MAPEI launches UAE's first unique, natural and artificial stone testing machine.

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20 Apr 2011

MAPEI, the leading global manufacturer of adhesives, sealants and chemical products for buildings, has unveiled what is believed to be the UAE's first-ever Stone Testing Machine that helps determine the most appropriate kind of adhesives and ancillary products needed in various stone installations. MAPEI's Stone Testing Machine classifies stone materials according to their sensitivity to water and humidity, making it possible to determine the correct type of adhesive required during installation. This will offer clients and installers the peace of mind by ensuring that the correctly installed natural or artificial stone finishes will not show signs of curling or discoloration. MAPEI’s booth at CityBuild Abu Dhabi 2011 is located at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Hall no. 8, Stand no. E30.

Dimensional stability, sensitivity to water and thermal variations are the key factors that the MAPEI Stone Testing Machine takes into account to determine the correct adhesive solution for each stone installation. The MAPEI Stone Testing Machine initially classifies stone materials into three different classes: Class A are those whose choice of adhesive will depend on factors other than the characteristics of the stone material (the size of the slab, type of substrate and service conditions of the material); while Class B and Class C are those that will have to undergo a further test to determine if the stone material requires a fast-setting adhesive or a water-free adhesive (epoxy or polyurethane).

Arch Tarana E Daroogar, Technical Service Manager for MAPEI in the UAE, said: "MAPEI has studied, developed and perfected the groundbreaking stone testing system, which we believe is certainly unique to the UAE and definitely in the Middle east region, in line with the company's commitment to introduce state-of-the-art building solutions that ultimately enhance the quality of our product offerings and deliver cost-saving benefits to customers. Prior to the development of MAPEI's Stone Testing Machine, the conventional practice was to offer a conservative, yet costly one-size-fits-all adhesive solution to customers. MAPEI's game-changing technology now makes it possible to consider a range of different adhesive solutions for the installation, quite often resulting in an overall cost saving, without compromising neither quality nor durability."

MAPEI has been well known for its range of adhesives and grouts that are used to install ceramic and natural stone, while the company has also been gaining momentum with its other product areas, including adhesives for other finishes such as wooden, PVC and sports flooring. The company has been involved in some of the most challenging construction projects in the UAE, including the Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa, Emirates Palace Hotel, the Grand Mosque, Qasr El Sarab resort, Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, Ferrari World and Dubai International Airport’s Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

Founded in Milan, Italy in 1937, MAPEI is now the global leader in production of adhesives and chemical products for buildings. MAPEI has 68 subsidiaries with 58 production facilities in operation spread across 27 countries in 5 continents.