Jointing
Methods
• Increase the length or width of boards by using
a lap joint, sometimes referred to as an offset butt joint.
• H-Section construction strips can be used to join
lengths of Neatform. Alternatively, dowels or biscuit joints
can be used to create butt joints.
Adhesives
In the majority of fabrication methods PVA glue is recommended,
particularly on the combination, double skin and sandwich
methods where contact cement should not be used because
the flexible glue line breaks down over time.
PVA glues or contact cements recommended for use with MDF
and any surfacing materials, to be used in conjunction with
Neatform, can be used in the frame and surfacing methods.
However, as with any product or application, it is best
to test a small sample to determine how the adhesive and
materials will work together.
When using contact cement, enhanced results can be achieved
by masking off some sections of mating areas of Neatform
and bending plywood for example and then coating with contact
cement. When the masking is removed apply a bead of PVA
glue to the unmasked areas of both surfaces. When the two
surfaces are put together an immediate bond is made by the
area covered with contact adhesive and after curing, the
PVA bond adds strength with the advantage of the rigid glue
line.
Alternatively, structural urethane adhesives can add extra
strength in critical areas.
Please note the recommended gluing techniques in ‘construction
techniques’.
Surfacing
Neatform can be surfaced before or after bending with either
veneer or laminate. The final decision will generally be
determined by considering a number of factors such as the
bending radius and the type of veneer (e.g paper backed
or wood on wood) or the laminate grade. Generally horizontal
or vertical postforming laminate grades are recommended
since these are specifically designed for bending applications.
The benefit of pre-surfacing Neatform before fabrication
is the opportunity to use PVA in conjunction with a flat
bed press. The main factor to bear in mind is that the resulting
Neatform composite panel takes on at least the stiffness
of the stiffest element, which in the case of laminate is
generally the laminate.
TOP
Edge
Finishing
Depending on the application, exposed Neatform edges can
be finished with a surfacing material such as a wood lipping,
veneer, laminate or other edging material that has been
trimmed to shape and applied with a suitable adhesive. Suitable
wood filler can also be used to fill exposed Neatform slots.
If in doubt, test a small section before proceeding with
the main project.
Stapling
It is advisable to use u-shaped staples, orientated across
the Neatform grooves. Staple gun pressure should be lowered
to reduce the possibility of blowing through the surface.
Stapling without additional adhesive is not recommended
unless making a temporary joint.
Screw
holding
Neatform is made from thin MDF therefore its screw holding
ability it limited. However, when Neatform is used in conjunction
with bending plywood (see fabrication techniques), the combination
takes advantage of the strength of the plywood and surface
quality of Neatform. Because of the wide variety of screw
types and applications, it is recommended that users contact
their screw supplier for advice.
Hinge
holding
There are a wide variety of hinges that can be used with
Neatform, when it has been combined with bending plywood
to increase strength and screw holding ability. Hinges range
from the tool-free “insert type” that uses an
expanding cup, through other types that have pre-attached
expanding dowels to simple screw-on types, which are not
recommended. Because of the wide variety of hinge types
and applications it is recommended that users contact their
hinge supplier for advice.
