Incorrect storage may cause deformation of the material, even permanently.

• Store the panels in a closed environment where normal climatic conditions are guaranteed. (Temperature between 10°C e 30°C and 40-65% of Relative Humidity).
• Stack the panels on top of each other on a flat surface: never stand the panels on edge. Cover the outermost panel with a sheet of polyethylene or similar material.

CONDITIONING

• Before fabrication and assembly of Stratificato Print HPL, it is recommended that the panels be conditioned at the assembly site, to prevent warping or unusual dimensional variations.

VENTILATION

• In order to avoid differences in humidity and temperature on each face of the sheet and to remove eventual vapour or condensation, good ventilation to the back of the sheet is always required in order to maintain the flatness of the panel.

FABRICATION

CUTTING

The cutting pattern must take into account the fibre direction of the fibre of the whole panel in order to control dimensional variations. The blade speed will depend on panel thickness and the edge quality required. On site cutting adjustments are possible with the use of circular saws with tungsten carbide teeth (widia).

MACHINING

This is necessary when the factory finish is not acceptable for final application or when rounded corners are required. Portable cutters are not generally recommended due to the hardness of the material. These should only be used for minor adjustments on site. The use of tungsten carbide tools with a rotation speed of between 6,000 and 20,000 revolutions per minute is recommended.

EDGE FINISH

As a general rule no edge protection is needed. However, in the case of exposed edges the following operations should be performed to improve the appearance and the structure of the edges: • chamfering and finishing with extra-fine abrasive paper; • polishing with application by cloth of an oily product such as liquid vaseline.

DRILLING

Drilling can be carried out using ordinary portable or fixed drills. The recommended speed is approximately 1,000 revolutions per minute; ordinary bits for steel can be used to drill 4 to 6 mm holes.

In the case of through holes, the descent speed should be reduced so as to avoid splintering on the exit side; it is always preferable to rest on a sacrificial panel of wood or chipboard.

RECOMMENDATIONS

For best results, the above should be performed on the lower, invisible, face of the panel. If the panel is supplied with a protective film, this should be peeled off from both faces at the same time.

ASSEMBLY

Panels must never be assembled in close contact, but always with some clearance to provide an expansion gap, which should be calculated in relation to the expected dimensional changes in the material, keeping in mind that Stratificato Print HPL contracts in situations of low humidity and expands in those of high humidity.

VISIBLE FIXING

All holes must be of diameter greater than that of the corresponding screw or rivet; flexible sleeves may be used in the cavity. All holes must have a diameter approximately 2 mm greater than that of the fasteners. In order to avoid oxidation and rust streaks of the surfaces if the material, the use of aluminium rivets with stainless steel shanks is recommended.

SELF-TAPPING SCREWS

Self-tapping may be used: the finer the thread, the firmer the fixing. Pre-drilling is always necessary: the diameter of the holes must be less than the external diameter of the screw; whilst the depth must be at least 1mm greater than the penetration of the screw and at least 2mm less than the panel’s thickness.

All technical data referred to Stratificato Print HPL are reported on the relevant Technical Sheet on web site www.abet-laminati.it.