Background of the Solution:

Laser edge banding offers a groundbreaking edge-banding solution that outshines traditional hot-melt adhesive methods used in popular machines like the HOMAG edge banding machine. This advancement addresses common challenges faced by furniture and decoration manufacturers.

Why Choose Laser Edge Banding over Traditional Edge Bander Techniques?

1. Appearance: Achieve a seamless design void of any visible adhesive lines.
2. Product Quality: Assured consistent, top-notch quality.
3. Operational Process: User-friendly interface allowing pre-set process parameters.
4. Performance: Improved resistance to environmental factors prolonging lifespan.
5. Durability: With only one bonding surface, laser edge banding enhances durability, waterproofing, and resistance to common household issues like mold.
6. Comparative Advantage: Laser edge banding outperforms the traditional edge bander methods, eliminating common problems like detachment and discoloration.

 

Introduction of Laser Edge Banding

By utilizing a high-energy laser beam that is reflected onto a special polymer coating on laser-specific edge banding, the ultra-thin functional layer on the edge strip quickly melts. It is then pressed onto the board through a roller mechanism. Laser edge banding can be understood as having only one bonding surface, eliminating the need for adhesive application. This achieves a seamless, gap-free result and enhances the bonding peel strength.

   

 

Laser Edge Banding - Materials

Laser Edge Banding Coating: The edge banding tape used for laser edge banding is coated with a special polymer layer, which serves as a replacement for hot melt adhesive. This polymer melts when exposed to laser irradiation, and in its molten state, exhibits excellent bonding properties.

Laser Edge Banding Tape: The material of the laser edge banding tape is the same as the material of traditional edge banding tapes, including acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Laser edge banding tape replaces the traditional hot melt adhesive with a special polymer functional layer, integrating the base material of the edge banding tape and the functional layer. Simi Kitchen Cabinet Co., Ltd. uses the laser edge banding tape from the German REHAU company, with the base material made of ABS and the functional layer made of PP, which has a higher environmental performance than traditional PVC edge banding tapes.

 

Laser Edge Banding Integrated System

Process Flow

The entire process of laser edge banding adopts digitalized production, unaffected by natural factors such as temperature and weather. As a result, furniture produced using the laser edge banding technique boasts consistent quality and appearance. The laser edge banding process eliminates the need for adhesive application, anti-adhesive spraying, adhesive pot heating, glue spreading, and glue scraping units. The pressure rollers and trimming knives no longer encounter adhesive residue, reducing operational and labor costs. Furthermore, it's energy-efficient and eco-friendly: there's no evaporation pollution from glue, no need for cleaning, and energy consumption is minimal when the machine idles. Laser edge banding processing requires no waiting for heating, and intermittent operation conserves energy.

 

 

Core Components

Laser Edge Banding Head - Galvanometer Scanning Series

Laser Edge Banding Head With Focusing

Applicable Laser: Fiber

Laser Power Tolerance: ≤3kw

Interface: QBH

Focal Length: 300mm, 400mm (Customizable)

Light Aperture: 20mm

Weight: ≤3kg

Oscillation Frequency: 0-450Hz

Oscillation Amplitude: 0-50mm (Customizable)

Features: Large range of adjustable oscillation amplitude, high cost-performance ratio, high stability with integrated drive control, suitable for edge banding heads with varying board thicknesses using single galvanometer scanning.

 

Laser Edge Banding Head Without Focusing

Applicable Laser: Fiber

Laser Power Tolerance: ≤3kw

Interface: QBH

Focal Length: N/A

Light Aperture: 20mm

Weight: ≤3kg

Oscillation Frequency: 0-450Hz

Oscillation Amplitude: 0-60mm continuously adjustable

Laser Compatibility: ≤2000W (Covers speeds up to 30M/min)

Features: Large range of adjustable oscillation amplitude, high cost-performance ratio, high stability with integrated drive motor, flexible installation position, suitable for edge banding heads with varying board thicknesses using single galvanometer scanning, easy to adjust and maintain.

• Up to 48 sets of process parameters can be pre-stored, allowing for manual selection of the process or retrieval through the edge banding machine's output IO signal;
• Different process parameters can be switched based on the edge banding machine's low, medium, and high speeds;
• Features multi-layer foolproof designs, capable of receiving abnormal alerts from the edge banding machine and disconnecting the laser enable signal;
• The oscillation mode can be chosen to start from the bottom end, eliminating the need to reposition or adjust the height axis when changing to different width edge bands.

 

 

Working Principle

 

Before and After Modification

Before	After	Remark
		The feeding tray has been changed from a horizontal position to a vertical one.
		A laser processing operating system has been integrated into the existing HOMAG edge banding system.
		The modified control cabinet includes a laser, water cooler, dust collection equipment, and circuitry.
		Compared to the traditional edge banding process, after modification, the laser edge banding head is used for edge banding.

 

Case Study

We have recently transformed two traditional Homag Edge Banding Machines (EDGETEC S-500 ProfiLine models) into advanced laser edge banding machines. Read more about this project on our blog.

Banding Sample Show

 

Laser Edge Banding Tensile Test

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) Tensile Test	Maximum tensile strength: 184N	Edge banding effect