The texturing process: technologies and applications for the décor market
In the décor market, manufacturers are increasingly focused on the texturing process as it allows them to create hyper-realistic patterns inspired by natural materials on any type of surface. With this approach, for example, a PVC shelf can take on the appearance of a marble slab or a wooden board, making it adaptable to any furnishing style.
It’s a technique that lets producers alter both the visual and tactile qualities of surfaces via a process that can create dense relief patterns or tiny marks. This results in - thanks also to skilful finishing - an expanded sensory experience, making products even more pleasing and giving them added value.
What is the texturing process?
In the industrial finishing field, the texturing process leverages various techniques - in combination or individually - to create a surface layer or a pattern on otherwise smooth, plain panels.
Regardless of the techniques used, the goal is to transform products in a way that improves their practical and aesthetic properties.
The texturing process is particularly widespread on the woodworking production lines that are primarily seen in the furniture industry. However, it’s also gaining ground in the metallurgy and textile sectors.
Why is texturing important on the décor market?
In the décor industry - especially the furniture sector - the texturing process involves the creation of patterns or surface finishes on panels in a range of materials (usually wood, metal or synthetics). This makes furniture more appealing to both the eye and to the touch.
Surfaces are modified via sanding, embossing and engraving techniques, or by applying coatings that create an intricate finish.
The thus-created texture adds visual appeal and depth to furniture and furnishing items, making them stand out. It also makes them suitable for a wide range of architectural styles, from rustic to modern. Well-textured surfaces also create a more engaging, inviting tactile experience, increasing the impact and appeal of the product. On a market saturated with often-indistinguishable goods, this is essential as it lets furniture manufacturers differentiate their products with unique texturing techniques that - if properly promoted - can become the hallmark of a brand. That said, it should be remembered that texturing also has a practical function. For example, it improves grip, makes scratches less visible and boosts product durability.
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Advantages of texturing for manufacturers and consumers
The texturing process also plays a pivotal role in marketing strategies, especially when it comes to aligning production with consumer preferences or market trends. Trends, on the other hand, change ever-more frenetically: they are constantly diversifying and stratifying, with styles spanning from minimalism to the bohemian or industrial.
Lastly, in an era in which consumers want one-of-a-kind, personalised products, texturing provides vast scope for customisation. Digital solutions give customers the opportunity to select and transfer specific motifs or patterns onto the furniture they purchase, reflecting their own styles or evoking unique designs, making products more personal and meaningful.
The main texturing technologies available today
So which machines enable the texturing process? What solutions are needed to combine precision and efficiency?
At present, there are essentially two technologies available on the market:
- 3D digital printing (subtractive texturing)
- Additive printing
3D digital printing may well be the most versatile technology as it allows fast implementation of a texturing process, even on production lines that are already operational.
Cefla Finishing offers its customers the new J-PRINT TD single-pass printer, a machine capable of printing ‘relief’ tactile effects (digilogico technology by ZEETREE).
More specifically, the J-PRINT TD can print at resolutions of up to 400 dpi at rates of up to 50 m/min. It recreates relief effects with maximum realism using a reliable, economical process.
The solution is usually configured with a standard print station but can accommodate a second. The graphics management software enables high-definition, grey-scale images to be printed using ultra-high-quality print heads. DOD (Drop on Demand) grey-scale technology is seen as a winner on the digital printing market, so its incorporation on the J-PRINT MP comes as no surprise.
Special shaping of the ink reservoirs and automatic management of all critical parameters such as temperature, flow rate and circuit pressure ensure optimal fluid control. Furthermore, a special system that circulates the ink through the print heads ensures the machine does not require frequent cleaning.
Versatility and applications of additive manufacturing in texturing
Additive manufacturing can be applied in two ways: creating textures on individual products through direct additive manufacturing or creating molds that are later used to texture individual products via presses or calenders using those molds.
Direct additive manufacturing
Direct additive manufacturing can be executed with both Single-pass and Multi-pass machines. Compared to the "digilogico by zeetree" solution, direct additive manufacturing has the disadvantage of a higher processing cost (cost of consumables used).
Additionally, this finishing process offers less surface resistance, making it suitable for vertical walls but not for high-traffic horizontal surfaces. On the other hand, direct printing allows for potentially deeper textures—especially in multi-pass mode—with greater detail.
Additive manufacturing for mold creation
Additive manufacturing for mold creation is carried out with specific multi-pass machines. This method can produce textures with depths of several millimeters, with resistance characteristics dependent on the fluid/ink used, which in turn determines the application area of the resulting molds.
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