Comments Off on Solid Surface Public Seating – Increased Performance with Thermoformed Solutions
Public seating in high traffic applications can take quite a beating. Design professionals are under increasing pressure from clients to provide seating solutions that are both durable and comfortable. Many are unaware of the flexibility solid surface provides to create seating that conforms ergonomically. The inherent performance characteristics of thermoformed solid surface materials provide an amazing opportunity to increase the longevity of public seating.
Design professionals today are bombarded with a plethora of furniture seating solutions. Unfortunately, many of these “seating systems” are poorly manufactured with planned obsolescence. Constructed of cheaper plastics, many of these systems fail soon after warranty expiration. This is hardly a strategy for clients looking to be environmentally responsible. Design professionals need to provide smart ergonomic seating solutions addressing both performance and value. These challenges seem insurmountable when industry standard public seating systems don’t fulfill your specified requirements.
ASST has the capability to help. With a state-of-the-art thermoforming studio we can create ergonomic seating to your exact design specifications. We can share past solid surface project case studies to inspire your creativity. Working in concert with your team, we provide design assistance and credible information to present to your clients. Tailored services to meet busy design professional’s needs are what we do!
Let us assist you with your next solid surface seating project! Whatever you need, ASST can build it to the exact specifications, in a safe manner and to the finest quality standards you expect. We look forward to Going Beyond for your exciting project! Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Making Spaces That Inspire – Stimulating Solid Surface Solutions
Can inspiration be engineered? Can the urge to do something creative be designed? What if we told you that solid surfaces could be formed into ANY shape and that flat tops are yesterday’s solid surface? Most people don’t realize that you can get the everlasting qualities of solid surfaces in whichever design you want.
Solid surfaces are known for minimizing the spread of bacteria and durability. Solid surfaces are not known for the ability to be formed into different shapes. Architects want to illicit emotions with their designs. Owners want to wow customers with a product that is long lasting and cost effective. General Contractors want a design that is uncomplicated and safe to build. How do we provide the desired outcome to all parties involved?
Because of ASST’s depth of experience we can provide a wealth of knowledge for your solid surface project. We can share creative ideas and best practices incorporating solid surfaces into your next project. Whether you are looking for curved solid surfaces, translucent backlit vertical panels or unique public seating, ASST can help. We can provide you with the project inspiration and technical details to make your solid surface strategy a success!
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. We look forward to Going Beyond for your exciting project! Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Solid Surface Healthcare Casework – Thinking Outside the Square Box
The healthcare industry has long understood the necessity of reducing the spread of bacteria by minimizing the use of porous materials. For years the healthcare industry has utilized Plastic Laminate (PLAM) casework because of the cost effective traits. Solid surfaces such as Corian ®, Durasein ®, Krion ®, LG HI-MACS ®, Wilsonart®, and Avonite ® may cost more upfront; however, this material is virtually future proof.
Casework has traditionally been made of Plastic Laminate clad MDF with PVC glued to the edges. Some of the shortcomings of PLAM casework is the lifespan before adhesives start to fail, the durability of laminate materials and the lack of positive aesthetics. Once the casework is damaged or begins to come apart, it is no longer suitable for healthcare without the risk of harboring bacteria. No health system wants to find out that the loose PVC edging on a piece of casework is spreading bacteria. PLAM is traditionally made using square or rectangular shapes which limits the creativity of design. Today health systems are looking to assist people with ailments as well as being known as a leader in design.
Solid surface material is ideal for the healthcare industry. Solid surfaces are non-porous making it resistant to bacteria growth. Solid surfaces are easy to clean and because there are no layers, it will not separate. Solid surface is easy to repair, long lasting and can be thermoformed into any shape. At ASST, we have 21 years of experience fabricating casework for the healthcare industry. If you want to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria and wow your customers with the design, solid surface is the obvious choice.
If you want your next project to stand the test of time and “wow” your customer, let ASST help you out. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to your 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 Solid Surface Backlighting – Solid Surface Has Seen the Light
How do you get the ‘WOW’ factor across in your next solid surface project? Backlighting. Solid surface designs can be extraordinary and lighting them up can make them stand out from the rest. Backlighting acts like the cherry on top to the solid surface sundae and is a perfect finishing touch. The right type of lighting will elicit attention, illuminate details, and add dimension to the project.
Composition and depth of the solid surface can get lost in dark locations. Some of the leading solid surfaces on the market today have an element of translucency. The last thing anyone would want would be for that trait of translucency to go unnoticed. Don’t let your solid surface project evanish into the background. Make it the focal point by lighting it up.
At ASST we fabricate the most breathtaking and eye catching designs of Corian®, 3Form®, Krion®, LG HiMacs®, Avonite®, Wilsonart®, as well as other solid surface materials. Our creations come in different textures, colors, transparencies, and backlighting will make them stand out even more. Lighting fixtures can range from LED panels to light tape. Either way, lighting behind an ASST solid surface will make your project radiate in its space. ASST can design and incorporate backlighting into the solid surface project plan to make sure that it is unique and enhances the solid surface.
Let ASST guide you through the dark on your next solid surface backlighting project.
Whatever you need, ASST can build it to your 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 Solid Surface Millwork – There Is No Money Tree
Your customer wants millwork that is within budget, will last until the end of the earth, is functional, and looks like Gio Ponti designed it. Meeting one of these requirements can be difficult. Trying to meet all of these requirements can be downright daunting. You may as well quit your job and plan your retirement based on that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Creating a great design, with a product that is durable, made with sustainable materials and in budget is a problem that all architects and general contractors face on a daily basis. We would all like to work for that customer who has a money tree on top of their 200 hundred story world headquarters and writes us blank checks. The reality is that our customers are looking to get the most for what they are spending; using renewable materials that are aesthetically pleasing.
At ASST we have 20 years of experience value engineering projects with sustainable materials. We understand that all projects have a budget, need to be durable and need to be functional. We have worked with most solid surfaces and understand how to implement function and form.
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 Solid Surface 5-Axis CNC – Solid Surfaces Without Limits
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 your exact specifications, in a safe manner, and to the quality standards you expect. Even our EMR safety rating is outstanding at .793! Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Newborn Ergonomics – Solid Surface Cradle Baby Bowl
At some point in your childhood your parents probably told you “to sit up straight” or “don’t slouch”. Although these are well-intentioned instructions, our spines are anything but straight even at birth. Newborns are in a “Primary Curve” C-shaped fetal position upon birth and for the first few months of life, they do not yet have the muscles to support their head. Research has shown that keeping an infant’s spine straight is not a sound physiological position and in addition to stressing the baby’s spine, it can negatively influence the development of a baby’s hip joints. (Dr. Evelin Kirkilionis, University of Freiburg, 2002).
Although there has been much written about adult ergonomics, there has been little innovation and/or product development addressing ergonomic solutions for newborns. ASST first became aware of the need for an innovative baby bathing bowl solution while working with the labor & delivery team at St. Joseph Medical Center in Baltimore. The nursing staff had become frustrated with the bathing bowl that had been recommended for a new project at the hospital. In response to the St. Joseph nursing team’s request, ASST began the design development for an ergonomic baby bowl. The new bowl design needed both a sloped bottom that conformed to the C-shaped spinal curvature of a newborn’s body as well as be fabricated in seamless solid surface.
With the creation of several baby sink mockups, the teams collaboratively worked to test and analyze the final design. The result was the Cradle Baby Bowl ® that supports both a newborn’s head and back during bathing. The seamless connection between the bowl and the adjacent solid surface counter also eliminated corners that could pose an infection risk during bathing. A design that is a true blend of both form and function, the Cradle Baby Bowl ® has to date been installed in hundreds of leading edge health facilities and daycare centers throughout North America, Australia and Africa.
ASST is uniquely positioned to fulfill all aspects of your project. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to your exact specifications, in a safe manner, and to the quality standards you expect. Even our EMR safety rating is outstanding at .793! Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
Comments Off on Specifying Fabricators – Solid Surface Specifications
You want your customer/owner to be delighted with the products and materials that you specify. Most architects and designers know what materials they are going to specify before a project begins. This is because most architects and designers rely on the materials that they have used in the past and they have a relationship with the manufacturing companies.
When architects and designers are taking the obscure ideas of their customers/owners and turning them into a masterpiece project, the fabricators are not usually specified. The job goes to the lowest bid of the subcontractor that meets the prequalification. It may be specified that the fabricator have a minimum of 5 years’ experience working with this product. Does that guarantee a quality job will be done on time and in budget?
At ASST, we have 20 plus years fabricating solid surfaces. Our projects range in size from $30k to multi-million dollar projects. We know that commercial construction environments are dynamic and we plan our projects with contingencies. At ASST, we take a personal interest in our relationships with our customers. Providing quality products and services on time and in budget is what we do.
If you want to be specific about your next solid surface project, let ASST help you with your
specifications. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to your 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 What is Simulated Stone? Plastic Polymer Surfaces
You are designing and building a new healthcare facility or school laboratory. What materials will you choose? The cost of the material, the function of the material and the durability of the material usually have some relevance as what will be chosen for the surfaces.
In healthcare, schools, laboratories and more it is important that surfaces are conducive for a healthy environment. Bacteria and mold in healthcare systems, schools, laboratories, kitchens and bathrooms can be disastrous. Surfaces in these environments need to be easy to clean, non-porous, seamless, repairable and durable.
Acrylic polymer solid surfaces are non-porous and because of this mitigate the risk of mold and bacteria. This makes simulated stone acrylic polymer surfaces ideal for healthcare, schools, laboratories and more. Unlike natural stone surfaces, acrylic polymer surfaces can be thermoformed into just about any shape and size. With color matching adhesives, solid colors are seamless. Acrylic polymer solid surfaces are resistant to scratches and stains similar to natural stone. The benefit of acrylic polymer is that it is easier to clean and repair than natural stone. Cleaning is as simple as using soap and water. Repairing is as easy as sanding with sand paper. Plastic polymer/simulated stone is the obvious choice for most commercial surfaces.
ASST has decades of experience with plastic polymer solid surfaces. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to your 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 Fabrication – Solid Surface Has Come Full Circle
When a customer wants a surface product that will last and remain relevant for years to come, what material do you call on? For thousands of years, hard woods have been the go-to for everlasting furniture, fixtures and tops. The future is bright and modern solid surfaces are now the go-to for everlasting furniture, fixtures, tops and more.
When your product stands out from the others it normally does not come cheap. This is why it is important that your product stand the test of time. Most commercial environments are hard on surface products because of the amount of traffic. The path to success is using material that is durable, manageable to fabricate and is uncomplicated to repair.
At ASST we have 20 plus years of experience fabricating commercial solid surface projects. We know details such as, a patterned material is more likely to show a seam than a solid color. We know gloss finish and dark colors can be difficult to maintain. We know the temperature requirements to thermoform different solid surface materials. Most importantly, we know that our customers expect us to go Beyond the Surface Level ™.
To bring your next solid surface project full circle, let ASST help you with your specifications. Whatever you need, ASST can build it to your exact specifications, in a safe manner, and to the quality standards you expect. Contact us now online or call us at 717-630-1251.
The healthcare industry has long understood the necessity of reducing the spread of bacteria by minimizing the use of porous materials. For years the healthcare industry has utilized Plastic Laminate (PLAM) casework because of the cost effective traits. Solid surfaces such as Corian ®, Durasein ®, Krion ®, LG HI-MACS ®, Wilsonart®, and Avonite ® may cost more upfront; however, this material is virtually future proof.
How do you get the ‘WOW’ factor across in your next solid surface project? Backlighting. Solid surface designs can be extraordinary and lighting them up can make them stand out from the rest. Backlighting acts like the cherry on top to the solid surface sundae and is a perfect finishing touch. The right type of lighting will elicit attention, illuminate details, and add dimension to the project.
Your customer wants millwork that is within budget, will last until the end of the earth, is functional, and looks like Gio Ponti designed it. Meeting one of these requirements can be difficult. Trying to meet all of these requirements can be downright daunting. You may as well quit your job and plan your retirement based on that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
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.
At some point in your childhood your parents probably told you “to sit up straight” or “don’t slouch”. Although these are well-intentioned instructions, our spines are anything but straight even at birth. Newborns are in a “Primary Curve” C-shaped fetal position upon birth and for the first few months of life, they do not yet have the muscles to support their head. Research has shown that keeping an infant’s spine straight is not a sound physiological position and in addition to stressing the baby’s spine, it can negatively influence the development of a baby’s hip joints. (Dr. Evelin Kirkilionis, University of Freiburg, 2002).
You want your customer/owner to be delighted with the products and materials that you specify. Most architects and designers know what materials they are going to specify before a project begins. This is because most architects and designers rely on the materials that they have used in the past and they have a relationship with the manufacturing companies.
You are designing and building a new healthcare facility or school laboratory. What materials will you choose? The cost of the material, the function of the material and the durability of the material usually have some relevance as what will be chosen for the surfaces.
When a customer wants a surface product that will last and remain relevant for years to come, what material do you call on? For thousands of years, hard woods have been the go-to for everlasting furniture, fixtures and tops. The future is bright and modern solid surfaces are now the go-to for everlasting furniture, fixtures, tops and more.
