Sink from granite, marble and onyx: composite materials

In any case, the kitchen sink of granite, marble or onyx will look much more impressive than stainless steel, moreover, it has a fairly high level of noise absorption compared to any of the metals.

Some for some reason are afraid that such a sink will be very heavy and may crack from impact, but this is not so - the fact is that this is an artificial stone consisting of granite (marble) chips, quartz sand and polymer resins.

Therefore, its weight is two times less than natural stone and, moreover, thanks to polymers, the strength of the bowl increases, and we will tell you about it below and show the video in this article.

Artificial stone sinks

Note. As you understand, kitchen sinks are experiencing much more stress than their relatives in the bathroom or toilet. These include sudden changes in temperature (hot and cold water), exposure to aggressive chemicals and shock when washing dishes. Therefore, for the kitchen, there are two possible sinks - either stainless steel or artificial stone - ceramics cannot withstand such a load.

Composition and merits

• The analogue of modern material for the manufacture of such products is developed in 1966 in the United States artificial material Corian is the name of the brand. The technology was quickly picked up by specialists all over the world and began to make their own corrections, although its essence remains unchanged to this day.
• The composition of such a composite material, first of all, of course, includes mineral filler - it can be granite, onyx or marble chips or powder mixed with polyester resins and coloring pigment, for example, titanium dioxide.
• Such technology allows producing high-strength bowls, besides, the composite can imitate natural stone with any pattern and a practically unlimited number of colors and shades.. In addition, the product is able to transmit the natural depth of the texture, therefore, it is sometimes almost impossible to distinguish from the present.

Note. It is not necessary to identify composite and bulk material - these are completely different technologies and operational characteristics. In addition, the composite, in contrast to the bulk stone is considered an environmentally friendly material.

If you think about what is the best sink - made of marble or granite, then we can say that this is more a matter of taste, but from a technical point of view they have the same number of advantages, which we will list below.

• Composite material of this type is absolutely neutral to moisture and does not react to it at all.
• Even sudden changes in temperature, for example, after boiling water you pour cold water from the refrigerator there, will not affect the integrity and appearance of the product.
• Ecologically, artificial stone is absolutely safe.
• In addition to good resistance to loads of different nature, composite shells have fatigue strength, that is, even the long-term effects of these loads do not affect their integrity and appearance. In this artificial and natural stone are completely similar to each other.
• There are no dents, potholes and scratches on the surface of the bowl - they can be done only purposefully, and then only with a special tool.
• With almost identical performance characteristics, the price of products made of composite material is several times lower than the same analogues from natural stone.
• Artificial stone, unlike natural stone, is easy to process (grinding, cutting, drilling), so you can always drill an extra hole for the mixer with your own hands.
• Composite sinks can be made of any shape, therefore, it will not be difficult for you to pick it up taking into account the requirements of home interior.

Different types of artificial stone

Marble has always been valued as an architectural component, therefore, products made of it also create an impression of luxury and freshness, therefore, the kitchen in a classical style will always benefit from such an element of the interior. Especially good it will look in combination with expensive tiles and furniture with strict forms.

For the production of artificial marble, pure marble aggregate of a medium or small fraction is used as a filler - the future drawing and the texture of the bowl depend on the size of these elements. In addition, the composition of the composition includes quartz sand with polyester resins, as well as dolomite and dyes.

Sinks from granite for the kitchen, as well as from any other stone, look quite respectable and strictly at the same time, therefore, this sanitary fixture can be an excellent design element for retro styles, folk and country music - classics and rigor are always compatible. Granite does not cause such a feeling of cold as marble, therefore, it is well combined with wooden carved furniture, even if it has the most refined forms.

For the production of such a composite, up to 80% of granite chips are used as a filler, and otherwise, they are polymeric resins, coloring pigments and a chemical catalyst — such a composition is kneaded in a vacuum mixer. After that, the resulting mixture is poured into a certain form, which is installed on the vibrating table, then the product hardens and is withdrawn. After the final hardening of the composite, the bowl is ground on a polishing machine.

Such a shell can be purchased as a separate item and mounted on a wood table top (DSP), but it can also be purchased along with a table top, where after gluing the joint between them will be almost imperceptible.

The production of artificial onyx is not only different in composition, but also in possibilities for design, so a wider range of colors is possible here than in granite and marble, and there is also an opportunity for the most diverse creation of patterns. This allows you to use the sink not only with a classic, but with a modern design, that is, you can choose a sink for any modern interior.

For the manufacture of shells made of artificial onyx, about 65-67% of aluminum hydroxide, from 2% to 7% of color paste, a polymer resin, a catalyst for curing the mass, are used as fillers.

The process of making the washing itself is practically no different from the similar production of marble or granite bowls, but in this case, the instruction provides for the sticking of a special film that protects the product from the effects of household chemicals, salts, alkalis and various sharp objects.

It should be noted that the lower performance advantages of artificial onyx are in no way a negative quality, which could be a stumbling block when purchasing such a shell. The fact is that if there are no extreme situations, then such sinks behave no worse than marble or granite.

Recommendation. When choosing a composite sink made of granite, marble or onyx, in most cases it is better not to buy a separate bowl, but to take it along with a homogeneous worktop, selecting these components for the tile on the working wall and the kitchen facade. In addition, it will save you from unnecessary trouble on the sidebar.

Conclusion

Without the slightest shadow of a doubt, it can be said that tabletops and sinks made of artificial stone with mineral fillers and essential resins are a convenient, reliable and beautiful modern material. You can use it for various interiors, and such shells will serve you for many years.