Corian, (designed by the chemical company DuPont) is an engineered stone solid surface material similar to quartz. It is made from a blend of acrylic, minerals and stone derived materials unlike granite which is a natural stone pulled from the earth.
Incredibly versatile, pliable and not prone to cracking, Corian offers limitless design possibilities and can be moulded into any shape, curve or mould.
DuPont require all contractors and fabricators to be certified and Capital’s Founder Robert recently completed a Corian training course and is enjoying putting into practice the specialist techniques he has learnt.
Corian is also incredibly strong, durable with a consistent, solid composition throughout, i.e the same colour and texture all the way through.
It’s a non-porous material that’s easy to clean and resists the growth of mould and bacteria which makes it incredibly popular with kitchens and bathrooms.
With over 100 colour possibilities you can achieve a modernist/minimalist look or alternatively a traditional/classic look.
Corian is also suitable for laser engraving and is the perfect material for outdoor plaques such as these that we recently made for the Falklands Memorial at Pangbourne College.
Capital is conquering the fabrication of Corian and producing a variety of plaques, awards, signage, furniture, work tops and plinths for different projects. This versatility has opened up a world of project design possibilities for clients.
Seamless Integration
By using the best methods of cutting and making the Corian edges, it is possible to achieve a seamless non-porous joint that is virtually invisible.
As when working with wood, finishing a Corian surface with various sanding and polishing techniques results in many different style possibilities.
Thermoforming
Corian is not very resistant to heat which may be a slight disadvantage when it comes to kitchen work tops but does have an advantage for any design that demands curves.
Thermoforming is the technique used to bend and mould Corian by heating it to reach the magic temperature between 140 and 160 degrees. If Corian gets too hot it can actually blister so it’s a precision process, but once achieved you can thermoform Corian into literally any shape or form.
Our Summary
Corian offers innovative solutions for absolutely any design scenario, so for model makers and CNC machinists such as us, it’s a dream material to work with!
Pros
- Corian is non-porous and so doesn’t need sealing
- If fabricated well, seams are invisible
- Can be formed into any shape or design
- Over 100 colours are available
- Surfaces can be illuminated
- Any damage can usually be repaired
- Less expensive than quartz or granite
Cons
- Can be dented or scratched (but repairable)
- Does not handle extreme heat well
- Some chemicals used for cleaning may cause discolouration
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