Soft Forming and Post Forming Machines
Edge banding machines for optimal surface protection
What are soft forming and post forming machines?
A soft forming and post forming machine bends laminate and veneer in order to provide various wood-based items with smooth, continuous edges. The softforming process involves the bending or shaping of a decorative overlay over a wood core (usually chipboard or a wood substitute such as MDF). The slightly different process of postforming involves the bending or shaping of fully-cured, C-stage thermostat laminates that have been heated over a mould before being cooled. A modern post forming machine can usually perform both processes.
Used in the wood manufacturing industry
Gluing of coating material, which is in the form of strips
Also suitable for irregular edges
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Postforming machines are edge banding machines that fold veneer and laminate strips to create aesthetically pleasing finishes to wooden items such as furniture, worktops and posts. This ensures there are no sharp edges or joins, making cleaning, upkeep and general care easier. With the use of the postforming process, manufacturers can create almost entirely closed surfaces. Other production methods result in edges that are glued separately, creating a join that is susceptible to water, dirt and damage.
HOMAG & LIGMATECH Soft forming and post forming machine in operation
Inside a post forming machine
A post forming machine is stationary equipment that typically takes up a significant amount of space. It is comprised of several conveyors that are driven by a series of rollers. Perhaps the single most important component of a postforming machine is the glue application unit, which requires continual cleaning and maintenance. A pressure unit within the softforming equipment applies the pressure needed to bind veneer and wooden workpieces together.
Modern postforming machines are capable of adapting to several workpiece sizes quickly and efficiently. Sensors ensure that the binding process is adapted to the dimensions of the workpiece. Powerful feeding systems ensure workpieces move in and out of postforming machinery accurately and smoothly.
A brief guide to the soft forming and post forming processes
The material is first cut to size. Adhesive is added to both the laminate and the substrate, before both are aligned perfectly - ready for bonding. A pinch roller is then used to bond the workpiece with the laminate or veneer. The softforming equipment heats the laminate and moulds it under pressure before cutting away any excess. This particular post forming process is most common method used in the manufacture of synthetic kitchen countertops.
Laminate is usually a combination of melamine resins, core paper and decorative paper. In order to be successfully shaped around a workpiece by softforming machinery, the core papers must be soaked with phenolic resin and heated to nearly 400F, at a pressure of at least 700psi. These post forming and soft forming processes are therefore complex and potentially hazardous, which is why a modern soft forming machine is usually fitted with a range of safety features.
Suppliers of soft forming and post forming machines
You will often find a soft forming machine for sale at Surplex.com, from leading manufacturers such as HOMAG, BRANDT, HOLZ-HER and IMA. We are are specialist suppliers of industrial machinery for both metalworking and woodworking operations, and we're always sourcing woodworking machinery from reputable sources. However, if the used machines you're looking for aren't available on our website right now, keep checking for details of upcoming sales and industrial auctions. Alternatively, you can sign up to the Surplex newsletter to be one of the first to learn about the machinery we have available.
