Dekton, an ultracompact surface produced by Cosentino, combines materials such as glass, porcelain, and quartz. Its production process, known as sinterized particle technology, subjects these materials to high pressure and temperature, resulting in a dense and extremely hard surface. With a Mohs hardness of 7-8, Dekton is ideal for demanding applications but also requires specialized tools to achieve varied surface finishes. This article explores how diamond brushes, specifically the Cepistone and Cepiflex brushes from Cepicat, can be utilized to texture and enhance Dekton surfaces.
Technical Properties of Dekton
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- Density: Being a compact material, Dekton has an approximate density of 2.4 g/cm³, contributing to its mechanical strength and low porosity. This ultracompact structure reduces water absorption, making it ideal for both interior and exterior applications.
Surface Roughness in Dekton
The surface roughness of Dekton can vary significantly depending on the finish applied. Some of the most common finishes include polished, matte, and textured, which can be achieved using specific abrasive brushes:
- Ra Roughness (average):
- Polished Finish: This finish aims to minimize roughness, achieving Ra values of ≤ 0.5 µm. Cepiflex brushes can be useful for polishing and eliminating small imperfections, achieving a smooth and uniform texture.
- Matte or Leather Effect Finish: The use of Cepistone diamond brushes can generate an Ra roughness in the range of 1 to 2 µm, ideal for texturing the surface without making it too rough. This type of finish provides a natural aesthetic and a slightly rough texture to the touch, without compromising the material's strength.
- Textured Anti-Slip Finish: Using Cepistone brushes with coarse diamond filaments, higher roughness levels can be achieved, with Ra ranging from 3 to 4 µm or even more, depending on the grit and technique employed. This is useful for exterior applications where greater adhesion and slip resistance are required.
Application of Brushes on Dekton
- Cepistone Diamond Filament Brushes: Due to Dekton's hardness, it is crucial to use brushes with diamond filaments that offer controlled abrasion. Cepistone brushes allow for texturing and creating effects such as the leather effect with precise roughness. Depending on the grit used (e.g., grit 60 or 120), the brush's aggressiveness can be adjusted to achieve finishes ranging from rough to semi-smooth.
- Cepiflex Brushes: These brushes are ideal for finalizing the texturing process, providing a softer and more uniform finish on Dekton. With flexible filaments, they adapt to the surface without compromising the material's integrity. They are especially useful when seeking a smooth polish that maintains low roughness, ideal for decorative surfaces.
Technical Conclusion
The use of specialized abrasive brushes is key to working with Dekton due to its high hardness and resistance. By adapting the characteristics of Cepistone and Cepiflex brushes, different levels of roughness and specific finishes can be achieved that maintain the aesthetics and functionality of Dekton. Understanding the material's roughness and hardness allows for fine-tuning the finishing process to achieve optimal results, ensuring efficient and professional application.