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TECHNICAL DATA

DIAFOS HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE
1.2 MM SANDED, 1.6 MM TRANSLUCENT
12 MM SELF-SUPPORTING

Product Information

Basic Uses: DIAFOS by ABET LAMINATI is a high pressure decorative laminate used as a translucent product or as a laminate sanded for layup applications. DIAFOS is the first translucent laminate with a three-dimensional design. DIAFOS is created with translucent paper and melamine resins. When bonded to a core, the 1.2 mm product can be used for vertical and light horizontal applications. The 1.6 mm product can be used as
decorative dividing panels or as facing for light surfaces, with the 3D designs adding texture and style to any space. The 12 mm (0.48") self-supporting product may be used as a top for light horizontal applications or as a translucent partition panel.

Composition: DIAFOS by ABET high pressure decorative laminate is manufactured by pressing melamine impregnated surface print and solid color surface sheets over a melamine impregnated transparent paper core at pressures over 1000 psi and temperatures of approximately 300 degrees F (149 degrees C). The 1.2 mm product has a phenolic impregnated sheet on the back side that is sanded to facilitate bonding to a substrate.

Limitations: Because the specific composition of DIAFOS high pressure decorative laminates and its particular applications and uses are different from regular high pressure laminates, customers must be aware of the following limitations:

• Due to the particular manufacturing techniques used, the presence of longitudinal bands and possible variations in tone or color between panels should not be considered a defect.
• DIAFOS expands and contracts up to 1/8"/3 ft longitudinally and ¼"/3 ft in the width direction with changes in relative humidity. See conditioning requirements. It is not recommended for exterior applications or for bonding to gypsum wallboard, plaster, concrete, or plywood.
• Do not use these products in high humidity conditions or temperatures higher
  than 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for extended periods of time.
• Avoid using these products close to lamps or sources of heat that can raise the temperature of the material in a limited area.
• This product is not to be exposed to continuous, direct sunlight.
• Contact adhesives are not recommended for bonding the 1.2 mm backed DIAFOS to a core.

The 1.6 mm DIAFOS laminate must always be cut so the length direction is the longest side. Maximum distances between fixed points for the 1.6 mm DIAFOS is 36 inches in length and 12 inches in width.

Colors and Patterns:
1.2 mm backed and 1.6 mm DIAFOS laminates are stocked in selected prints and solid colors. The 12 mm DIAFOS laminate is available on special order. Check an actual sample for color before specifying. The presence of longitudinal bands on the panels or possible variations in color between panels should not be
considered a defect.

Finishes: Soft. A smooth textured finish with a moderate reflective value.

Sheet Size: 51" (130 mm) x 120" (305 mm)
Thickness: Translucent DIAFOS 1.6 +- 0.1 mm
Backed DIAFOS 1.2 +- 0.1 mm
Self-supporting DIAFOS 12 +- 1.0 mm
DIAFOS 3190 Backer 1.2 +- 0.1 mm

FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY

Bonding: 1.2 mm DIAFOS by ABET LAMINATI should be bonded to suitable substrates such as particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF) with suitable semi-rigid (PVAc), or rigid (urea, phenolic, or resorcinol) adhesives. The choice of adhesives is based upon the service for which the assembly is intended and upon bonding facilities available. The use of contact adhesives is not recommended. In all cases, the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for use should be followed closely. Substrates thinner than ¼" are not
recommended. Thicker substrates give greater stability in the finished panel. Pressures in excess of 45 psi should not be used since this could cause a starved glue line or telegraphing of the core. It is advisable to use the same materials on both sides of the panel. DIAFOS backer sheets are available from ABET. Before using other materials to balance Diafos laminates, preliminary warpage tests must be performed with this
balancing material.

Inspection: All laminates are to be inspected prior to lamination to ensure they are sound, clean, and
free of surface defects. Protective peel coat should be removed prior to inspection.

Conditioning: Materials must be properly conditioned before they are used. High pressure decorative
laminates and substrates should be allowed to acclimate for at least 48 hours at the same ambient conditions. Because of the expansion and shrinkage of DIAFOS laminates with relative humidity and temperature, it is advisable to condition the material at approximately 23 degrees C (73 degrees F) and a relative humidity of 45% to 55% for at least 48 hours before cutting and fabrication.

Sawing: It is important to cut the sheets using routers or table saws adjusting the blade height precisely to prevent chip out on the back side. Best results are achieved with a second groove blade. To avoid chipping it is important that the saw blade teeth cut into the decorative surface. Carbide tipped cutters and blades are recommended. The use of a jigsaw or bandsaw to cut the edges is not recommended.

Cutouts: To avoid stress cracking, do not use square-cut inside corners. All cutouts should be routed or filed to ensure smooth edges. A radius of 6.35 mm (1/4") or larger in the corners is recommended to minimize stress cracking for an inner side of 10" or less. This radius must gradually be increased for openings with a longer inner side.

Drilling: Drill oversize holes (at least 0.05 mm or 0.002" larger diameter) for screws and bolts. Holes must be cut cleanly to prevent cracks commencing from any rough ID edges that may occur as temperature and relative humidity changes. When drilling to create fastening points, always create a sleeve between the screw/bolt
and the DIAFOS laminate. Sometimes a rubber grommet can fill this role. The specific application will govern the type of sleeve to use. Failure to buffer the fastener and the DIAFOS laminate will almost certainly result in cracking of the sheet.

Support and Fastening of 1.6 mm DIAFOS:
The sheet must always be cut so that the length direction is the long side of the piece. The maximum distance between fixed points are:
Length: 35 inches
Width: 12 inches
Fastening 1.6 mm DIAFOS laminate is done in two ways: framing the sheet (for example, an extruded aluminum frame) or creating fixed fastening points. When fastening with bolts to fixed points always use a soft washer. Failure to use the washers will cause the material to crack from the pressure of the bolt.
It is important to have good air circulation on both sides of the laminate to prevent
warpage.

Industry Practices:
Material, equipment, and workmanship should conform to industry standard practices, conditions, procedures and recommendations as specified by ANSI/NEMA LD-3-2000, Standard for High-Pressure Decorative Laminates, Annex A, Application, Fabrication, and Installation; or Architectural Woodworking Institute (AWI) "Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards, Guide Specifications and Quality Certification Program".

DIAFOS by ABET LAMINATI has been tested according to ANSI/NEMA Standard LD-3-2000 Standard for High-Pressure Decorative Laminates, ISO 4586, High Pressure Decorative Laminates, and EN-438.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF 1.2 MM DIAFOS LAMINATES

DIAFOS COLLECTION TECHNICAL INFORMATION

TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE

DIAFOS sheets must be stored in a horizontal position, supported for their whole length
and not positioned on edge, even after cutting.

TECHNICAL SERVICE

For samples, literature, and technical assistance, call our toll-free line 800-228-2238 from
9AM to 5 PM, Monday thru Friday, or visit our web site www.abetlaminati.com.