, tables, reception desks etc.
- Shop Fitting: displays, counters, wall cladding etc.
- Airports: check-in counters
- Public buildings: displays in museums, facades, meeting tables etc
- Hospitals: laboratory countertops, decontamination sinks, endoscopy etc.
Direct Competition
Corian from the company Dupont is the main competitor, with 100 colours supplied. Meganite solid surface has 80 closely replicated color matches with similar chemical makeup as Corian. Samsung's Staron solid surface is a competitor. Wilsonart has its Gibraltar solid surface. LivingStone Surfaces made by US Surface Warehouse (USSW) is another competitor. A more expensive, different approach to the countertop industry is Avonite. Avonite is a solid surface, but made primarily from a polyester base, not an acrylic one. This allows for greater depth of colour, but is a more brittle product. Velstone solid surface materials were established in Castleblayney, Ireland in 1991. Velstone is one of the few solid surface brands to have the BS476 Part 6 Class 0 and BS476 Class 1 fire ratings.