Technical Specification · Free Download

Corian Acrylic Solid Surface – Technical Material Specification

Comprehensive technical specification for Corian acrylic solid surface material, covering Canadian stock sizing, machining parameters, defect identification, and storage protocols for countertop, architectural, and medical fabrication.

Material Overview & Common Uses

Corian is a homogeneous acrylic solid surface material composed of approximately 1/3 acrylic polymer (PMMA) and 2/3 natural mineral fillers (alumina trihydrate). It is non-porous, repairable, and thermoformable. Common applications in Canadian fabrication include: seamless kitchen and bathroom countertops, integrated sinks and backsplashes, commercial reception desks, healthcare wall cladding (due to its antimicrobial properties), retail display fixtures, and architectural features such as curved panels and light boxes. Its ability to be routed, sanded, and polished to a matte or gloss finish makes it a staple in both residential and commercial millwork shops across Canada.

Core Technical Properties & Sizing

Property	Value
Standard Canadian Stock Sheet Sizes	3048 mm x 762 mm (10 ft x 30 in) and 3658 mm x 914 mm (12 ft x 36 in). Thicknesses: 6 mm (1/4 in), 12 mm (1/2 in), and 19 mm (3/4 in).
Density	1.74 g/cm³ (approx. 4.8 lb/ft² for 12 mm sheet).
Flexural Strength	41 MPa (ASTM D790).
Tensile Strength	28 MPa (ASTM D638).
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	3.1 x 10⁻⁵ mm/mm/°C (similar to aluminum, requiring expansion gaps in long runs).
Hardness	Rockwell M-70 (ASTM D785).
Maximum Continuous Service Temperature	100°C (212°F) – avoid direct contact with hot pans; trivets required.
Flammability Rating	Class I (ASTM E84) – flame spread index ≤ 25, smoke developed index ≤ 450.
Water Absorption	< 0.1% (ASTM D570) – effectively zero porosity.
Colour Consistency	Batch-to-batch variation is minimal (ΔE < 1.0) for standard colours; custom colours may vary up to ΔE 2.0. Always order full job quantities from same production lot.

Machinability, Tooling & Feeds

Aspect	Specification
Tooling	Use carbide-tipped (preferably polycrystalline diamond – PCD) for extended life.
CNC Routing – Spindle Speed	12,000–18,000 RPM
CNC Routing – Feed Rate (Roughing)	3–5 m/min (120–200 IPM)
CNC Routing – Feed Rate (Finishing)	2–3 m/min (80–120 IPM)
CNC Routing – Depth of Cut	3–6 mm (0.125–0.250 in) per pass
Drilling	Use brad-point or carbide-tipped bits at 3,000–5,000 RPM with pecking cycle (max 2 mm per peck) to prevent chip welding.
Edge Finishing	Use 120-grit sanding discs progressing to 400-grit, then wet sand with 600–1500 grit for gloss finish.
Thermoforming	Preheat oven to 160–180°C (320–356°F) for 10–15 minutes per 6 mm thickness; form immediately and cool under clamp pressure.
Seam Adhesive	Use only DuPont™ Corian® Joint Adhesive Kit; cure time 24 hours at 21°C (70°F). Do not use standard acrylic cements.
Heat Limit	Avoid excessive heat (above 150°C) which can cause surface blistering.

Common Defects & Quality Control

Defect	Acceptance Criteria
Surface scratches or scuffs	Acceptable if depth < 0.1 mm; reject if deeper than 0.3 mm.
Pinholes or voids	Any visible pinhole > 0.5 mm in diameter is cause for rejection.
Colour streaks or mottling	Slight variation normal; reject if colour deviates > ΔE 2.0 from approved sample.
Edge chipping	Chips > 1 mm deep on any edge are unacceptable.
Warpage	Sheet must lie flat within 1.5 mm over 1 m length; greater warpage indicates defect.
Delamination	Check by tapping – hollow sound indicates delamination; reject.
Moisture damage	White haze or blistering indicates exposure to excessive humidity; reject immediately.
QC Protocol	Measure thickness at four corners and centre (±0.5 mm for 12 mm sheet); verify colour under D65 lighting; perform scratch test on scrap to confirm machinability.

Storage, Handling & Racking Guidelines

Guideline	Detail
Storage orientation	Store flat on a level, clean surface – never on edge or leaning.
Racking	Use a dedicated A-frame rack with padded supports spaced no more than 600 mm apart.
Max stack height	20 sheets for 6 mm, 15 sheets for 12 mm, 10 sheets for 19 mm.
Environment	18–24°C (65–75°F) and 40–60% relative humidity. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
Handling	Two-person lift or vacuum lifter for sizes > 3 m; never drag sheets across each other.
Cut pieces	Store flat with protective interleaving (kraft paper or foam) to prevent scratching.
Proximity to operations	Do not store near welding or grinding operations – airborne metal particles can embed.
Long-term storage	Wrap in breathable plastic (not shrink wrap); use FIFO (first-in, first-out) to minimize age-related colour shift.