HOW SHOULD I APPROACH CUTTING OF SOLID SURFACE MATERIALS?

HOW SHOULD I APPROACH CUTTING OF SOLID SURFACE MATERIALS, CORIAN, AVONITE, THAT KIND OF THING?

Materials like Corian, LG Hi-Macs, Staron and Avonite have long been popular in applications where a material is needed that has very durable properties and that’s easy to clean. Kitchen worktops and counters are obvious examples. The materials’ scope of applications is extended far beyond that though and it’s not uncommon to find signs and shop fittings made with such products.

Corian, LG Hi-Macs, Staron and Avonite are technically discussed as solid surface or plastic alloys. Such materials can be routed, bevelled, drilled or engraved and even shaped very successfully. While they can be filled and repaired if damaged, such repairs can consume a lot of time so damage is best avoided in the first place. The materials are strong enough to be fabricated into structures with appropriate internal support and custom fabrications can be stunningly attractive and profitable if undertaken properly.

With its very dense, homogenous disposition and plastic-like formulation, a material like Corian, LG Hi-Macs, Staron and Avonite is an excellent substrate for routing or engraving - some very notable cautions need to be observed though.

Using a proven cutter is essential and the experimentation to find one that works well can be very expensive in terms of material costs if failure is encountered. A poor cutter will not clear the expansive cutting waste adequately and will cause aberrations with excessive heat. The wrong geometry will encourage excessive cutter deflection and chattering. Unlike many materials, Corian, LG Hi-Macs, Staron and Avonite are not forgiving and such problems will be immediately obvious thanks to low output quality.

Complete CNC Solutions recommends , among others, its Twin Flute DCT cutter range, SS40 range or PK30 single flute range, depending on cutting processes required for all fabrication and profiling projects involving solid surface materials including Corian, LG Hi-Macs, Staron and Avonite. Superb results are easy to accomplish and shaping is possible using our bevel and ball nose router tooling.

Our suggested tool geometry’s are designed to deal with very dense, homogenous materials and so it deals with the forces induced by Corian, LG Hi-Macs, Staron and Avonite very well. The cutters’ leave minimal witness marking on the materials cut edges and post-cut operations are therefore much easier and less demanding of labour. Processing errors are fewer and the operator will enjoy high yields and extremely good tool life.

Consider other tooling from the selections available at the Complete CNC Solutions’ Router Tooling Shop Online. This will assist in processing Corian, LG Hi-Macs, Staron and Avonite and will its further shaping and processing. Full technical support is available by contacting our specialists on 01934 742186