Edgebanding without glue. With Homag’s laserTec (shown below), a directed laser beam melts the edgebanding onto the panel edge. All standard edge types, including: PVC, ABS, PP, PMMA, wood veneer and melamine, can be processed on the machine.

HANNOVER, GERMANY — Long used for cutting applications, laser technology is making headway in the edgebanding market.

At Ligna, the Homag booth debuted its laserTec laser edgebanding system. Capable for use in a high-production environment, Homag’s laserTec features a directed laser beam, which melts the wafer-thin functional layer onto the panel edge using an oscillating action. According to Homag, the laserTec can process all standard edge types including: PVC, ABS, PP, PMMA, wood veneer and melamine.

Other companies are also coming on board with this technology. CWB and Wood & Wood Products Editorial Director Helen Kuhl reported on IMA’s Laser Edging process, on display in finished product form at the Rehau booth, as part of her Interzum report.