Which countertop is better? Postforming - form under protection What is postforming of kitchen facades

Pick up good countertop For kitchen space- big deal. The functional load on this part of the headset is considerable, and its design must correspond either to the latest fashion or to some kind of interior style. So it turns out that choosing a countertop is not so easy.

Start by deciding which material is preferable. What will be best for you, where the price-quality compromise will be observed. Of course, reviews from friends are not superfluous, but an objective description of the materials will not hurt.

Chipboard countertops

Thick slabs, impregnated by special means, which affect the moisture resistance and vapor permeability of the material. A layer of acrylic resins must be applied to such a plate. Postforming technology should be mentioned here. What is it for? Thus, the resistance of the material to mechanical stress, abrasion, heat resistance of the plate and impact resistance are significantly increased. Postforming also influences what the final sheet design will be. It allows you to apply any patterns and experiment with colors. Such chipboard models are sold in most cases with raw edges, so gluing melamine edge tapes– a special stage to which you need to be attentive.

A natural stone

The best materials are basalt and granite (marble is a little worse), and all because it is almost impossible to damage them during operation. They are not afraid of any aggressive influences, are quite reliable, and will serve you for a really long time. Well, the appearance of natural stone is more interesting than any design solutions. And if we talk about shortcomings, then a natural stone, Firstly, expensive material, secondly, it weighs a lot, and thirdly, models made of natural stone are not so easy to install.

Artificial stone

This is a mixture of stone chips and synthetic resins that hold these chips together. The good thing about this material is that the variety of colors and designs is really impressive. It is worth choosing such a model, if only because it is resistant to mechanical damage, and if any happen, it’s quite easy to restore. It is, of course, expensive, and its unnaturalness is also a disadvantage. Since in Lately Special attention turned to countertops from " acrylic stone“It’s worth noting that it does not have sufficient heat resistance. Under influence high temperatures such material will simply begin to melt.

These are, of course, not all types of materials. Separate block products from original materials: wood, metal, glass. Wooden models are definitely no better than the materials mentioned above. For the kitchen, this is still not the best choice: wood is not so resistant to high temperatures and mechanical influences. Yes and to household chemicals the tree is not particularly stable, and this will be noticeable very soon.

But glass models are definitely a good choice. Modern products eliminate the possibility of injury, and their design is simply mesmerizing. Metal types you can also choose, but the shape of such models, whatever one may say, will remain rectangular.

Tests of materials for countertops (video)

Choosing a kitchen countertop: texture

But which model is better to choose based on texture? Focus on general interior kitchens, on which model will harmonize with other surfaces.

Types of countertops by texture:

Glass. It will look great in small kitchen, this choice is due to the fact that glass is lightness, air, cleanliness, transparency. And if you still decided to choose and threw glass into the kitchen, you can’t imagine anything better.
Natural stone pattern. If you like Art Nouveau style or classic style in the interior, this choice is perfect. For example, reddish granite is depth, richness, elegance, and brightness of appearance. Marble surfaces always mean nobility and grace. But there is one nuance: such surfaces are visually perceived as cold, and if the kitchen design is made in cold colors, you can forget about comfort. Therefore, such surfaces are for, let’s say, warm kitchens.
Ecology style- these are surfaces made of natural wood. As mentioned above, wood does not have the best performance characteristics, so you can choose a surface decorated with wood.

Separately, it is worth mentioning about laminated surfaces. Laminated models are very popular today. And this is understandable: the price is reasonable, the appearance is excellent, they can withstand heavy loads, are easy to care for, and are not afraid of temperature changes. What could be better for the kitchen? The surface is easy to clean, and the design of such models is modern, beautiful, and there is a large selection of colors and patterns.

But laminated surfaces have one significant disadvantage. You can't call laminate very durable material, and it is impossible to say that the surface will be moisture resistant. Over time, under the influence of water, such a model is deformed.

Particleboard countertops: material overview (video)

Moisture-resistant kitchen countertop

Moisture resistant means high quality. The more expensive the model, the higher its performance characteristics. Yes, the chipboard surface is also moisture resistant, but, let’s say, up to certain limits. There is a lot of liquid in the joints, and the material will begin to swell, and therefore deform.

The stone has a moisture-resistant surface - durable, solid, heavy. Natural stone, for example, granite, is definitely a moisture-resistant model, but such a product will be very expensive. Although, if you expect that you won’t be changing your headset very soon, the choice is understandable.

Is it worth explaining why a moisture-resistant surface is so important? It is moisture-resistant, which means that it practically does not change during use, it is not afraid of floods, and you have no need to be afraid of quick defects. Moisture resistant means durable, and such surface options are certainly worth it.

Chipboard countertops: selection criteria (video)

Postforming worktops for the kitchen

So, once again about postforming. This is high-quality chipboard, which is laminated with plastic on top.

Postforming is good because:

It has high mechanical strength;
It is heat resistant;
Not afraid of the influence of aggressive environments;
Waterproof.

These are the basic requirements for a kitchen countertop, so postforming as a choice is clear. Postforming made in Germany is in particular demand. Applied to the material decorative layer paper, due to which difficulties with choosing a design or pattern can only be due to the fact that “the eyes run wild”.

Postforming is also used for bar counters, kitchen tables, “aprons” and other surfaces. Postforming is modern word in the kitchen interior.

Rules for choosing kitchen countertops (video)

When choosing a countertop, consider price, brand, and whether the design is universal. Will its pattern go out of fashion in a couple of seasons, and also whether it will change beyond recognition as the surface is used.

The right choice!

Which countertop to choose for the kitchen (photo)

Today I will tell you about another idea, by implementing which you can significantly improve the competitiveness of the furniture you make. However, the idea of a production business furniture facades postforming It may well be implemented as a separate independent business, which, by the way, can be started with very little starting capital.

What is a furniture façade?

The furniture facade is the “face” of the furniture; these are all the doors used in cabinet furniture, and it’s no secret that good facade- this is the main component of the price of furniture. It is clear that the more expensive and better quality it looks furniture facade, especially high price The buyer is willing to pay and the greater the likelihood of buying your furniture.

The consumer’s impression of furniture is based on the totality of all consumer qualities: appearance, practicality, quality of materials used, reliability of design and, of course, price. And no expensive fittings, no high-quality furniture frames will help you build successful business when using low-quality and uncompetitive facades.

Recently, they have become increasingly popular postforming facades having rounded edges and a curved, bent surface. Look at expensive imported furniture - you won’t see sad chopped right angles. Rounded, smooth outlines are what distinguishes expensive, prestigious furniture today.

So, let me tell you briefly - what is postforming?

Postforming is the name given to furniture semi-finished products that have a rounded shape along two edges. This can be clearly seen in the photo section:

Plastic is glued along these rounded edges. Everyone is familiar with countertops that have a rounded front edge. Approximately the same principle is used to produce radius facades, but with one exception. The facades are made of MDF, not laminated chipboard. This is much more environmentally friendly and the buyer, by the way, appreciates this.

Persistent, impact resistant plastic protects the furniture surface from moisture, high temperatures, abrasion and chips. Plastics are used in the production of facades various types and colors, it all depends on your wishes. The color range of plastics used for postforming facade cladding includes more than 200 colors. This is enough to satisfy the most demanding customer.

In addition to the fact that plastic can be used on facades, it can be used on wall panels, visors, decorative corner shelves etc., thereby creating an interesting, unique design, which cannot be repeated using standard chipboard colors or standard countertops.

Postforming furniture facades have the widest range of applications - from kitchen and office furniture to bar counters in cafes and restaurants. All this does postforming facades ideal solution, both for furniture manufacturers and consumers.

Why is it profitable to make postforming furniture facades?

Let's say you are the owner of a small furniture production. By purchasing facades on the side, you overpay to a number of intermediaries, leaving yourself no chance to make money. Moreover, by purchasing facades externally it is impossible to ensure competitive prices. By producing facades using your own production, you eliminate all intermediaries and can not only maintain reasonable prices for products, but also receive additional profit by selling furniture facades to smaller manufacturers.

Having your own production of postforming facades, issues regarding alterations and additional orders of facades are easily and quickly resolved. Imagine a situation where workers damaged the façade during installation. When ordering furniture fronts from third-party manufacturers, not only will you have to wait a very long time for the order, but you will also have to pay a lot. In many companies, the order is less than 1 sq.m. is equal to 1 sq.m., and these are additional costs and minus your profit.

By the way, about profit. The profitability of postforming furniture facade production is, just think about it!, 300%.

The whole point is that starting investments into business, and the cost of produced furniture facades is actually very low. For the production of furniture facades using postforming technology, no large production area, nor expensive equipment. The producers will understand me.

Low cost and high final price of facades, use for their production minimum set tools and homemade devices- all this makes the Postforming technology very attractive to a wide range of furniture makers who want to increase their income and expand the range of products.

About where and how to find clients

Your main clients will be small firms and garage workers engaged in the manufacture of custom-made furniture. Almost all such manufacturers assemble furniture from sawn the right sizes HDF sheets and do not manufacture facades themselves, ordering them externally. They are all yours potential clients. By establishing contact with a couple of such companies, you will provide yourself with a job that provides a good income.

For example, a private owner who makes furniture in a garage can easily produce 2-3 kitchens per month, which will require about 12 sq.m. facades. The cost of the facades will be about 40,000 rubles. You will spend about 14,000 rubles on production. The volume of production that will provide you with 26,000 rubles. arrived, if all materials are available, it can be made in 3-4 days.

Over time, your productivity will increase and you will be able to increase production volumes of postformed bent furniture facades, establishing contacts with other furniture manufacturers.

Materials required for the production of facades postforming, sold in any region of Russia at small wholesale companies (if not in stock, delivery is always possible transport companies). There is no need to purchase them for future use; it is better to purchase them individually for each order. required quantity(you don’t have to invest heavily in materials). The technology for manufacturing postforming facades does not require the use of expensive equipment!

Choose a tabletop or kitchen set? You don’t know what to choose among a large number of products. We invite you to pay attention to postforming countertops. What is it, how does it work, how to choose and care for it correctly. Today you will get answers to these questions.

Postforming is a method of lining a base of a given shape from chipboard or MDF with thin laminate paper

Postforming is a fairly broad concept. It includes a number of products manufactured using a specific technology. It also directly refers to the manufacturing technology.

Postforming – chipboard covered with laminate

This technology consists of laminating countertops or other surfaces made of chipboard or MDF thin layer plastic by heating it to a temperature of 220 degrees. During the manufacturing process of parts, three layers of materials are applied to the base.

This technique is quite common today. It was first used in 1976 in Germany. Since it met expectations and proved its functionality and usefulness, it quickly spread among companies in other countries.

The most common and popular countertop option is a chipboard countertop covered with plastic.

Postforming worktop that meets the highest requirements for work surface in the kitchen

Types of postforming countertops can be divided according to two criteria. Depending on the base used, countertops are distinguished from:

Material: chipboard and MDF in section

These are wood-based materials. They are quite soft, easy to process, and do not deteriorate during lamination. Materials such as wood, natural stone, granite or marble do not require this type of treatment.

Wood-look postforming tabletop

Tabletop made of chipboard with a stone look for inexpensive and stylish option kitchens

You can also divide products depending on appearance. You can order a postforming tabletop.

This type of processing has gained popularity, has a beautiful appearance and many more positive aspects.

Moisture-resistant post-forming marble countertop

Against a light background, a dark granite-look chipboard countertop looks very attractive

Advantages and disadvantages

This type of countertops has many advantages, it’s not for nothing that it is so popular:

Moisture resistance is achieved by impregnating chipboard with a special moisture-repellent composition and in cross-section these countertops look greenish

Speaking of disadvantages, pay attention to the components. The base is chipboard or MDF. These are not natural bases; formaldehyde resins are used in their production, which can cause a corresponding reaction in allergy sufferers. The coating also consists of artificial materials and accommodates acrylic or melamine resins. But please note that no obvious allergic reaction was detected in users. And considering that we are mostly surrounded by synthetic materials, this option is quite acceptable.

The use of plastic of inadequate quality can lead to its peeling in the first months of operation.

Selection rules

The finishing of the end can be in the color of the tabletop

End finishing in the form of a rounded front edge made using postforming technology

Product thickness and types of roundings

It doesn’t matter whether you order this product individually or buy it in a store, you should pay attention to some selection criteria.

The place where the countertops join each other, as well as with the sink and mortise hob must be treated with silicone or sealant to protect the chipboard from moisture

Here are the main criteria that cannot be ignored when purchasing a product. Now you can safely go choose a postforming tabletop.

Rules of care

Plastic marble countertop in a kitchen decorated with mosaics

For a product to last for a long time, it needs proper care. In this case it is quite simple:

After cooking, wipe the table dry;
Polish the surface periodically.

And in general, handle the furniture carefully to avoid unnecessary dirt and scratches, which will greatly simplify your work during cleaning.

Video: Making countertops from chipboard (HPL plastic) with postforming

A modern home is filled with various household items made from MDF or similar materials. Such items should not only be as useful as possible, but also quite aesthetic. In order to give such things the necessary properties, they use modern technologies- postforming and softforming.

Postforming (“post-forming”) is a seamless technology that allows decorative finishing materials shape the base on which they are applied. This technology is most clearly presented as the process of heating the sheet decorative plastic before desired temperature and bending it around the required surface with preliminary preparation and giving this surface certain properties. Postforming technology truly opens up limitless possibilities for selection color palette and surface textures. Front side Postforming slabs, in any chosen color, can be glossy or porous, and the back is made of white plastic.

The use of postforming slabs is becoming increasingly widespread, these could be: countertops in the kitchen or, door (kitchen) facades, window sills, and counters, elements interior decoration premises.

Qualities that make postforming popular

The main advantages of postforming boards are water resistance, mechanical strength, resistance to ultraviolet radiation and aggressive environments, and heat resistance. Postforming products have the following structure:

MDF or chipboard;
melamine edge;
kraft paper;
decorative plastic;
durable protective layer.

To produce high-quality household and office furniture, postforming with rounded edges (on both sides) is used. Although postforming is much more expensive than laminated chipboard, it is a very popular material that has received well-deserved high marks consumers in many countries.

Postforming production technology

The postforming production process is quite complex and consists of several sequential operations performed using special equipment.

For cladding, a contact gluing method with secondary activation is used. The glue is applied to both surfaces and dried, and then acquires secondary adhesion when heated to certain temperature. Then both layers are connected, and pressing the adhesive seam instantly gives it final strength. Postforming machines are relatively simple and affordable. Depending on the desired performance, they are of positional or pass-through type.

Softforming is a technology for processing the end of a furniture piece, in which the edge is rounded towards the front surface with simultaneous gluing of film. This is how you can make different kinds profiles with smooth edges that do not have sharp corners. The equipment connects the chipboard and the film with extreme precision without a visible or perceptible seam, which makes the product attractive, convenient and safe.

Thanks to softforming, there are wider possibilities for combining colors on the front surface (the edge “extends” to the main surface within a given limit) and combining types of profiles. Thanks to such opportunities, softforming production turns into a creative workshop.

Softforming facades

Softforming (SF) is based on the use chipboards for the production of furniture facades, as well as postforming. The essence of softforming is milled edges, covered protective layer plastic. But if MDF is sold as separate parts, then SF has the form of blanks with standard length and width parameters. In fact, sales are carried out by linear meters.

Qualities that make softforming popular

Unlike postforming technology, where the facade has only a radial edge shape, softforming has internal milling of the edges of parts and has a significant variety of forms. The milled part of the part can be coated with plastic different color, making such facades even more attractive.

Another plus is the ability to get softforming with grooves for installing glass. A cut is made in the profile for the inner part for sheet glass. For the production of inexpensive, but unusual and beautiful furniture softforming is the ideal choice.

The molding for glazing is equipped with an internal groove for 4 mm glass, so there is no need to buy glass of a different thickness.
It is more profitable to buy softforming as a façade sheet (2440 mm long) at the selected width, followed by cutting to size and gluing the PVC ends.
When exporting finished parts, be sure to check the quality of the edges of the ends. There should be no glue residue, the joints should be neat, and the edge should be glued tightly and evenly.
Pack the facades during transportation, protecting them from possible damage.

Both technologies are also used in the manufacture of sliding wardrobes. The “Sunny Boat” furniture factory, which specializes in the production of these particular pieces of furniture, is no exception here. Often a pleasant event takes place at the factory - a sale of sliding wardrobes. To make the sale process as pleasant as possible for the client, you should consult with the factory specialists in advance. In this case, you will get the maximum discount with maximum quality.

Among latest technologies Postforming is gaining more and more popularity. What is this method that is so widely used today in construction, and German specialists first began to use it in the 70s of the last century. Postforming is based on coating a surface or MDF with plastic using high temperature and pressure.

Advantages and disadvantages

The developed postforming manufacturing technology makes this method the most attractive for builders and designers, since it has a number of significant advantages:

Thanks to its high resistance to abrasion and impact detergents, which plastic has, postforming can last a very long time.
The color palette offers up to 200 different shades, which allows you to bring any design solution to life.
The selected plastic can also be used to create other interior parts in the form of shelves, canopies, etc.
For postforming, environmentally friendly plastic is used, which is the safest for human health.
The water resistance of this finish allows it to be used in any room.
Postforming facades can have a variety of sizes and can also be bent, straight or curved.
Low cost.

The only downside worth noting is that if the surface is damaged, it is almost impossible to restore it.

Postforming production

It's pretty difficult process, which includes several sequential operations. The surface of the board is first covered with resin-impregnated kraft paper, next layer- decorative, creating a design or pattern, goes on top protective covering from A sheet of plastic under the influence of high temperatures is softened and molded onto the base, creating a smooth bend around it. This technology allows you to create surfaces of a wide variety of colors and textures.

Equipment

Manufacturing postforming requires special equipment. Relatively simple machines Available in three types:

Pass-through lines make the postforming production process fully automated and continuous, ensuring high productivity. Due to its high cost and complexity of changing from one profile to another, such equipment is usually used only in large enterprises.
Positioning machines. Their high performance is combined with good quality and ease of reconfiguration. The workpiece must be installed and removed manually, while all other operations are performed automatically. For small businesses this is the most suitable option.
Manual machines are more affordable, but the quality of post-forming leaves much to be desired. An open heating zone allows heat to escape, which leads to cracking of the plastic. To avoid unevenness, you have to additionally roll the plastic onto the profile.

Conditions for successful post-formation

Only careful adherence to technology can ensure high-quality production of such a coating as postforming. What does this mean? It is necessary to prepare the plastic and the base by processing and gluing without using high temperatures, and ensure cleanliness in the room to prevent dust from getting on the working surfaces. Stove and everything facing materials must be conditioned for 2 days, subject to temperature regime from 20 to 24 ⁰С and humidity 45-55%.

For each new batch of plastic, we select optimal mode post-formation. It consists of two adjustable quantities - temperature and time required to warm up the plastic. Both are influenced by certain factors: the quality of the plastic and its thickness, the bending radius, the amount of bleach in the base, the composition of the paints, the surface finish, even the color of the plastic is of no small importance here.

Adhesive materials

Quite high temperatures are used to glue the plastic. Postforming for this reason requires the use of special glue. Regarding its parameters, it is worth consulting with the supplier in advance in order to prevent extra costs. What matters here is the type of equipment on which the work is performed. But in any case, to ensure high-quality gluing of plastic, the glue must have sufficient viscosity and high speed grasping. For pass-through lines that are fully automated, an adhesive composition based on PVA dispersion is used (if hot air is provided) or contact adhesive when automation is partial. Both are used when working on a positioning machine, since it is less demanding in this regard. But for post-formation on manual machine will only do

Postforming facades

IN furniture production The most widely used technology is postforming. Facades made using this method attract consumers with their external qualities, giving the furniture a more prestigious and expensive look. Unlike film facades, they have a rounded shape on two edges and a curved surface. They are used in the manufacture of both office and household home furniture. Plastic is especially relevant in the production of children's furniture. The absence of sharp corners can help children avoid various injuries.

The postforming façade can be called the face of furniture. The manufacturer is well aware that this is of significant importance when assessing its value. Therefore, the number of enterprises engaged in post-formation is steadily growing in the furniture market.

Postforming doors

Due to its ability to withstand mechanical damage, this method is also used for finishing entrance doors. If you have pets in the house, this scratch-resistant coating is simply irreplaceable. The combination of attractive appearance and affordable price makes doors covered with postforming panels increasingly popular.

Postforming countertops

This finishing method is also very popular in the kitchen. A significant part of kitchen furniture is produced using the postforming method. Every housewife knows what it means to have a reliable, durable countertop. This workplace, which is most often exposed to pressure, cuts, moisture, etc.

The surface coated with a layer of protective resins has a high strength index. Swelling of the slab and its deformation are excluded, since moisture does not penetrate inside. The surface of the postforming tabletop is protected from high temperatures and from cleaning chemical substances and mechanical influences.

Kitchens: postforming

Enough a large number of benefits can be obtained by using this to decorate your kitchen interior modern style finishing. Application of the latest technologies and modern materials allows you to purchase kitchen furniture, combining original design, quality, reliability and durability.

The kitchen is a place where the conditions for using furniture cannot be called favorable - high humidity, fumes, the possibility of greasy substances getting on the furniture, etc. Therefore, the surfaces of cabinets and countertops must be very resistant to such adverse effects. Kitchens with plastic facades are easy to clean and will not lose their attractive appearance for a long time.

The high demand for them is explained by wide opportunity choice color range, which is provided by postforming finishing. Kitchens made of plastic can be combined with almost any interior, choosing glossy or matte facades, bright, saturated colors or calmer fawn shades. For lovers of high-tech style, it can be used in decoration aluminum profile- the furniture in this case will look especially modern.

Perhaps one of the most affordable types of finishing at cost is the postforming method. The price for a finished panel is 200-1500 rubles and more depending on the size. The ability to select postforming that is suitable for the cost, combined with all its advantages, explains the high consumer demand for these plastic facades.

Low cost and the minimum number of tools required for post-forming make this technology very popular among furniture manufacturers. Manufacturers should take into account that for successful promotion plastic facades required on the market mandatory use only high quality materials.