How Do Large UHPC Panels Achieve Continuous Stone Veining on the Surface? Full-Process Reproduction Technology for Imitation Stone Texture

Achieving a realistic, continuous natural stone grain effect on the surface of large UHPC panels is a systematic project that integrates material aesthetics with precision manufacturing technology. Qinglong Group's core technology in this field can be summarized as a four-step method of "Digital Sampling, Mold Transfer, Color Penetration, and Surface Refinement." What we pursue is not only the realism of individual panels, but also the smooth transition and seamless connection of the overall stone grain after multiple panels are joined together—something that is crucial in large curtain wall projects.

First is "Digital Sampling" and texture design. We use high-resolution 3D scanners to scan the surfaces of selected natural stone samples (such as Carrara White and Portuguese Beige), obtaining micron-level precision texture and relief data. Rather than simply copying, our designers use this data to "re-create" in a digital environment: analyzing the direction, joints, and rhythm of the original stone texture, then seamlessly stitching and scaling the digital texture according to the panel dimensions of the building facade, to design a project-exclusive, continuously joinable "digital stone skin." This ensures that the texture of every UHPC panel is part of the overall pattern, restoring a complete, natural stone effect after the panels are joined.

Second is the "Mold Transfer" technology. We engrave the processed digital model onto specially made molds through high-precision CNC carving. The depth and clarity of the negative texture on the mold surface determine the layered quality of the final effect. We use highly elastic food-grade silicone or high-hardness polyurethane as the mold surface material, as they can perfectly replicate the stone's micro-cracks and crystal reflective surfaces. When casting UHPC, high-frequency micro-vibration technology ensures that the ultra-high performance concrete slurry fills every fine corner of the mold texture.

Finally, and most critically, comes "Color Penetration" and "Surface Refinement." The color of the stone grain is not simply spray-applied, but achieved through the natural penetration and fusion of multiple layers of multi-colored slurries during the casting process. By controlling the casting sequence and flowability of different colored UHPC slurries, we simulate the layering and interweaving of minerals in natural stone. After demolding, surface treatment processes such as antique brushing, acid washing, or sandblasting are applied to expose different color layers, further enhancing the three-dimensionality and natural texture of the grain. In the facade project of a financial center in Shanghai, the stone grain effect of the UHPC panels produced with this process was so realistic that even professional architects found it difficult to distinguish it from real stone at close range, and perfect continuity of facade texture was achieved over an area exceeding 2,000 square meters.