History of Solid Surface

In 1963, solid surface was merely an idea. Don Slocum, a researcher at DuPont™ Chemical Company, aspired to create a durable, sanitary and aesthetically pleasing product that was homogenous in material and color. The most commonly used building material products those days were natural products like granite, marble etc which were porous and hence the products used to deteriorate faster and also harbor bacteria. Consistency in color was also an issue. Slocum wanted to develop a product which can be reproduced in the same shade over and over again and which is homogenous so that it can be polished any number of times to regain its original sheen and finish. Being homogeneous, the product will be without pores which make it easy to clean and will not have any bacterial residual. Thus this product would not only be aesthetically pleasing but also clean and will cater to the health care industry.

Slocum collaborated with researchers and engineers at DuPont to create the first sheets of solid surface in 1964, which they called Corian®. Solid surface was first introduced commercially by DuPont in 1967 under the name of Corian.

Since the expiration of their patent other manufacturers have entered the market with their own branded products. Many companies have since created their own brands of solid surface, including LG HI-MACS®, Aristech Avonite Surfaces®, and Lotte Staron® to name a few. Even though many other manufacturers came out with similar products, people still identify Solid Surface with Corian. Such has been the strength of the brand developed by DuPont.

The product had limited applications like bathrooms & vanity in the early years and was termed as a "rich man's" product. However over a period of time, due to the versatility of the product, it started finding applications in many more areas like Commercial spaces, Hospitality projects, Healthcare projects etc. The product also became more affordable for the common man over a period of time. Now this is one of the most sought after product for interiors by the Architect and Design community.

The product application is still evolving and Hot pressed Sinks & Bowls produced using proprietary hydraulic thermoforming process from CASTLITH SINKS & BOWLS is one of the latest additions to the same.