Product Identification

Pionite Fire Rated laminate is designed for interior horizontal and vertical applications where a decorative surface must resist combustion and inhibit smoke production. Fire Rated laminate, Type K, retains the durability, ease of cleaning, and appearance (including color) of standard Pionite laminate. Pionite Fire Rated laminate is classified in the U.S. and Canada by Underwriters Laboratory, Inc. under File R6581. Pionite Fire Rated Backing Sheets are also available and provide fire ratings equal to fire rated decorative laminate of the same thickness.

Product Composition

Pionite Fire Rated laminate is manufactured in a flat press by combining decorative papers saturated in melamine resin with phenolic-impregnated kraft layers at pressures exceeding 1000 psi (6895 kPa) and temperatures approaching 300 deg. F (150 deg. C). Special additives are incorporated into the laminate to impart fire-retardant properties. The panels are trimmed to size and the backs are sanded to facilitate bonding. The thickness of the laminate is determined by the number of kraft layers used. The laminating process combines the durability of melamine resins with the aesthetics of decorative papers creating a surfacing material that has been the standard for well over forty years.

Product Description
Standard Nominal Sizes
Type
Thickness
Width
Length
Colors
K61
(in.)
(mm.)
0.060
1.5
36, 48, 60
762, 914, 1219, 1524
96, 120, 144
2438, 3048, 3658
All Solids, Patterns
and Woodgrains
K51
(in.)
(mm.)
0.049
1.2
36, 48, 60
762, 914, 1219, 1524
96, 120, 144
2438, 3048, 3658
All Colors & Patterns
and Woodgrains
K32
(in.)
(mm.)
0.031
0.8
36, 48, 60
762, 914, 1219, 1524
96, 120, 144
2438, 3048, 3658
All Colors & Patterns
and Woodgrains
KB8
(in.)
(mm.)
0.049
1.2
36, 48, 60
762, 914, 1219, 1524
96, 120, 144
2438, 3048, 3658
Brown Backer
KB0
(in.)
(mm.)
0.049
1.2
36, 48, 60
762, 914, 1219, 1524
96, 120, 144
2438, 3048, 3658
Brown Backer
test

Finish Options
Code
Finish
Description
N
Suede
Low gloss, textured finish, 12 + or - 3 gloss units.
G
Gloss
A high gloss, smooth finish, 100 + or - l0 gloss units.
J
Crystal
Fine pebble grained finish with a medium gloss, 15 + or - 3 gloss units.
C
Soft Leather
A finely grained leather finish, 14 + or - 3 gloss units.
Available in widths of 48" and 60" only.
L
Embossed
Leather
Deeply embossed leather finish, 5 + or - 1 gloss units.
W
Embossed Slate
Deeply embossed slate finish, 7 + or - 1 gloss units.
Z
Ashwood
A fine wood finish with a cathedral grain, 18 + or - 3 gloss units.
Note: Gloss units measured with a 60 degree gloss meter.


Typical Uses

Pionite Fire Rated laminate is suited for hospitals, schools, airports, hotels, and any other public building where strict fire codes apply.


Fabrication Tips

When working with Pionite Fire Rated laminate, these techniques will produce a quality application.

  1. Proper conditioning of the laminate, substrate, and backing sheet minimizes possible warping, shrinking, or expansion of assembled panels. Ideally, all components should be conditioned at 70 deg. F to 75 deg. F (21 deg. C to 25 deg. C) and 45 to 50 percent relative humidity for 48 hours prior to assembly.

  2. Always bond laminate to a suitable substrate such as inorganic cement board, UL listed fire retardant particleboard, UL listed fire retardant MDF, or metals. It should not be glued directly to plaster walls, gypsum wallboard, or concrete.

  3. Maximum performance is gained by utilizing a fire-rated adhesive, such as Indspec G 1124 or G1149A/G1131B. (Indspec Adhesive is a product of Indspec Chemical Corp., Pittsburg, PA)

  4. The use of a backing sheet is recommended to minimize warpage. The thickness of the backing sheet should be relatively equal to the thickness of the decorative laminate on the face of the assembly.

  5. All saw blades and router bits used for cutting should be carbide tipped. Feed rate should be slow and tool speed should be high. To minimize the development of surface scratches caused by router bits, lubricating the laminate edge with a wax stick is recommended prior to tooling.

  6. All edges of laminate should be filed smooth with file direction towards substrate to help prevent stress cracks and to minimize chipping.

  7. Inside corners of cutouts for electrical outlets, sinks, etc., should have a minimum radius of 1/8" (3 mm) and be filed smooth. This reduces the likelihood of stress cracks.

  8. When nails or screws must be used, it is advisable to first drill an oversized hole through the laminate. This reduces the likelihood of stress cracks.

  9. All work must be designed, assembled, and installed in compliance with pertinent local fire codes.

  10. All laminate is intended for interior use only, and should not be exposed to extreme humidity, continuous sunlight, or temperatures above 275 deg. F (135 deg. C) for extended periods of time.


Technical Information
Physical Properties




Test
NEMA
LD 3-1995
Test
Method
TYPICAL
Pionite
VALUES
K61
NEMA STD.
SGF
TYPICAL
Pionite
VALUES
K51
NEMA STD.
HGF
TYPICAL
Pionite
VALUES
K32
NEMA STD.
VGF
Thickness
(in.)
(mm.)
0.060 +or- 0.003
1.5 +or- 0.080
0.059 +or- 0.005
1.5 +or- 0.12
0.049 +or- 0.003
1.2 +or- 0.080
0.048 +or- 0.005
1.2 +or- 0.12
0.031 +or- 0.003
0.8 +or- 0.080
0.032 +or- 0.005
0.8 +or- 0.12
Wear Resistance
(cycles)
3.13
700
400 (min.)
700
400 (min.)
700
400 (min.)
Ball Impact Resistance
(in.)
(mm)
3.8
60
1524
55 (min.)
1397 (min.)
50
1270
45 (min.)
1143 (min.)
25
635
20 (min.)
508 (min.)
Dimensional Change
  Machine Direction
  Cross Direction
 
(%)
(%)
3.11
 
0.25
0.70
 
0.50 (max.)
0.90 (max.)
 
0.25
0.70
 
0.50 (max.)
0.90(max.)
 
0.40
0.80
 
0.70 (max.)
1.20(max.)
Boiling Water Resistance
3.5
No Effect
No Effect
No Effect
No Effect
No Effect
No Effect
High Temperature Resistance
3.6
No Effect
Slight Effect
No Effect
Slight Effect
No Effect
Slight Effect
Cleanability
  Stain 1-10
  Stain 11-15
3.4
10
No Effect
No Effect
20 (max.)
No Effect
Moderate Effect
10
No Effect
No Effect
20 (max.)
No Effect
Moderate Effect
10
No Effect
No Effect
20 (max.)
No Effect
Moderate Effect
Light Resistance
3.3
Slight Effect
Slight Effect
Slight Effect
Slight Effect
Slight Effect
Slight Effect
Appearance
3.1
Complies
Complies
Complies

 

Fire Test Data

High pressure decorative laminate is frequently used in installations governed by local fire codes. Burning characteristics of laminate are greatly influenced by the adhesive and substrate utilized. Listed below are typical flame spread index and smoke developed values for Pionite Fire Rated laminate.

Flame spread index and smoke developed values were determined by ASTM E-84, "Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials." This method is also designated by other agencies as follows:
UL723
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
ANSI 2.5
American National Standards Institute
NFPA 255
National Fire Protection Agency
UBC 42-1
Uniform Building Code
CAN/ULC S 102-M
Uniform Building Code


ASTM E-84/UL723

"Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials"

Type
Sample
Configuration
Flame
Spread Index
1
Smoke
Developed Values
K61
K51
K32
Unbonded
55-70
25
25-40
(60-75)
(25)
(25-45)
80
70
35
K61
K51
K32
Bonded* to
Cement Board
20
5
5
(20)
(5)
(5)
5
5
5
K61
K51
K32
Bonded* to 1/2"
Fire Rated
Plywood
50
(55)
35-85
K61
K51
K32
Bonded* to
3/8" Fire Rated
Particleboard
15
15
25
(15)
(15)
(25)
55
60
90-160
* Bonded with Indspec Chemical G1124 or G1149/G1131B 2-part Resorcinol glue.
1 Values in parenthesis are applicable to Canadian Standards (CNC).


Codes and Certifications
  1. Classified by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., under File R658 1, Pionite Type K32, K51, K61, KB8 and KB0.

  2. Classified in accordance with Standard CAN/ULC-S102-M. by Underwriters Laboratories Inc., under file R658 1, Pionite Types K32, K51, K61, KB8 and KB0.

  3. Lloyds Register of Shipping:

    Type
    Certificate No.

    K32

    SVG/F92/316
    K51
    SVG/F92/316
    K61
    SVG/F92/318


  4. United States Coast Guard Certificates of Approval:

    Type
    Approval No.

    K32

    164.012/12/0
    K51
    164.012/13/0
    K61
    164.012/2/0


  5. Canadian Coast Guard Board of Steamship Inspection Certificates of Approval:

    Type
    Certificate No.

    K32

    G1-118
    K51
    Gl-119
    K61
    Gl-120


  6. The City of New York, Dept. of Buildings, Materials and Equipment Acceptance Division approval code is as follows: K32, K51, and K61: MEA 345-92-M

  7. MIL-STD-1623D(SH), "Fire Performance Requirements and Approved Specifications for Interior Finish Materials and Furnishings (Naval Shipboard Use)." Pionite K61 complies with this standard.

  8. MIL-P-17171E(SH), "High Pressure Decorative Laminate." Pionite K51 and K61 comply with Type IV.

  9. American National Standards Institute/National Electrical Manufacturers Association (ANSI/NEMA), LD3- 1995, "HighPressure Decorative Laminate." Pionite Type K32, K51, and K61 comply. K32 complies with VGF, K51 complies with HGF and K61 complies with SGF.

  10. Federal Aviation Administration for Transport Category Airplanes Part 25.853 (a). Pionite K32 and K51 comply.

Back to Products Page   -   Back to Top
Panolam Industries  |  Panolam                                                                            2004 Panolam Industries Privacy Policy