Surface fabricator
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In industry, a fabricator is a person or business that frames, shapes, or fashions something. A surface fabricator shapes surfaces.
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[edit] Types
For interior spaces, surfaces include solid coverings or decking for floors or walls, and countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, and workspaces. Natural surfaces are composed of naturally occurring materials like wood, stone, mineral, clay, gum and resin. Synthetic surfaces contain, in addition to any natural materials, man-made substances such as metal alloys or polymers. Solid surfaces are synthetic surfaces manufactured from polymeric materials.
Surface fabrication, as a distinct professional enterprise, usually involves complex tasks of surface shaping. A leading case is countertop fabrication. There are professional associations for surface fabrication, such as the International Solid Surface Fabricators Association, The Fabricator Network.com and Solid Surface Alliance. org.
[edit] Properties
Desirable properties of fabricated surfaces include durability (resistance to scratches, stains, heat, pressure), smoothness, warmth, translucence, and an active design which involves variation in color, shape or texture. Also desired is a harmonious and efficient integration with other components of interior design, including sinks, baths and stoves. Solid surfaces have many of these properties, and are typically less costly and easier to care for than premium natural surfaces such as granite. Advantages of natural surfaces include translucence, spectacular variation in texture and color, and durability.
[edit] Tools
Tools of surface fabrication include drills, templates, clamps, ovens, power grips, plunge saws and table saws. For all but the simplest jobs, surface fabrication usually takes place in the workshop, after which the finished product is assembled and installed at the work site. Installation of multi-part surfaces often involves complex work with specialized tools, in order to create a seamless result.
