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SERVICES
Clear answers to frequent questions!
In order to achieve perfect results with SIBU Design products, it is advantageous when one has a knowledge of the characteristics of the materials, their storage and processing. Answers to some of the most frequent user questions can be found here!
How does one remove the dust from SIBU punch-line 3D perforations?
With a soft bristle brush or with a vacuum cleaner.
Can SIBU products be deep drawn?
In the case of mirror surfaces, e.g. Silver, Silver A, Silver H, Gold, Gold 30, Brass, Mint, Anthracite, Brown, Iceblue, Skyblue as well as HGS, Silver Brushed and Brass Brushed, using flat tools without a sharp edges, It is possible to create a slight curve in the upper surface by means of thermoforming on machines that apply heat from both sides. Sharp contours are be avoided and large radii must be employed. All other sheet versions can be subject to standard deep drawing. Nonetheless, we advice prior material tests using the relevant forming machine. 160°C for over- and underheating for a period of 20-40 seconds is recommended.
What applications are ideally suited to SIBU products?
SIBU products are decorative elements for interiors and in particular, walls, ceilings, furniture and displays. They are unsuitable as working surfaces or flooring and in situations where there is direct sunlight. In addition, they cannot be used in the proximity of an open fire or outdoors.
What factors must be considered when using SIBU products in kitchen and bathrooms?
SIBU products can be employed in these areas, but care should be taken that they do not come into direct contact with water. Moreover, temperatures in excess of 50°C deriving from existing heat sources must be avoided. Cleaning is best completed using a soft cloth and standard plastic or window-cleaning agent in accordance with the degree of dirt. Abrasives may not be employed!
What points must be observed when disposing of SIBU products?
The Landesgewerbeanstalt Bayern (LGA) has examined synthetic SIBU products with regard to their landfill behaviour. The experts confirmed that SIBU sheets can be disposed of with household refuse.
What are the most significant differences between SIBU products and HPL?
As compared to SIBU sheets, HPL has a somewhat cold surface, is very brittle and can only be processed using machinery. The SIBU sheets have a warm feel and can be easily worked without the use of machinery. SIBU sheets can be simply mechanically processed, e.g. drilled and cut to shape on site. HPL patterning is applied onto an absorbent backing material (raw chipboard, MDF, etc.) using a press and casein glue under pressure at a certain temperature. HPL always requires counter-pressure. Depending on their thickness and application, SIBU products are either bonded, or framed as a filling. No machinery is required for this purpose. Further major differences exist with regard to cutting to length. Up to a thickness of 2 mm, SIBU synthetic products can be easily cut manually using a wallpaper knife. One simply scores the patterned surface and then bends the sheet off.
What surface, abrasion and scratch resistance qualities do SIBU products possess?
The products are scratch-resistant although the extent varies in accordance with the design. This quality is both recognised and accepted by furniture industry. A presentation of the products in line with DIN 68 861-2 is available from SIBU Design. As far as surface resistance is concerned, SIBU Design has prepared a list of 26 different substances (e.g. mustard, butter, citric acid) and their effects after 16 hours in accordance with DIN 68861-2. The SIBU products show excellent results.
What must be taken into account during transport, packing and storage?
SIBU products must always be handled with care. Bending and stacking to excessive heights must be avoided. SIBU PS products are made of thermoplastics, which must be safeguarded against direct sunlight, water and moisture. Rolling is only possible to a certain degree, e.g. SIBU punch-line 3D may not be rolled, but stored and transported in a flat condition. After transport, the products require a certain period of acclimatisation (temperature differences). Wherever possible the supplied sheets should be stored in the original packaging.
What bending radii are possible with SIBU products?
In principle, the degree of bending is dependent on material thickness. 1 mm thick SIBU sheets are suitable for cambering using a minimum radius of 150 mm. The precondition is that the sheets are not bonded with adhesive, but that the ends are mechanically anchored by being slotted into a profile.
Are self-adhesive SIBU products suitable for all grounds?
Self-adhesive SIBU products can only be applied to non-absorbent grounds. The latter must be dry, smooth and free of dust, grease, dirt, wax and silicon. Prior to bonding, the non-absorbent ground must be cleaned with alcohol (ethanol, propan-2-ol). Please ensure that the surface tension reaches at least 38 dyn. Absorbent grounds require sealing with SIBUKLE D22HV.
What is the effective lifespan of the adhesive on bonded sheets?
No bonding problems are known to have arisen during a period of several years when adhesives recommended by SIBU Design are used correctly. However, due to variety of applications, guarantees concerning adhesive life cannot be given. This proviso also applies to the adhesive manufactures.
Can mechanical damage to the patterned surface on a SIBU sheets be removed?
The possibilities depend on the individual application. Contact should be made with the technical departments at SIBU Design.
What food safety standards do SIBU products meet?
According to information from suppliers, the raw materials used in production meet the stipulations of the EN71/3 standard, „Toy Safety”. SIBU products do not contain any heavy metals such as antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chrome, lead, mercury and selenium. A related plant certificate is available at SIBU Design.
What fire resistance characteristics do SIBU products demonstrate?
PS products generally fall into the “normal flammability” category, but many are available in “flame retardant” versions in line with DIN 4102 B1.
What fire characteristics do SIBU alu-line sheets possess?
The table above provides completed details.
Why are some SIBU sheets unavailable in dimensions of 2440 x 1220 mm?
Various SIBU sheets are only available in widths of 1220 mm due to technical production reasons and material availability.
Can SIBU products be used close to heat sources?
SIBU products can withstand long-term temperatures of a maximum of 50°C. Therefore, SIBU products can be employed near heat sources if these generate less than 50°C in their immediate vicinity, e.g. small spots. Applications near radiators, open fires, or in direct sunlight must always be avoided.
How does one clean SIBU products?
The best method is with a soft cleaning cloth. In the case of thicker dirt, a standard synthetic material or window cleaning agent can be used. The agent should be sprayed onto the cleaning cloth and not onto the material surface. Light dirt should be removed with a soft cloth only. No abrasives may be used!
Can SIBU products be engraved, printed or painted?
Engraving is basically possible. However, this depends on the respective surface and practical testing is recommended. Surfaces such as Silver, HGS, Silver brushed, and Brass brushed can be printed on using PET colour, which have at least two components. PS colours are suitable for all other versions. Information concerning suppliers can be obtained from SIBU Design. A recommendation from Glasurit company is available for the painting of PS concerning filler, cleaning and top coat. This can be requested from SIBU Design.
How can SIBU products be mechanically processed?
SIBU synthetic products can be processed using mechanical circular saws, keyhole saws, hand circular saws, manual and mechanical cutters, wallpaper knives, punching machines and laser cutting devices. Please contact SIBU Design for details. SIBU aluminium products can also be processed used standard sheet metal working equipment such as plate shears, bending presses and nibbling machines, as well as manual shears and keyhole saws. Please note that cuts must always be started from the patterned side!
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