Best adhesives for edge banding from Henkel

Useful Tips for Applying Adhesives in Edge Banding

In the fast-paced and competitive world of furniture and building component manufacturing, efficiency is crucial. A video by Henkel explores essential safety tips and provides clear instructions for the manufacturing conditions when utilizing PUR hotmelts in edge banding applications. It features insights on transitioning from EVA to PUR hotmelt, as well as helpful cleaning techniques shared by Henkel professionals. This informative content aims to enhance both safety and operational efficiency in production processes.

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When selecting furniture for residence halls, you will undoubtedly need to decide on the materials used. This might include solid wood, plywood substrates, laminate tops, or a combination of these materials. Regardless of your choice, it's highly likely that your furniture will feature edge banding, a fundamental aspect of construction that enhances the durability and longevity of the pieces.

Edge banding refers to the application of strips of finished material to cover the rough and unfinished edges of plywood, particle board, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). These strips, known as edging tape, can vary in thickness, commonly ranging from 0.018 inch to 5mm, and are typically sold in rolls of 250 feet. Thicker edging is preferable for high-traffic environments due to its enhanced resilience and impact resistance, making it essential in specific applications, such as military furniture.

Purpose and Applications of Edge Banding

Edge banding serves both functional and aesthetic roles in furniture design. Functionally, it acts as a barrier to moisture, thereby protecting the core material and enhancing durability by providing impact resistance. Aesthetically, it conceals rough edges, resulting in a polished appearance that complements the furniture's overall design.

You can find edge banding on various types of furniture, but its presence largely depends on the material specification. For example, while solid wood products generally do not require edge banding, materials like plywood or laminated surfaces often do. Companies like DCI employ edge banding in unexpected areas, such as in plywood bed decks, to ensure a fully sealed surface that helps mitigate pests.

The Composition of Edge Banding Materials

Edge banding can be made from several materials, each with distinct characteristics:

PVC

PVC is a widely used material for edge banding due to its affordability and durability. While it does not require finishing, and repairs are feasible, PVC is not biodegradable and poses recycling challenges. For optimal adhesion and a visually appealing finish, a thickness of 3mm is recommended.

Solid Wood

Solid wood remains a popular choice for edge banding, providing strength, recyclability, and superior durability. Its robust adhesives tend to perform better than those of veneer or PVC. For edge banding applications, a thickness of 9.5mm is generally suggested.

Wood Veneer

Wood veneer features a clean, solid-wood appearance and is commonly used on plywood cabinet sides and MDF components. While it is visually appealing and easy to work with, it does have limitations, such as susceptibility to heat and wear in high-use scenarios.

Methods of Applying Edge Banding

There are several effective methods for applying edge banding materials:

• Hot-melt glue
• Hot air/laser
• Iron-on
• Laser edging

Adhesives: Key Considerations

Selecting the right adhesive is essential to the edge banding process. Hot melt glue is often favored for its ease of use and strong sealing capabilities. Successful application requires attention to environmental factors such as temperature, as well as maintaining a clean glue edge.

When it comes to edge banding, the choices can seem overwhelming. However, our team of experts is always ready to assist you in navigating through the options and locating the best product for your project.

For further details and tips, be sure to check out more from our series. For additional information, please visit Adhesive Edge Banding.