What Are 3 Methods of Cutting Veneers?

The top layer of engineered flooring is made of real hardwood. Lamella, veneer, or wear layer are common names for the topmost layer. The species of the finished hardwood flooring is determined by the type of hardwood species chosen for the top layer.

The top layer can be cut using three common techniques: sawn, sliced, and rotary-peeling. The employed methodology influences the veneer's aesthetic attractiveness and possesses distinct attributes and benefits of its own.

Let’s Take A Closer Look At The 3 Methods

Dry-sawn

Sawing veneer begins with the cutting of raw lumber. The timber comes from logs that a sawmill has cut into pieces. To ensure best output and application, lumber is sorted and organized. To aid in drying, the wood is stacked and kept in a dry area. This lessens the possibility of cupping and delamination by preserving the moisture inside the wood cells. After that, the planks are sawed to the desired thicknesses. The method of cutting is comparable to that of cutting solid flooring.

Compared to other techniques, dry-cutting wood results in sawdust, which lowers the quantity of useable wood and veneers. The thickest wear layer is achievable with dry-cutting. a lamella with the appearance of solid flooring that has been cut while it is still dry. Their colors, grains, and other features are the same for both of them.

Because of its thickness and attractive qualities, dry-sawn lumber is thought to be the highest grade of the three processes. It is the most expensive method of cutting lamellas due to the higher cost associated with the better quality level. This premium product offers a veneer that looks and performs like real hardwood floors. It has a strong grain structure and an excellent visual appeal because of the natural sawing process.

Sliced

Similar to how dry-sawn veneers are made, sliced veneers start with logs being chopped into lumber at the sawmill. After that, the wood is put in a conditioning vessel, like a tank, steam chamber, tub. The length of time that each manufacturer specifies for the wood to remain in this conditioning tank varies. Regardless of when it is done, this process softens the wood's fibers, enhancing its flexibility and making cutting easier.

The wood is cut into pieces after it is prepared and removed from the container. It is continuously passed over an angled blade to form lamellas. The process is similar to slicing cheese.

There is less sawdust produced after sawing thin layers of wood, increasing the amount of material that is useful. More material equates to higher productivity. The natural look and finer grain of the wood are retained via sliced veneers.

Rotary Peeled

First, wooden logs are used to make rotary-peeled veneers. They are placed in a conditioning tub to prepare the wood. After that, the logs are set up on a large wood lathe or shaping machine. Spinning against a sharp blade, the log peels off long, thin layers. The log is turned along a sharp blade, starting from the outer layers and continuing until it is entirely changed into a veneer. Long and incredibly wide strips are produced using this technique. It is the most economical choice because it yields the most products from the wood.

Veneer Peeling Equipment

Advantages of This Method

● Faster production

● Higher efficiency

● Uniform thickness

● Highest yield

● Lowest cost

The method of cutting the veneer is just one factor that impacts the appearance of engineered flooring. Elements such as species, sheen, stain color, and width all have a direct impact on the overall aesthetics.