Miami, FL – The danger of contamination on decorative surfaces for the furniture sector was highlighted recently by Sheila Hamilton, technical director of Teknek, a U.K.-based company with U.S. facilities in Charlotte, NC.

Speaking at a conference, here, Hamilton warned that the high gloss laminate surfaces that have become increasingly popular in furniture production are particularly vulnerable to contamination. Microscopic particles of dust can become trapped between the film and substrate leading to spoiled product and high reject rates, she said.

Pointing to a cost-effective solution to the problem, she said an elastomer roller that lifts particles down to one micron in size from the surface before it is coated or laminated leaves the substrate contamination-free.

Higher Yields

Once removed the debris is transferred to a special reverse-wound sheeted adhesive roll for permanent disposal. Used in combination with other more conventional cleaning systems such as brush, blower and vacuum, the contact cleaning method leads to higher yields, better quality and less rejects, she said.

Ruaridh Nicolson, Teknek’s sales and marketing manager, invited U.S. furniture manufacturers to contact the company if contact cleaning technology can benefit their production processes.

Teknek USA, which was purchased last summer by ITW, is located at 8100 D Arrowridge Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28273; 888-455-1529. www.teknek.com