Formica (plastic)

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Assorted 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 micarta, hence the name they chose when they left Westinghouse to set up their own company in 1913. Formica being an abbreviation of "formerly micarta"

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 favor of decorative laminates. It is composed of many layers of resin-impregnated kraft paper and topped with a decorative layer protected by melamine, then compressed and cured with heat to make a hard, durable surface.

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.

Since 2007, it has been a subsidiary of the Fletcher Building group. [1]

[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

Formica was referenced in a famous scene from the cult film Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me. The Dwarf, while in the Black Lodge, says, "This is a formica table. Green is its color."
Also referenced in Sponge Bob Square Pants episode "shell of a man" where Iron eye confessed that his iron eye was really made of Formica
During the forth season of the HBO series Six Feet Under Ruth Fisher's newest husband and former love interest argue over the orgins of formica.
Mentioned in the book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" as the kind of table in a cafe.
Mentioned in the short story by author Clark Blaise "The Unwanted Attention of Strangers"
Mentioned in the Hunter S. Thompson book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."