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 35