NSF

NSF Certified Surfacing Materials

NSF International develops public health standards for products in the food, water, health sciences and consumer goods industries. NSF certified listings are permitted to use the NSF certification mark with the certified products. For solid surface materials, toxicological safety, smoothness, cleaning and corrosion resistance of the materials are required to receive a NSF food equipment mark. Zones of exposure are also taken into consideration. This means more product options, safety and quality for you!

For more information visit: the NSF certification listing @ http://info.nsf.org/Certified/Food/ for the zones NSF certified may be used for solid surfacing.

Microban

Certain laminates contain special treatment that make them antimicrobial, ask us!

Other

Antibacterial properties are important for decorative laminates because these laminates are used as kitchen tops and counter tops, cabinets and table tops that may be in constant contact with food materials and younger children. Antibacterial properties are there to ensure that bacterial growth is minimal.

One of the standards for Anti-Bacterial is the ISO 22196:2007,[5] which is based on the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), code Z2801. This is one of the standards most often referred to in the industry with regards to tests on microbial activities (specifically bacteria) and in the JIS Z2801, two bacteria species are used as a standard, namely E. Coli and Staphylococcus aureus. However, some companies may have the initiative to test more than just these two bacteria and may also replace Staphylococcus aureus with MRSA, the methicillin-resistant version of the same bacteria.

Again, different countries may choose to specify different types of microbes for testing especially if they identified some bacteria groups which are more intimidating in their countries due to specific reasons.

Anti-fungi

A common anti-fungi standard is the ASTM G21-09. Not all manufacturers will take the initiatives for product R&D for anti-Fungi attributes. Manufacturers like Maica Laminates send their products for laboratory tests for certification following the ASTM G21-09 standard,[6] while Formica (South America) partners with Microban Protection,[7] which is a company manufacturing additives, including the anti-bacterial additives.

Fire-resistant and flame-retardant

There are many different standards with regards to fire-resistant and flame-retardant properties of high-pressure decorative laminates. While different countries may have different standards for the building industry to adhere to, most countries may agree on some of the more common standards being used in the industry. Very often, just like other standards applicable to the industry, the tests may be European Standards with their equivalent in the US Standards.

For example, many Commonwealth countries may be comfortable with the British Standards 476 especially Parts 6 and 7, while there will still be US Standard equivalence in the ASTM.

Others

The list of tests applicable to decorative laminates will never be exhaustive. As the technology improves, there will be many more tests to ensure the safety of the products upon use by the end consumer, for example perhaps the tests on transfer of surface substance to food materials if prepared on the decorative laminates as a kitchen surface. The core tests will then also branch out based on the specific requirements and standards adopted by different countries.

"Green" certificates

Two of the internationally acknowledged "Green" certificates for decorative laminates are MAS Certified Green and GREENGUARD. The MAS Certified Green and GREENGUARD marks are to certify that the products have low chemical emissions. Chemicals tested include VOCs, formaldehyde and other harmful particles. The tests are based on single occupancy room with outdoor ventilation following the ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality.[8][9] GREENGUARD especially, has two main consideration, GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD GOLD. The GREENGUARD n GOLD was previously known as the GREENGUARD Children and Schools Certified, signifying its relevance of very low allowable chemical emissions levels to ensure the safety of young children and school environment.

There are also many other "Green" certifications, some which are requirements by the authorities before the product can be used as building materials. These include the Singapore Green Label which is recognised by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) and all its member countries.[10]

Applications

Piece of kitchen countertop covered with decorative laminate

Decorative high-pressure laminates are usually used for furniture tops especially on flat surfaces, including cabinets and tables. Decorative compact laminates are sometimes constructed as toilet cubicle systems, laboratory tables and kitchen tops. Some new usage models include wall panels with conceptual designs and custom prints.[11]

Competition

The popularity of large format printing using inkjet printers has produced a cheaper alternative to decorative laminates, minus the quality. For most uninformed consumers, the large format printing are similar to laminates, and seem to offer more variety of designs and applications. For example, large format prints can be printed on wall stickers, and then installed on walls. Unlike decorative laminates, there is no special adhesive to be used, and the price may sometimes seem much cheaper comparatively.

However, there are health considerations for large format prints because of the solvent inks used, especially with their relatively high concentrations of VOCs.[12] These health considerations may be alleviated with newer wide format technology that uses Eco-Solvent or Latex inks.

We are problem solvers and will work hard to bring your project to fruition. With proprietary knowledge gained through our many years in the industry, we have uniquely configured our equipment combined with systems to produce optimum performance and flexibility; making short lead-time manufacturing methods for both custom products and long runs of standard parts possible. We can tailor our lead-times to meet your production demands. You will not find large inventories at our plant; we run complete orders and that’s the way you’ll receive them. We also provide value-added services such as precision boring and drilling, eliminating the need for secondary manufacturing.

We understand that quality products can create demand for your designs. Whether you need a sample for a client or general knowledge from our excellent sales team, we are happy to help you put together the right mix of samples for your design.

Service

Bierson Corporation manufactures for the design, architectural, hospitality, store fixtures industries in both the domestic and international markets. With high volume capabilities and tooling solutions, we can deliver product for your most complex projects. Beyond 3D surfacing, Bierson excels at CNC machining with non-ferrous material (wood or plastic based material). We have some of the best machining equipment in the industry.

We love to find solutions and just the right mix of materials.  Just because you do not see your project type here that does not mean the project is not in our wheelhouse. We strive to create a solution that will fit your needs. With Bierson you get the best in process design, systems, technology and expertise. Our seamless production flow provides cost efficient solutions for your most challenging projects with a timely response and the quality craftsmanship you demand.

Product - Often contractual agreement prevent us from showing you what we have made for our customers. Items include: tops, bases, cubes, doors, shelves, signage, pilasters, pedestals, moldings, tabletops, desktops, work surfaces, countertops, fluted casings, and drawer fronts, cubes, risers, architectural panels, privacy screens, trade show booths, component parts, logo bevel/embossed parts, store display elements,  fixtures, cash wraps, speaker baffle boards, etc

Often contractual agreement prevent us from showing you what we have made for our customers. Items include:

 tops

bases

cubes

doors

shelves

signage

pilasters

pedestals

molding

tabletops

desktop

work surfaces

countertops

fluted casings

drawer fronts

cubes

risers

architectural panels

privacy screens

trade show booths

component parts

logo bevel/embossed parts

store display elements

fixtures

cash wraps

speaker baffle boards