Press Release
No. 07
Page: 1 / 4
January 2014
Furniture joints now yesterday’s news
Something that has characterized furniture down
the ages has now been firmly relegated to the
history books: Where there used to be a joint is
now a smooth, continuous surface. It was around
four years ago that the zero joint began to
transform the production of furniture.
Developments to date in the evolution of the zero
joint have been an exciting ride – and there are plenty of surprises still to come.
One thing is certain: What has been dubbed the “zero joint” has established its
position as the new quality benchmark for edge processing in the furniture and
interior fittings industry.
HOMAG spearheaded developments in 2009 with its diode laser-based
laserTec system used for throughfeed processing. Today, over 200 systems
using HOMAG laserTec are in operation – with feed rates of up to 52 m/min. In
the meanwhile, a number of laserTec units are in use on processing centers
operated by a variety of companies, ensuring optimum process reliability for the
zero-joint edging of shaped components.
The laserTec process entails connecting the edge and panel using a directed
laser beam which uses an oscillating action to melt a wafer-thin function layer
on the edge. This cuts out the need for hot-melt glue and also the time spent
waiting for it to heat up: the system is immediately ready for production.
Unproductive waiting periods are just as much a thing of the past as the need to
exchange glue tanks for each new color. As no separate glue is required, not
only is material input reduced, the logistical processes behind it are also no
longer needed.
HOMAG Group - laserTec, airTec
Press Release
No. 07
Page: 2 / 4
January 2014
The greatest benefit of laserTec is its superior quality: Because the function
layer is identical in color to the decor material of the edge, a jointless transition
from the edge to the panel is guaranteed. The result: edges conforming to a
previously unattainable standard of quality – the zero joint.
Zero joint for woodworking shops too – airTec
Nowadays, the quality expectations imposed on
woodworking shop production are just as high as for
industrial manufacturers. This realization prompted BRANDT
and HOMAG to go a step further and provide zero joint
technology for woodworking shops too. Both airTec systems
enjoy widespread use by different producing companies. In
this case, the function layer on the edge is reactivated by
means of compressed hot air, creating a jointless result. The
systems were developed to precisely tie in with the needs of
woodworking shops, calling for a lower level of investment while offering the
same high standard of quality as laser technology.
Since 2012, BRANDT has supplied its
airTec unit with a feed rate of 15 m/min.
The airTec unit can be used on all
BRANDT 1400 to 1800 series machines.
It works as a dual solution in combination
with the standard gluing section, which
allows every conceivable customer
requirement to be addressed. Using
ultra-modern components and innovative
designs, BRANDT as the market leader
in this field has delivered a number of unique selling propositions. Over 40 of
these units are now working on customer premises in 15 different countries.
HOMAG Group - laserTec, airTec
Press Release
No. 07
Page: 3 / 4
January 2014
HOMAG developed its own system, which was on show for the first time at the
HOMAG Treff 2013. Developed internally, the HOMAG airTec method achieves
feed rates of up to 20 m/min by using hot air. Among its many benefits is the
surprisingly low use of resources. Energy and air consumption are up to 40%
lower per workpiece processed than with the hot air systems available on the
market to date. This unit can also be used continuously without any reduction of
the edge pull-off force and without the machine environment becoming
overheated.
INSET
Diode laser: HOMAG Group technology prevails
There have been many approaches along the way towards the zero joint, with
many manufacturers attempting different solutions. The underlying principle was
always the same, using a pre-coated edge whose glue layer is reactivated for
application on the workpiece. Different methods have been attempted to
achieve this, with many solutions such as CO2 laser, plasma technology or
diode laser as possible contenders. After just under five years in the
marketplace, a clear winner has emerged: The diode laser method developed
by the HOMAG Group has become established as
the defining system in the marketplace. The
laserTec unit scores best overall in the decisive
areas of quality, cost, simplicity and process
reliability, complying fully with customer
expectations.
In contrast to conventional systems, the diode laser
ensures a consistent and homogenous standard of
product quality on the very highest level. This
standard of quality goes hand in hand with
extremely simple operation to ensure sustainably
HOMAG Group - laserTec, airTec
Press Release
No. 07
Page: 4 / 4
January 2014
improved process reliability, and consequently economical production. For
many customers, this provides a deciding argument in favor of investment, as
many of the operating challenges thrown up by edge banding with hot-melt glue
do not even occur when using the laserTec method. When using suitable laser
edges, for example, temperatures can act on the joint location which are within
the possible temperature range of PU – without destroying the function of the
joint.
HOMAG Group - laserTec, airTec