eva vs pur edgebanding

Introduction to Eva and Pur Edgebanding

Edgebanding is an essential component in the furniture industry. It is the process of gluing a narrow strip, also called an edgeband, to the exposed edges of laminated particleboard or MDF to keep it from chipping and to give it a finished appearance. The edgebanding process is accomplished with the help of two kinds of materials - Eva and Pur.

Eva (ethylene vinyl acetate) and Pur (polyurethane) are the two commonly used edgebanding materials in the furniture industry. Eva is the cheaper of the two and the most widely used because of its ease of use and affordability. Eva edgebanding is perfect for softwood, MDF, and particleboard surfaces where there's no risk of exposure to moisture. On the other hand, Pur edgebanding tends to be more expensive than Eva edgebanding but is highly sought after by furniture manufacturers for its durability, water resistance, and adhesive strength, making it ideal for outdoor furniture, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and other surfaces exposed to moisture.

In this article, we'll be comparing Eva and Pur edgebanding materials to help furniture manufacturers decide which material will best suit their needs.

Eva Edgebanding

Eva edgebanding is also known as hot melt edgebanding, which is a thermoplastic material made from the combination of ethylene, vinyl acetate, and other additives. Eva edgebanding is highly malleable and can be used on curved edges, hence it's widely used in furniture with rounded edges. It is the most commonly used edgebanding material in the furniture industry due to its low cost, good adhesion, and easy accessibility. Eva edgebanding comes in various colors and sizes, and it can be matched to the surface of the furniture it's being used on.

Another advantage of Eva edgebanding is that it can be applied with an automatic edgebander or a handheld edgebander, making it ideal for both small-scale and large-scale manufacturers. Eva edgebanding can also be easily cut with scissors or a trimming knife, making it easy to apply and trim during the manufacturing process.

However, the major drawback of Eva edgebanding is its limited water resistance. Eva edgebanding is not ideal for outdoor furniture or surfaces exposed to moisture as it can melt or release from the surface, which can result in an unsightly appearance.

Pur Edgebanding

Pur edgebanding, also known as polyurethane edgebanding, is an excellent alternative to Eva edgebanding. Pur edgebanding is made from a combination of polyurethane materials, which makes it more durable and water-resistant than Eva edgebanding. Pur edgebanding is designed to be used on outdoor furniture, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and other furniture surfaces that are exposed to moisture.

Pur edgebanding has superior adhesive strength, making it difficult to remove once applied. It's also heat-resistant, so it won't peel or lift in high-temperature environments, making it a great choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Pur edgebanding is typically applied with an automatic edgebander, which means that manufacturers who use Pur edgebanding must have access to one.

Though Pur edgebanding is more expensive than its Eva counterpart, its superior resistance to water, heat and its ability to hold its adhesion for a longer time make it a worthwhile investment for furniture manufacturers looking to use furniture that will have a prolonged lifespan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eva edgebanding is an excellent choice for furniture with rounded edges, budget-conscious furniture manufacturers, and interior furniture that does not have to be exposed to moisture. On the other hand, Pur edgebanding is best suited for outdoor furniture, kitchen and bathroom, and other surfaces that are exposed to moisture or high heat. Ultimately, furniture manufacturers must weigh the pros and cons of each edgebanding material to decide which one is best suited for their project.