When would you specify a phenolic over a melamine?
For the plywood manufacturer there are a number of factors to consider:
In general, melamines are more difficult to process and more sensitive to heat, but are more alkaline resistant.
- Advantages
- Harder, longer lasting face
- Minimal emissions
- Strong customer interest
- Lower sales frequency
- May require different mill handling systems
- Disadvantages
- Shorter shelf life prior to layup.
- Higher heat sensitivity
- Intolerant to hot-stacking
- Lower sales frequency
- May require different mill handling systems
On the job site:
- Advantages
- More alkaline resistant than phenolic
- More durable architectural finish
- More durability in forming systems
- Disadvantages
- Checks and cracks more easily on edges and around fasteners.
- More sensitive to heat in excess of ACI guidelines
- More durability in forming systems