Funder Technology (The Resource That Sets Us Apart)


     Melamine is somewhat of an enigma within the furniture and kitchen industry. It is an extremely flexible and adaptable material for the manufacturer to work with but a very technical and difficult material to produce. The necessary technical know—how that must be infused throughout every facet of the production process is the resource that sets Funder apart from all others.

     Funder America drafted European technical resources from the Austrian company when the plant first opened in 1973. These technical talents allowed the company to operate from the very beginning at a high level of quality. Since that time innovations in the process have contributed to an even more advanced, quality product.

     The process of producing Funder melamine starts with the receiving of raw chemicals. Tanks trucks, drums, and bags are thoroughly checked and laboratory analyzed. Paper, likewise, is tested and undergoes further analysis when impregnated and dried.

     Treated paper is kept in storage under specified temperature and humidity conditions. If either of these conditions fluctuate, the shelf life of the saturated paper is greatly decreased.
Substrates of industrial grade particleboard and medium density fiberboard are also monitored and receive further testing on the production line for surface irregularities.

     Technology really comes into play with specially formulated and prepared resins which were developed and perfected for Funder. Funder America is the only U.S. manufacturer that produces their own melamine resins. These resins represent a technological advancement in melamine laminate production.

     A unique two—stage resin system allows the decorative paper to be filled, partially cured, and then coated with the final melamine resin. The advantages are twofold; Funder panel boards achieve a distinct uniformity and durability advantage, and use of Funder’s specially prepared resins allow tight control within the production process from start to finish.

     Human discipline works hand-in-hand with technology. The variables of paper, resins, and substrates demand close inspection and constant supervision. For instance, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the top and bottom side of a solid color paper that has been impregnated. When the papers are sorted, close examination must be given. Each paper has different physical properties and saturation rates. Records are noted every 15 minutes of the moisture checks and the resin content. The same attention is given to the press operation. The press temperature, pressure, and cycle time are constantly monitored for consistency of operation. Each panel produced is individually inspected and graded.

     The wide acceptance of melamine within the furniture, contract office, and kitchen industries mandates continued technology and product innovation for flexibility, durability, and easy care. The technical resources of Funder and the caliber of its people are the production partners that have made Funder the acknowledged leader in the industry.