Since Monday, the city of Hanover in Germany has been hosting the annual Hannover Messe, an event dedicated to manufacturing industry and digital transformation. From robotics to artificial intelligence, the focus is on automation, technology, and digitalization. Among the exhibitors and visitors, there are, of course, several players from the additive manufacturing sector.

We are discussing this today because one initiative particularly caught our attention: a project led by researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Named CeraMMAM (for Ceramic Multi Material Additive Manufacturing), it implements a universal binder system for a resin technology to print multiple materials in a single vat. The goal? To be able to combine ceramics with metals, or even ceramics of different natures.

This would allow for the precise fusion of mechanical, electrical, or thermal properties.

The researchers' approach is based on photopolymerization: a photosensitive resin is exposed to light of a specific wavelength, causing it to harden locally. The difference is that this resin contains ceramic or metal particles, as well as a binder that allows the different materials to be joined together. Debinding and sintering steps will then be necessary to obtain the final parts.

According to the team, this universal binder is a mixture of liquid polymers, functional additives, and a photoinitiator. No further details are known—but this is where the entire innovative nature of this CeraMMAM process lies. This material preparation work is therefore crucial. We only know that the researchers have a Lithoz 3D printer. Chantal-Liv Lehmann from KIT continues:

Thanks to our universal binder system, we can manufacture multi-material components with innovative and sometimes contradictory properties. This opens the door to entirely new designs and functionalities that were previously impossible to achieve. For example, we can produce components such as ceramic gears with a soft interior and an exceptionally hard surface.

Materials and Applications of the CeraMMAM Process

So far, the team has successfully tested a ceramic-ceramic combination based on aluminum oxide and zirconium oxide, as well as mixtures of alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ) and zirconia-toughened alumina.

The team explains that this process could find particular utility in the aerospace, medical, or mechanical engineering sectors. For example, it could be used to manufacture custom bone and dental implants, or wear- and heat-resistant components with very finely adjusted sintering and porosity zones.

Source: Read the original article | Published: April 23, 2026

Business News The 6 Best Materials for Kitchen Countertops, According to Consumer Reports You'll want to choose carefully when redoing your countertops, especially if you hope they'll last a long time. By Quartz Staff Published 8 hours ago If you're renovating your kitchen, choosing the right countertop is important. The material you choose affects both the look of your kitchen and its resistance to daily use. Consumer Reports has tested popular countertop materials to see how they resist stains, cuts, heat, scratches, and dropped objects. They combined these results into an overall score. Here are the six best materials, each offering a balance of durability, performance, and value at different price points. Read on to find out which materials made the list.

#6: Ultracompact (Dekton)

Price: $50–$100 per square foot Ultracompact countertops score perfectly for stain resistance, cutting, and heat, but their lower impact score hurts their overall ranking. They also score slightly lower for abrasion, placing them behind some more forgiving materials.

#5: Tile (Ceramic and Porcelain)

Price: $5–$20 per square foot Tile countertops resist cuts and heat very well, but perform less well in terms of stain and impact resistance. Their varied durability results place them in the middle of Consumer Reports' ranking, though they are a much more affordable option than others on the list.

#4: Laminate

Price: $5–$25 per square foot Laminate stands out for excellent stain and heat resistance, but performs less well in terms of cutting and abrasion. Its relatively high impact score helps compensate for some of these weaknesses, as does its typical cost.

#3: Recycled Glass (Penetrating Sealant)

Price: $25–$100 per square foot Recycled glass scores high for cutting, heat resistance, and abrasion, but lower results for stains and impacts bring down its overall score. Consumer Reports' tests show it is durable in many areas, but not all.

#2: Granite

Price: $20–$60 per square foot Granite gets top marks for cutting, heat resistance, and abrasion, with good stain resistance as well. Its lower impact score is the main factor keeping it from the top spot.

#1: Quartz (Engineered Stone)

Price: $20–$60 per square foot We're not saying this because it's the name of our publication. Quartz comes out on top thanks to its strong performance in nearly all tests, including excellent resistance to cutting, heat, and abrasion, as well as very good stain resistance. Consumer Reports determined it offers the most comprehensive durability of all materials tested.

Source: Read the original article | Published: April 23, 2026

Industrialized material gains space by combining sophisticated visuals, low porosity, and a simplified cleaning routine, while reducing the need for frequent maintenance and expanding design possibilities in modern kitchens, replacing natural stones in projects that prioritize practicality and durability in everyday use.

The growing presence of quartz in kitchens and gourmet areas accompanies the search for solutions that combine uniform aesthetics and practicality, offering a surface with predictable finishing and lower care requirements compared to traditional marble.

The low porosity of the material stands out, which reduces liquid absorption and contributes to greater resistance to common stains of daily life, in addition to eliminating the frequent sealing requirement that is usually demanded in natural stones.

Even when associated with sophisticated projects, marble requires constant attention in everyday use, as its limestone composition makes it more vulnerable to liquid absorption and the action of acidic substances present in common kitchen ingredients.

Given this behavior, products like lemon and vinegar can cause changes in shine or even corrosion of the surface, which increases the need for preventive maintenance and reinforces the importance of frequent care to preserve the original finish.

Why Quartz is Growing in Modern Kitchens

By observing recent trends, the advancement of quartz is directly linked to the need for more functional materials, capable of maintaining a sophisticated appearance while withstanding the intense routine of use without requiring constant interventions.

Moreover, its composition with minerals and resins allows for precise industrial control, ensuring thickness standardization, a variety of colors, and uniform finishing, characteristics that expand application possibilities in contemporary projects.

Due to its greater sensitivity to acidic agents, the surface can undergo changes even without visible stains, compromising the shine and requiring technical interventions to restore the original appearance of the stone.

In addition to this, the need for periodic sealing represents an additional cost over time, while quartz, due to its extremely low porosity, generally dispenses with this type of maintenance in internal applications.

Costs and Perception of Savings in Installation

The expansion of quartz is also related to the perception of better cost-effectiveness, especially when considering the reduction of maintenance expenses and the greater durability of the material in high-use environments.

Although exact values may vary depending on the project, region, and complexity of the installation, the market indicates that the material tends to simplify the process and reduce waste, contributing to a more controlled budget.

As a result, savings manifest mainly over time, as the lower need for interventions and specific products directly impacts the maintenance costs of the countertop.

Daily Resistance and Limits of the Material

Regarding resistance, quartz performs well against light impacts and everyday use, maintaining the integrity of the surface even when faced with utensils and objects frequently used in the kitchen.

Still, it is important to consider that the material is not completely immune to damage, especially when exposed to extreme conditions that go beyond conventional household use.

Direct contact with high temperatures, for example, can compromise the structure of the resin present in the composition, making it advisable to use thermal supports to preserve the durability of the countertop.

Simple Cleaning Eases Domestic Routine

In the cleaning routine, quartz stands out for its practicality, as daily maintenance can be done with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft cloth, without the need for specialized products or complex procedures.

This process contributes to the preservation of the finish over time, while also reducing the effort required after meal preparation or intense use of the surface.

Despite this ease, the use of abrasive materials or harsh chemical products should be avoided, as they can cause gradual wear and compromise the visual aspect of the countertop.

Versatile Design Expands Applications in the Project

The aesthetic versatility of quartz also plays a relevant role in its popularization, as the material allows for the creation of continuous and uniform surfaces, with a wide variety of colors and patterns available on the market.

This characteristic favors projects that seek visual integration between different elements of the kitchen, including countertops, central islands, and vertical coverings, without noticeable interruptions in the finish.

In this way, the substitution of marble for quartz reflects a choice based on functionality, bringing together less maintenance required, suitability for everyday use, and greater aesthetic predictability in contemporary residential projects.

This standardization contributes to more predictable performance in daily use, reducing the occurrence of permanent stains caused by food and beverages, as long as cleaning is performed properly and with compatible products.

Limitations of Marble in Daily Use

When placed in frequently used kitchens, marble tends to require a more rigorous care routine, which does not always align with the fast pace of domestic activities and the need for more practical solutions.

Source: Read the original article | Published: April 22, 2026

Terrace Construction

Laying Ceramic Tiles: New System Prevents Wobbling and Shifting of Slabs

A new fixing system from Gutjahr aims to make the loose laying of thin ceramic elements in outdoor areas safer. By mechanically connecting the slabs at the joint cross on a fixing plate, stability in the gravel or chippings bed is increased and wobbling of the surface is prevented.

The fixing plate connects the slabs at the joint cross and anchors itself in the subsoil.

Lightweight ceramic slabs tend to move and become unstable when laid unbound in a chippings bed. To prevent this wobbling, Gutjahr has developed the Aqua Drain FS system. It serves the mechanical stabilization of slab surfaces. In this process, the ceramic elements are fixed in the area of the joint cross to a special fixing plate using the mounting adhesive Di-Protec FIX-MSP. The Indor-Tec FN-XT leveling system ensures precise alignment.

“The fixing plate connects the slabs at the joint cross and anchors itself in the subsoil. This ensures that the slabs lie firmly – both horizontally and vertically,” explains Gutjahr product manager Thomas Römer.

According to Römer, this creates a calmer and more stable surface, even under intensive use. This enables the safe loose laying of ceramic slabs that are only two centimeters thick.

Adapted Components for Processing

As part of the system optimization, Gutjahr has also revised the mounting adhesive Di-Protec FIX-MSP. For a less conspicuous appearance in open or reduced joints, the adhesive is now black instead of gray. Furthermore, the packaging sizes have been adjusted. The 310-ml cartridge now consists of recycled material. Additionally, the adhesive is now also available as a 580-ml sausage pack.

“Especially together with the Aqua Drain FS system, large quantities of the adhesive are consumed. That’s why craftspeople wished for a larger packaging unit,” said Römer.

Source: Read the original article | Published: April 14, 2026

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• Are Porcelain Countertops Worth It? Here's What to Know Before Your Next Kitchen Reno (Real Simple)

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• Are Porcelain Countertops Worth It? Here's What to Know Before Your Next Kitchen Reno (Real Simple)

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• Porcelain & Sintered Stock Deals
• Quartz Stone Stock Deals
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• Are Porcelain Countertops Worth It? Here's What to Know Before Your Next Kitchen Reno (Real Simple)

Related sales path

• Porcelain & Sintered Stock Deals
• Quartz Stone Stock Deals
• Kitchen Countertops

Sources

• Are Porcelain Countertops Worth It? Here's What to Know Before Your Next Kitchen Reno (realsimple.com)

Related sales path

• Porcelain & Sintered Stock Deals
• Quartz Stone Stock Deals
• Kitchen Countertops

Sources

• Are Porcelain Countertops Worth It? Here's What to Know Before Your Next Kitchen Reno (Real Simple)

Related sales path

• Porcelain & Sintered Stock Deals
• Quartz Stone Stock Deals
• Kitchen Countertops

Sources

• Are Porcelain Countertops Worth It? Here's What to Know Before Your Next Kitchen Reno (Real Simple)