Agglomerate

Agglomerate

Artificially created stone is called agglomerate. Such a name is derived from the Latin word “agglomeratum” for “connection” that is, the artificial stone is a composite material, which includes pebble (as a rule, marble or quartz), a coloring pigment and a binder. Artificial quartz, acrylic stone, cast marble – these are all the examples of the agglomerate. Artificial stone is characterized by very high strength, ductility and durability. It also has a wide range of designs.

Agglomerate and its features

Agglomerate and its featuresExcellent performance of agglomerates is explained by production technology called vacuum vibrocompression method. Due to vacuum seal, minimum amount of binder (usually polyester resins) is used, while keeping 91% to 95% of mineral raw materials (natural stone pebble). Vacuum seal technology improves agglomerate, in which there are no micropores and voids, and accordingly – no lower density regions of material. Thus, the stone has low coefficient of water absorption, it is resistant to cracks, mechanical stresses and other external factors. Agglomerate hardness is superior to any kind of natural stone, except diamonds maybe. Due to its good flexibility artificial stone is perfect for making not only standard veneer, but also any other product with a complex design and geometry.

Decorative features of agglomerate

Decorative features of agglomerateBesides the fact that the artificial stone is presented by different textures, it can also have quite original design effects that can not be created for other composite materials. Decorative features of agglomerate are caused by many factors, such as the use of a coloring pigment, size of mineral raw materials (pebble), decorative additives and method of stone surface treatment. For example, to achieve an effect of stereoscopic depth, the large particles of transparent quartz are added to the material. And in order to get the effect of shimmering surface, a mirror chips, stained glass, marble and granite, mother-of-pearl, and even stainless steel crumb are used. Such an artificial stone brings individuality to any project. Another feature of agglomerate is a staining technique: artificial stone is painted not on the surface, but to the full depth. Thus, the agglomerates do not lose their appearance and do not fade when exposed to sunlight. There is also smalting technique – it is less expensive method and is typically used for painting porcelain stoneware. In fact, such products do not differ much from the glazed tiles.

Agglomerate and its application

Agglomerate and its applicationArtificial stone is used for interior decorating, as well as for facade and entrance lobbies of buildings. Note that this is an excellent material for wall and floor tiling. But if agglomerate is used for the exterior, it is advisable to choose darker shades of stone, as under the influence of UV rays polyester resin in the form of yellowish spots may appear on the light texture. Also single products for the interior are made of artificial stone, for example, window sills, bar counters and tabletops, stairs and railings for stairs, fireplaces are coated with it. Application of agglomerate allows creating original designs, as its products are not manufactured commercially. Another point to note that the technology of a seamless connection makes it possible to create products of any shape, geometry and design of artificial stone. If artificial stone has a sufficient degree of transparency, it is also used to create light installations.