Page 42 - FDMAsia NovDec 2024

40 TECHNOLOGY NOV/DEC 2024 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

The feed rate was assessed to find a balance between integrity and load-bearing capacity of furniture components.
the adhesive opening time and the workers’ ability to apply Additionally, these materials significantly limit swelling
proper pressure, which is crucial for achieving adequate peel and water absorption, thereby enhancing the durability of the
strength without causing edge breakage. furniture under humid conditions. However, the susceptibility

A universal testing machine was used for the peel tests, with of PVC and ABS to deformation compared to other materials,
the peel speed set to 48 mm/min. The results were calculated such as veneers, must be considered in applications where
and analysed according to the Chinese standard QB/T3655. dimensional stability is crucial.
Saçli showed that the type and thickness of edgebanding This study underscores the need for further research on
materials, as well as the duration of heat exposure, substantially the influence of edgebands on furniture strength, particularly
affect the bending and tensile strength of MCP, with thicker for narrow slats, to inform material selection and design
PVC edgebanding showing increased strength over time. decisions in the furniture industry.
This knowledge can guide manufacturers to select appropriate The application of two mm thick PVC and ABS edges
edgebanding materials and thicknesses to enhance furniture decreased the MOR and MOE values, potentially affecting the

durability and performance. structural integrity of furniture components. Despite this, one
PVC (0.4, 0.8, 1, and 2 mm) and melamine (0.4 mm) were mm thick PVC and ABS edges exhibit the best adhesion to
used as edgebanding materials. The edgebands were affixed particleboard when using EVA hot-melt adhesive, indicating
using hot-melt adhesive with iron at 200 deg C for melamine a strong bond and finish quality.
and with an auto edgebanding machine for PVC (at 200 deg It is important to note that the adhesion of the edges was
C and feed speed of 12 m/min). tested using different methods in various tests, which could
The mechanical properties, including the bending and influence the outcomes.

tensile strengths, were measured using a universal testing It is also important to consider environmental implications,
machine 20, 30, 40, and 50 days after edge-bending and as PVC waste requires specialised processing owing to the
product weathering treatment at different indoor temperatures. release of toxic compounds upon uncontrolled burning,
Edgebanding significantly influences the bending and tensile whereas ABS is safer for human health and the environment.
strengths of melamine-coated particleboards (MCP). Thicker ABS edges are gaining popularity for ecological reasons,
PVC edgebands, specifically two mm, have been shown to despite PVC’s current market dominance due to its lower cost.
provide the highest bending and tensile strengths after 50 Özcan et al. and Kurt et al. were motivated by the
days, indicating that edgebanding can effectively enhance increased use of composite materials and wooden dowels in
the mechanical properties of MCP over time. furniture. However, they noted a lack of detailed information

Conversely, non-banding or the use of thinner edgebands, on the best ways to combine these materials to achieve the
such as 0.4 mm melamine, results in lower strength. maximum strength.
Borysiuk et al. indicated that the choice of edgeband material This study tested dowels made from different types of wood,
and thickness has a significant impact on the mechanical and including beech, oak, mulberry, apple, and fir, to determine
physical properties of particleboard slats, which are critical in which works best with particleboard and MDF.
furniture design and manufacturing. Dowels with different diameters (six, eight, and 10 mm) were
Contrary to expectations, the use of two mm thick PVC and tested to determine how well they were held on boards when

ABS edges notably reduced the modulus of rupture (MOR) and bonded with two types of adhesives: PVAC and polyurethane
modulus of elasticity (MOE), which could influence the structural (desmodur-vinyl trieketonol acetate (D-VTKA).