Man-Made Stone Reception Counter

What is Man-Made Stone Reception Counter?

Man-Made Stone Reception Counters are engineered surfaces composed of natural minerals (typically 93-95% quartz or marble aggregates) bound with polymer resins (7-10%) and pigments. These counters offer superior durability compared to natural stone, with a Mohs hardness rating of 7 (compared to granite's 6-6.5) and flexural strength exceeding 50 MPa. The Non-Porous Surface (water absorption rate <0.02%) makes them highly resistant to staining, while the UV-stable pigments maintain color consistency (Delta E <3 after 1000 hours of accelerated weathering testing).

Applications of Man-Made Stone Counters

The engineered composition of man-made stone makes it ideal for high-traffic commercial applications:

• Corporate Lobbies: Withstands 500-1000 daily touches while maintaining appearance (abrasion resistance of 100-150 cycles per EN 13310)

• Hotel Reception Areas: Resists bacterial growth (99.9% reduction per ISO 22196) and cleaning chemicals

• Healthcare Facilities: Non-porous surface meets NSF/ANSI 51 standards for food contact surfaces

• Retail Spaces: Customizable in over 200 color options with seamless integration of LED lighting (compatible with 12-24V systems)

• Educational Institutions: Impact resistance of 1.5-2.0 Joules (ASTM D5420) prevents damage from heavy objects

Maintenance Procedures

Proper care ensures the longevity of man-made stone surfaces:

Daily Cleaning

• Use pH-neutral cleaners (7.0-8.5 pH range) with microfiber cloths (300-400 GSM weight recommended)

• Wipe spills within 30 minutes (critical for dyes with pH <2 or >12)

• Avoid abrasive pads (should not exceed 3.5 Mohs hardness)

Periodic Maintenance

• Apply sealant every 18-24 months (water-based impregnators with 15-20% Solids content)

• Buff with diamond pads (3000-6000 grit) annually to restore gloss (85-95 GU measured at 60°)

• Inspect for cracks (detectable with 0.1mm resolution ultrasonic testing)

Stain Removal

• Organic stains: Hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) with 15-minute dwell time

• Inorganic stains: Poultice of diatomaceous earth (5-10μm particle size) and ammonia (5% solution)

• Oil-based stains: Acetone (100% purity) with immediate rinsing (<30 seconds contact)

Installation Considerations

Proper installation ensures optimal performance:

• Substrate preparation: Requires levelness of 3mm over 2m (EN 13310 standard)

• Adhesive selection: Two-part epoxy with 18-22 MPa tensile strength

• Expansion joints: 5mm per 3m of linear counter (accounting for 0.7mm/m thermal expansion)

• Curing time: 72 hours at 20°C with 50% relative humidity