HIGH PRESSURE LAMINATE EQUIPMENT
High pressure lamination is carried out in multi-opening
presses in which up to 168 sheets can be pressed, depending on
the material to be pressed and on the equipment or press used, at
pressures as high as 95 kg/cm squared, maximum cycle temperatures
of 145 degrees C (depending on the material), and pressing cycles
of around 40 minutes.
Plates and Carriers
Pressing plates are used for manufacturing both high and low
pressure laminate surfaces. Some plates are mirrored and
therefore will have laminate surfaces perfectly glossy. Some
others, however, will have a certain texture finish which will of
course be seen on the laminates surface.
At Rexcel, we have hardened stainless steel plates for high
pressure and low pressure long cycle, for glossy finish and
textured finish. In order to maintain mirrored glossy plates we
have a polishing machine. Because of the fact that any fault on
the plates will become clearly visible it is imperative to keep
the plates in impeccable condition. Textured plates finish is
achieved through a machine which impacts metallic spheres at high
pressure that causes very small dents on the plates and together
create a texterized appearance. The plates metal hardness, the
pressure to which spheres are thrown, the speed at which the
plate passes and the number of times the plate is subjected to
treatment are some of the factors that define the plates finish.
Of course it is essential to maintain uniformity between plates
of equal size and with those of other sizes. By doing this the
customer will get the same finish on the sheets of different
dimensions. These plates are also susceptible to damage and not
less sensitive than glossy plates and of course every defect they
have will appear on the sheet.
