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How Silica-Free Benchtops Are Made for Safety of Your Space?
- admin255411
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
Right benchtop for your kitchen or bathroom renovation is a critical choice. As it should be safe & durable enough for daily use.
Traditional benchtops made from materials like engineered stone can contain silica. A mineral that can pose health risks to those who work with it. Fortunately, there’s an alternative: silica-free benchtops, that are emerging as the healthier and smarter choice.
We’ll help you understand their composition & manufacturing process. So, you can know why they are free of all health risks.
With over two decades of experience crafting durable surfaces for homes and businesses. We at Master Tops are the experts of all the innovative materials that can enhance your space & make it safer & more practical.
What are Silica-Free Benchtops?
Silica free stone benchtop is an engineered surface that limit or completely remove crystalline silica content.
Traditional stone and engineered stone products contain significant amounts of silica. A mineral that, when cut or drilled, releases dangerous dust particles. Silica-free benchtops address this risk directly & offer a safe and visually stunning alternative.
Unlike conventional silica benchtops, they contain either no silica or only negligible amounts. So, the health risks are lowered significantly. This makes them a popular choice for modern homes and commercial spaces.
Is Silica Free Stone Really Effective Against Silicosis?
One of the main concerns with silica dust is the risk of silicosis. A serious lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica particles. (Source). Silica free engineered stone, thanks to their innovative composition, dramatically reduce the risk of this condition.
As they remove or reduce the crystalline silica content. Silica-free benchtops create a safer environment not just for installers but also for your family in the long term. So yes, they are a significant step towards a healthier home environment.
Materials Used in Silica Free Stone Benchtops & Their Sources
The shift to zero silica engineered led to a surge in alternative materials, that can offer durability & aesthetics without any risk. These include:
Recycled Glass: A sustainable option that uses post-consumer glass to create colourful and unique surfaces.
Porcelain: Known for its durability and resistance to heat and scratches, porcelain is a popular silica-free choice.
Aluminium Silicate: While technically a silicate, it’s structurally different and doesn’t pose the same health hazards as crystalline silica.
Natural Minerals: Low silica engineered stone options are crafted from other minerals, as they have the look and feel of stone without the risk.
These materials are carefully sourced from reputable suppliers who share Master Tops’ commitment to environmental responsibility and worker safety.
How Silica-Free Benchtops Are Made?
1. Preparation
Creating a silica-free stone benchtop begins with careful selection of materials. We choose only the highest quality components according to our rigorous standards. The chosen materials are cleaned and sorted. So, they become free from impurities that could affect the final product’s strength or appearance.
2. Mixing
The selected ingredients are then blended together. This is done through combining the base materials with resins, pigments, and binding agents that help create a strong and cohesive final product. Mixing is carefully monitored for an even distribution of all components. So, the benchtop gets its desired look and durability.
3. Pressing
To achieve the desired density and strength, the mixture is pressed under high pressure. It compacts the material, reducing any potential air pockets and enhancing the benchtop’s durability.
4. Moulding
Once mixed, the material is poured into moulds that determine the benchtop’s size and shape. These moulds are precisely in accordance with your kitchen or bathroom design.
5. Curing
The pressed & moulded mixture is then cured. This process involves heating the material to solidify the resin and bind the components together permanently. Curing make the benchtop tough and able to withstand the daily use.
6. Finishing
After curing, the benchtop goes through a series of finishing steps. These can include edge profiling, cutting to size, and adding features like sink cutouts. Our skilled craftsmen handle this stage with care to create a functional and beautiful product.
7. Polishing
Finally, crystalline silica free benchtop is polished to achieve a smooth & glossy surface. Polishing not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a protective layer. Hence, the benchtop becomes easier to clean and maintain.
Advantages of Non Silica Benchtops
None or low silica engineered stone brings the following advantages to your space.
Feature | Description |
Health & Safety | A reduced exposure to harmful dust particles can safeguard your health and that of your loved ones. |
Durability | These benchtops are designed to last, standing up to daily wear and tear without compromising on looks. |
Sustainability | Various silica-free options use recycled materials, giving you an eco-friendly edge in your kitchen or bathroom design. |
Versatility | From modern porcelain to the vibrant look of recycled glass, you can get a silica-free option to suit any aesthetic. |
That’s how, silica-free benchtops bring style, durability, and peace of mind to any space.
Searching for Silica Free Benchtops Australia?
Discover Premium Silica-Free Benchtops at Master Tops
At Master Tops, we craft exquisite, safe, and sustainable benchtops for your space. If you’re after the modern feel of zero silica engineered stone or the charm of natural stone. Our team will help you find the perfect match for your style and needs.
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