Product Specifications

Product Specifications:

Formica SolidCore HPL-CG/EDS >= 6.0mm	[ ]	315 Kb
Formica SolidCore HPL-CG/S >= 6.0mm	[ ]	312 Kb

Formica SolidCore, sometimes referred to as Compact Laminate, is a rigid, self-supporting sheet material.   Sheets of kraft and décor paper are first impregnated with thermosetting resins.   The core of kraft papers together with the surface décor papers are then bonded together into a solid, homogeneous panel by means of high heat and pressure.   Formica SolidCore is manufactured in accordance with SABS ISO 4586-1995, parts 1;4;6 and 7, as well as BS EN 438-4:2005 under the SABS ISO 9002 Quality Management System.

Formica SolidCore is available in either an interior or exterior grade.

Interior Grade SolidCore

With its physical properties interior grade SolidCore is suitable for a wide range of interior and semi-exterior applications, provided the sheets are protected from external influences such as corrosive vapours like acid rain and intense, direct ultraviolet (UV) light.  Intermittent exposure to UV radiation in the form of sunlight, from behind window glass is acceptable.
Interior grade SolidCore offers exceptional wear, scuff, impact, heat, moisture and stain resistance.   Lighter colours, both monotones and prints, with a deeper textured finish are more suitable for working surfaces as dark, smooth or glossy surfaces tend to show signs of wear sooner.

Common applications:

Exterior Grade SolidCore

For vertical, light duty applications with continuous exposure to UV radiation, exterior grade SolidCore is ideal.   An acrylic sheet overlay provides the UV protection.   This UV protective film has a low resistance to mechanical damage and it is therefore not recommended for horizontal working surfaces.   Without the UV protective, film exposing the laminate to full exterior conditions, will cause it to exhibit fine cracks running over the surface known as crazing.   SolidCore with the UV protective film may naturally fade over a long period of time.   However, this occurs at a uniform rate across the entire surface of the panel, eliminating any noticeable effects.

Common applications:

Handling & Storage

• Do not slide or pull panels over each other, but rather lift by hand or with mechanical suction to avoid surface scratches.
  
• For storage and transport, rigid pallets should be sturdy enough to support the load's mass.   Ideally, there should be no overhang.   The base of the stack should be supported over its full area.  If SolidCore is not fully supported and stored in a level position, the panels will distort over a period of time. It is also preferable to cover the pallet with a plastic sheet to prevent the ingress of moisture.   Always keep the uppermost panel of the stack covered with a protective packing board.
  
• It is preferable to store SolidCore in enclosed storage rooms under normal climatic conditions (18-25 °C and 50-60% relative humidity).
  
• Always remove the protective foils on each side of the laminate at the same time.   This allows the laminate to retain its flatness as both surfaces are equally exposed to climatic conditions.

Cutting / Sawing

Use only tungsten carbide tipped tools, with a slower feed speed than that of composite boards.
Chipping may also be avoided by using a scoring blade.

Milling and Edge Profiling

A 2mm to 5mm oversize profile block is recommended.
Diamond tipped tools (PCD) are recommended for large production runs.
Cutter marks are reduced when cutting in the machining (long) direction.
Lightly sand and polish to remove remaining cutter marks.

Drilling

Drill bits for plastic panels with a 60 to 80 degree point angle are most suitable while using drill bits with a 50 to 60 degree point angle for through-holes.
Progressively reduce feed speed to avoid chipping.
For depth-holes, leave a minimum of 1,5mm and 3 mm for holes parallel to the surface.
Drilled holes may be tapped for machine screws.

Construction and Fastening

Formica SolidCore panels will undergo slight dimensional movement during climatic change and therefore allowances for such movement must be made, such as by always using flexible adhesives like polyurethanes.   The movement in the machine direction is half of that in the cross-machine direction.
Conventional fastening and jointing methods may be applied such as tongue and groove, while standard aluminum profiles as used for glazing may also be used.

Lifespan

Taking into account normal wear and tear and provided the application parameters are met the lifespan of this product is estimated to be 10 years.