LG Lucent Technical Information

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Lucent®

Lucent Solid Surface by LG Surfaces brings your ideas to light.

With Lucent Solid Surface, you have the freedom to create spaces that will bring your ideas to light. Lucent features 4 new colors providing a sensuous look that when combined with light sources, the translucent pastel shades become dramatic design highlights. The effect involves and intrigues all of your senses; the material touches your sight and your soul.

FABRICATION

This Bulletin is a supplement to the LG Surfaces Fabrication Guide. It covers only unique and different issues inherent with the use of the Lucent material. This bulletin deals largely with the light transmitting properties of the Lucent series products. For all other aspects of fabrication, please refer to the LG Surfaces Fabrication Guide.

Since Lucent is 100% acrylic, for most applications it can be fabricated in the same manner as all other LG Surfaces products. If the finished product is not being backlit, very few changes in fabrication will be required. If a light source is to be located behind the sheet there will be some additional considerations. As with any new product or process, always make sure that the end result will meet the expectations of your client by constructing a test piece to demonstrate the effect that will be achieved.

The most important consideration to remember is that, due to the light transmitting properties of the Lucent material, anything below or behind the sheet can produce a shadow that will be visible. For example, spots of adhesive, cabinet supports, seam blocks, sink flanges, etc., will all show through the material. Even when two or more pieces of Lucent are laminated together for use as as a drop edge or seam block this area will appear darker due to reduced light transmission through the additional thickness. Several methods are available to minimize this effect and will be discussed later in this bulletin.

BACKLIGHTING

Of all the products in the HI-MACS category of solid surface, Lucent has been specifically developed to allow light transmission through the thickness of the material. Because of this unique property, some additional care and consideration is necessary in the design, fabrication, and installation of all Lucent products. When using this product in a backlit application, supports, substrate, adhesives, and seams may all be visible as either light areas or shadows showing through the product. In many cases the back of the material must be finished as carefully as the surface to produce a dramatic effect. Many factors, including the type and intensity of lighting, will each contribute a unique element to the design. Also remember that heat can be generated by most light sources. Heat can cause the Lucent material to warp or otherwise deform, so the design should be able to accommodate the removal of heat. Do not expose Lucent to direct sunlight or open flames.

SEAMING

Seam quality is always critical for any solid surface application. With Lucent, the seams will be more visible, especially when backlit. A tight seam with no interior voids will aid in minimizing the visibility of the seam. Place the seams in inconspicuous locations including corners and areas of support. If possible, keep seams away from areas directly behind a backlit light source. Refer to the LG Surfaces Fabrication Guide for more information on seam locations. Visible adhesive will change the appearance of the finished product depending on the lighting. It will appear lighter than the sheet if backlit, and darker if not backlit. Excess adhesive on the back side must be removed and the finish should be blended in with the adjacent areas.

For backlit applications, ½” (12.7mm) clear acrylic sheets can be used as a solid substrate or to support larger spans. Using the ½” clear acrylic as a seam block may also be acceptable depending on the intensity of the lighting source. After seaming it is crucial to examine the finished seam with the exact type of backlighting to be used in the specific project. Be aware that the type of adhesive used to attach the panes to supports or substrate may also be visible or contribute to shadows when applied. The type of lighting, intensity, angle, etc., can all affect the visibility of the seam, adhesive, or substrate. Often the best results are achieved using a diffuse or indirect light source.

For non-backlit applications it is advisable to paint the back of the sheet with a flat latex paint. If this is not done there may be shadows visible through the surface where seam blocks, substrate, adhesive, etc., is present below or behind the material. The color of the paint can have affect the surface color of the Lucent material, so make certain to produce a test piece to demonstrate the final appearance to the end consumer.

THERMOFORMING

Lucent can be thermoformed using the procedures outlined in the LG Surfaces Fabrication Guide except that lower temperature(160°C) and heating time (10 to 15 minutes) are recommended. Any defects are more readily apparent when the finished product is backlit. Color variances that normally occur during the thermoforming process may be more noticeable due to the increased translucency. To minimize color variation, reduce both time and temperature as necessary. It is critical when thermoforming components to be backlit, that all surfaces be thoroughly sanded and finished. Inspect each piece for imperfections under the same backlighting conditions to be used in the end product.

Be aware that any transfer of texture from the mold will be more visible in the translucent sheet and additional finishing may be required.

FINISHING

The top or face finishing should be performed in accordance with the LG Surfaces Fabrication Guide. If the application is to be backlighting the back side will also need to be finished. Be aware that damage to the back surface may show through to the face. When backlit the appearance is largely dependent on the type and intensity of light being utilized. Generally the back of the sheet does not require the same level of finish as the front as long as the finish is uniform. Likewise, any variations in the face finish may show up when backlit. Always inspect the finished product thoroughly using the same type of lighting to be used on the project.

DESIGN

The new Lucent sheets from LG Surfaces will allow you more flexibility and creativity in your designs. As with any new product, there may be amazing new possibilities. Etch patterns into the material to create a completely new perception of space with the use of stunning light effects. Or experiment with different types and intensity of backlight. Let your imagination soar with Lucent 100% acrylic Solid Surface sheets from LG Surfaces. Where life happens.

NOTICE:

All of the information referenced in this Technical Bulletin is provided at no charge and is based on data that LG Surfaces believes to be accurate and reliable. It is intended for the use of LG Surfaces customers skilled in fabricating solid surface products and is to be used at their own risk. LG Surfaces assumes no liability for any issues arising from or damage incurred by the use of this information either in whole or in part.