Conventional laminates are somewhat rigid and inflexible sheets. However, there is another type, known as post-forming laminates. This kind of laminate is found to be flexible and can bend as it is thinner. One of the common uses of Postforming laminate is to wrap the edges of pre-fabricated laminate countertops. Hence, they come to use wrapping table ends, cash wraps, slot machine bases, and columns.
How is Postforming laminate made?
In the post-forming process, a laminate sheet needs to be heated to soften the resin in the material. The procedure enables the laminate to become flexible and less rigid. The post-formed laminate is a combination of decorative paper, core paper, and melamine resins. A post-formed laminate takes shape when core paper is soaked with phenolic and heated to 300-degree Fahrenheit. Following next, it will then be pressured above 750 psi.
The post-formed laminates performance comes out best when the substrate has an easily workable edge that can be machined into clean edges with only a few broken edges.
Advantages of post formed laminate countertops
The popularity of countertops is evident from their wide usage. For decades, plastic was commonplace to line kitchen worktops with continuous modifications and refinement until the post-forming technology came up. The readymade post-formed laminate counterparts are pre-manufactured and already bonded to the particle boards and shaped around the backsplashes and edges. It makes its use less cumbersome than a conventional laminate which is flat sheets and requires separate strips of laminates to be added to the edges.
- Household friendly: Since the laminates are not porous, they do not absorb any moisture, bacteria, or food spills that a natural stone can do.
- Cost-Effective: They are less expensive than marble stones and are easy to install. The laminate countertops ensure smart-end solutions for homeowners looking for great style on a small budget.
- Low maintenance: The laminate countertops can be easily cleaned only with soap and water and do not require sealers or polishes in cases of marble stones.
- Versatile and colorful: They are available in a wide range of colors and designs and can be cut into any shape and used in places with complicated dimensions.
- The post-formed laminates are durable and long-lasting. They are resistant to abrasions from water and powder. Also, the scratches and scuffs are not visible due to the use of knives in the kitchen. The laminate worktops work perfectly well in the kitchen interior design.
There is one drawback with laminate countertops. The presence of toxic materials in the glue used to manufacture the panels can be hazardous for some users to be allergic. However, for the majority of users, it is well-tolerated and not a concern.
Final thoughts
It is common to see people referring to post-formed laminates as “Formica,” which is the company manufacturing this laminate and not the laminate itself. Irrespective of the naming, laminates remain a popular choice these days. Their popularity spans numerous reasons discussed in the article.