A History of Engineered Stone

BCG Technology News

Details the history of engineered stone, from its invention in 1960s Italy by Marcello Toncelli to its widespread global use today. Key innovations, such as vibro-compression vacuum technology, enabled mass production. The article also discusses the different types of engineered stone, its various applications, and its environmental and health impacts, particularly concerning silicosis risks among workers. Finally, it notes recent efforts to develop safer, more sustainable alternatives.
The history of engineered stone begins in the early 1960s in the Veneto region of Italy. Marcello Toncelli, an ambitious inventor with a vision to change the stone industry, founded Breton S.p.A. in Castello di Godego. Driven by the desire to create a material that had the esthetic appeal of natural stone but with better consistency and predictability of color and pattern, Toncelli began years of research and experimentation5. This quest for a more uniform and durable material was one of the main driving forces behind the development of Engineered Stone.
His initial efforts focused on combining crushed stone with resin, a process that presented numerous challenges. Early versions were prone to porosity due to air bubbles trapped in the resin. Toncelli's ingenuity led him to a rather unconventional solution: he used a hot water bottle to create a vacuum and eliminate the air bubbles. Although this rudimentary method was effective, it had to be scaled up for industrial production.

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