Komacel
Description
[Kommerling] A white, glossy, rigid foam board with a sandwich -like structure where the smooth outer skin and interior fine-cell foam are both composed of Polyvinyl chloride. The lightweight Komacel® boards were designed for screen printing and lamination. They were first made in Europe in 1976 and manufactured in the U.S. since 1996. The company indicates the weatherproof, light-fast boards are chemically resistant and provide thermal and sound insulation.
Some alternate products from the same company include:
- KomaCel® Plus (Semi-rough surface that gives finished digital print an 'aged look')
- KomaCel® Plus Embossed (Surface with faux wood grain)
- KomaTex® (Free foamed sheet - no outer skin)
- KomaLite® (More economical form of KomaTex)
Synonyms and Related Terms
Similar Products: ePVC; Forex; Sintra (3A Composites); Komatex; Komacel Plus; Palight (Palram)
Applications
- Graphic substrate (screen printing, paintable, lettering enamels, vinyl lettering, direct printing)
- Laminating
- Case Furniture (plinths, flat panels, risers, etc.)
- Acoustics (good acoustic and sound insulation)
- Outdoor Use (weatherproof, Indoor/outdoor use without pretreatment)
Personal Risks
- According to the manufacturer, Komacel® is free of formaldehyde, asbestos, lindane, PCB, PCP, CFCs, cadmium, and lead and do not contain any monomers, biocides, or plasticisers.
- Can generate fine static cling dust when cut or sanded
- Komacel: SDS
Collection Risks
Rigid PVC boards often contain volatile heat stabilizers, and other additives that can pose risks to collection materials. According to research published in August, 2020, Komacel® boards do not contain harmful heat stabilizers that are present in several other PVC boards. [1] It is important to keep in mind that not all PVC products have the same properties and therefore they should not be used interchangeably.
Komacel® has routinely passed Oddy tests (see below), but it is possible that low levels of hydrochloric acid will be released during the slow degradation of PVC products. Komacel® should be safe to use in most situations, especially for short term display. As an added precaution, avoid placing collection materials in direct contact with Komacel® without a barrier. [2]
Links to Oddy Test results posted on AIC Wiki Materials Database Pages for individual materials
- MMA: [1] Komacel White gloss (2019/09/24; Pass)
- MMA: [2] Komacel (2018/08/03; Pass)
- MMA: [3] Komacel Plus (2016/12/19; Pass)
- BM: [4] Komacel (2012/06/29; Pass)
Environmental Risks
Although the company reports that this product is 100% recyclable this is probably pre-consumer at the manufacturing plant. In practice, there is little to no reported success in finding someone to recycle PVC.
Physical and Chemical Properties
- White Colors: Whites 652 (to match RAL 9010) & White 654 (to Match RAL9016)
- Core is a noticeably different color for gloss finish despite homogeneous moulded-in color
- Fire Safety could vary depending on thickness (Fire-cell foam structure, Low flammability, fire behavior according to UL94-VO, 4 mm thickness)
- Weight Example: 4’x 8’ @ 19mm sheet: 72-76lbs
- Thermal Expansion: Dark colors are not recommended for outdoor use (fluctuations if subjected to 175°F or greater)
Working Properties
- Brittle when painted or finished
- Edges need to be sealed/sanded to appear clean and polished
- Subject to denting
- Working Guidelines PVC-U Sheets
- Material Storage Needs:
- Order with optional protective film double-sided or single-sides. NOTE: Film-laminated sheets should be used within 6 months.
- Always store Kömacel sheets on a level surface in a dry, air conditioned environment at about 15–20 °C. The packaged sheets should not be exposed to weathering effects and direct sunlight.
- Do not exceed the maximum stacking height of a truck when storing.
Forms and Sizes
- Thicknesses: 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 10mm, 19mm, 24mm, 28mm, 30mm
- Widths: 1000mm, 1220mm, 1250mm, 1560mm
- Lengths: 2440mm, 3000mm, 3050mm, 4000mm
- Finishes: white-2 variations; black finish available.
Resources and Citations
- [1] Assessing the Suitability of Unplasticized Poly(Vinyl Chloride) for Museum Showcase Construction, Michael J. Samide and Greg Smith, 2020 Link
- [2] CCI Technical Bulletin 32 - Products Used in Preventive Conservation Link
- Komacel: Integral Foam Sheet
- Kommerling PVC: Main brochure(pdf)