Seamless Tech

To obtain a “seamless” joint (a joint where the seams are invisible to the human eye), a qualified preparation of the parts to be glued, the proper choice of the manufacturer and the color of the adhesive, as well as non-excessive seam tightening are required.

Artificial stone adhesive Acrilove is perfect for creating seamless joints combining the following properties:

  1. High bonding power.
  2. Precise color match for all artificial stone collections and other decorative materials.
  3. No pigment sediment during extended storage period.
  4. Preservation of color under the exposure to external factors influence (ultraviolet, heat, various kinds of pollution).

You can choose the adhesive matching your needs using our adhesive selection service .

While the proper color match helps to hide the visibility of the joints, this does not mean that the incorrectly prepared joint will be invisible.

Ideally, the seam width should lie between 100 and 120 microns (0.1–0.12 mm). If the width is less than 80 or more than 150 microns, the boding strength will significantly decrease. An 80 micron seam can only achieved when the parts to be glued fit perfectly together and the seam tightening force is repeatedly exceeded all at the same time. That is, due to the very over-compression of the seam during the tie, the adhesive will be extruded out of the seam, leaving the parts dry. A seam more than 150 microns wide not only has much lower boding power, but is also visible, especially on dark and monochromatic surfaces.

How to achieve a perfect seam? Using the correct preparation of jointing parts. Most often, 3 types of joints are made; first - the junction of the sheet elements (including the junction of the two elements of the tabletop) and the junction of the edge and the sheet.

The joints of the elements of sheets and tabletops are prepared by milling separately the jointing sides of the elements, or by mirror milling. The method of mirror milling is best to be used with a joint length of more than 800-900 mm. After milling, it is necessary to tighten the jointing of the elements and to make sure that the parts are fully compressed with no gaps. When done properly, you can then proceed with gluing. Tightening clamps are to be installed at a distance of 150-250 mm, and after gluing and polymerization of the adhesive, the joint is to be strengthened with a strip of the same material.

The joint of the edge and the sheet is prepared by selecting the jointing “quarter” at the sheet’s interface. Joint’s edge can be prepared by milling or using the sharp saw. The larger the fraction of chips, the deeper the “quarter” to be chosen. In order to hide the edge-to-sheet transition on coloured sheets, sheets with sparkles and sheets with the large fraction, a “quarter” should be chosen is 75-80% of the thickness of 12 mm sheet. When sure that all joints are properly compressed without gaps, elements can be glued together. Clamps must be installed at a range of 100-200 mm apart from each other.

Before gluing, it is necessary to remove dust and degrease the joints with an agent recommended by the supplier. Before applying the adhesive, make sure that the applied agent is completely dry.

Now, using Acrilove adhesive and properly preparing the elements to be glued, you are guaranteed to get a seamless joint in your product.