Owner Manual

either transparent or opaque. Pieces made using
SAN have a high dimensional stability and can be
“easily” injection molded.
THERMOSETTING PLASTICS
These resins can no longer return to their original
state after they have been polymerized through
heating or other means. Before transformation,
thermosetting plastics also have a chain structure.
During polymerization, atomic cross links are
created between molecules, forming a complex
interlinked network. These atomic cross links
prevent the plastic from sliding during subsequent
heating processes. Excessive heat damages
polymers. The thermosetting resins used in
Kartell articles are: PUR (polyurethane), SMC
(Sheet Molding Compound), BMC (Bulk Molding
Compound) and melamine.
Polyurethane (PUR)
Polyurethanes are formed by two components,
polyol and isocyanate, which when combined
in different types and percentages form
countless materials with differing and contrasting
characteristics: from soft polyurethane used by the
foam industry to the rigid structural variety, used to
make the Battista trolley tops by Antonio Citterio.
Melamine
Melamine resins--commonly called melamine--are
thermosetting resins that are colorless and odorless,
resistant to water, chemical agents, abrasion and
heat, and are extremely transparent to light.
Melamine resins are used primarily for tableware
(especially dishes), plastic laminates and kitchen
accessories.
Melamine resin utensils and bowls are microwave
safe, absorbing radiation and heat.
SMC AND BMC
These are thermosetting resins that are mixed
with thermoplastic resins and impregnated
with fiberglass. The difference between the two
resins comes from the method by which they are
impregnated: in SMC the resin impregnates a
sheet of fiberglass, while in BMC the molding mass
is impregnated with glass fibers. Fiberglass fill is
used to create an especially resistant material,
used in Philippe Starck's Miss Balù table tops.
Fiberglass Reinforced Polyester (GRP)
GRP belongs to the family of thermosetting resins;
it has high mechanical characteristics, so much so
that it is also used in the automobile and electronics
industries. Over time, two technologies have been
developed allowing economical use of this material
in mass-produced products: SMC (sheet molding
compound), where the resin impregnates a sheet
of fiberglass and BMC (bulk molding compound)
where the resin impregnates disordered glass fibers.
Thanks to these technologies and the material's
high mechanical characteristics (up to ten times
greater than thermoplastics), highly technological
products can be produced that are capable of
replacing sheets and die-casting in many cases.
WOOD
Natural wood is taken from the plant, either
deciduous or evergreen, and is classified
commercially as hardwood or softwood. Kartell
uses some of the best wood available on the
market. It is processed to guarantee long wear
and resistance in addition to respect of all
environmental standards. Since wood is a natural
material, there can be color variations from piece
to piece. The plastic laminate that is sometimes
combined with wood is created through lamination
and is composed of phenolic and melamine plastic
resins and thermosetting polymers. It is used in
the furniture manufacturing sector as a coating for
chipboard, MDF, honeycomb and other wooden
panels.
METALS AND PAINTS
In Kartell products, metals are limited mainly
to structural parts or to emphasize particular
aesthetic details. The technologies used are
extrusion and die-casting. Often, to improve the
surface and aesthetic quality, metal parts are
painted: in this case using powder coatings are
used, which can be electrically charged to adhere
perfectly to the metal surface. The paints used
for metal are usually epoxy polyesters. Thanks
to their greater durability and resistance to light,
abrasion and weather, the products made using
these materials can be used outdoors. Die casting
is used primarily to solve certain complex aesthetic
issues, such as for the legs of the Battista and
Gastone carts designed by Antonio Citterio. The
die-cast parts can be used as is or coated with
epoxy-polyester.
On many plastic products or parts of products,
more traditional paints, such as acrylic or
polyurethanes are used. In this case painting
serves to enhance the aesthetic quality of the
surface finish and improve durability.