Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Thermally Fused Melamine, or Decorative Melamine?
Thermally Fused Melamine, or Decorative Melamine (TFM/DMO), is similar in appearance to high pressure laminates, which consist of several layers of kraft paper topped with a solid color or decorative layer plus a protective wear layer. The primary difference between laminates and TFM is that we bond the decorative paper layer and protective wear sheet directly to the wood panel. The result — all the design choices of high pressure laminates and most of its performance characteristics at significantly lower cost.
Does extra glue have to be added to stick the overlay to a panel?
Unlike with laminates, DMO doesn’t require extra adhesive. During the manufacturing process of the overlay, the decorative paper is saturated with a resin but it is not fully cured — it is “B-Stated.” If properly stored, the decorative overlay has a substantial shelf life and will still “flow” and bond to the substrate once under heat and pressure.
How can using a decorative overlay versus natural wood make a product greener?
TFM is a durable, cost effective material choice that makes use of scrap wood fiber that may very well have been land filled. Plus, the inks used in the printing process are made from soy derivatives and are manufactured in state-of-the-art, energy efficient facilities. And the sky’s the limit on the designs and exotic wood species patterns that can be created and used — all without actually cutting down a cherry, oak or mahogany tree. The finished product is also more durable than a natural product, giving it many more years of service before it has to be replaced.
Where can I source this material?
Visit www.e-gen.com for a list of laminators and distributors.
