Panels & Furniture Asia January/February 2024

PANEL MANUFACTURING
almost all the particle size in the paraffin
emulsion obtained is in nano measurement,
below 1µm. As such, a larger surface area can
be covered due to the much smaller particle
size, thus reducing paraffin consumption.
ReJIT is not a highly complex machine,
and the return on investment is within
reasonable times, especially for the pricebenefit
relationship in terms of ease of
maintenance, spare parts advantage, and
high capacity. Reducing consumption as well
as the amount of toxic fumes released into
the atmosphere makes ReJIT sustainable as
well. More than 10 units of ReJIT has been
sold worldwide as of 2023.
REFLOT AND RETUNER
Pika ReTech produces high-quality
aluminium oxide for the laminate flooring
industry. The reason we started in this field
was due to customer demand. There is a
strong laminate flooring production potential
in Turkey, which was where our production
centre was from the beginning. And now, we
bring this technology globally, working with
laminate flooring manufacturers.
ReFlot processes high-purity aluminium
oxide to create abrasion resistance for
laminate flooring panels. After being
obtained in powder form, the aluminium
oxide is applied on overlay or patterned
papers during the impregnation phase.
The shape and size of the aluminium oxide
particles are the most crucial factors that
ascertain the robustness of the material.
We began producing the ReTuner powder
scattering system because one of our
customers could not find a suitable powder
scattering machine for their conditions,
and we tailormade a unique solution for
them — which was ReTuner. The system
spreads the aluminium oxide material over
the overlay and decor paper smoothly and
homogenously. We use aluminium for the
body and cylinders of the ReTuner, so it can
be manufactured according to the narrow
areas requested by the customer and can
lay and distribute the powder with high
homogeneity.
The ReTuner works with a vacuum
suction or auger system in addition to
feeding the aluminium oxide powder into
a funnel-shaped chamber. The powder
inside the feeding bunker is then poured
homogeneously, and the level is kept
constant during the scattering process. By
using a specially prepared scattering roll, the
formation of voids and the decomposition of
the material are prevented during casting.
The scattering roll is driven by a servo driver,
mounted under the hopper, and is designed
according to the powder size. The material is
taken up by the scattering roll and stripped
from a flexible doctor blade. Together with
a modified oscillating brushing device, the
There is a strong laminate
flooring production potential
in Turkey, which was where our
production centre was from
the beginning. And now, we
bring this technology globally,
working with laminate flooring
manufacturers.
scattering roll ensures that the required
amount of the material (g/m 2 ) is properly
and evenly distributed to the substrate. The
doctor blade design allows the material to
be dosed evenly over the entire scattering
width.
The ReTuner scattering system is available
in different sizes and capacities, and can
be supplied with a vertical or horizontal
transfer system for easier cleaning and
maintenance.
REBOOST
In the production process of all wood-based
panels, wood and glue constitute the main
cost item. Constant and correct dosing and
mixing of wood particles and fibres with
resin is the most important basic condition
for obtaining a board with good mechanical
properties. Intelligent and qualified chemical
additives to be added to this process will
contribute to meeting the target quality
expectations of the panels produced.
When Pika ReTech started R&D studies for
our ReFogger glue-saving system in 2016,
we decided to develop some chemicals
that would be beneficial for panel
manufacturers. Our ReBoost series of highquality
additives emerged from this. The
ReBoost performance additive programme
aims to enhance the manufacturer’s ability
to produce more qualified and targeted
panels. As of the time of printing this
article, Pika ReTech has on the ReBoost
product range the Release Agent,
the Panel Performance Additive, the
Surface Performance Additive, and the
Formaldehyde Catcher available. P
To know more about Pika ReTech, read our interview with them in
the November/December 2023 issue of Panels & Furniture Asia.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 | PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA 37