Subject: Re: Bending Formica

From: [email-masked] (StkyFingr)
Date: 10 Feb 1997 04:47:59 GMT

<<What are the methods used for bending this laminate ?
Does it require special heating eq ?>>

Postforming grade DHPL must be heated to a minimum of 315 degrees F to
postform it.  Again, this is a minimum.  The temperature range for
postforming is usually between 315 degrees F and 340 degrees F. 
Temperature for postforming will depend on line speed if automated, color
of the laminate, and the moisture content of the laminate.

On some occasions the laminate can be bent at lower temperatures without
breaking or cracking, but you will not remove the memory from the HPL. 
With memory left in the HPL, there will be constant stress on the
adhesive, which could lead to an edge lift.

You can get 315 degrees F and 325 degrees F Tempilaq to help determine if
the HPL has reached the proper temperature for postforming.

There are manual postforming machines.  Some better than others.  I have
also seen home made formers, but they do not perform a tight wrap, which
leaves a void on the nose, the entire length of the top.

If you have any more questions, let me know.

Sticky Fingers

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From: [email-masked] (Trevor Galvin)
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 09:09:13 GMT

I didn't have this sophisticated equipment so I took a belt sander to
the back side of the formica reducing the thickness in the bend area
accordingly. With that method and a heat gun I made out alright. I
wasn't working with super tight radaii.

Trevor

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From: [email-masked] (StkyFingr)
Date: 12 Feb 1997 00:22:02 GMT

<< I wasn't working with super tight radaii.>>

That is why.  If you were forming the radius of a kitchen countertop you
would have had a problem with getting proper heat the entire length of the
radius, and you would have had voids throughout the nose of the top.

Sticky Fingers