Engineered Stone Quartz

Engineered stone is produced by mixing quartz aggregate with a polyester or acrylic based resin together with pigment, vibro-compacting the mix under vacuum and then curing it. Since quartz accounts for the largest share by weight, the aggregate directly determines the hardness and wear behavior of the finished slab. With a Mohs hardness of 7 and a density of 2.65 g/cm³, quartz makes it possible to obtain a more homogeneous and non-porous surface than natural stone. This structure increases the resistance of the slab to scratching and staining.

Grain size distribution is decisive in engineered stone production from both a technical and an economic point of view. Micronized quartz filler is added alongside the coarse, medium and fine fractions to fill the voids between grains; this increases slab density and reduces resin consumption. As resin is the most expensive component of the recipe, correct grading has a direct effect on production cost. At the same time, the lower porosity reduces water absorption and helps keep the surface hygienic.

The cleanliness and moisture condition of the aggregate determine the quality of the bond between resin and grain. Clay and fine dust remaining on the grain surface weaken the adhesion of the resin to the grain, which can lead to a loss of strength in the slab and to surface defects over time; washed and dried material is therefore used. Color consistency is another important criterion: differences in tone between batches cause visible color deviation between slabs produced in the same series. Coarse fractions give a veined and speckled appearance, while fine fractions create a more homogeneous texture.