Franklin Adhesives & Polymers’ Laminating

Laminating

Franklin Adhesives & Polymers’ dedicated research teams have created proprietary technologies that have led to the development of breakthrough adhesive options for veneering applications. Our Multibond MX series offers safe, easy-to-use, Type II water-resistance that reduces cycle times and provides bleed-through protection, increased open times, fast set times and easy clean-up. In many cases, Multibond MX can replace urea technology in veneering operations. For customers concerned with passing CARB and adding LEED points, our new MX line is a no-added formaldehyde (NAF) adhesive product line. Recently, we have even added some formaldehyde-free adhesive options to our line. To determine an appropriate product option for your application, please refer to our product selector.

Cold press laminating is desirable when large numbers of like-sized materials need to be glued. The materials used can vary widely. Cold press laminating normally falls into one of three categories: panel-on-frame, veneer/solid core laminating, or high-pressure laminate gluing.

For best results when using our adhesives in cold press applications, please follow the below guidelines.

Spread

Generally, 150-225 g/m² of glue line is adequate. Lower adhesive spreads require better stock tolerances and shorter assembly times. Commonly, a mechanical glue spreader is used to apply a uniform spread to the gluing surfaces.

Assembly time

Assembly time can vary greatly depending on the adhesive used, glue spread, porosity and moisture content of stock, environmental conditions, etc. A small bead of adhesive squeeze-out around the perimeter of the bottom panel in the stack is desirable. Generally accepted assembly times range from five to 20 minutes.

Tolerances

Gluing stock should be uniform in thickness. Variation in thickness should not exceed ±0.125 mm. Sanding to thickness should be performed using higher than 50 grit abrasives.

Pressure

Pressure is dependent upon the species or material to be glued. Direct contact of the gluing surfaces must be achieved to obtain maximum strength. Suggested pressures for various substrates are as follows: high-pressure laminates, 2.1 – 5.6 kg/cm²; solid core stock, 7.0 – 10.5 kg/cm²; all veneer constructions, 7.0 – 17.5 kg/cm².

Press time

Press time is dependent on the adhesive used, gluing stock type, moisture content of the stock and environmental conditions. Typical press times range from 30 minutes to two hours in a cold press. Press times should be determined under plant conditions.

Minimum temperature

Curing temperatures should be higher than the minimum use temperature of the adhesive. This includes the temperature of the stock to be glued as well as the air and adhesive temperatures.

Additional information on cold press laminating can be found in the full version of our Lamination Gluing Guide or by contacting our technical support team. For more information about gluing equipment, please refer to our resources link.

Hot press laminating offers the versatility of pressing many different shaped panels without extensive equipment changes. Hot press gluing generally consists of either all-veneer constructions or solid or composite-core veneer constructions. For best results when using our adhesives in hot press applications, please follow the below guidelines.

Spread

Generally, 200 g/m² of substrate surface is adequate. Lower spread rates require closer stock tolerances and shorter assembly times. Commonly, a mechanical glue spreader is used to apply a uniform spread to the gluing surfaces.

Assembly time

Assembly time can vary greatly depending on the adhesive used, glue spread, porosity and moisture content of the stock, environmental conditions, etc. A small bead of glue squeeze-out around the perimeter of the panel is desirable. Generally accepted assembly times range from five to 20 minutes.

Tolerances

Gluing stock should be uniform in thickness. Variation in thickness should not exceed ±0.125 mm. Sanding to thickness should be performed using higher than 50 grit abrasives.

Pressure

Pressure is dependent upon the species or material to be glued. Direct contact of the gluing surfaces must be achieved to obtain maximum strength. Suggested pressures for various substrates are: high-pressure laminates, 2.1-5.6 kg/cm²; solid core stock, 7.0-10.5 kg/cm²; all-veneer constructions, 7.0-17.6 kg/cm².

Additional information on hot press laminating can be found in the full version of our Lamination Gluing Guide or by contacting our technical support team. For more information about gluing equipment, please refer to our resources link.

Laminating Products

Laminating 6W - Excellent choice for cold-press laminating of fancy face veneers to
particleboard, medium density fiberboard or other core stock.

Laminating 25 - Moderately fast-setting adhesive for cold pressing high-pressure laminate to a variety of core materials.

Multibond 2015 - Ideal for hot or cold press veneering and performs well for edge and face gluing in radio frequency applications.

Multibond 2025 - Recommended for hot and cold pressing of veneers and high-pressure laminates to various cores. It also offers excellent bleed-through protection with porous veneers.

Multibond Advantage 2 - Water-resistant adhesive that is ideal for finger jointing, edge gluing, radio frequency applications and hot pressing .

Multibond X-016 - A highly water-resistant, two-part adhesive with a light-colored glue line. Multibond X-016 is an excellent choice for finger jointing, cold press, radio-frequency and hot press applications.

ReacTITE EP-925 – A two-part, highly water resistant adhesive that can be utilized with cold press, hot press or radio frequency press equipment.