Thermoforming

CAUTION / The Volcanics Series is Not Thermoformable!

• Template to the shape required using plywood.
• Since materials other than plywood have inappropriate cooling times, it is recommended that only plywood be used.
• HI-MACS® can be formed to tight radius by means of heating.
  The oven must heat the entire sheet for successful thermoforming operations.
• The sheets need to be heated to a temperature of 160-180℃, but should never exceed 200℃.
• Remove the protective film prior to heating.
• The minimum forming radius of 12 mm HI-MACS® is 45 mm for Solids, Pearls and Sands and a minimum forming radius by 12 mm HI-MACS® Quartz and Granite is 100 mm till 120 mm.
  But always be aware: the darker the colour, the smaller the radius will be, the more whitening there may be.
• The sheets should normally be heated for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on batch (manufacture date), heating temperature and pre-heated oven. Rebating the reverse side in the area to be formed can result in shorter heating times and smaller radius.
• Once heated to the required temperature remove workpiece with heat resistance gloves from the oven and place directly into a mould. Male and female mould are required. Allow heated material to shrink in the mould.
• Leave the sheet in the mould until the sheet has cooled down, ca. 60℃ at least, (typically 20-40 minutes, depending on the material of the mold). Always wear heat-protection gloves for this operation.
• Never attempt any shock cooling as this can cause stress to the material.
• Attempting to bend HI-MACS® at lower temperatures or shortening the heating cycles will often result in "whitening" or cracking of the edge.
• Normal sanding and finishing of the formed edge can be carried out once the sheet is fully rigid.

Thermoforming Process per Thickness of Product

Cooling

Never take out the product from the template before the temperature reaches 80℃.
The shape of product is maintained at temperatures below 80℃, even if the product is not supported by the template.

Note

• 1. Peel off the protective sheet, which is attached to the surface of product.
• 2. Be careful that the oven temperature does not exceed 200℃.
• 3. Heat 10~20 minutes, or more if you need the product with minimum curve R.
• 4. Please note with caution hat a whitening effect can be generated on the surface of the product if the temperature is too high or the heating is prolonged.

Process of thermoforming