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Pre-formed Plywood is a fantastic material for making architectural column casings and features. The plywood substrate is ideal for bonding high pressure laminate onto. This allows for an enormous range of coloured, metallic, textured and woodgrain finishes to be achieved.
Please click on the images below to see examples of column casings finished with high pressure laminate, which will give a flavour of what can be achieved. Alternatively please view our project gallery which showcases all column types.
Column casings are manufactured by applying adhesive to thin sheets of wood veneer (also known as plies) and laying them in the centre of a rigid profiled tool (mould). It should be noted that the grain of each sheet of wood veneer is placed at right angles to adjacent layers for greater strength. The tool is heated whilst at the same time high pressure is applied by means of a large hydraulic press.
After a short curing period the material can be removed from the press and released from the tool. What results is a curved profile of high strength composite material or as we like to call it "Pre-formed Plywood". This material is resistant to cracking, shrinkage, twisting and warping. Once formed the shape is locked into the plywood for ever.
Post forming grade high pressure laminate finishes can be introduced into the tool prior to the pressing and curing process or alternatively can be bonded to the surface of the plywood at a later date using contact adhesive.
Key Advantages;
* Design flexibility - numerous configurations and shapes available;
* Vast range of high pressure laminate to choose from;
* Very high strength durable impact resistant material;
* Ideal for internal use;
* Reduction in weight over other construction materials;
* Speed of manufacture and site Installation.
* No wet trades required;
* Costs can be value engineered by varying the applied finish;
* Easy to trim on site.
* Secret fix jointing system available;
Key Disadvantage
* Not suitable for external use.
Please contact the office for more detailed technical specifications or design assistance with any bespoke column casing requirements. |
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