Tackling overspray, production delays and
cost pressure in upholstering

Working in the production of upholstered furniture means facing growing pressure. On top of high customer expectations regarding the quality of the product, ecological sustainability is becoming an increasingly important aspect. Additionally, increasing cost pressure has led to several challenges in the production process. There is little room for delays due to slow drying or clean-up of messes caused by overspray. The solution for these problems lies in the selection of the proper adhesive.

Water-based adhesives: safe, strong, and sustainable

For a long time, solvent-based adhesives were the only viable option for proper bonding in the production of upholstered furniture – even though they pose significant health risks due to emissions and flammability. This changed when Emil Simmler invented the world’s first solvent-free adhesive for foam bonding with instant tack in 1990. The revolutionary SIMALFA^® adhesive is based on water, which makes it, by nature, much more eco-friendly and safer to work with.

Aside from sustainability, its specific design holds further benefits: The application as a spray results in an adhesion force that is even stronger than that of its solvent-based counterparts. Additionally, the high instant tack that still allows for minor repositioning in the beginning, perfectly fulfils the high requirements of today’s upholstery production. Today, the SIMALFA^® line is considered the international top standard when it comes to high-performing and sustainable adhesives. Its range features a wide spectrum of water-based adhesives for all kinds of applications. They vary in their field of application, their composition, and their specific capabilities, such as fast drying and instant tack. But they all have one thing in common: We make no compromise when it comes to creating solvent-free and user-friendly products.

Finding the perfect adhesive

PRODUCTION PROCESS

Depending on the production process, there are specific requirements that need to be considered when choosing an adhesive. Strong and long-lasting hold as well as easy and safe application should be a given. Additionally, the level of instant tack as well as the drying time are crucial when it comes to further handling right after gluing. The SIMALFA^® adhesives have been specifically designed to meet these high requirements. They require a short drying time and offer high instant tack. Their adhesion force is remarkably strong, and they are easy to work with.

In general, water-based adhesives are characterized by their high yield, which makes the production process more efficient. Depending on the bonding materials and the shape of the product there can be many additional requirements that call for different types of glues:

One-component adhesives

In furniture production, SIMALFA^® 309 is the All-Rounder. This high yield, wet-contact adhesive bonds with all kinds of materials and is very versatile for applications throughout the entire upholstery sector. Its high instant tack allows for minor repositioning in the beginning while permitting fast processing. Owing to the low application quantity required, the glue lines stay soft. SIMALFA^® 309 is applied as a one-component adhesive in a clean way using a spray gun.

Two-component adhesives

Depending on the product, more specific requirements can fall onto the production process and the glue. Our two-component adhesives have been designed for highly challenging adhesion processes. The adhesive is applied with an accelerator and excels at fulfilling highly specific requirements, such as bonding under tension for a couch. SIMALFA^® 825 offers an exceptionally strong bond for all kinds of materials, including wood and even plastic. It can be applied on one side, tacks instantly, and dries fast. Another high-performer is SIMALFA^® 822 OF. This specifically designed adhesive is applied in a net-like pattern that eliminates any overspray, keeping the production area and the air clean.

SUSTAINABILITY AND SAFETY

Our water-based adhesives do not contain any toxic solvents and are therefore safer to work with. To achieve the same adhesion force as solvent-based adhesives, less application quantity is needed, which further spares the environment. To fulfil especially strict ecological requirements, we offer an innovative group of adhesives without polychloroprene (CR). CR is an ingredient that is often needed for long and strong hold, but it is also a rare material whose continuous global supply is restricted at times. This is why we have developed our CR-free adhesives (Chlorine-free formulated Adhesive) as a forward-looking alternative to adhesives containing CR. The SIMALFA^® line is certified for its sustainability and is the right choice for you if your end product is to be certified, too.

PROFITABILITY

SIMALFA^®-glue is applied with a spray gun that minimizes overspray and allows for immediate bonding of upholstery materials. The high yield requires a significantly smaller amount of glue, which reduces the total cost compared to solvent-based adhesives significantly. This high efficiency combined with the glue’s instant tack that eliminates costly delays will make any production process far more profitable.

STORAGE

SIMALFA^® products can simply be stored at room temperature. As opposed to solvent-based adhesives, water-based ones are not inflammable and do not require any special storage units.