Ingredients
Quartz countertops are engineered stone made from approximately 90% ground quartz along with polymer resins and pigments.
- Quartz – Quartz is a mineral found abundantly in nature. It is extremely hard and durable. For countertops, quartz crystals are ground into a fine powder.
- Polymer resins – Resins like polyester or epoxies act as binders to hold the quartz particles together. They give flexibility and durability.
- Pigments – Pigments add color and create the visual appeal. Different minerals are used to achieve various colors and patterns.
Manufacturing Process
Quartz slabs are made in factories using advanced machinery and techniques. The basic manufacturing steps are:
Mixing the Ingredients
The quartz, resins, and pigments are carefully measured and mixed together to form a homogeneous material. The ratio of ingredients can be adjusted to create different product lines with unique aesthetics.
Molding
The mixture is fed into molds and compacted under vibration and vacuum. This eliminates air pockets and allows for an even distribution of materials.
Curing
The molded slabs are moved to a curing oven and baked at high temperatures. Curing causes the resin binders to solidify and permanently harden the quartz material.
Finishing
Once cured, the slabs are cooled, calibrated to precise thicknesses, polished, and inspected. Advanced diamond tools provide the finishing touches.
Fabrication
The finished slabs are shipped to fabricators who cut and shape them into custom countertops, vanities, backsplashes, etc. State-of-the-art cutting equipment is used for seamless edges.
Benefits of Manufactured Quartz
- Extremely hard and durable surface that resists scratches, stains, and heat.
- Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
- Non-porous so it does not require sealing.
- Low maintenance and easy to clean.
- Mold, mildew, and bacteria resistant.
- Flexible fabrication options allow for seamless installation.
- Consistent quality with quartz particles evenly distributed throughout.
So in summary, quartz countertops combine ground quartz aggregate with polymer resins that are factory engineered under heat and pressure to create a high-performance and beautiful surfacing material that outperforms natural stone. The manufacturing process results in a durable, consistent, and versatile product.
FAQs
Is quartz natural stone?
No, quartz countertops are engineered stone made from approximately 90% ground quartz particles held together by resins. It is not formed naturally like granite. The manufacturing process allows quartz to be more uniform and consistent.
What’s the difference between quartz and granite countertops?
Granite is a natural stone, while quartz is engineered. Quartz is harder, less porous, more flexible, and lower maintenance than granite. Granite has more variety in veining and patterns. Both can be excellent countertop materials.
Is quartz healthier than other countertops?
Yes, quartz has natural antimicrobial properties and resists mold, bacteria, and many stains. This makes it more hygienic than more porous options like granite, marble, and wood. It doesn’t require harmful sealants either.
How durable is quartz?
Quartz is very hard and durable. It stands up well to scratches, chips, cracks, heat, and daily wear and tear. With proper care, quartz countertops can last for many decades. It retains its shine and luster longer than other materials.
Does quartz need to be sealed?
No. Because it is non-porous, quartz does not require periodic sealing like natural stone. This makes maintenance easier. Simple cleaning with soap and water is all that is required.
Can you repair quartz countertops?
Minor damage like superficial scratches can be buffed out. But it’s difficult to fully repair quartz once it chips or cracks. One advantage of quartz is that small sections can be replaced instead of replacing the whole top.
Conclusion
Quartz offers the best qualities of natural stone and engineered surfaces. The manufacturing process combines ground quartz with resin binders to create an extremely hard, durable, and low-maintenance countertop material. Quartz countertops are made to be beautiful, functional, and long-lasting. Following the detailed manufacturing steps allows quartz to be shaped into custom slabs that outperform other options as kitchen and bathroom surfaces. With proper care and maintenance, quartz countertops will retain their like-new appearance for many years before needing replacement.