One look at a skirting board and the finishing process it undergoes does not immediately come to mind, yet there is a lot to consider when defining an integrated finishing line for this product. One of the many possible solutions serves simply as an example. Each customer we have dealt with has a slightly different objective, so we like to evaluate each case separately. Standard solutions never seem to give more than standard satisfaction, whereas we at Cefla Finishing want to be sure we exceed the customer’s expectations, so we conceive the solution carefully, adapting a feature to solve a problem or adding a function to deliver a better result.

Starting with a brushing machine, we would then move on through a linear spraying machine. The first coat will probably be UV polyacrylic and Performa will apply it at 100 g/sqm. A seven-minute flash off in a Cross oven will then be needed, followed by a UV curing stage. The top side of the profiles will then be sanded on the brushing machine, a topcoat will be applied on the Performa and the flash off repeated for 7 minutes in the Cross oven. Running at speeds between 3000 and nearly 5000 pieces/shift, this is just one approach to finishing veneered skirting boards.

Contact us and discuss your needs with a finishing expert!

Until recently raised panels used for kitchen cabinet doors or even standard doors with raised sections or grooves on the surface were spray coated, start to finish. The process involves various application steps for base and topcoats, sometimes differing according to whether the finished effect is glossy or matt. It also foresees sanding operations between two base application steps and involves a fair bit of handling by operators. Streamlining this process with a hybrid line made up of roller coating and spray coating equipment increases overall efficiency and reduces operator intervention. But how can you process raised panels with a roller coater?

If this were possible, savings could come from less lacquer consumption because whereas transfer efficiency using spray coating equipment may exceed 60%, roller coating procedures ensure even better transfer efficiency and thereby cut lacquer-related costs in comparison.

However, roller coating for raised panels was unheard of until the Smartcoater PRO family of roller coaters adopted the soft rubber application roller technology. This innovation has led to a change in the rules and companies are beginning to adopt the technology which has proven in our laboratory tests to achieve savings on lacquer consumption of up to 1€/sqm.

Equipped with a soft rubber application roller, Smartcoater PRO is able to shorten the coating process:

• avoiding the need for sanding between base coats, 
• avoiding the need to deal with poorly calibrated panels,
• reducing the handling operations,
• reducing lacquer and solvent consumption,
• and reducing lead times.

And this is possible on kitchen cabinet doors and other substrates with 10 mm grooves.

Discover how the soft roller works for raised panels here.

Approximately 80% of today’s kitchen cabinet doors or bathroom cabinet doors are no longer raised panels, but simple, smooth flat panels with slightly rounded edges. Essential design, which deserves high-quality coating, especially when matching the edge coating with the surface coating.

But why introduce vacuum coating technologies when the market is used to roller coating, spray coating or curtain coating? Let’s take a look at the reasons behind this innovation.

Which application are we talking about?

Ideal for 100% UV basecoats, vacuum coating with SmartVacuum deposits 100/140g / sqm of lacquer in a single step. Much less than what you would consume if you were spray coating. No solvents either, so just one stage in and out of the vacuum coater and on to flash off. This reduces costs, lead time and streamlines the coating process.

Where next?

Straight on to the edge coater. SmartEdge will then apply 100% UV lacquer to the panel’s edge using vacuum coating technology once more, achieving an excellent match between panel surface and panel edge, something which was almost impossible until now. Currently edges are slightly rounded, with a 2-3 mm radius usually; vacuum coating both sections increases panel quality and decreases process times and costs.

Sustainability also saves money

On one hand, the idea behind SmartVacuum is a means of lessening the environmental impact by preferring solid 100% UV coatings to avoid solvents. On the other hand, this positively impacts costs. Less lacquer: far less compared to spray coating, and depending on which process it is compared to. It also means less need to stock all those canisters of lacquer and solvent. It also means fewer machines: one SmartVacuum and oven to flash off followed by one SmartEdge for application on the edges.

Simplicity also means quality

By simplifying the process, the introduction of vacuum technology to coat flat panels and edges leads to superior quality. Using the same technique for both surface and edge clearly enables a perfect match which is immediately visible. Moreover, the stability of UV lacquers is better than those used currently, so the quality finish obtained will also last much longer.

If you are interested in learning more about the potential SmartVacuum offers for flat panel coating requirements, we will advise you on the best configuration and choice of consumables, based around your specific needs and business objectives. Contact us today.

We are talking about Vacuum technology that really increases the profits of producers of floors, doors, building products (wood and derivatives materials and some issue related to rockwool industries).

We’re talking about our speed process to seal the edges and reduce swelling.
We’re talking about waterproofing and hardening on the edge issue.

This is Hybrid, a dual curing system: high-speed UV drying and direct processing after application.

How can you obtain advantages?
Discover more about Hybrid!

Of course, if you say patented savings everyone wonders what you’re talking about. How can you patent a saving? Well you can’t, but what you can do is patent the way you reduce costs and if the system you design saves significant amounts in the long term, well it’s worth patenting. We patented our spray cleaning technology so you can save money.

Working with a sprayer or a robot with a belt that allows paint recovery means cleaning the belt regularly to remove any trace of the applied product. The more paint you recover, the less you spend.

If your spray cleaning system is conventional, you will not only throw away a lot of paint, but you will also use a significant amount of detergent. Conventional systems also lead to rapid belt deterioration, either through the abrasion from belt cleaner blades or aggressive solvents.

A system ensuring maximum cleaning potential recovers more paint and enables you to use less detergent during running time. Less detergent means lower operating costs, it safeguards your equipment and ensures a healthier environment. On average ruined belts are replaced monthly, meaning a full day of downtime every 20 working days. This frequency can be avoided.

Our patented spray cleaning system can be fitted to our Roctre, Mito and Easy oscillating spray machines. You will benefit from:

• increased paint recovery
• detergent consumption which drops to around 50 litres per shift
• fewer production stoppages to replace belts
• minimal end-of-session cleaning times
• enhanced production efficiency

Our response to our clients’ specific needs is based on 4 pillars. In fact, seizing the opportunities of digital printing now will make you highly competitive, because: 

1. You are flexible in relation to changes in aesthetic trends and fashion
2. You save time, reduce stocks of semi-finished goods and reduce the necessary equipment in your production line
3. You can set up a line quickly and respond rapidly to market demands
4. You offer a product that is highly customized, high-quality and durable.

Why choose Cefla? 

Because:
✓ we supply a complete line, from preparation of the substrate to the decorated and finished product
✓ we support the fine-tuning of the entire technological process, from reception of the original samples to be reproduced
✓ we support the customer in the acquisition of the necessary knowledge and experience for the preparation of final print files

Learn more about our Industrial Digital Printing solutions