i4F introduces AquaProtect: a breakthrough, cost-effective water swell-resistant impregnation technology for laminate-core HDF boards

• AquaProtect technology protects and reduces water-related surface swelling of standard HDF by up to 75%
• Patented technology developed by CLASSEN exclusively available via i4F license
• Meets NALFA and worldwide ISO 4760 standard

HAMONT, BELGIUM – i4F, a group of companies providing patents and technologies to the flooring industry, today announced the introduction of AquaProtect, a patented technology developed by its IP partner CLASSEN. AquaProtect is a high precision,resource saving impregnation technology that protects laminate-core HDF boards from water surface swell by up to 75%, thus increasing dramatically their overall water-resistance. Laminate treated with AquaProtect meets all recognized international laminate water-resistance standards and tests, including NALFA and ISO 4760.  AquaProtect is exclusively available via an i4F license and is the company’s latest addition to its highly advanced process technologies for flooring manufacturers.

AquaProtect is a unique proposition as for a relatively low investment enables laminate manufacturers to significantly upgrade their offering by transforming standard laminate-core HDF boards into highly water-resistant products. AquaProtect also saves on core materials as it allows use of standard HDF boards to obtain the same moisture-resistance performance as HDF with a 20% higher resin content.

The AquaProtect technology is fully compatible with existing laminate manufacturing lines, therefore, requiring relatively low investments to introduce it into production. Unlike other impregnation systems, resource saving AquaProtect technology uses a high-precision spray system that applies the hydrophobic impregnation agent exactly where its needed, avoiding unnecessary overspray. AquaProtect seals the joint edges of both V-grooved and non-V-Grooved laminate panels.

The impregnation agent’s unique formula is supplied by Riepe, a market leading company that delivers spraying solutions for the woodworking industry, and is exclusively available for AquaProtect licensees.

John Rietveldt, i4F CEO, comments, “We believe AquaProtect is quite simply the most advanced water swell-resistant laminate impregnation technology in the world. Return on a relatively low investment is fast as AquaProtect is easy to introduce into existing laminate production lines meaning manufacturers can offer high quality, premium water-resistant laminate without having to use high cost, high resin HDF boards.”