Timber iQ October - November 2019 // Issue:46 | Page 37

FEATURES
the machine along with the dust extractors. Another
maintenance suggestion is to consider cleaning the glue pot
every six months.
EDGE BANDING MATERIALS AND ADHESIVES
Edging is also applied on the edges of wood used to create
wardrobes.
banding glue with sufficient heat and water resistance when
applied correctly. The second one is the PUR hotmelt which has
superior heat resistance and waterproof when applied correctly.
“The best quality edged panel is generally produced with
a PUR hotmelt,” says Behr. He adds that PUR has the highest
heat and moisture resistance coupled with the fact that less
glue is required than with an EVA or PO hotmelt. “This thin
waterproof glue line enables the manufacturer to produce a
panel with a zero-glue line.”
Edge banding machinery has evolved over the years.
There have also been significant technological
improvements which have paved the way for a variety of
edge banding machines on the market today. The market for
these machines typically consists of tradesmen, furniture
manufacturers and shopfitters among others. Whether they
are using the big industrial or smaller mobile edge banding
machines, careful consideration must be given to using the
correct materials and applying the correct techniques to
ensure that the edging on the finished product looks
attractive and is durable.
It is impossible to apply edge banding without the relevant
materials to do so. Behr explains that there are five types of
edge banding materials: PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), ABS
(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), PP (Polypropylene),
melamine impregnated paper and veneer. “All of these are
available in a variety of widths, thicknesses, designs and
finishes,” he says. He explains that ABS, melamine and
veneer edge bandings can generally be coated over if a
lacquer or paint finish is required.
Because of their thermal stability and impact resistance,
ABS and PP edge banding are the preferred product for use in
a kitchen environment. “PP edge banding material requires
specific machinery whereas ABS can be applied with your
standard machinery,” Behr says. With regards to the adhesive,
Behr emphasises that the adhesive used is as important as
the edge. “Highly filled cheaper adhesives will show an
unsightly glue line and offer an inferior bond.”
Van Rensburg explains that there are two main adhesives
used in edge banding: EVA, which has good quality edge-
Edge banding machines are used by kitchen unit manufacturers
among others.
Sometimes the edging comes off after some time. Fuchs
attributes this to humidity. Incorrect glue application
temperature is another factor that causes the banding to
come off. An example of the incorrect glue application is
insufficient pressure on the pressure rollers or if the
substrate is not square to the edge banding material when
applied. Poor priming, incorrect edge banding shape and too
much pre-tension in the edge banding material can also
cause the edging to come off.
Another factor that contributes to the edging coming off is
when the edging is in direct contact with heat. “The
placement of appliances such as your kettle and stove hobs
needs to be taken into consideration as most EVA based
adhesives do not react well with moisture and high
temperatures,” says van Rensburg. He also explains that
because edges are primed on the reverse or adhesive side, a
lack of primer could result in the delamination of the edging.
When cleaning any product with edge banding, it is best to
use a diluted soap and water mix. “Wipe the edging with a
damp cloth and avoid excessive water and abrasive cleaning
detergents,” van Rensburg says.
The type of adhesive used during the edge banding
process is important to consider. “A very important factor to a
successful edge is the adhesion of the material to the
substrate. Edge banding machines use either EVA, PUR or
Polyolefin hot melts to bond the edge banding material to
the substrate,” explains Behr.
EDGING THAT LASTS
The adhesives for the Festool edge banding machine is available in natural, white, brown and black.
www.timberiq.co.za
// OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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