5 reasons why zero-joint edgebanding is the future of your millwork shop

Are you thinking about moving to zero-joint edgebanding?

Here are five reasons why zero-joint edgebanding is the future of adhesion at your millwork shop.

Zero-joint for millwork shops

There are several options for edgebanding adhesion, including EVA glue, PUR glue, pre-coated glue layer edgebanding and, last but not least, zero-joint edgebanding. While more than 80% of the market uses EVA glue, which is easily available and affordable, zero-joint edgebanding is becoming a notable alternative to popular glue adhesives.

Zero-joint edgebanding, also known as REHAU LaserEdge™, employs a pre-applied, co-extruded polymer functional layer that adheres to the board without glue. Activated by a laser, hot-air or NIR edgebander, the functional layer melts and fuses the edgeband to the board. Unlike glue adhesive methods, zero-joint only requires bringing two items together: The edgeband and the board. Aside from its simplicity, zero-joint is an advanced adhesion technology that brings several key benefits to millwork shop owners. Here are five reasons why zero-joint edgebanding is the future of adhesion at your millwork shop.

Monolithic appearance

Say goodbye to glue lines! Zero-joint edgebanding provides a monolithic appearance that allows the board and the edgeband to appear as one solid surface. Glue lines are visible in many other adhesion methods, such as EVA glue, PUR glue and pre-coated glue layer. Over time, glue joints collect dirt or yellow. As glue lines physically shrink and swell, a gap is created where dirt and bacteria grow. Combined with yellowing, that can be caused by UV rays or cleaning solutions, the visual appeal of edgeband applied with glue dramatically decreases over time. In contrast, the seamless joint and a high-performance seal of zero-joint edgebanding offers the flawless, clean appearance of total integration.

Additionally, when you choose glue as your edgeband adhesive, color options are limited in matching the functional layer to the substrate. EVA or PUR glues are available in up to five colors, which at best can only complement the surface color. REHAU LaserEdge steps into this void with hundreds of colors, each with a functional layer that perfectly matches the surface.

Learn more about REHAU's zero-joint technology

No troublesome gaps

Removal of glue in edgebanding application removes the liability of delamination issues. The decorative layer of REHAU LaserEdge is made of ABS or polypropylene, while the functional layer is always made of polypropylene that melts and infiltrates the board. The resulting heat and moisture resistance makes zero-joint edgebanding well-suited for spaces that are exposed to harsher conditions involving heat and steam, such as healthcare facilities, locker rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and labs.

For shop owners, eliminating the possibility of delamination with zero-joint technology could also result in fewer site visits to repair or re-glue edgebanding. The high-quality seal of REHAU LaserEdge will leave customers satisfied and your schedule free of inconvenient repairs.

Glue pots be gone

No glue, no hassle. Compared to glue adhesives, zero-joint edgebanding allows for efficient production with less mess. All millwork shop workers know that EVA and PUR glue pots are a nightmare. A significant drawback of PUR glue, in particular, is the increased effort needed to keep glue pots clean, as consistent nightly purging is necessary to have a properly working glue pot the next morning.

Zero-joint edgebanding not only bypasses pesky glue pot maintenance, but also avoids spatter or glue messes inside your machines. Working with glue complicates the manufacturing process, with requirements for pre-heating and shutting down, and can result in accidental burns to operators, all of which is avoided with zero-joint edgebanding.

Elevate your design with zero-seams and zero glue

In addition to streamlining your manufacturing process, eliminating glue saves on labor costs. You can cross glue pot maintenance off your daily task list and, most importantly, you no longer need a person at the end of each line wiping excess glue off boards. You can re-purpose this non-value-added labor to tasks that will move your business forward. Although zero-joint technology costs more upfront than glue-based edgeband alternatives, when you factor in glue costs, machine maintenance and labor costs, zero-joint edgebanding is a smart switch.

Tuned to the environment

Zero-joint edgebanding complies with non-PVC specification requirements, which are increasing in popularity from healthcare facilities to educational facilities to offices. With the spread of COVID-19, these requirements have become even more crucial as several specifications were written for emergency healthcare facilities that demand use of chloride-free materials.

REHAU LaserEdge meets this important specification, being a chloride-free product that uses ABS and polypropylene as its primary chemistries. The absence of PVC does not diminish the durability of REHAU LaserEdge. On the contrary, its chloride-free technology is ideal for projects where a tighter seal and long-lasting quality are necessary.

First-rate finish

When you think about the future of your shop, do you hope to increase your span of customers or projects? Zero-joint edgebanding provides shops with the potential to win new projects in not only residential spaces, but also in healthcare, educational and retail facilities, allowing you to diversify your project portfolio and customer base.

From homes to hotels, wherever appearance is at a premium, zero-joint edgebanding offers a seamless, integrated look with no glue line. For high-maintenance buildings such as hospitals, schools and shops, forgoing the glue and choosing zero-joint edgebanding allows for a much more hygienic, easily cleanable product that meets necessary non-PVC specifications.

Whether you’d like to gain more residential or commercial customers, zero-joint edgebanding will give your product a first-rate finish that elevates the reputation of your shop.

By Erin Slupe, REHAU Communications

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