Changzhou Zhenghang Decorative Materials Co.,Ltd.

Limitations

Zhenghang brand laminate is designed for interior use only. Do not adhere directly to plaster, drywall (gypsum board), or concrete. Do not use in areas exposed to temperatures exceeding 275°F (135°C) or for exterior applications. Finished panel width should not exceed 24" (61.0cm) maximum if using a contact adhesive gluing system.

 

Storage

Laminate should be stored horizontally, with a caul board or other protective sheet placed on top to protect the material from possible damage. The material should be protected from moisture, and should never be stored in contact with the floor or an outside wall. Optimum conditions for storage are approximately 75°F (24°C), and 45% to 55% relative humidity.

 

Precondition

Prior to fabrication, allow both the laminate and substrate to acclimate for at least 48 hours at the same ambient conditions. Optimum conditions are approximately 75°F (24°C), and relative humidity of 45% to 55%. Provisions should be made for the circulation of air around the materials.

 

Substrates

Zhenghang brand laminate should be bonded to an appropriate substrate such as 45# density particleboard (CS 236-66: Type 1, Grade B, Class 2), or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). The use of plywoods is discouraged whenever possible, due to the potential for stress cracking, shrink-back, and surface telegraphing problems. The substrate should be sanded smooth, clean, free of oil or grease, and uniform in thickness.

 

Adhesive

Contact, semi-rigid (PVAc), or rigid (urea, resorcinol) adhesives may be used. Follow the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations. Certain combinations of finish, substrate, and adhesive can cause telegraphing.

For panels wider than 24" (61.0cm), we recommend using semi-rigid or rigid adhesives to reduce the potential for stress cracking and delamination.

 

Assembly

Material, equipment, and workmanship should conform to the industry standard practices, conditions, procedures, and recommendations as specified by ANSI/NEMA LD3-1995, Section 4, Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards, DLPA (Decorative Laminate Products Association) and ANSI 161.2-1979 standards. Postforming laminate can be sawed, drilled, routed, and fabricated using standard carbide-tipped cutting tools. Panel assemblies should be laminated with the appropriate backing sheet to minimize warpage. Optimum balancing is obtained by bonding the same surface laminate on both sides of the assembly with the same adhesive. For less critical applications the selection of an appropriate backer, depends on the specific application. Always align sanding marks in the same direction. Installed panel width should not exceed 24" (61.0cm) maximum for Cabinets Liners if using a contact adhesive glue system. All inside corners of cutouts must be radiused as large as possible, 1/8" (3.18mm) minimum, to avoid stress cracking. The edges and corners should be routed, sanded, or filed smooth and free of chips or nicks.

 

Conditions Affecting Postforming

Successful postforming is easily accomplished by using various techniques which recognize and moderate the common variables associated with postforming. These techniques incorporate preconditioning, temperature control, elimination of drafts, and proper equipment adjustment and maintenance.

 

Preconditioning

Postforming grade laminate is hygroscopic. that is, it is capable of losing or absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. Therefore, if it is exposed to dry air conditions, a loss of moisture can result that adversely affects its postforming properties. To assure proper postforming performance, Zhenghang Brand postforming grade laminate should be preconditioned prior to use for at least 48 hours at 70°F (21°C) and 50% relative humidity. Small shop areas can be economically humidified with portable humidifier units. Larger areas may require specific recommendations from a Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning equipment supplier.

Remember, when seasonal changes approach, preconditioning practices should be observed to maintain consistent postforming conditions inside the shop, regardless of the atmospheric conditions outside. This is especially important during winter months, when dry air conditions often exist.

 

Temperature Control

The optimum postforming temperature for Zhenghang Brand Laminate is at or near 325°F (163°C). Lower temperatures may cause cracking while higher temperatures may cause gloss changes, blistering and/or cracking. If either occurs, alter the surface temperature accordingly. On most equipment this can be accomplished by adjusting the power input to the heater, the heater height or the line speed.

To determine the surface temperature of laminated plastic, there are two primary techniques which can facilitate equipment setup. One relatively simple technique involves the use of temperature indicators such as Tempilaq® Temperature Indicating Liquid or Tempilstik® Temperature Indicating Crayons to facilitate equipment setup. Another effective method of monitoring and measuring the laminate surface temperature is to use a noncontact infrared thermometer.

 

Eliminate Drafts

Avoid open windows or doors near the postforming operation. Sudden drafts over the heated laminate surface can drop its temperature below optimum conditions and cause cracking or crazing. This is especially important during cold weather, when cold blasts from open doors, etc., can happen unexpectedly. The use of temporary or permanent partitions to eliminate drafts is often required.

 

Equipment Inspection

Commercial or custom-built postforming equipment will perform efficiently and properly only if it is in good working condition. All equipment should, therefore, be inspected periodically. Automatic timers may malfunction. Heating elements may develop hot spots or fail to heat up. Guides or stops may loosen. Rollers may become misaligned or worn. Planned periodic inspection of all critical components will help avoid costly material damage and loss of valuable production time.