Our Process

 Although there are several steps and numerous variables that go into the production of Richlite paper composite surfaces, here are the six most critical manufacturing funtions.

Fibers

Fibers can come from a variety of sources; virgin wood fibers, post consumer waste, recycled blue jeans, coffee chaff, burlap bags, banana peels, etc.

Color

Color is added during the paper making process instead of the paper saturating process to ensure consistent and solid color throughout.

Paper

Paper is saturated in a vertical tower impregnator and not a horizontal coater. This guarantees the thermosetting resin is completely integrated into the paper.

WE™ (Waste-to-Energy) Technology

WE™ Technology captures solvents left over from the manufacturing process and recycles it back as energy into the heating system.

Balance

Balance in a Richlite panel is paramount. Because paper can have a variance in weight (thickness), it is laid-up by weight and not individually counted.

Pressing

Pressing is the final step in the process. Richlite uses 75 hot press openings with a cold cycle to ensure the panels are fully cured.