Hutchco Profiles Archives - Hutchco

Laser Edging NZ Just Got Practical

tux — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:46:07 +0000

Why local laser post-coating changes how edging is specified, stocked, and supplied.

Laser edging has earned its reputation in New Zealand workshops. Clean finish. No glue line. Less mess. Faster changeovers. The problem has never been the result. It has been getting the right tape, in the right décor, width, and thickness, without waiting months or gambling on minimum order quantities.

That supply gap has slowed adoption. Not because joiners doubt laser technology, but because the logistics have not kept up with how fast design ranges and materials move.

After 18 months of development and testing, Hutchco has commissioned New Zealand’s first laser post-coating system at its Highbrook, Auckland site. The aim is simple. Make laser edging work in the real world, not just on paper.

The supply problem nobody enjoyed talking about.

Laser edging relies on precision. That precision normally comes from co-extruded laser tape produced offshore. It looks great, but it locks supply into long lead times, fixed ranges, and high stock exposure.

In an import-dependent market like New Zealand, that creates friction.

As Mark Leith explains, “In an import-dependent market like New Zealand’s, the challenge is stocking high volumes of the right decors without carrying obsolete lines as technologies and product ranges change.”

The result has been hesitation. Many workshops have stuck with hotmelt, not because they prefer glue, but because availability matters more than theory when a job is on the floor.

What laser post-coating actually does.

Laser post-coating flips the supply model. Instead of importing finished laser tape in every possible variation, Hutchco now has capacity to apply a 0.2 mm colour-matched polymer functional layer locally to standard ABS and PVC edging. That produces edging compatible with laser, Hyfuse, hot-air, and NiR systems.

In practical terms:

Laser-ready edging produced on demand
110 plus zero-joint décors available without offshore delays
Reduced risk of slow-moving stock
Faster response to changing décor ranges

This is not about replacing co-extruded tape. It removes the supply constraint that has limited wider adoption of laser edging NZ across the trade.

Laser edging NZ vs co-extruded and hotmelt

This is where most of the hesitation sits.

Co-extruded laser edging remains the benchmark for finish. Hotmelt remains widely used because it is easy to source and familiar to run. Post-coated laser edging now sits between the two, delivering a comparable finish while removing supply constraints.

During commissioning, Hutchco worked with joiners and machinery suppliers to run real trials. The focus was processing performance, not presentation.

Simon Hornby from Jacks noted: “Running on-demand PVC/ABS post-coated laser tape would likely require minimal changes to current processing settings.” He added, “In practical use, it appears the difference between most post-coated and co-extruded is minimal.”

Henk van Oeveren of HPTech supported this from a machinery perspective, noting “it appears to deliver a bond and finish very close to co-extruded.” He also pointed out that correct setup of heat, speed, and pressure remains key.

Why local control changes the equation

Laser edging is not just a material choice. It is a system. Material, machine, settings, and supply all need to align.

By bringing gluing, slitting, and now laser post-coating into its Auckland operation, Hutchco has removed several points of delay.

The ProJumbo slitting system allows 275 mm master rolls to be cut to any required width. Combined with post-coating, this means décor, width, thickness, and application method can be aligned locally without relying on offshore production cycles.

For the trade, that means:

Shorter lead times
Greater confidence specifying laser edging NZ
Less risk when introducing new décors
A supply chain that responds to actual jobs

You can view current décor availability here:
https://hutchco.co.nz/availability

The post Laser Edging NZ Just Got Practical appeared first on Hutchco .

Ryan’s Kitchens: Propaint Prolaser Paintable Edge Tape Joinery

tux — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 22:56:26 +0000

Propaint Prolaser paintable edge tape is helping Ryan’s Kitchens deliver a sharper finish without the extra sanding or patching that used to slow their projects down. What began as a trial in their Christchurch workshop quickly grew into a new approach to edging. The more projects they ran through the system, the clearer it became that this wasn’t just another tool on the shelf — it was a shift in how they could promise quality to clients and back up their reputation for precise, award-winning joinery.

Why Ryan’s Kitchens Chose Propaint Prolaser Paintable Edge Tape

The team at Ryan’s Kitchens know that small flaws show up fast in high-end kitchens. Traditional edge solutions often meant touch-ups, or worse, cracking lines that appeared after the painter had left.

They needed a way to protect their detail work without adding more hours to the schedule. That’s where Propaint Prolaser paintable edge tape came into play.

How Propaint Prolaser Paintable Edge Tape Improves Joinery

The real advantage of the Propaint Prolaser system is that it converts standard edging into a colour-matched, paint-ready surface on demand. For the Ryan’s Kitchens team, this meant they could keep stock simple, run material through the machine when needed, and walk away with tape that bonded cleanly, held paint evenly, and kept every line sharp.

The days of touch-ups, messy joins, or worrying whether the finish would crack later were suddenly behind them. Instead of preparing for rework, they could focus on pushing projects through faster, with greater confidence in the result.

The process felt less like changing the way they built kitchens and more like removing a long-standing frustration that had always slowed them down.

Proven Results: Ryan’s Kitchens Leading the Way

Months of live projects later, the system has proven itself. Kitchens that once needed sanding and patching now move smoothly from edging to painting with minimal intervention. The time saved in production has freed the team to focus more on the design details their clients value most. Just as importantly, the finish holds up — meaning fewer call-backs and greater client satisfaction. This improvement hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ryan’s Kitchens continues to attract recognition in the industry, including through the Master Joiners Awards, where quality and innovation are held to the highest standard.

For them, Propaint Prolaser paintable edge tape isn’t just another upgrade; it’s proof that when the right technology meets skilled craftsmanship, the results are stronger, cleaner, and built to last.

The post Ryan’s Kitchens: Propaint Prolaser Paintable Edge Tape Joinery appeared first on Hutchco .

How DBJ Furniture Nails Smart Veneer Edging

tux — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 03:16:27 +0000

Smart veneer edging solutions aren’t just about looks, they’re central to how fabricators like DBJ Furniture achieves seamless, award-winning custom joinery. In their standout “Walnut Wonderland” project, the team pushed both craft and technology to new heights, achieving grain flow and surface integration that blurred the line between cabinetry and architecture.

Inside DBJ’s Walnut Wonderland

In high-end joinery, precision and material integrity are everything. Veneer work, particularly at the luxury level, isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about integrating timber surfaces into architectural spaces without visible transitions or inconsistencies. Paul Walkinton, Managing Director of DBJ Furniture, knows this well, having spent years refining techniques that balance craftsmanship with technological innovation.

One of DBJ’s most technically demanding projects, Walnut Wonderland, exemplifies this philosophy. The client’s vision required a continuous grain flow across multiple cabinetry elements, essentially treating the joinery as an uninterrupted architectural surface rather than separate units.

“We had to ensure absolute continuity in the veneer pattern while accommodating the structural and functional needs of each element,” Walkinton explains. “Using 2mm Tekton veneer edging allowed us to maintain the flow without the disruptions that conventional clashing strip methods might introduce.”

Beyond aesthetics, material selection played a crucial role. The team needed a balance between natural veneers and architectural laminates, ensuring durability while preserving the tactile quality of timber. CNC precision and meticulous hand-finishing ensured that every joint was imperceptible, reinforcing the idea that joinery should feel like an extension of the architecture rather than an added feature.

Material Choices That Work Hard

Smart veneer edging solutions aren’t just about looks—they’re core to DBJ Furniture’s lean, design-led manufacturing.

Their access to specific widths, like 29mm for 26mm panels, offers flexibility on slim profiles such as floating shelves, while wider options enable clean finishes on large-scale feature panels. “Size flexibility allows us to align materials with design intent rather than working around stock limitations,” says Walkinton.

This material strategy flows through their production process.

“Our nesting strategies are planned around optimised edgeband dimensions,” he adds. “By reducing unnecessary trimming and rework, we lower waste while ensuring every piece fits precisely within the larger design framework.” Pre-matched decorative tapes help speed up finishing, reduce sanding, and keep quality consistent across every run.

When Tech Meets Craft

DBJ’s ability to deliver seamless, high-end joinery comes from the balance they strike between advanced machinery and human touch. Their 5-axis Biesse CNC system handles complex shapes and curves with tight tolerances. But it’s their team’s hand-finishing that gives the final product its warmth and refinement—especially on feature joinery like fluted faces and curved cabinetry.

“For us, the goal is always to create something that feels effortless, even when the complexity behind it is immense,” says Walkinton. “That’s the essence of high-end joinery—pushing what’s possible while ensuring the final product feels natural and integral to the space.”

Tekton veneer edging played a central role in delivering the seamless look DBJ aimed for in Walnut Wonderland. But what sets Tekton apart? It’s a multi-layered, engineered veneer tape designed to bend cleanly, hold tight on curves, and resist cracking or splintering under pressure. Unlike traditional thick veneer edging, which can be fragile during machining or post-processing, Tekton’s laminated structure provides built-in flexibility and strength.

It still sands and finishes like solid veneer—but it behaves like a high-performance composite, making it ideal for intricate, high-expectation projects.

Available in popular species such as American Oak, Walnut, White Ash, Tawa, and more, with widths ranging from 22mm to 85mm, Tekton gives joiners and designers the freedom to match detail with scale—without compromise.

DBJ’s approach to edgebanding exemplifies the intersection of technical precision, material intelligence, and aesthetic sensitivity. From the meticulous detailing of Walnut Wonderland to the efficiencies gained through lean manufacturing, their projects demonstrate that true craftsmanship is not about individual components, but about how every element coalesces into a singular, cohesive vision.

The post How DBJ Furniture Nails Smart Veneer Edging appeared first on Hutchco .

Prolaser Edging Revolutionizes Cabinetry Craftsmanship

tux — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:31:56 +0000

Sharp & Page, a leading kitchen and cabinetry manufacturer supplying the New Zealand residential and commercial markets, are shaking things up with laser edging, proving they’re not just sharp by name. Since 1936, Sharp & Page have been developing their brand as the go-to for high-end, custom manufacturing, sourcing the swankiest materials from locally and abroad. But recently, they’ve cranked it up a notch with Prolaser Fusion from Hutchco, making a bold statement in innovation and craftsmanship.

The Helier: Luxury Redefined

Their latest masterpiece? The Helier, a luxury apartment and care residence that screams more “5-star hotel” than “residential care village.” Naturally, only laser edging could meet the design brief’s demand for both beauty and bulletproof finish. Because who wants edges that aren’t invisible and moisture-resistant these days?

The Switch to Laser Edging

“We switched to laser edging seven years ago as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. We were drawn to the invisible edge line and also the added moisture resistance that the Prolaser Fusion provided,” says Adam Sharp, Managing Director of Sharp & Page.

As LPL & HPL boards firmly cement their popularity in New Zealand, Sharp & Page’s customers increasingly opt for these durable alternatives over traditional painted surfaces.

“With the ever-improving supply line of prefinished board available in New Zealand, we are seeing greater numbers of customers happily selecting these durable options over painted surfaces,” adds Sharp.

Sharp & Page aren’t just cutting through the high-end market—they’re cutting-edge. And with Prolaser Fusion laser edging precision, no less.

View the full prolaser range here.

See more of Sharp & Page work here.
Photo credits: Mark Scowen.
Projects: The Helier – Oceania Healthcare.

Sharp & Page, a leading kitchen and cabinetry manufacturer suppling the New Zealand residential and commercial markets, are shaking things up with laser edging, proving they’re not just sharp by name.

Since 1936, Sharp & Page have been developing their brand as the go-to for high-end, custom manufacturing, sourcing the swankiest materials from locally and abroad. But recently, they’ve cranked it up a notch with Prolaser Fusion from Hutchco, making a bold statement in innovation and craftsmanship.

The Helier: Luxury Redefined

The Switch to Laser Edging

As LPL & HPL boards firmly cement their popularity in New Zealand, Sharp & Page’s customers increasingly opt for these durable alternatives over traditional painted surfaces.

“With the ever-improving supply line of prefinished board available in New Zealand, we are seeing greater numbers of customers happily selecting these durable options over painted surfaces,” adds Sharp.

Sharp & Page aren’t just cutting through the high-end market—they’re cutting-edge. And with Prolaser Fusion laser edging precision, no less.

View the full prolaser range here.

See more of Sharp & Page work here.
Photo credits: Mark Scowen.
Projects: The Helier – Oceania Healthcare.

The post Prolaser Edging Revolutionizes Cabinetry Craftsmanship appeared first on Hutchco .

The Future of Edging: A Playful Peek into the World of Eco-Friendly Cabinetry Finishings.

tux — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 00:34:18 +0000

Ah, edging. Whether you call it edge-band, edgebanding, or edge tape, this unsung hero is a vital part of cabinetry and furniture manufacturing. For over 35 years, Hutchco has been New Zealand’s go-to distributor of top-notch edging, thanks to our esteemed global supplier, Proadec Portugal, a Surteco Company with a legacy dating back to 1977. So, why is everyone buzzing about our PVC, ABS, and PP edging? Let’s dive in, shall we?

The Hottest Trend (That’s Here to Stay)

In an era where sustainability is hotter than a freshly glued edge, our cabinetmaker and furniture designer pals are all about eco-friendly practices. They want to offer their customers interior joinery that’s durable and kind to Mother Earth. Enter Prolaser Fusion edging, brought to you by Surteco Germany, a carbon neutral company. By choosing PP Laser decorative edging, you’re not just getting a quality product; you’re supporting the planet.

Hutchco’s Green Machine

Here at Hutchco, we don’t just talk the sustainability talk; we walk the walk (or should we say, edge the edge?). Last year, we decided to up our green game with a significant investment in custom-built machinery. This nifty kit helps us reduce wastage and economise on how we slit edgings, even handling those jumbo rolls like a boss. We’re just getting started. We have a lineup of eco-friendly initiatives coming up.

Why Our Edging Rocks

Let’s get real. Why is our edging from Proadec Portugal & Surteco Germany the bee’s knees? Managing director Mark Leith dishes: “Customers can expect Hutchco’s choice to supply PVC and ABS Proadec edging is made with both the environmentally conscious customer and the planet in mind.” He adds, “The importance of quality to us means our supply of PVC and ABS edgings are 100% recyclable, lead & plasticiser free, and printed using VOC-free UV inhibiting paint technology without compromising on durability.” Boom. Mic drop.

So, what’s the future of edging? It’s sustainable, it’s high-quality, and it’s right here at Hutchco. Whether you’re a cabinetmaker, a furniture manufacturer, or just someone who appreciates a finely edged piece of furniture, join us in our mission to make the world a better place, one edge at a time.

Peruse our tech guides on the product slider or view our full range on our availability guide updated every other month.

The Hottest Trend (That’s Here to Stay)

Hutchco’s Green Machine

Why Our Edging Rocks

The post The Future of Edging: A Playful Peek into the World of Eco-Friendly Cabinetry Finishings. appeared first on Hutchco .