Announcing The EdgeMaster® SealBond® System! A Pre-Glued, Sealed Plank Treatment

Cal-Flor / Unika set to introduce the ultimate in edge sealing/gluing technology!
The EdgeMaster Edge Sealing System, already the standard for in-factory laminate edge sealing technology in Australia and South East Asia, has been joined by the newest technology in sealing and pre-gluing.

Announcing the EdgeMaster SealBond System, an in-factory water-seal and pre-glued system for laminate and engineered flooring. Developed by Unika in Australia, Cal-Flor Accessory Systems is bringing this system to the United States.

Utilizing a unique formulation of two-part adhesive technology, the system applies a coating to the top edge of the tongue and groove sides of the plank during manufacture, part “A” on one side, part “B” on the other. During installation, the two adhesives come in contact with each other when clicked together, forming a bond with tremendous strength and sealing properties. One machine, two significant tasks. The application machine fits into the line in an even simpler manner than the EdgeMaster.

The resulting adhesive’s “tensile” strength (flat, side-to-side, pulling) is very high, preventing gapping. Its “peel” strength (pulling up and outward) is low, allowing planks to be unsnapped when needed. The bond also becomes a seal, preventing moisture from entering the joint and affecting the core.

This technology removes the ages-old problem of improper or inadequate glue application during installation. Faster installation, consistent bonding and sealing, greater floor performance. A factory-sealed joint gives the manufacturer the ability to lower the melamine content of the core, resulting in significant material savings.

A big plus is the ability to coat any part of the profile, depending on the intended market. For example commercial uses such as hospice and restaurants/bars may want more topical protection. Fast-track home developments (notorious for wet concrete) may want more bottom moisture protection.

The existing pre-glued products on the market do not address any of these issues. Cal-Flor and Unika have never approached the pre-glued process in this manner for several reasons:

Most are limited to residential applications. What is the significant advantage of having pre-applied glue on a residential plank - unless gapping is a concern - and with a good mechanical locking system, gapping should not be a concern.

• We do not like to introduce water into the installation system (to activate the glue).
• The glues do nothing to keep out moisture.
• These existing glues have no water-resistance; they turn back into liquid anytime someone spills water on them.

Cal-Flor’s goal is to find solutions to what we believe is the primary problem - that of potential damage caused by topical moisture (spills, excessive maintenance). Also, if one is going to apply a pre-glued system, it should be one like ours:

• As a 2-part system, the glue cannot be re-emulsified after curing.
• The glue is on the top edge and works as a sealant.
• As a 2-part adhesive, the bond strength is generally much higher than traditional adhesives.
• It can be applied with the same machine as the sealant.