In Cantisa we have the following versions of melamine edge: single-layer and three-layer.
Do you want to know more about this product?
Monolayer
It consists of a single decorative paper between 170 and 200 grams/m2 and its thickness is about 0.3 mm.
To harden and compact the paper, it is impregnated with aminoplastic resins. In this way, it obtains the characteristics required for its application and machining on edges.
It is then lacquered to give the surface the right appearance and resistance. With the advent of digital printing technologies, we can also offer this type of printing on the single-layer edge.
Advantages
For large quantities the price is more competitive. Since it is only one paper and there is no need to do any further processing to attach another one to it.
It has a pleasant feel, is flexible and not brittle.
Disadvantages
The adhesion of a monolayer to hot melt adhesive can be delicate if the impregnation is not well done (over impregnation). Since this paper is not scratched and does not have an adhesive bridge on the back side.
It is very hygroscopic, i.e., the edge easily acquires humidity and becomes soft if the environment is humid. To avoid this, it must be stored under optimal conditions.
Three-layer
It is a laminate composed of three papers and with a thickness between 0.30 and 0.33 mm:
The outer paper is made from the same paper that melamine boards are made from.
Moreover, with the same type of impregnation. This makes the appearance and strength of the edge identical to that of the board surface. We manufacture this edge in two versions: straight edge (standard sample book) and softforming (on request, with radii of 3mm or more).
How is it manufactured?
1 – The three papers are impregnated each with its appropriate impregnation.
2 – The three paper reels are placed in a press and temperature and strong pressure are applied. This three-layer sandwich is “melaminized”, leaving the papers tightly bonded together without the need for glue. The same resins used to impregnate the papers react with heat and pressure to bind them together.
3 – To apply some engraving or gloss, when passing the three papers through the press, a fourth paper is placed on top. This release paper already bears this engraving and copies it onto the decorative paper.
4 – The back side (Kraft) is sanded so that the laminate adheres to the hot melt glues of the edgebanders.
Advantages
The same paper used to make the board is used for the edge. There is no need to worry about manufacturing additional paper. It does not copy the irregularities of the agglomerate because it is very hard. In other words, it does not “telegraph” the defects in the bond.
Its behavior is practically unchanged in cold or heat. It is practically unaffected by humidity, since it has been “closed” in the melamine process. The identity or resemblance of this edge with that of the surface is total in all aspects. This is because it has been subjected to practically the same temperature and pressure processes as the board and, in addition, it is the same paper.
If the edge banding units of the edgebander (the ones that flush the edge to the board) work perfectly, the three-layer melamine is ideal. It is ideal in the sense that there is no “fuzziness” or “burr” because it is very hard and the three layers are very well bonded.
As for its adhesion, it is very good since its last layer is sanded.
Disadvantages
It is very rigid and brittle, which makes its handling more delicate. When a board has already been veneered on the edges and receives a blow, this edge can crack and splinter. Normally, manufacturers well prepared in machinery and with high productions use it without problems. But smaller manufacturers with less means have more problems of utilization.
The installation to manufacture it is extremely costly. In general, it is more expensive, both because of the expensive machinery that produces it and because of its composition and process: three papers and, in addition, sanding. If the last sanding process is over-sanded, the edge will be very thin and brittle.
All our wood products come from sustainably managed forests. Check our FSC declaration here.
Be inspired!
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Protective film
We can apply, on the outside of the paper-based edge, a low-adhesive protective plastic.
This option provides us with a series of advantages:We do not stain the edge when varnishing the surface of the piece, either by spray, curtain or roller.
Once the piece is finished, the plastic film is removed from the edge.
We do not deteriorate the surface of the edge when they are delicate surfaces, such as high gloss (90 gloss).
The plastic covers the entire edge.
For special cases in which there is a problem with the protective plastic (when profiling the edge on the edgebander), we can cover only the central part of the edge.
Protective film
Textures and embossings
On the three-layer melamine edge we can offer various surface finishes. If you are interested, please contact us and we will send you information about the pores available at this moment.
For polyester and monolayer edges, we can offer our full range of pores.
If you are interested, please ask for our pores sample book. and you will receive the available options.
Textures and embossings
Self adhesive coating
For paper-based edges we can apply a self-adhesive glue on the back of the edge. We protect the back side with a siliconized paper for its conservation.
By simply removing the paper and pressing manually, we can adhere our melamine edge to different surfaces (chipboard, mdf, solid wood, etc).
Self adhesive coating
Hot Melt Pre-Glued
On the back of the edge we can apply a layer of hot melt glue that melts at 180 degrees.
Used on edgebanders that do not have a glue tank and glue application. Si desea más información, póngase en contacto con nosotros.
The amount of glue we put on the back of the edge is 120 gr/m2. This quantity is the correct one to avoid gluing problems and, at the same time, to avoid excess glue in the joint between the edge and the board (glue line).
Our standard glue has a softening temperature of 85-90 degrees. Temperature at which the tail begins to soften.
Hot Melt Pre-Glued