3.Machining and processing HPL
To achieve concave curves, the radius to be bent has to be freely accessible. This can be achieved by e.g. routing or grooving the substrate beforehand. The areas to be shaped are heated with infrared radiators or heated bars. The formed area is stabilised by applying cast resin or a correspondingly profiled inset edging tape.
For convex curved shapes, the substrate is routed according to the rounding before bonding. The required spacing between the parts can also be achieved by inserting a spacer bar. After this preparation, the HPL can be bonded to the surface. After bonding, the rear side is routed accordingly or the spacer bar is removed. The adhesive has to be applied to the joint from the underside before forming the HPL. Then the HPL is heated to forming temperature and the convex shape is produced. The two workpiece halves are held together by a clamping device until the adhesive has cured. Hollow spaces in the curved area should be filled with suitable cast resins.
