A machine pressed laminate refers to the process of using a laminate wood press machine to glue and press laminate sheets together. This machine, also known as a lamination press, applies hydraulic compression to permanently join two or more layers of material.
Lamination presses come in various sizes and capacities, ranging from desktop units to large presses capable of exerting thousands of tons of force. These presses often have multiple openings with precise temperature and pressure controls. The platens (the surfaces used for pressing) can be heated using electric heaters, steam, or hot oil. In some cases, the platens are internally cooled to expedite the processing time. Specialized vacuum lamination presses have been developed for specific industries such as electronic materials, printed circuit boards, decorative laminates, and honeycomb panels.
Modern lamination systems may incorporate computer and process control systems for enhanced automation and efficiency. These systems can feature automated loading and unloading systems, staging racks, and turnkey installations.
Machine pressed laminate is commonly used in short-cycle lamination technology, where impregnated paper is pressed onto particleboard and fiberboard to provide a decorative effect. The main applications of machine pressed laminate are seen in furniture panels, door panels, and flooring. The difference between furniture panels and flooring lies in the type of impregnated paper used, with flooring requiring higher abrasion resistance. Laminate flooring, for example, is made from a high-density fiberboard surface impregnated with one or two layers of special paper (decorative paper and wear-resistant paper) and is hot-pressed.
Machine pressed laminate is suitable for producing various sizes of laminated products, such as 4'x8', 4'x9', 5'x8', 6'x8', 6'x9', 7'x9', 6'x12', 4'x16', and more. It is commonly used for wood panels and melamine impregnated paper veneer, as well as for pressing wood flooring, furniture panels, and door panels.
In addition to short-cycle lamination, machine pressed laminate is also used in the production of melamine laminates, which are made by laminating melamine paper onto man-made boards like MDF and particle board. The surface texture design of melamine laminates is achieved through a stainless steel platen mounted on the melamine press, which can replicate various tactile surfaces like wood grain, embossed textures, and even 3D designs.
High pressure laminate (HPL) is another type of laminate produced using machine pressing. HPL is created using a multi-daylight press, which allows for the simultaneous loading of multiple panels. The size, pressure, and number of daylights in the press can be customized based on production needs. The process involves using a shortwave infrared radiation heating system to soften the laminate before forming it using a vacuum membrane system. This method ensures accurate control and prevents glossing or texture washout of the laminate. The vacuum press machine can bond the laminate into deep recesses without causing popping or bubbling.
Overall, machine pressed laminate is a versatile and efficient method for creating a wide range of laminated products, including furniture, doors, and flooring. It offers precise control over temperature, pressure, and texture, resulting in durable and visually appealing laminated surfaces.
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