TAPPI 1997 - Asia International Laminate Symposium: Postforming - Direct Postforming The Development Still Goes On, 1997 Asian Laminates Symposium Proceedings

Why Postforming? In order to answer this question, we have to look at postforming in contrast to standard edge banding and softforming procedures, all of which have different backgrounds and purposes. Standard edge banding is the fastest and cheapest way to cover an open particle board-, MDF- or Plywood edge on a laminated or veneered board. (Picture O.a.) Softforming is meant to give the appearance of a solid wood edging by using veneer. It can cover shaped edges with the same type of material as the surface material, such as laminates. (Picture 0.b.) Basically this is also the purpose of postforming - to use the surface material to cover the shaped edges. The advantage of postformed components is, they do not show any glue line and are therefore smooth. Another plus point that may not be (so) immediately visible is that a glue line can be attached by using water and heat. (Picture 0.c.) With such winning characteristics, it is not surprising today to find that a lot of our furniture components, such as window sills, table tops, kitchen washtops, counter tops, kitchen front parts, etc., are made from postforming components.