Product Identification
Pionite Pearlescent laminate showcases a dazzling array of patterns printed with metallic and pearlescent inks. Type G27 is a vertical grade laminate intended for non-postforming, low abrasion applications. Type F26 is a postformable, vertical grade laminate intended for low abrasion applications. Pearlescent laminate should not be used in horizontal applications.
Product Composition
Pionite
Pearlescent laminate is manufactured in a flat press by combining decorative papers
saturated in melamine resin with phenolic-impregnated kraft layers at pressures
exceeding exceeding NEMA specifications of 750 psi (5.17 MPa) and temperatures
approaching 300 deg. F (/SOD C). 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 surface wear layer has been eliminated
to enhance the dimensional effect.
Standard Nominal Sizes*
|
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Type
|
Thickness
|
Width
|
Length
|
Colors
|
|
G27
|
(in.) (mm.) |
0.028 0.7 |
48 1219 |
120 3048 |
Pearlescent Collection |
F28
|
(in.) (mm.) |
0.028 0.7 |
48 1219 |
120 3048 |
Pearlescent Collection |
*Additional thicknesses and lengths are available upon request. **Type F26 is available on a special order basis. Please consult your Pionite representative for details. |
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Finish
The Pearlescent Collection, type G27, is stocked in a Gloss (G) finish. This is a high gloss finish with a 60 degree gloss meter reading of 100 + 10 gloss units. Other finishes are available. Finishes other than gloss will not improve wear resistance and may diminish the dimensional effect of the Pearlescent Collection. Sample evaluation is recommended.
Typical Uses
Pionite Pearlescent laminate is suitable for vertical applications where asethetics outweigh durability. Examples include retail display cases, wall and accent panels, and residential furniture.
Fabrication and Postforming Tips
When working with Pearlescent laminate, these techniques will produce a quality application.
- 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.
- The radiused edge of substrate must be smooth, rounded, and free of irregularities and loose particles.
- When postforming F26, lead-in cracks may be minimized by ensuring a smooth cut on the edge of the laminate.
- Always bond laminate to a suitable substrate such as medium to high density fiberboard, particleboard, or metals. It should not be glued directly to plaster walls, gypsum wallboard, or concrete.
- Recommended adhesives include solvent or water-based contact cement, white glue (PVA), epoxy, and hot melt glue. Consult your adhesive supplier for specific application requirements.
- 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.
- When postforming F26, the decorative surface to be formed should be heated to a temperature of 325 deg. F to 375 deg. F (165 deg. C to 190 deg. C).
- When postforming F26, the desired heat-up rate to 325 deg. F (165 deg. C) should be one second for every .001" of thickness (i.e., 30 seconds for F26).
- When postforming F26, forming should be accomplished within 5 seconds of achieving proper surface temperature.
- Heat-up rates of laminate are affected by thickness, color, and finish. Temperatures should be verified by temperature-indicating wax (Tempilaq).
- 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.
- Inside corners of cutouts such as those for electrical outlets, should have
a minimum radius of 1/8" (3 mm) and be filed smooth. This reduces the likelihood
of stress cracks.
- All edges of laminate should be filed smooth with file direction towards substrate to help prevent stress cracks and to minimize chipping.
- 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.
- 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 G27 |
TYPICAL Pionite VALUES F26 |
NEMA STD. VGP |
|
Thickness |
(in.) (mm.) |
0.028 +or- 0.003 0.7 +or- 0.08 |
0.028 +or- 0.003 0.7 +or- 0.08 |
0.028 +or- 0.004 0.7 +or- 0.1 |
|
Wear Resistance
|
(cycles)
|
3.13
|
25
|
25
|
400 (min.)
|
Ball Impact Resistance
|
(in.) (mm) |
3.8
|
25 635 |
25 635 |
20 (min.) 508 (min.) |
Dimensional Change Machine Direction Cross Direction |
(%) (%) |
3.11
|
0.40 0.80 |
0.40 0.80 |
1.10 (max.) 1.40 (max.) |
Boiling Water Resistance
|
3.5
|
No Effect
|
No Effect
|
Slight Effect
|
|
High Temperature Resistance
|
3.6
|
Slight Effect
|
Slight Effect
|
Slight Effect
|
|
Radiant Heat Resistance
|
(sec)
|
3.10
|
155
|
155
|
80 (min.)
|
Cleanability Stain 1-10 Stain 11-15 |
3.4
|
10 No Effect No Effect |
10 No Effect No Effect |
20 (max.) No Effect Moderate Effect |
|
Light Resistance
|
3.3
|
Slight Effect
|
Slight Effect
|
Slight Effect
|
|
Appearance
|
3.1
|
Complies
|
Complies
|
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Formability |
(in.) (mm.) |
3.14
|
not applicable not applicable |
5/8 16 |
1/2 (min.) 13 (min.) |
Blister Resistance
|
(sec.)
|
3.15
|
not applicable
|
50
|
40 (min.)
|
