Invisible Joint Laser Edging Using Infrared Arrives at IWF 2014
Invisible Joint Laser Edging Using Infrared Arrives at IWF 2014

Invisible Joint Laser Edging Using Infrared Arrives at IWF 2014ATLANTA - Holz-Her says it will show Ltronic, which it describes as a new and completely integrated solution for processing laser edgebanding, at the 2014 International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta.

Using a newly-developed NIR module (NIR = near infrared radiation) in the Ltronic unit activates the functional layer of the laser edging using electronic controls. The result is perfect, invisible joints resulting from matching the color of the panel surface to the specific edging, Holz-Her says.

Ltronic is described by Holz-Her as "a more cost-effective alternative to laser and hot-air processes, while still applying laser edging with perfect quality."

It does not have safety restrictions associated with laser operation, according to Holz-Her, but can be activated just as quickly.  "Switch it on and it's immediately ready for use," the company says. "The new Ltronic unit does not require any heat-up time or heat-up phases during the machining process."

It also operates "absolutely silently," Holz-Her says. 

Invisible Joint Laser Edging Using Infrared Arrives at IWF 2014The NIR module in transfers heat energy quickly to the specific point required for activation of functional layers on laser edging. The wave length of the NIR module (Near Infrared Radiation) is very close to the intensity of the diode laser, Holz-Her says. "Those waves activate the absorbers on the functional layer of the laser edge which are specifically adjusted to the diode laser."

Zero-joint edgebanding has been making inroads in several markets, with either hot air or laser  systems activating a co-extruded edgeband material, with features an adhesive component layer on the side that faces the panel edge. For solid wood edging, Holz-Her is showing its patented, quick heating Glu Jet glue application system. Both technologies can be incorporated using a quick change option the new Lumina edgebander which will be demonstrated at IWF 2014 in Atlanta.

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