Panels & Furniture Asia September/October 2020

September / October 2020, Issue 5 | Panels & Furniture Asia MATERIALS | 43
“It is about determining the right
process parameters to get to the desired
result. We have more than 100 process
parameters in our production units,
hence the importance of data analytics,”
explained Torreele.
“Scientists and engineers at our
Innovation Centre develop new wood
materials and customise wood products
with species from around the world.
Customisation involves both mechanical
properties such as density, hardness,
as well as visual aspects. This allows
us to develop products specifically
designed for the precise customer
application.
“The ‘Nano-glue’ is specifically designed
for our process, which makes the
production of hardwood significantly
cheaper than traditional native
hardwood,” shared Torreele.
“We apply the latest in nanotechnology
and materials science through our
long-term partnership with Flinders
University that gives us access to 130
scientists and significant lab equipment.
Our revolutionary process combines
countless textures and properties to
create the perfect wood for your needs.
It also includes bringing nanotechnology
into the products, thereby creating
additional properties such as termite
resistance or fire retardant. And it’s all
100% natural. No harmful chemicals go
into our process,” said Torreele. P
All images are credited to 3RT.
Another advantage that may appeal
to designers and architects is that
we can ‘design’ wood products with a
specific visual pattern or appearance
according to their design vision, and
without limitation,” said Torreele.
“The prospect of being able to
manufacture hardwood products
from softwood sources also seems
to be an appealing proposition in the
market,” he added.
Designer Hardwood is suitable
for decorative and not structural
applications. Decorative
applications include walls, floors,
doors, decorative panels, DAR
components, furniture, stair treads
and balustrades, and mouldings.
PATENTED “NANO-GLUE”
PROCESS AT THE HEART OF
3RT’S TECHNOLOGY
At the heart of 3RT’s technology is a
process using a water-based “Nanoglue”
that bio-mimics the natural
growing process of a tree. Different
timbers, with the same performance
properties as their ancient ancestors
can be made in just a single day.
Compared to traditional
formaldehydes or isocyanides
which contains harmful chemicals,
“Nano-glue” is non-toxic and 100%
recyclable.