Choosing the right glue for your edgebander
When planning to purchase a hot-melt adhesive for edgebanding, there are many issues to take into consideration. For one, will the adhesive help to deliver a better finish, with an invisible glueline that’s pleasing to the eye; and will it meet growing consumer expectations for better for heat and moisture resistance, for kitchen and bathroom furniture, in particular?
Sustainability, by way of bio-based formulations; and productivity changes – will the glue improve production uptime or, alternatively, increase the number of line stoppages – should also be considered.
To assist you in your quest for the right adhesive, we break down some of the key factors to look out for.
What types of edgebanding glues are available?
Most edgebanding is bonded using hot-melt adhesives, which are available in several different technologies, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) and mPO (metallocene) adhesives are suitable for a wide range of applications and are available as filled and unfilled grades - offering a choice between greater mileage or lower upfront costs.
Meanwhile, PO (polyolefin) and PUR (polyurethane reactive) grades offer higher heat resistance and a stronger bond – although, in the case of PUR grades, they require a longer curing time and can have a shorter shelf life.
What else can the right adhesive offer?
Each adhesive grade offers its advantages: a good hot melt will provide the necessary bond strength suitable for the edgebanding substrate. It will also offer the required heat and moisture resistance to ensure bond security in challenging applications – kitchen furniture, for example, is often close to an ever-increasing number of appliances, such as multiple ovens, air fryers, and boiling water taps.
Individual grades might be suited for either slow or fast lines, with certain grades appropriate for both - an important consideration when different edgebanding machines operate at various speeds.
And with an ever-expanding number of materials used for edgebanding, adhesives should be compatible with different substrates; allowing manufacturers the freedom to incorporate the very latest edging materials.
Further value can be found in glues that are clean running and thermally stable, which reduces production downtime, limits maintenance costs, and increases resource efficiency – boosting overall productivity.
Finally, new bio-based edgebanding hot melts are now available, enabling manufacturers to bond sustainably and meet growing demands from consumers and brands for environmentally-friendly furniture.
Set-up considerations
To get the most from a hot-melt adhesive, it’s worth considering some directions for its application: glue should be applied in a uniform, continuous coat, and in a thickness suitable for the material. Too much adhesive and the excess could smear beyond the joint, and it will also increase the open time of the glue.
If changing edging materials, it's important to check compatibility with the adhesive to ensure consistent bonding performance.
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If you are looking for an adhesive for your edgebander and would like more information about Beardow Adams’ hot melt range, contact us via the website, or send an email to: marketing@beardowadams.com