Comments Off on Why Choose Quartz? Standard Operating Procedure: Save Our Planet
Do you want to earn LEED points for your project? Using quartz in your project focuses on making a profit while having negligible impact on the environment. Quartz helps the environment by decreasing emissions, being part of the reforestation plan, and helping with air quality due to no harmful substances being left in the air during or after the installation process. Quartz is almost entirely made of mined material.
Are you having trouble choosing the right product for your project needs? There are so many choices, how do you choose? Choosing a type of material should not be strictly for the cost of the material but the durability, longevity and sustainability of the material. Quartz is usually less expensive than granite or marble depending on the stone. It is scratch and acid-resistant and is nonporous. Do you at times drop hard objects on countertops? Quartz is your option as quartz has a very durable surface. Where else can you find a material that has the ability to resist bacteria? Do you realize that quartz has surpassed granite in most homeowners choice in a countertop? Be environmentally conscious and choose quartz over granite as it is friendly to our environment. Many people find that granite has a “cold” feeling and that quartz has a much “warmer” presence. Seek the warmer retro look of quartz in your project.
From the use of solid surface and quartz (materials that fall into the green building materials category), we pride ourselves on our pioneering spirit and ability to remain on the cutting edge of the industry. With ASST you can have confidence every step of the way from product selection to installation. Designs with quartz can be endless. Use your imagination and let ASST help with your creations.
ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Millwork, Casework and Solid Surface – Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
Reading Hospital
What if you could get McDonald’s fries, a Burger King Whopper® and a Wendy’s Frosty® at the same place? How about getting Division 6 and Division 12 full package for your business that includes Millwork, Casework and Solid Surfaces from one subcontractor?
General Contractors continually have to worry about coordinating subcontractors. What happens when the solid surface tops show up before the casework? What happens when the casework shows up before the PLAM walls? Does your millwork sub know when the solid surface sub will be onsite? Managing independent Millwork, Casework and Solid Surface subs can be daunting at best.
We provide complete Division 6 Millwork & Division 12 Casework solutions coordinating a wide variety of materials. With a reputation for taking on project challenges others avoid, ASST brings to the table a passion for excellence. We have an impressive portfolio of successfully completed projects both nationally and internationally. As a millworker, you need reliable buyout resources that fully understand your needs. We provide services such as CNC Machining and Thermoforming. ASST creates unique solid surface products and design solutions that leverage our proprietary processes with various materials. At ASST, we have extensive experience – from quoting to fabrication and installation we know your requirements and are ready to ASsiST you with your project needs. We welcome your review of ASST’s services and operating procedures and look forward to being a part of your valuable team! We are known for our innovative, patented, thermoforming technologies and product designs.
If you need adaptability into your next full package project, let ASST help you. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications you require and the finest quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Solid (Surface) Relationships – Establishing relationships that last as long as the products we produce
Do you feel that good working relationships are important to the success of your project? Do you feel you can trust the solid surface contractor and have the ability to communicate openly? Establishing/maintaining a good relationship is the key to a successful project.
What are the consequences of a bad work relationship? Relationships are part of human nature. They affect who we love, dislike or even who we are most comfortable spending time with. Work relationships are no different and establishing positive ones can go a long way to improving productivity levels. Good relationships in the workplace make the difference between completing a project on time or watching things go up in flames. You’ve probably been involved with a team where missed deadlines and fractious co-workers made it almost impossible to get anything accomplished.
ASST follows a 21 step Critical Operating Events/Tasks process providing a total project solution from start to finish. Working with the contractor from the beginning to set expectations for success is the key. Projects are coordinated with diverse fabrication techniques and materials. Materials range from solid surface to translucent resins, woods, plastic laminates and more. ASST chooses to work directly with the Architects, Designers and GC’s throughout the entire process. Utilizing proprietary in-house software and live working documents, we record and track every step of the submittal process. We openly invite our clients to access, as well as update, documents to allow for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information possible for every project. This helps secure a successful project and increased profitability.
ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications you require and the finest quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Using 3D Technology to Push Solid Surface Innovation: How 5-Axis CNC is Changing Solid Surface Fabrication
Architects and Designers are continuing to create innovative geometric forms to satisfy their Client’s branding requirements. While companies today have a need to project an image of innovation and quality, this creates the problem of how to fabricate molds in a quick and cost effective manner. Curved solid surface cladding requires molds to form the heated solid surface to the geometry specified on the architectural drawings.
Creating wooden molds by carving them with power hand tools was initially the way it was done. The problem was how to reduce the exorbitant labor costs for creating these molds by hand. Also, using solid hardwood is expensive and was required depending upon the mold design.
With ASST’s 5-Axis CNC, we have addressed these problems. Labor costs have been reduced for the customer and new innovative sustainable molding materials can be utilized with this technology. We are also constantly looking for the next generation of materials to create our molds for better durability and machining accuracy.
We have found that the only limits to 5-Axis CNC capability is the designer’s imagination and CNC Engineer’s abilities. The evolution of 5-Axis CNC machining will eventually usher us into a world of instantaneous object creation further expanding the boundaries of innovative designs with solid surface. ASST looks forward to the challenges and opportunities this will present!
ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications you require and the finest quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Modular Vanities – Practical Design Solutions with Solid Surface
Designing restroom spaces that are both attractive and durable is a challenge. Properly designed public restroom facilities can enhance the experience for those who use and maintain their appearance. Restrooms in public spaces must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Studies have shown that proper design and planning reduces both queuing issues and facility vandalism.
Traditional plastic laminate vanity countertops and drop-in china sink bowls provide an opportunity for moisture to destroy a particle board substrate. This creates an optimal environment for bacterial growth. We have all witnessed restroom countertops with laminate surfaces that have swelled from exposure to water.
To address this common problem, ASST developed a wall hung solid surface vanity system. The 30” wide modular units utilize a sturdy aluminum and polyethylene support structure with a removable solid surface front panel. The front panel is removable allowing for easy access to plumbing. The Modular Vanity system™ is available in 30” wide increments and includes a solid surface top, backsplashes, side panels and your choice of an integral mounted sink. The system is available in all solid surface sheet products. Without wood that can rot and grow mold, the system is perfectly designed to handle rigorous public restroom environments.
Get a solid surface vanity counter solution that will last for your next project.
For a project specific price quote contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Submit to Your Projects – Finding the Value in Samples, Other Than a Great Coaster for Your Coffee…
How important can a meager piece of material be when it comes to your project? Does it have the ability to bring all forward progress of a project to a crushing halt? If your palms are starting to sweat and your blood pressure is rising just from the thought, then you already know how much you actually need all of those little pieces of material.
You are excited, after all the days and weeks of planning, your finished solid surfaces are arriving at site ready for installation. Everything is going just great and all is right in the universe… Then the General Contractor calls to your attention the blindly obvious mismatched materials used throughout the entire project… How is this possible? What went wrong? All of sudden, those little scraps of material that you used as your coffee coasters reveal their value and you begin to see just how big of a role they play in your project.
Submittals tend to be one of the most overlooked areas in project planning and yet are one of the most critical areas when it comes to the success of any project. A submission, when used in its simplest form, can be defined as a process. A process in which product data, material samples, and renderings are examined so as to be approved or rejected for use in a project. Missing this step or failing to acknowledge it can be the moment where success is breached and financial loss is the only sure outcome; thus making the submittal process one of the most overlooked areas of project management and material logistics.
ASST has made considerable efforts to organize and capture the submittal phase of project planning in an attempt to ensure success of every project awarded to our family of customers. ASST chooses to work directly with the Architects, Designers and GC’s throughout the entire process. Utilizing proprietary in-house software and live working documents, we record and track every step of the submittal process. We openly invite our clients to access, as well as update, documents to allow for the most comprehensive and up-to-date information possible for every project. This helps secure a successful project and increased profitability.
ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Solid Surface Flush Mounted Sinks – No Seam Equals Less Bacteria and Better Aesthetics
What is a flush mounted sink? A sink whereas the edge is flush with the top. There are different ways to mount a sink. Sinks can be top mounted, under mounted, or flush mounted. A sink that is glued or braced to the top of the counter creating an overlap is top mounted. This type of sink can be simply dropped in, glued and caulked. It can also be dropped in, fastened with hardware underneath and caulked. Under mounted sinks are glued under the counter or mounted with hardware. Flush mounted sinks are also glued under the counter. The counter is then cut down to fit the dimensions of the sink.
In all commercial environments reducing the risk of bacterial infection is essential. Mitigating the risk of bacterial infection is most essential in healthcare, education and laboratory environments. Since up to 80 percent of a bacterial cell’s weight is water, a sink is an ideal place for bacteria to propagate. Traditional top mount or bottom mount sinks leave a lip. This lip combined with moisture is a perfect environment for bacteria to lurk. Designing and building sink tops and bowls that promote bacterial growth can be a liability for the customer.
Flush mounted sinks are seamless, reducing the risk of bacterial growth, and aesthetically pleasing. The sink and top act as one continuous surface. This seamless design allows for a chic look and a healthy environment. ASST fabricates and installs these solid surface flush mounted sinks for commercial environments.
Call us today for your next commercial solid surface flush mounted sink project! Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Solid Surface Adhesion – Solid Surface is Sticking Around
A considerable part of fabricating with solid surface is adhering separate pieces together. The solid surface fabrication joint requires a strong bond while maintaining aesthetics. This is accomplished by using the right solid surface adhesive that is matched to the surface color. The solid surface adhesive can be stronger than the material itself and with color matching, it is possible for the joint to subsist unnoticed.
Each manufacturer of solid surface makes adhesive that is color matching and ASST uses the correct color matching adhesive for each project. ASST has 20 years of solid surface fabrication experience. We know what adhesives to use, the correct amount to use and the correct way to finish the adhesive.
If you want your next project to stick in the minds of your customers let ASST help you out. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect. Even our EMR safety
rating is outstanding at .793! We look forward to Going Beyond to address your exciting project challenges. For a quote, contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Innovations in Solid Surface – How Organizational Processes + Technology are Changing Solid Surface Fabrication
No one ever thought portable devices would revolutionize a variety of industries so quickly. Organizational processes coupled with technologies to track projects and maintain schedules have become of paramount importance to an organization’s financial health.
The impact of iDevices have changed business in ways that those who have failed to adapt are in jeopardy of business failure. Innovation in processes are also important to keep work flowing smoothly through a fabrication facility. Unfortunately, constant deadlines preoccupy many fabrication business Owners from thoroughly examining their work flow. Developing a coherent system of transmitting accurate communications via portable devices is a necessity in today’s world. Costly errors are usually the result of poor communications which can add additional pressures to General Contractors who subcontract solid surface fabrications.
To address this issue, ASST takes the organization and management projects seriously. ASST’s Critical Operating Events and Tasks (COETS) for organizational process is one of the key benefits of working with us. From the beginning, your project is organized into 21 Event Steps from initial pricing to final onsite installation. The details of your project are properly planned and field verified, with shop drawings, prepared for approval prior to fabrication. Items for large millwork pieces are labeled and coded with field seaming joints and/or match lines indicated for the onsite installer. During production, your project is also checked for Quality Assurance to confirm that AWI standards are achieved. Portable iDevices are utilized to record that production tasks conform to Architect’s specifications. These are just some of things we do to get a overhead view of your whole project. All of these 21 Event Steps are accessible via portable devices for use by project managers, installers and the fabrication team. We are always aware of the specific Event Step your project is presently located if you ever have a question!
ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the
exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect. Even our EMR safety
rating is outstanding at .793! We look forward to Going Beyond to address your exciting project challenges. For a quote, contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Healthcare Infection Prevention – Solid Surface Solutions for Infection Control
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) approximately one in 25 acute care patients acquires an infection during their stay. These findings are alarming and have triggered an urgency to address the issues surrounding patient acquired infections. Facilities managers and infection control practitioners (ICPs) are aware of how bacteria and mold grow in/on horizontal and vertical surfaces. It wasn’t until recently that sinks, countertops and wall cladding were studied as potential sites for the spread of disease.
Plastic laminate finishes on healthcare casework and wall cladding have seams and exposed edges that can harbor bacteria. Laminate substrate is usually particle board. While it is dense and may appear to be non-absorbent, it is porous and will absorb moisture over time. Wet wood will harbor bacteria, especially Aspergillus fungi.
A solution to these problems can be found by utilizing solid surface which inherently inhibits bacterial growth. By creating a seamless, nonporous surface where pathogens can’t grow, solid surface can help with control issues and maintenance. Solid surfaces such as Corian, Avonite, Wilsonart, Durasein, LG or Krion can survive the impacts, nicks and cuts that ruin most wall surfaces. It is renewable, repairable and reusable. If the solid surface is damaged it can be repaired onsite, saving labor costs and resources. While warranties may vary from manufacturers, some will guarantee the material for as long a ten years.
Solid surfaces have proven superior performance in healthcare applications such as wall cladding, casework, countertops and more. Let ASST ASsiST you protecting the health of others with our custom solid surface fabrication. For a quote, contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
