Zero joint - Microwave technology

Edgebanding manufacturer Döllken, now Surteco, developed a zero-joint edgebanding process based on microwave radiation. As plastics cannot be heated by microwaves, the functional layer requires a specialised formulation. The "Fusion-Edge" edge consists of the decorative and protective edging strip based on ABS and PP on the back of which the tenth of a millimetre-thin functional layer, which can be melted by microwaves, is extruded. However, the fusion edge does not only melt under the influence of microwave radiation. It can also be bonded by all other common zero-joint technologies.

On the way to market maturity (2020)

Döllken has developed this process in collaboration with the Homag Group. At the LIGNA trade fair in 2017, HOMAG exhibited a functional model for the "Wave-Tec" microwave process. So far, however, only one prototype exists, both for the continuous edge banding machine and for stationary CNC processing. It currently (year 2020) looks as if the development to market maturity will not be pursued further.