◆ FAQs — HIMACS Cutting & Cutout

Precise cutting is essential to ensure the visible quality, durability, and longevity of HIMACS products. Poor cutting can make seams more visible and lead to cracking, especially near corners or joints. Proper cutting ensures strong, seamless joins and a professional finish.

Before fabrication, HIMACS sheets must be conditioned at room temperature (20 °C ± 5 °C) for at least 24 hours. This step stabilizes the material and ensures accurate dimensions after cutting and installation.

A complete cutting list should include:

• Project title and intended use

• Customer information

• HIMACS sheet numbers

• Cutting sizes, shapes, and quantities

• Notes on thermal expansion and contraction

• Identification numbers for each fabricated piece

• Additional special notes or requirements
  This documentation supports efficient fabrication, installation, and after-sales service.

No. Factory ends and edges may be damaged or contaminated during storage or transport. LX Hausys recommends trimming these areas before fabrication to ensure clean, durable seams and prevent visible defects.

All inside corners and cutouts must have a minimum radius of 5 mm. Sharp or square corners are prone to cracking. Larger radii provide greater durability and resistance to stress.

Use only machines and tools dedicated to solid surface materials. HIMACS sheets should be fully supported and securely fixed on the worktable. Portable circular saws can be used for rough cutting, but the edges must be finished by routing or sanding for high-quality seams.

Cutouts can be made using:

• CNC machines – for high precision and repeatability

• Hand routers with templates – reliable for small-batch or custom work

• Straight edges – suitable for single-use or simple applications
  All methods must include radiused corners (≥ 5 mm) and fully supported sheets during cutting.

Templates can be made from MDF, plywood, or similar materials using a router with a 10 mm bit and a 25 mm template guide. Templates should be clearly marked with an identification number or basin name for easy reuse and accurate fabrication.

Cooktop cutouts require precision, insulation, and ventilation:

• Maintain at least 3 mm clearance between the appliance and the cutout edge

• Keep seams 300 mm away from heat sources

• Always radius inside corners (≥ 5 mm)

• Finish edges with a 3 mm radius and 180-grit sanding
  Avoid placing glue lines near heating devices and ensure the countertop is made from a single, unglued piece in the hob area.

Heat protection involves reinforcement, insulation, and ventilation:

• Reinforce corners with 150 × 150 mm HIMACS blocks, bevelled and rounded

• Insulate edges with heat-resistant tapes (e.g., ceramic, neoprene, or aluminum reflective tape)

• Provide ventilation beneath the cooktop to disperse heat and prevent cracking or burns.

After cutting or routing, ease and sand all edges to a 3 mm radius using 180-grit sandpaper. Finally, clean the edges with denatured alcohol or acetone and a lint-free white cloth to remove dust and residue.

Cracks usually occur from improper corner radii, lack of reinforcement, poor insulation, or heat buildup. Following LX Hausys’ guidelines for radiusing, reinforcement, and ventilation helps prevent these issues and ensures long-term performance.

Commercial appliances generate higher temperatures and longer heating cycles than residential ones. HIMACS can be used if the design includes enhanced insulation, reinforcement, and ventilation developed in consultation with the appliance supplier.

Accurate cutting and cutouts:

• Improve seam quality and visual appearance

• Prevent cracking and structural failures

• Enhance durability and performance

• Reduce waste and rework during fabrication

• Ensure customer satisfaction and product longevity