Resopal: plastic engraving sheets
Resopal panels are melamine resin panels with a thick top layer. They are excellent for engraving work that must be able to take a beating.
We are happy to tell you more about it via following overview:
Resopal sheets are layered boards that are made under high pressure, with a hard top layer in melamine resin, according to DIN 16926. They are available in various colors and thicknesses. The base material for the layers consists mainly of paper, a base material that is gaining in importance, and of synthetic resins, the proportion of which is more than 60% by weight.
The remaining 30 to 40% by weight consists of cured phenol / formaldehyde resin for the core and melamine / formaldehyde resin for the top layer. Both resins belong to the category of duroplastics (thermosetting materials).
Certain chemical compounds (marcomolecules) are formed under the action of high pressure and heat. They form a stable material, the properties of which differ radically from those of the raw materials. Selected base materials and production requirements guarantee that the fabrics of the layers are free from the most discussed environmental pollutants.
Resopal engraving plates should be stored in a closed, dry and ventilated room. The plates are best stacked on a flat surface. If they are placed against a wall, this must be done at an angle of 60 to 70 ° and the plates must be supported so that they do not sag. Never stack the plates on top of each other without protective intermediate layers.
Resopal can have sharp edges, so always wear protective gloves when handling. The contact with dust from Resopal plates does not cause any particular problems. There is of course a small minority of people who have an allergic reaction to this kind of dust.
The decorative plates consist of hardened thermoset plastic. They are therefore also suitable and approved for contact with food. The decorative top coat is resistant to all household solvents and chemicals. For that reason, the material has been used for many years in places where hygiene is a necessity. The closed top layer can easily be cleaned with hot water, vapor or all disinfectants.
Resopal plates have a very long lifespan and last significantly longer than other materials. Resopal sheet waste can be disposed of in controlled landfills in accordance with local waste regulations. In German law, Resopal (law of 28.3.91) is subdivided into Category I, No. 571. “Category I” means that a material is suitable to be disposed of as household waste.
Layered materials such as Resopal are difficult to ignite and have the property of preventing the spread of flames, so that the flee time is extended. Incomplete combustion - as with any other organic material - can release toxic substances. In case of fire, the same firefighting techniques can be used as with all other wood-containing building materials. No special fire or explosion protection is required. All usual extinguishing agents are allowed.
Density: 1.40 g / cm³
Solubility in water: none
Printability: not printable
Temperature resistance: 90 ° Celsius
Ignition temperature: +/- 400 ° Celsius
Thermal decomposition: is possible above 250 ° Celsius. Toxic gases can be generated depending on the properties of the fire (oxygen content, temperature). In general, Resopal plates conform to DIN 53436. Resopal plates do not melt.
Self-extinguishing: yes
Hazardous reactions: none
Toxicology: Normal toxicological tests cannot be used as this is a plate-shaped material. Resopal topcoats are physiologically harmless.
Flexural strength: longitudinal direction> 140 MPa, transverse direction> 100 MPa (test method ISO 178.)
Elasticity mode: longitudinal direction:> 14 000 MPa, transverse direction:> 10 000 MPa (test method ISO 178.)
Tensile strength: longitudinal direction:> 100 MPa, transverse direction> 70 MPa (test method ISO / R 527)
Impact strength: +/- 8 kJ / m² (test method DIN 7735)
Linear expansion coefficient: longitudinal direction: +/- 9.10-5 K-1, transverse direction: +/- 16.10-6 K-1