[site_banner]

Home / Technical Brief / Vacuum Laminating/Membrane Pressing KYDEX® Sheet TB 141B

Vacuum Laminating/Membrane Pressing KYDEX® Sheet TB 141B

Download

Vacuum Laminating/Membrane Pressing KYDEX® Sheet

INTRODUCTION

Laminating processes where unprimed KYDEX® sheet is heated until it is formable and then a strong vacuum draws it down onto a substrate coated with adhesive. Ideal for contoured forms with rounded corners or curved parts. Vacuum laminating only uses vacuum to help the KYDEX® sheet wrap around the edges. Membrane pressing adds positive pressure to the surface of it after the vacuum cycle has begun to help force it into the profile and around the bottom edge of the part.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

A design is routed into the substrate (MDF, wood, etc.) and a heat-activated adhesive is applied to the surface. These parts are placed on the vacuum table and KYDEX® sheet is placed over the parts; clamps on the edges of the table hold it so that vacuum can be pulled. The table slides into the press and is heated, the KYDEX® sheet becomes formable, and the adhesive is activated. Then vacuum from below and pressure from above, when membrane pressing, pushes/pulls it around the contoured part. The table and parts then begin to cool. Minutes later, the table slides out of the press and the parts are ready for trimming.

WHAT GRADES OF KYDEX® SHEET WORK BEST FOR MEMBRANE PRESSING?

Thicknesses from 0.71mm (0.028”) to 1.02mm (0.040”) are recommended in the vacuum laminating/membrane pressing process. Thicknesses up to 12.80mm (0.500”) are available for other application methods.

KYDEX® XD: Extreme durability (XD), superior impact, membrane pressable thermoplastic 3D laminate with integral color from 0.76mm-1.02mm (0.030”-0.040”) thickness, offers Class 1/A rating.

KYDEX® XD03: Extreme durability (XD), superior impact, membrane pressable thermoplastic 3D laminate with integral pearlescent color from 0.76mm-1.02mm (0.030”-0.040”) thickness, offers Class 1/A rating.

KYDEX® XDWG: High impact, membrane pressable thermoplastic 3D laminate with wood grain design in 0.91mm (0.036”) thickness only, offers Class 1/A rating.

PROCESSING

Most membrane presses have a preheat step, then a pressure/vacuum step and a cooling step. Each machine has different optimum settings, but a good starting point is below:

Pre-Blowing
Time		Preheating
Time		Pressing
Time		Cooling
Time		Top Heater
Temperature		Bottom Heater
Temperature		Pressure
0.76mm (0.030”)1 second70-80 seconds65-75 seconds80-90 seconds1300C – 1500C
(2660F – 3020F)		820C – 880C
(1800F – 1900F)		2 Bars
(29 psi)
1.02mm (0.040”)1 second120-140 sec-
onds		85-95 seconds110 seconds1300C – 1500C
(2660F – 3020F)		820C – 880C
(1800F – 1900F)		2 Bars
(29 psi)

MINIMUM RADIUS

The minimum radius using 0.571mm (0.028”) KYDEX® sheet would be about 3.18mm (0.125”) at a19.05mm (0.750”) draw. Any smaller and tear-out may occur. In general, the thicker the sheet stock the better chance of wrapping tight radiuses with deeper draws.

BOWING

On long and large parts, when the KYDEX® sheet shrinks as it cools, it can pull of the edges of the substrate, causing the substrate to bow. This is a common occurrence with most laminating foils. However, there are some steps that can be taken to combat warping or bowing:

  1. Get a stronger or higher density substrate
  2. Purchase a pre-bowed substrate, and press the KYDEX® sheet so that its bowing tendency is in the opposite direction.
  3. Use thinner gauge material. Product minimum thicknesses are listed above.
  4. Some parts will allow for structural support; i.e. fastening the part at the ends can correct bowing effects.
  • Helmibond 854 with catalyst #552, (Helmitin Adhesives) US: 800.634.8761 / Canada: 877.823.2624 www.helmitinadhesives.com
  • JOWAPUR 151 00, (Jowat Adhesives) USA: 800.322.4583 // UK: Ltd. +44 1785 716565 // AG Germany: 49 (0)5231 749-0 www.jowat.com
  • Bostic 7132R/Boscodur 24T, (Bostic) 414.774.2250 // UK Ltd: 44 1785 257 755 // GmbH: 0 (54) 25/8 01-0 // S.A. France (33) 1 47 96 94 65 / www.bostik.com
  • Daubond 6429, (Daubert Chemical) USA 800.688.0459 / (Outside US: +1.708.496.7350) / www.daubertchemical.com
  • RK-4000-B, (H.B. Fuller)USA: 888.423.8553 // UK: 00800 385 53711 / www.hbfuller.com
  • Vy-Lok 1011 with hardener IS205, (National Starch and Chemical USA: 800.797.4992 // UK: 44 1753 533494 www.nationaladh.com

Additionally, many PVC adhesives normally work well with KYDEX® sheet.

MEMBRANE PRESS MANUFACTURERS

Because we cannot anticipate or control the many different conditions under which this information and our products may be used, we do not guarantee the applicability of the accuracy of this information or the suitability of our products in any given situation. Users should conduct their own tests to determine the suitability of each product for their particular purposes. Data in the physical property table represents typical values and are to serve only as a guide for engineering design. Results are obtained from specimens under ideal laboratory conditions. Right to change physical properties as a result of technical progress is reserved. THE PRODUCTS DISCUSSED ARE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN OUR STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE. Buyer assumes all responsibility for loss or damage arising from the handling and use of our products, whether done in accordance with directions or not. In no event shall the supplier or the manufacturer be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Also, statements concerning the possible use of our products are not intended as recommendations to use our products in the infringement of any patent. Consult local code and regulatory agencies for specific requirements regarding code compliance, transporting, processing, recycling and disposal of our product. Product not intended for use as a heat resistant surface. Texture, product grade and other conditions may cause variations in appearance. 

This information supersedes all previously published data.