Lab Test Reports

FORMABILITY TEST

SCOPE: The test measures the ability of postforming high-pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) to be formed.

TEST PROCEDURE:

a) Measure the thickness of the test specimen with the machinist's micrometer and record it.
b) Using the temperature indicator crayon, mark the back of each test specimen with a single centered line parallel to the 200 mm dimension. Use the temperature indicator crayon recommendation, use a 163 C crayon.
c) Place the test specimen, decorative face down, on the heating apparatus, centering the marked line over the heater element.
d) Observe the temperature indicator crayon mark on the test specimen for signs of melting. When the mark initially melts, remove the specimen from the heating apparatus. Immediately place the specimen face down in the forming apparatus equipped with the proper radius forming block and form it.
e) Allow the formed specimen to cool in the closed forming apparatus at least 15 seconds. Remove and inspect the test specimen.
f) Record observations.

If an infrared thermometer is used instead of the temperature indicator crayon, the thermometer probe should be placed above the specimen to ensure that its beam target area is narrower than the width of the specimen. The manufacturer's instructions should be followed. The test sample should be removed from the heating apparatus when the calibration set point is reached and then proceed with the forming. The closing time of the forming die after initial contact with the specimen should be approximately 1 second. The air cylinder exhaust valve may be adjusted to obtain the desired closing rate.

TEST REPORT:

Report that specimen either "passed" or "failed".

a) "Passed" means that all of the test specimen formed to the prescribed minimum forming radius without cracking, blistering, crazing, or permanently discoloring.
b) "Failed" means that one or more of the test specimen did not form to the prescribed minimum forming radius without cracking, blistering, crazing, or permanently discoloring.

* Vir Standard is better than NEMA Standard

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BALL IMPACT RESISTANCE

SCOPE: This test measures the ability of high pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) to resist fractures due to impact by a large diameter ball.

TEST PROCEDURE:
a) Clamp the test specimen in the clamping jig and place it on the solid base of the free-fall test apparatus.
b) Adjust the height scale so that it touches the face of the test specimen.
c) Position the electromagnet at any arbitrary height above the test specimen.
d) Place the ball on the electromagnet at any arbitrary height above the test specimen.
e) Place the ball on the electromagnet and drop the ball. Catch the ball on the first rebound so that multiple impacts do not occur. Impact positions shall be at least 25 mm apart and 50 mm from the edge of the specimen.
f) Examine the impact spot for cracks and determine the result.
g) Decision shall not be based on the use of stains, dyes of magnification. Raise or lower the electromagnet height as necessary and repeat step d and e until the maximum height at which no cracking occurs is determined.
h) Drop the ball from the height determined in step d two additional times in different locations on the test specimen. If either drop fails, reduce the height by 25 mm and continue testing until a total of three successful results have been obtained at that height.

TEST REPORT: The test report shall indicate the actual height of impact resistance.

* Vir Standard is better than NEMA Standard