Rosslyn, VA, January 6, 2004 -- NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, has made its ANSI/NEMA LD 3-2000, High Pressure Decorative Laminates standard, available for free electronic download from its website. This standard covers high-pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) sheets, which consist of paper core materials that have been laminated at pressures of more than 750 pounds (5.17 Mpa) using thermosetting condensation resins as binders. The type and thickness of the decorative laminate, substrate, adhesive, and the fabricating techniques employed have a definite bearing on the performance of the final product.

LD 3-2000 can be downloaded as a complete document, and each of the four annexes can be downloaded separately.

• Annex A, Application, Fabrication, and Installation, provides recommendations that guide users in the most appropriate installation.


• Annex B, Care and Cleaning of Laminates, offers techniques on maintaining and prolonging the original surface and appearance of decorative laminates.


• Annex C, Perception of Scratches, contains information that has significantly advanced the understanding of scratch deformation in the last five years. This annex explains the significance of color, gloss, texture, and décor pattern and the role played by each in the perception of scratches.


• Annex D, Wear Resistance Chart, determines the initial point and end point in the wear resistance test. There has been some discussion over the years about how to adequately define what is a subjective determination. The saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" is probably the best way to describe the addition of this chart to the standard.

"The NEMA LD 3 standard has been in place for many years and has undergone several significant revisions throughout its history," says John Snow, chairman of NEMA's Decorative Laminates Section. "The intent behind the web posting was to have a dynamic standard that addresses the performance needs and application requirements of the customers of high-pressure decorative laminate."

LD 3-2000 and any of its annexes can be downloaded free of charge from NEMA's website at http://www.nema.org/r/std/ld3/. Hardcopies can be purchased for $110 by contacting Global Engineering Documents at 800-854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), 303-397-2740 (fax).