Idea and inspiration

As Dariusz Piotrowski admits, the inspiration for creating such elements comes from customers and observing the market.

‘We see projects, we observe design and proposals. Customers have approached us with enquiries about implementing the kind of solutions that they have seen from competitors. We, on the other hand, have come up with our own solutions,’ says Melaco’s vice-president.

The rounded shapes are part of the current trend in the furniture industry, which is moving away from sharp, angular forms to more rounded and softer lines. ‘It’s a new direction we’re seeing – more roundness, edginess, round shapes. It’s not a mass product, but a designer product and more costly,’ he adds.

Production technology

The production process for the round components is based on the continuous flat lamination technology (HOT MELT LAMINATION), where black dyed MDF or particleboard is coated with a thermoplastic film (PVC, PET or PP).

‘It is important that the material is thermoplastic and can bend’. – Melaco’s Vice President explains.

The components are then cut into formats according to customer documentation. Depending on the project, narrow planes can also be wrapped and holes drilled for assembly.
Thanks to precision cutting, the width of the lamellas is defined according to the required radius of the rounding. ‘The larger the radius, the wider the lamellas; the smaller the radius, the narrower,’ explains Dariusz Piotrowski.

Tests and prototypes

The new products are currently in the testing and prototyping stage with customers. As the Vice President reveals: ‘We are at the stage of first prototypes and tests at customers. We have already shown our solutions and they are generating a lot of interest. Customers are asking for samples and designs.’
Melaco is actively working on further prototypes and developing the technology to produce these components. ‘We are already commissioning the production of more advanced prototypes,’ he adds

Applications

The rounded components are mainly used in mid-price designer furniture projects. One of the first projects was a coffee table made for a client. ‘Coffee tables are the basis of every furniture company’s offering,’ – notes Dariusz Piotrowski. Because of the frequent turnover of this type of furniture and its popularity with customers, Melaco sees great market potential for its new products.

Although rounded elements are not yet a mass product, their unique design and adaptability to individual projects make them a popular choice for companies looking for modern solutions. ‘It is a niche product, but it fits in with the general trend of roundness and soft lines,’ concludes Dariusz Piotrowski.

Melaco is committed to innovation and flexibility in furniture production, which allows the company to adapt to changing market needs and customer expectations.