An Introduction To DEKTON
DEKTON cutting is by no means as simple and straightforward as you might expect. Cosentino spent 6 years researching, designing and developing a new, large format product that featured unique properties not found elsewhere.
The manufacturing process of creating DEKTON involves purifying the highest quality of raw materials before extreme amounts of heat and pressure compact the material into its slab format. DEKTON does not feature any resins or organic additives, the chemical composition of DEKTON is fully inorganic.
Cosentino obtained the patent for DEKTON in 2012 and to this day it’s a popular choice because of its unique properties, making it a durable and hard-wearing surface for both indoor and outdoor applications. These properties include high resistance to abrasion and wear and tear, extreme resistance to compression, resistance to chemicals and high resistance to hydrolysis.
It’s these incredible properties which have ensured DEKTON remains a popular choice amongst end users. However, DEKTON cutting also remains a challenge for fabricators used to working with traditional surfaces such as granite and quartz, as tools that stone workers have found to work well on granite, marble and engineered stone are simply not up to the job when it comes to DEKTON due the materials composition.
Stonegate, The Essential DEKTON Cutting Tool Provider
Here at Stonegate, we’ve worked tirelessly with Cosentino to develop a bespoke range of tooling which has been tested and certified for use with DEKTON; why does that matter? Well, it’s the peace of mind that the tools you’re using will cut accurately, not damage the slab and not chip the surface.
Our specialist diamond blades for DEKTON cutting feature the highest levels of hard diamond set into a softer than average bond, this means more diamond is exposed during use, adding to the cutting power and ensuring that the blade cuts more effectively.
A vital consideration when cutting DEKTON with our specialist blades is the importance of using as much water as possible as this keeps the cut cool as well as clearing away dust, debris and slurry.
However, having the right tools for the job is just one part of the process, you also need to understand some helpful hints and tips to ensure you get the most from your tools and create the very best finished product possible.
Essential Tips For Your DEKTON Cutting:
Check the Cutting Surface.
Ensure that your DEKTON slab is perfectly flat and is placed on a supported surface, free of irregularities which might affect the slab’s adhesion. Cutting on an uneven surface means greater vibration, and the more a slab vibrates, the higher the risk that the blade will chip and break the edge. Try our Black Nest Rubber Matting for best results!
Choose the Right Blade.
Specialised blades that have been developed with greater levels of harder diamond set inside a softer bond mean an increased level of cutting power. Here at Stonegate we sell a range of Cosentino approved products – check it out here!
Use the Right Feeds and Speeds.
Unlike the feeds and speeds used when cutting traditional materials like granite and engineered stone, UCS surfaces require a higher RPM and slower feed rate. Always check the recommended guidelines, or just ask our friendly team for advice!
Use Enough Water.
Using as much water as possible is key when cutting DEKTON, so we recommend turning the water up as high as it will go on your machine. We’ve put together a handy graphic so you can see exactly where to position the water hoses. Ensure that the water is directed right into the cut and if your saw doesn’t have a sufficient water supply, you could channel another water source to the area of cutting.
Remove Tension Strips.
Depending on the manufacturer, slabs may have tension strips built into the perimeters. If they are not removed prior to cutting, the slab is at higher risk of cracking or breaking. To be safe, we suggest cutting 25mm inward around the entire slab, and always start with the two long edges first, then the short edges.
Never Plunge Cut.
Always avoid plunge cutting UCS materials and instead start your cut from the outside of the slab to mitigate the risk of destroying the surface. Once the cut is finished, avoid moving backward with the blade still inside the material as this can cause chipping and closing of the abrasive part of the tool.
Sharpen your Diamond Tools.
Ensure you maintain the life of your tools and the quality of your cut by sharpening your equipment in between each job. We recommend that you cut an engineered stone job periodically in between DEKTON jobs to freshen up the diamonds – otherwise, check out our handy Sharpening Block. Make sure you run your diamond tools through the sharpening block dry, as this helps you get the best possible cutting edge.
Handle Correctly.
It’s important that you use the correct equipment when handling DEKTON. Try our Sky Rider or Super V Lift for lifting thin materials, our Super Thin Slab Handling Frames for lifting and handling, and our Sink Bars to strengthen weak areas whilst cutting!