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A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Edge Banding Hot Melt Adhesive

  • Writer: hujumpchemical
    hujumpchemical
  • Sep 17, 2020
  • 3 min read

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In the woodworking and furniture manufacturing industry, edge banding hot melt adhesive plays a crucial role in achieving clean, durable, and long-lasting edges on man-made boards. It is a green, solvent-free thermoplastic adhesive that melts when heated, is applied to the substrate or edge banding material, and bonds firmly under pressure.


Although widely used, selecting the right edge banding hot melt adhesive requires understanding its base materials, operating temperature ranges, application types, and machine compatibility.


This article provides a professional yet easy-to-understand guide for manufacturers and users who want to optimize their edge banding process.



1. Types of Edge Banding Hot Melt Adhesives by Base Material


EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) Based Adhesives

  • The most common and cost-effective option.

  • Available in filled and unfilled types. Filled adhesives are more economical but slightly reduce bond strength, while unfilled ones provide better performance.


HMPU (Hot Melt Polyurethane) Adhesives

  • Considered the highest-performing edge banding adhesive.

  • Offers excellent bonding strength, durability, and resistance to heat and moisture.

  • More expensive and requires special application equipment and methods.


Polyamide-Based Adhesives

  • Known for excellent heat resistance and fast curing.

  • Suitable for demanding applications but generally more expensive than EVA.




2. Types by Operating Temperature


  • Low-Temperature Adhesives: 130°C – 150°C (ideal for simple or manual edge banding machines).

  • Medium-Temperature Adhesives: 150°C – 180°C (commonly used for small to mid-size automatic machines).

  • High-Temperature Adhesives: 180°C – 210°C (designed for large, high-speed production lines).


The correct temperature range ensures proper bonding without burning or charring the adhesive.




3. Types by Application


  • Edge Banding Adhesives – for bonding PVC, ABS, veneer, and other edge materials.

  • Profile Wrapping Adhesives – for wrapping decorative surfaces on profiles or moldings.

  • Assembly Adhesives – for specialized bonding needs in furniture production.



4. Matching Adhesives with Machine Types


  • Manual Edge Banding Machines: Use low- or medium-temperature EVA adhesives.

  • Small Automatic Linear Machines: Typically use medium-temperature EVA adhesives.

  • Medium to Large Automatic Machines: Use high-temperature EVA or PUR adhesives for strong, durable bonds at high speeds.



5. Key Technical Properties to Consider


  • Viscosity:

    Affects initial bond strength and flow during application.

    • High viscosity = strong initial grab but harder to spread.

    • Low viscosity = easier to apply and better wetting but may reduce initial hold.

      Choose medium to high viscosity for fast feed speeds or poor-quality substrates like particle board.


  • Softening Point & Heat Resistance:

    Indicates how well the adhesive resists heat after curing.

    • EVA adhesives typically have a softening point of 80–120°C.

    • Higher softening points improve durability in warm environments.


  • Application Temperature Accuracy:

    The temperature shown on old machines may not match the actual glue roller temperature. Always check and adjust the real roller temperature to avoid burning (too hot) or weak bonding (too cold).


  • Open Time vs. Feed Speed:

    • Open time = the period between glue application and pressing the edge band.

    • Fast feed speeds require shorter open time adhesives; slower machines need longer open time.


  • Flowability:

    Determines how evenly the adhesive coats and penetrates the substrate.

    Poor flow causes uneven coating and weak bonding. Choose adhesives with good wetting and flow at the target operating temperature.




Practical Tips for Better Edge Banding Results


  • Preheat substrates when working in cold environments to prevent premature cooling.

  • Adjust machine temperature, pressure, and feed speed according to adhesive requirements.

  • Use high-quality adhesives with suitable open time and viscosity for your machine type and production speed.

  • For challenging boards or demanding production, consider Hujump’s premium hot melt adhesives such as the 7030, 8010, 8030D, 8030G, and 8030DB series, designed for reliable bonding and long open time.





Why Choose Hujump for Edge Banding Adhesives


With over a decade of professional manufacturing and R&D experience, Hujump provides a complete range of EVA, PUR, and specialty hot melt adhesives tailored for modern furniture production. Our adhesives are eco-friendly, solvent-free, and REACH compliant, meeting global environmental and safety standards.


We combine stable quality, advanced production technology, and dedicated technical support to help our customers achieve excellent edge banding performance. If you have specific production challenges, our technical team is ready to provide guidance and recommend the right product for your process.

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