Formica

[Leon]

I suppose anything is possible. But is all plastic laminate considered postforming?

[clare]

If it can be used for things that are not flat, it is postformable. I imagine there is non postformable formica - but the "form" in "formica" WAS because it was "formable"

[Spalted Walt]

Not even close:

Etymology of the name The mineral mica was commonly used at that time for electrical insulation. Because the new product acted as a substitute ?for mica?, Faber used the name ?Formica?

[clare]

Regardless, on the Formica site it indicates all of their high pressure laminate products are postformable.

I had heard it was named Formica because unlike mineral mica insulation, it was "formable" mica insulation.. Looks like I was probably misinformed on that count.

My assertion that it was a melamine resin finish is however supported.

[Leon]

I'm thinking post, after the fact, formable.

[clare]

PostFormable laminate is flat laminate sheets that can be "post formed" into things like countertops with the anti-drip round edge, and the low back-splash like found on most kitchen and bath countertops, among many other things.. It is heathed and formed to shape and glued to a (usually manufactured lumber) substrrate.