The least complex of the 3D laminating systems, vacuum formers rely solely on atmospheric pressure.

When professionals talk about a membrane press they are usually referring to a system that generates positive pressure over the 3D laminate by inflating a membrane with compressed air.

Membrane-less presses for 3D laminating of wood components - let's take a look at this type of press.

Toppan Cosmo Inc. (TCI) has signed an agreement to purchase Chiyoda America, based in Morgantown, PA. The business agreement between the Tokyo-based firms of TCI and Chiyoda Gravure Corp. was announced Sept. 2.

Conversations at IWF lead me to believe something even more significant is taking place for those in the 3D laminating industry.

For more than 50 years, Italpresse has been a leading supplier of laminating and clamping presses to the woodworking industry in more than 60 countries worldwide.

Black Bros. Co. has agreed to purchase the 3-D Press Division from Shaw-Almex Industries.

Smartech International, a leading supplier of membranes for use in 3D laminating presses, announced that Bill Formella has joined the company as product applications specialist for all of North America.

International Paper will soon be back in the composite panel business following the overwhelming approval of a merger agreement by Temple-Inland stockholders.

Roseburg Forest Products announced it will close two of its operations in South Carolina later this year: the Orangeburg laminating plant which the company purchased from Decolam back in 2007; and its particleboard facility in Russellville.