BS EN 15388:2020 pdf free download – Agglomerated stone一Slabs and cut-to- size products for vanity and kitchen tops.
For finely ground surfaces, honed surfaces and highly polished surfaces, it falls under the responsibility of the manufacturer to declare, according to the colour of the product, the minimum degree of gloss to be expected.
4.2.3 Requirements for the backside
The unexposed surface shall have a regular appearance. Small cracks or cuts are permitted within 10 cm from the sides of the slabs.
When the finishing process for the unexposed surface foresees a calibrated surface, the maximum surface roughness shall not exceed 0,5 mm.
4.2.4 Requirements for the edges
The edges of the cut-to-size product shall be referred to a drawing and tolerances shall be defined accordingly.
5 Characteristics of agglomerated stones for vanity and kitchen tops
5.1 General
The following characteristics shall be declared when subject to regulatory requirements and may be declared otherwise with reference to the conditions of the end usage.
Contractual specifications may be used to establish reference values, e.g. stated in design or supplier data sheet, due account taken of any regulatory requirements applicable.
5.2 Visual appearance
When required, the colour, roughness, of the slabs and cut-to size products shall be identified visually, e.g. by a range of samples selected in agreement by manufacturer and purchaser following the criteria given in EN 146 17-16.
Any visual variations, e.g. inclusions and veins, are permissible provided that they are characteristic of the relevant type of agglomerated stone and provided that they do not adversely affect any performance of the other characteristics of the slabs and cut-to-size products.
Reference sample, visual inspection and acceptance criteria are described in Annex A.
A reference sample shall be an adequate number of pieces of agglomerated stone of sufficient size to indicate the general appearance of the finished work. The dimensions of individual pieces shall beat least 0,01 m2 (typical values are between 0,01 m2 and 025 m2 in face area but may be more) and shall indicate the range of appearance regarding the colouring, the vein pattern, the physical structure and the surface finish.
Evaluation of the reference sample does not imply strict uniformity between the sample itself and the actual supply; natural variations in tonality may always occur due to natural raw materials.
All the differences in aesthetical pattern between the slabs or cut-to-size products and the reference sample shall be considered typical of the agglomerated stone and not as flaws. Therefore, they shall not become a reason for rejection, unless their presence exceeds 15 % of the surface and the typical pattern of the agglomerated stone is lost.
Any comparison between a production slab or cut-to-size product and the reference sample shall be carried out by placing the reference sample in a vertical position against the production slab or cut-to- size product and viewing them at a distance of about two metres under normal daylight conditions and recording any visible differences in the characteristics of the agglomerated stone (see Figure A.1). According to this method, the shading tolerance and the gloss value (in the case of fine ground, honed or highly polished surfaces) measured at six different points of the slab or tile shall be evaluated.
The name and address of the manufacturer or supplier of the agglomerated stone shall also be indicated on the reference test sample.
The pieces of agglomerated stone should be analysed under similar conditions, e.g. daylight or artificial light D65 (6500K) according to EN ISO 11664-2.