Extolling StoneIdentity - July/Aug, 1994Page 1 2 3 4 5 |
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The simulated granite look of Gibraltar and other solid surface materials is due to the incorporation of particu1ates into the polymer formula. The resulting surface is surprisingly stone-like, with a visual depth that belies the smooth, glossy surface. Alpolic is a relatively new material from Mitsubishi Kasei America Inc., Chesapeake, VA. Similar to the more familiar Alucobond in structure, the basic Alpolic sheet is a thermal plastic core sandwiched between aluminum sheets. Introduced in the U.S. about a year ago, the Alpolic Stone Series offers a stone finish imaged directly onto the aluminum skin. Because Alpolic is lightweight, durable outdoors, and relatively easy to form, this composite lends itself especially well to architectural cladding applications and environmental signage. A proprietary ink-transfer process creates the illusion of dimensional depth, emulating the real thing well enough that marble or granite can be credibly replaced without the cost, weight, or shipping expense of particular stone. According to Alpolic sales manager Paul Grime, the material is beginning to find acceptance for large outdoor signs in applications where real stone is cost-prohibitive. "During the time we were introducing the Stone Series, we presented the black granite surface to Federal Sign," says Grime. "They had just quoted a large primary sign for an office complex in Chicago. The designer had spec'ed real stone, but the cost was way over budget. Alpolic basically solved that problem." |
Similarly, stone-pattern acrylic panels are emerging as a viable stone substitute. Aristech Chemical Corp., Florence, KY, has just rolled out QuariteTM, a cast acrylic sheet engineered to mimic the look of granite. The key to Quarite's verisimilitude is a patented process that incorporates pigment and actual granite particulates into the monomer formula. The colors are cast, ground up, and cast again in combination to ultimately achieve an integral stone look. When thermoformed, the particulate load gives Quarite a pebbly texture. Supplied in a standard thickness of VB-in., the sheet can be laminated to ABS for additional impact strength. According to product manager Larry Heinzelman, a major oil company recently switched to Quarite for the shrouds around their gasoline pumps due to its high degree of impact resistance. Another virtual rollout, Mirakor, manufactured by Knight Datante L.C., Salt Lake City, UT, consists of photographically imaged film laminated to an acrylic sheet. The continuous-tone natural stone photo surface has convincing depth. Suitable for outdoor use, with good chemical and abrasion resistance and the fabricating characteristics of acrylic, Mirakor is a natural fit for a wide range of mainstream sign applications. An abundance of riches As an official decade, the '90s appear to be seeking a balance between the demands of commerce and environmental responsibility. For the sign designer and specifier, the selection of natural, semi-natural, and artificial stone materials allows those choices to be made consistently with both sets of parameters. The many possibilities may seem confusing, but in actuality it's an abundance of riches. The people who built Stonehenge didn't have these options. |
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