8300 Datasheet, PDF (6/16 Pages) 3M Electronics – Static Dissipative Rigid Worksurface 8300 Series

D. The laminate should be stored at room temperature [70°F (21°C)] and 50% R.H. or greater for at least
48 hours before forming. If it is not possible to expose the laminate sheets to this high humidity for
48 hours before forming then proceed with the following. Put a layer of wet paper towels or cloths
on the top and bottom of each piece of laminate in the area to be formed. Keep it in this condition for
approximately 24 hours. Remove the wet cloths and dry the surface moisture from the back side of the
laminate with a dry cloth. This will allow the adhesive to stick to the laminate.
E. Apply the adhesive according to the manufacturers’ recommendations.
F. Heat to 325°F on backside, 350°- 375°F on front. The laminate must reach optimum bending
temperature within 30-60 seconds. Ensure that proper temperature has been reached prior to bending
and do not force bending. When laminate is at the proper temperature to be formed, it should be fairly
soft and pliable; it need not be forced into shape. Upon reaching temperature, it should be formed
immediately. Once formed, the laminate should be held under pressure until cooled.
G. This optimum bending temperature should be measured; the easiest method of measurement is the
Tempilaq^®/Tempilstik^®. The Tempilaq/Tempilstik mark should be made on the back of the sheet. The
temperature should be uniform over the entire laminate surface in the area to be bent; a difference as
small as 5°F could result in cracking.
H. Laminate is more easily formed when the bend is made in the machine direction; that is, parallel to the
sanding marks on the back (e.g., along the 8 ft. dimension of a 4 ft. x 8 ft. sheet). This is the orientation
of the fibers in the papers; it is easier to bend the material between the fibers than to bend the fibers.
I.
Increasing the ambient humidity by 5% will improve formability, but will also increase the probability
of excessive shrinkage.
9.0 Substrates
A. The standard particle board used for most bench tops is 45 lb. (21 kg) density industrial grade. Although
the thickness can vary, 1.125 in. is commonly used. When the top is completed (including the backer),
the nominal thickness is 1.25 in. Particle board in 60 lb. density is also available, but is more expensive
and the improvement over the more common 45 lb. material is not significant. Unmounted laminate
sheets have low impact strength and the type of substrate covered will play a major role in determining
the impact strength of the finished product.
B. Plywood may be used as a substrate, but it must be very smooth or the grain of the wood will
“telegraph” through the laminate.
Caution: Voids (knot holes) in the veneers below the top veneer could cause impact failure.
C. Masoniter‑M^® is also a suitable substrate. The untempered type (no oils) is preferred.
D. Metal is a suitable substrate. However, if contact adhesive is used, the adhesive on the metal must be
dried for a longer time to ensure that solvents have evaporated. If this is not done, a poor bond may
result.
E. Several materials are not recommended for use as a substrate:

Underlayment particle board
Wafer board
Plaster board
Gypsum board
10.0 Backer
A backing sheet (“backer”) may be required on the bottom/back of the substrate if (a) the surface area to be
covered is large and needs support, or (b) if warping due to moisture variation is a problem. The use of a backer
is recommended as good general practice. The three common types of backer used are:
A. Standard phenolic sheet: most commonly used and dark brown in color.
B. Balancer sheet: standard laminate material with the decorative/top surface sanded. Material rejected for
cosmetic reasons is frequently used.

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