SAFEBOARD^® FMA-MAX (FMA – Maximum Application)

SAFEBOARD^® FMA-MAX (FMA – Maximum Application) is a slab reinforcement panel engineered to reduce risk when putting thin-bodied porcelain, sintered stone, and ultra-compact surfaces through transportation, handling, fabrication, and installation processes. Compared to regular FMA, which is applied to slabs using a pre-applied pressure-sensitive adhesive, FMA-MAX is applied using SAFEBOARD’s rolled-on two-part epoxy adhesive, MAX-BOND. This provides an incredibly strong bond for intensive applications, such as high vertical walls, exteriors, and surfaces with low bond-ability (such as porcelain slabs with fiberglass backings).

SAFEBOARD^® FMA-MAX implements the same composite panel reinforcement technology as FMA, providing vibration/shock damping properties and extra rigidity to fragile porcelain slabs. FMA-MAX comes in “Wave Lock” sets, which are easily assembled on the back of a slab. Because FMA-MAX is applied to porcelain slabs with a rolled-on epoxy, the bond is incredibly strong for even the most demanding applications.

FMA-MAX features SAFEBOARD’s new “Wave-Lock” System:

• Interlocking design ensures panels stay perfectly fit together while adhesive cures.
• Longer “wave” in the middle allows for easy alignment when assembling; first, line up the longer middle waves together - the rest of the edge will line up perfectly when flexed into place.
• Textured soft foam layer allows thorough spread of adhesive for the strongest bond.
• Patent-pending.

SAFEBOARD^® FMA-MAX has enough rigidity to confidently reinforce slabs and provides vibration damping and shock absorbing properties that prevent shattering during intensive processes. It is light, easy to use, and can be easily routed out for sink installation purposes. When bonding porcelain slabs to OSP sub-tops in exterior conditions, porcelain must first be reinforced with FMA-MAX.

FMA-MAX (FMA – Maximum Application):

• One side fully pre-applied with soft foam layer for vibration and shock absorption. Soft foam layer does not have pre-applied adhesive.
• Bonded to slabs using SAFEBOARD^® 2-part MAX-BOND Adhesive. Flexible-curing and incredible bonding strength provides the safest installation possible.
• New self-locking Wave Lock edge patterns allows for easy installation and position-locking while adhesive cures.
• Intended for:
  • Surfaces with low bond-ability, such as porcelain with fiberglass backings
  • Shower Installations
  • Vertical applications over 5ft

FMA (Foam Manufacturing Assist):

• One side has pre-applied PSA (Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive), allowing quick installation without the need for applying or spreading adhesive. Just peel the protective paper, stick it to the slab, and apply pressure.
• FMA must be rolled horizontally to achieve proper pressure for a permanent bond to porcelain slabs.
• Must be applied in a clean, dry, and temperature-controlled environment.
• Basic Wave Tech^® edge patterns specifically engineered for this configuration.
• Intended for:
  • Countertops
  • Backsplashes
  • Fireplaces
  • Vertical applications >5ft

When to Use FMA-MAX Versus FMA?

• FMA works for most porcelain surfaces.
• However, some porcelain surfaces are more difficult to bond to, such as:
  • Certain fiberglass mesh backings.
  • Surfaces with low surface energy.
• FMA-MAX is specifically designed for these difficult surfaces and environments.
• FMA-MAX is also designed for harsher terrain and environments, utilizing a two-part adhesive instead of FMA’s single-part PSA.
• FMA requires a clean, dry, and dust-free environment to achieve a strong bond to porcelain slabs – FMA-MAX is suited for any environment application.

SAFEBOARD^® FMA-MAX is Bonded to Slabs Using MAX-BOND

MAX-BOND is a new 2-part epoxy developed specifically for use with FMA-MAX:

• Developed by one of the most advanced adhesive manufacturers from Japan.
• Viscosity perfectly tailored to provide green strength to hold panels before curing, and an incredible permanent bond after curing.
• Easy to roll on with common paint rollers - no need to scoop and spread with trowels.
• Working time of ~1 hour allows more than enough time to complete the application process.

Patented Composite Panel System

FMA and FMA-MAX employ our patent-pending composite panel system for shock & vibration protection:

• Composite panel consists of three layers:
  • Rigid Structural Board: provides body and structure.
  • Thin Layer of Adhesive: bonds board to foam carrier.
  • Soft Foam Carrier: provides shock and vibration damping properties.
• This particular combination of materials and densities has been studied by SAFEBOARD engineers to provide the most optimized reinforcement.
• This system works the same with both FMA and FMA-MAX, due to both products utilizing flexible yet strong adhesive bonding systems to the slab.

SAFEBOARD’s Composite Panel System ensures that the most common thicknesses of porcelain slabs (6mm and 12mm) can be reinforced with corresponding thicknesses of FMA or FMA-MAX to create a consistent overall thickness when assembled, roughly 2cm.