Woodworking adhesives for 3D lamination

M K
Mitol
Published in
3 min readDec 2, 2022
3D lamination allows you to create complex shapes

3D thermally coated furniture fronts represent an important segment in the furniture industry. Therefore, the manufacturing processes and woodworking adhesives must meet the latest industry requirements and ensure a reliable bond. One- and two-component adhesives based on PUR dispersions guarantee a perfect surface look and quality bonding with excellent heat and water resistance.

One- and two-component adhesives based on PUR dispersions guarantee a perfect surface look.

Express your style

3D lamination protects surfaces from chipping, cracking, or breaking while giving the material all sorts of shapes. That is why it is popular for creating letters, logos, countertops, cabinet fronts, drawers, doors, RV furniture, etc. Gluing foil onto the substrate forms a seal that guards the furniture against moisture and bacteria, which makes these products suitable for use in medical settings. Using an appropriate woodworking adhesive is of the utmost importance.

Finishing furniture with 3D lamination

Woodworking adhesive makes sure the laminate foil stays connected to the wooden substrate.

3D lamination in woodworking involves covering products with PVC or PET decorative foils, also known as rigid thermoformable foil — RTF. The process takes place in specialized presses, of which there are 3 types:

  • Simple vacuum press: applies vacuum from below and heat from above. It might not give the best results on corners or complex shapes.
  • Two-chamber vacuum press: applies vacuum from below and positive pressure from above. As a result, shapes are better defined.
  • Three-chamber membrane press: it applies vacuum from below and positive pressure from above; however, the third chamber takes care of the vacuum and pressure in the middle, which brings perfect results.

Each process requires different temperatures, so the choice of the best adhesive is crucial for the perfect bond between the foil and the substrate.

The right choice of adhesive forms a quality bond between the wood substrate and the rigid thermoformable foil.

MEKOL line for the perfect bond

MEKOL one- or two-component adhesives meet the needs of all types of 3D laminating processes. They can be used for all types of thermoplastic foils, including high gloss decors. Bonds made with Mitols’ MEKOL woodworking adhesives are extremely heat- and steam-resistant. Because of cost savings, easy processing, and cleaning, they are efficiently used for various applications in woodworking, including 3D lamination. These adhesives are water-based, solvent-free, and non-flammable; they assure safe use and represent the best choice for the user and the environment.

To wrap up

Furniture design nowadays exceeds making simple tables and chairs. Instead, the furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, which were difficult to achieve some time ago. 3D lamination protects complex shapes from damage and moisture and gives furniture a range of specific finishes that traditional methods cannot achieve. To create a lasting bond between the substrate and the foil, MITOL has a line of MEKOL woodworking adhesives.

--

--