Ureka solves the veneer delamination problems of a top quality office furniture manufacturer

BACKGROUND

This client is a long-established and well-respected manufacturer of office furniture, developing products to improve the performance of its customers’ organisations.

CHALLENGE

New machinery was falling short of our clients usual high standards when the veneering process delivered inconsistent results for bonding.

-Unacceptable reject rate for products
-Time, materials and resources wasted
-Unable to realise potential of capital investment

Having invested in a new press line for veneering wooden desks, doors and other furniture items, the client wanted to bring its veneering in-house to enjoy both time and cost savings.

FINDINGS:

We identified that the operatives were using an incorrect adhesive, designed for laminate products rather than natural timber veneers, and an unsuitable applicator, delivering inconsistent coverage of the adhesive.

-Incorrect adhesive – using a product designed for laminating, not veneering
-Unsuitable applicator & Inconsistent adhesive coverage – using a roller unable to deliver consistent coverage

DISCOVER

Prior to meeting with the team, we had a good idea on what was causing the product failures – the wrong adhesive. On visiting the facilities and viewing the teams’ veneering processes, we were able to pinpoint the problems.

We identified that the operatives were using an incorrect adhesive, one designed for use on man-made products (for laminating), rather than natural timber materials (for veneering). Additionally, the use of an unsuitable applicator, a standard paint roller, was delivering inconsistent coverage of the adhesive.

Successful bonding – 'whether as veneering or laminating - requires four key elements: the right adhesive, correct application, consistent coverage, and optimum press cycle time.'

SOLOUTION:

Correct adhesive – developed specifically for use on natural timber materials
Effective applicator – to deliver consistent coverage every time
Optimum temperature & press time – to cure the adhesive and achieve successful bonding

RECOMMEND 

We recommended use of a UF resin adhesive (Prefere 4114)– ideal for bonding natural timber veneers. This durable adhesive has been developed to withstand ‘movement’ within natural veneers, to prevent blistering or bubbling. We also recommended the use of an effective applicator – a Pfohl glue roller – which dispenses adhesive accurately and evenly.