Radio Frequency

The RF process for curing adhesives has been used for many years in the production of curved plywood. Due to the type of tooling employed and the physics of the glue curing process this method of plywood production is best suited to components that are covered in the assembly of a completed chair (e.g. fully upholstered seat or back). Similar to a microwave oven, electricity in the RF press "cooks" the moisture in the glue and veneer. The RF process cures parts less evenly than those cured using the induction heating process. This is the prime contributor to plywood warping, which is why this process is best suited for smaller, simpler components.

The RF process typically uses tools that are less expensive than the induction heating process. This is because the part's surface finish is not as critical when fully upholstered. Also, the presses themselves are designed to handle many more tools in a given set-up allowing more parts to be pressed with each cycle. These factors result in the most economical upholstery grade plywood.

Induction Heating

The induction process provides better control than the RF process when larger and more complex forms are produced. The induction heating presses reach pressures of approximately 350 psi. while the RF presses are typically 150 psi. By using induction heating in the molds rather than electricity to produce a component the adhesive is cured at a controlled rate from the outside in, analogous to baking rather than micro waving it. These factors help to control the stresses that cause the component to warp. Due to the highly finished surface and high pressures in an induction mold, the process is ideal for manufacturing exposed (finish) grade products. Another benefit of the smooth mold surface is the ability to use pre-sanded veneer for the faces of the components, which reduces labor during post mold processing.