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TECHNOLOGY 43
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and method of loading affect the joint capacity and bending This analysis underscores the importance of selecting
moment resistance. By comparing the strengths of different an appropriate fastener type based on the specific load
types of corner joints using various fittings and inserts, Prekrat requirements and structural considerations of furniture design.
et al. explained how each element of an angle joint affects Miter corner joints, studied in, when compared to conventional

and contributes to durability. cam-connecting fittings and screw joints, exhibit a superior
The strength of corner joints varies with the type of load-bearing capacity, enhancing the overall strength of the
fastener used, impacting the technical quality of the furniture. furniture by 8.1 and 2.6 times, respectively.
For example, confirmat screws exhibited the highest strength This is attributed to the efficient utilisation of the mechanical
among the tested fasteners, providing four times the momentum characteristics of the particleboard, particularly when the
value compared to the weakest connection with the Lamello joints are bonded with the PVAC adhesive, and the surface
Clamex fittings. is veneered.
This suggests that confirmats are particularly suitable for Veneering the particleboard not only increases the aesthetic
applications requiring a high load-bearing capacity, but they appeal but also strengthens the outer layer, thereby improving

are aesthetically less acceptable than dowels or elliptical the joint’s capacity to carry loads by 19.5 percent. The
fittings unless the screw head is hidden. application of thin veneer overlays on particleboards reduces
In contrast, Lamello Clamex P 15 and Lamello Invis Mx creep potential, indirectly mitigating warping over time.
offer lower strength values, indicating their suitability for lighter The application of adhesive joints in furniture construction
applications. contributes to a longer exploitation duration and higher load
The Minifix bolts, which are 34 and 24 mm in size, show tolerance than those of dismantlable joints. However, despite
a nuanced difference in strength, with the longer bolt slightly the enhanced strength and aesthetic benefits of miter joints,

outperforming the shorter bolt, although the difference is not their complexity in manufacturing and assembly limits their
significant. widespread application in furniture with large dimensions and
As a supplement to previous research, Imirzi et al. found that complex construction.
particleboard demonstrated lower moment-carrying capacities The strength of furniture corner joints is primarily derived
than other wood and wood-based materials, indicating a from edge gluing of the face and butt members, emphasising
relatively weaker performance in load-bearing applications. the importance of joint tightness for durability. The polyurethane
When applied to particleboards, the Minifix fasteners adhesive provides a higher bending strength for the corner
produced the lowest moment-carrying capacity values, suggesting joints than the PVAC adhesive, indicating that superior glue
that the choice of fastener type is crucial for enhancing the quality enhances joint durability.

structural integrity of the corner joints.
In addition, the Clamex P fasteners exhibited high-resistance Influence On Load-Bearing Capacity
characteristics in diagonal compression and withdrawal tests, Factors such as the type of joint reinforcement, such as wood
which could imply a potential for better performance in joints biscuits, significantly impact the failure load and strength of
under specific conditions. the joints.
However, the inherent material properties of particleboard, The type of material used, whether particleboard or MDF,
such as its susceptibility to breakage owing to excessive and the specific insert fittings utilised in the joints play a

channel widths, can negatively impact the overall performance crucial role in determining the bending strength of the furniture
and durability of the joint. corner joints.