Dispersions & Resins

acForm^® – Groundbreaking binder technology for curved and deeply structured wood fiberboards

The new BASF resin acForm^® represents the first dispersion-based binder worldwide for the blowline process and enables the production of 3D moldable wood fiberboards (3MF). These boards are perfectly suited for shaping and embossing technologies, adding a new dimension to the furniture and interior design industry.

BASF’s acForm^® enables the production of a new wood-based material for the furniture industry. Specifically, it enables the production of a thermoplastic composite, which is storage-stable and suitable for production on existing fiberboard production lines.

In contrast to standard thermoset boards, this new wood-based material enables a post-moldability and surface structuring of the composites. This can be achieved in short cycle times by using standard furniture molders’ equipment. The increased moldability of the composite enables new design options.

The 3D moldable fiberboards (3MF) can be processed into traditionally molded parts such as seat shells, seat backings, and other curved or deeply structured components. As formaldehyde is not added to the binder system, the working environment is further improved.

BASF offers the possibility of producing acForm^® based on the biomass balance approach, using 100 % bio-based raw material.

Your Advantages

time- and cost-efficient process
new design options & high surface quality for 3D wood fiber parts
high degree of wood utilization
non-added formaldehyde and storage-stable binder technology

Interview

Find out how wood panel manufacturers can benefit from NAF binders to ensure sustainability and regulatory compliance.

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Applications of acForm^®

Shaping and embossing on 3D moldable wood fiberboards - 3MF – means endless possibilities in creating new and surprising designs. 3MF embossings can even imitate wood, metal, stone and more – with results that look deceptively real.

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Shaping wood composites with acForm^®

BASF’s binder technology for new designs, with efficient production on standard equipment.

acForm^® benefits for board producers

processability on existing blow line equipment
high productivity of board production
water-based dispersion with low VOC
excellent storage stability
safe working atmosphere through non-added formaldehyde
compatibility with additives (e.g., water repellents, pigments, flame retardants)

3MF benefits for molders and OEMs

consistent quality and storage storability of prepreg (flat board)
short molding cycle times
new design options for surface and shape
superior surface quality of molded (compressed) parts compared to those produced by CNC milling
improved properties for standard finishing technologies such as lacquering or powder coating
safe working atmosphere through non-added formaldehyde
high degree of wood utilization and scrap reduction
recyclability as used wood