What is PP Edge Banding and Why Do We Use Them?

Polypropylene (PP) edges are used in furniture construction as an alternative to PVC and ABS edges. As the manufacturing process is somewhat more difficult than that of ABS edgebanding, PP edgeband is preferably produced in large batch sizes. This explains why PP edge in the furniture industry are primarily processed by industrial companies.

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To achieve better adhesion of the hotmelt the back is coated with an adhesion promoter (primer). PP edgebands are also available for the zero-joint gluing process.

Due to the characteristics of PP, edge made of this material can be found on kitchens, offices and bathroom furniture as well as on trade fairs and shop fittings and interior construction elements.

Processing information

PP edges can be processed with all common automatic edgebanders and CNC-machining centres and suitable manual edge banding machines.

Cross cut saw

The trimming saw should be assembled with saw blades with one-sided sharp toothing. The use of alternately toothed saw blades can lead to chipping, all on thin edge.

Moulding aggregates

Dyed polypropylene reacts to impacts with discoloration (Stress whitening). This can be minimized through using sharp milling tool with high concentricity in the edge milling units. The tool diameter should be approx. 70 mm, the spindle speed should be 12,000 to 18,000 rpm.

Scraper

The depth of cut the Scraper should not exceed 0.15 mm, otherwise the discoloration described above will occur.

Buffing unit

The action of the buffing wheels can remove stress whitening and adhesive residues if the rotation speed is approximately 1,400 rpm/min and the contact pressure is not too high.

Extraction

Simply said, edge banding addresses an issue in the furniture manufacturing process.

The issue is that when hardwood boards are cut, they contain a rough edge that, if left exposed, may cause severe issues for your furniture.

Raw edges are not only unsightly, but they also allow moisture to seep in, causing the wood to warp and, as a result, significantly reducing the wood’s life span.

It is also very detrimental to one’s looks.

Edge banding is the thin strips that cover the ends of raw wood boards.

Edge banding protects your furniture’s hardwood panels from moisture, minimizing the impacts of ambient humidity and liquid spills.

Just like the purpose of furniture covers such as pet furniture covers, edge banding serves as a protective guard that secures the edges of your furniture and prevents detrimental accidents.

If you are curious to know more about edge banding, in this article, we will thoroughly discuss the different types of edge banding and their purpose.

1. The Purpose of Edge Banding

2. Types of Edge Banding

3. How To Put an Edge Banding?

4. Takeaways

2. Types of Edge Banding

2-1. Wood Veneer Edgebanding

Another popular edge banding material is wood veneer.

Wood veneer edgebanding is made by finger-jointing separate pieces of veneer into a seamless master roll.

Veneer means “thin pieces of wood”.

Common types include walnut, mahogany, maple, ash, and oak, but there are many more, including natural and colored veneers!

The attractiveness, durability, and strength of wood veneer are amongst the strong advantages of getting a wood veneer for your furniture.

It has a clean solid-wood appearance and is pre-sanded to readily absorb staining and finishes to match your wood.

However, wood veneer products are not heat resistant. Avoid placing it near a heater. It does not perform well in extreme environments.

2-2. PVC

PVC is the most often used edge banding material.

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Because of its outstanding processing properties, it is the most frequently utilized in the production of edge bands for the furniture sector.

PVC edge banding is particularly popular for modular furniture since it is very robust, easy to repair, and has an exceptionally long life.

It does not require any kind of finishing procedure. It is also simple, though time-consuming, to fix.

However, PVCs cannot be recycled. You can’t refinish it after it’s tarnished.

When it comes to PVC, we often prefer 3mm edging since it goes on cleaner, faster, and with greater adherence.

Another benefit is that you get a beautiful soft-looking finish and a graceful radius.

In general, we try to avoid 5mm edging since the edges have the tendency to be sharp.

2-3. PP (Polypropylene)

Polypropylene is used to make PP edgebanding. Polypropylene is one of several thermoplastic polymers available on the market.

Among plastic edge banding options, PP edge banding is the most environmentally friendly, flexible, and heat resistant. Comparing it to plastic furniture covers, polypropylene can endure extreme conditions.

PP edgebanding is an excellent option for narrow radius applications and areas where furniture is subjected to high temperatures and heat.

PP is a semi-crystalline plastic that is widely utilized in the packaging sector.

It is ideal for small radius applications, is chlorine-free, and is widely utilized as an alternative to conventional PVC and ABS materials in the furniture sector.

2-4. ABS

ABS is a high-quality thermoplastic that is very resistant to common knocks and scratches, making it ideal for high-traffic furniture.

It can tolerate water, is very heat resistant, and is unaffected by household cleaning agents, making it ideal for family kitchens.

It’s also an excellent choice for usage in offices, toilets, all interior furnishings, store fitting, coffin making, and even exhibition displays.

Because of its excellent heat resistance, it may be used on kitchen cabinets close to hot ovens or stoves without causing damage or distortion.

ABS is a versatile edging material with almost limitless application possibilities.

You may mold this material to suit your design style, whether straight edge boards, curves, or unique forms. It’s also simple to work with on-edge banding devices.

ABS is less dense and lighter in composition than PVC, yet it still offers a very robust surface to protect your board edges.

It has some of the same advantages as PVC, but it is also completely recyclable and biodegradable.

2-5. Laser Edgebanding or Zero-Joint Edgebanding

A pre-applied, co-extruded polymer functional layer attaches to the board without the need for glue in zero-joint edgebanding.

The functioning layer dissolves and fuses the edge band to the board when activated by a laser, hot air, or NIR edge bander.

In contrast to glue adhesive techniques, zero-joint applications only need the joining of two items: the edge band and the board.

Regardless of its simplicity, zero-joint edge banding is a sophisticated adhesion technique that provides many significant advantages.

Zero-joint edgebanding enables the wood and the edge band to look like one solid surface, adding to the polished aspect of meticulously designed spaces inside the house.

Zero-joint edgebanding creates a monolithic look by making the board and edge band seem to be one solid surface.

Zero-joint edgebanding not only eliminates the need for glue pot maintenance but also eliminates splatter or glue problems within edge banders.

Working with glue slows the production process, necessitating pre-heating and closing down, and may result in operator burns, all of which can be avoided using zero-joint edgebanding.

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