Formica (plastic)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Various samples of Formica

Formica is a brand of composite materials manufactured by the Formica Corporation based in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. In common use, the term refers to the company's classic product, a heat resistant, wipe-clean, plastic laminate of paper or fabric with melamine resin.

Formica was invented in 1912 by Daniel J. O'Conor and Herbert A. Faber, then working at Westinghouse. They originally conceived it as an electrical insulator as a substitute "for mica," hence the name they chose when they left Westinghouse to set up their own company in 1913.

In its early years, Formica manufactured insulation along with other products such as phenolic composite gears, developing its classic range of surfacing laminates from the late 1920s. During World War II it manufactured plastic-impregnated wooden airplane propellers. Post-war, engineering uses declined, ceasing in 1970 in favour of decorative laminates.

In the last quarter of the 20th century, after a management buyout from its then owners American Cyanamid, it diversified with products such as solid surfacing, metal laminates and flooring materials.

[edit] Relatives

Arborite, a similar and also popular paper-melamine composite, was developed in Canada in the 1940s.
A line of laminates similar to Formica is made by Wilsonart International.
A line of laminates similar to Formica, but with top surface made of multilaminar veneer called Alpikord, is made by Alpi SpA.

[edit] In popular culture

In the television show Six Feet Under, one character attempts to impress Ruth Fisher by telling her the story of the origin of Formica and its name, only to be corrected by her husband George, a geologist, who claims that Formica was developed as a material for kitchen furnishings and has no relation to mica.