What is melamine? Applications and advantages - Desmon

Jun. 30, 2025

What is melamine? Applications and advantages - Desmon

Melamine is a material widely used in carpentry work. It has many qualities that make it almost indispensable in the construction sector. If you have come this far, it is because you need to know what type of material melamine is. On numerous occasions you will have heard the name of this synthetic product, widely used for the creation of modern designer furniture. Now, do you know what melamine is? Do you know its advantages, uses and applications?

TJCY industrial chemical contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

In today’s post we are going to explain the characteristics and applications of this organic compound, widely known as melamine board or melamine resin. In addition, we will take the opportunity to list the different types of uses in the manufacture of furniture or wall coverings.

Depending on the quality of the melamine you will be able to carry out more or less resistant projects. In addition, and thanks to its wide variety of colours and designs, this material becomes one of the most desirable alternatives for the customer. It is a very economical and resistant product.

In fact, in our made-to-measure works we usually use melamine in kitchens or children’s bedrooms, to create wardrobes and other types of customised furniture.

In both cases, we are talking about the busiest rooms in the home. Therefore, this material becomes the essential material to create durable objects, resistant to humidity and even warmer and easier to clean.

Melamine has several issues that differentiate it from solid wood. Indeed, they all make melamine a more practical, durable and functional material.

To begin with, natural wood must be processed in the right way. That means proper extraction and then a drying time that removes all the moisture from the wood. In addition, it has to be cut into manageable planks and the surface has to be carefully planed. All this must be done carefully because wood is a porous material that can change its condition if it is damp. In addition, it can encourage the growth of fungi or bacteria.

Melamine, on the other hand, is free of all these peculiarities. The chipboard includes resins that facilitate the good condition of the material. Moreover, it is not subject to attack by micro-organisms.

Another fundamental difference between solid wood and melamine is the price. The natural material is much more expensive because the process from tree to furniture is much longer and more costly. Melamine, on the other hand, is a very affordable material.

Finally, there are natural woods with very low resistance to high weights. Melamine, on the other hand, is a solid, firm material that can be bent for certain designs.

Working with melamine boards is very simple. There is no need for very specific or expensive tools. It can be screwed, cut or drilled without major problems.

Melamine can be easily joined using screws of the right depth. Using a screwdriver you can assemble the different boards. A jigsaw and a suitable mitre saw are sufficient for cutting the boards if angled cuts are required.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of melamine application. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

A common task is to smooth the edges. This means that the edges are covered with veneer. This veneer is usually purchased pre-glued, placed on the edge and then heated with an iron. Afterwards, the burrs are removed and the edge is integrated into the melamine look.

The DESMON assembly team knows all the properties of melamine perfectly. This means that they work it skilfully and adjust it to the agreed design without any problems.

Melamine Vs Plastic: A Comprehensive Comparison - Infinita Lab

Melamine and plastic are the two ubiquitous contenders in this new world. Modern engineering cannot exist without the appropriate selection of materials. Material science has become a dynamic field in the competitive world of engineering. Melamine and Plastic come with their strengths and weaknesses and can be used in innumerable ways. To strike a balance between numerous important parameters, such as durability, and affordability experts require a deep understanding of these materials. This article is an exploration of the world of these powerful materials. This article aims to educate people on the subject so that they are best equipped with the essential information to make critical decisions about these products.

Melamine: A Versatile Resin

Melamine is a pliable and versatile resin. It is commonly referred to as just melamine. Melamine formaldehyde is combined with various substances to create this material. It’s valued for its multiple qualities like affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. A wide variety of products are made from Melamine, including

Tableware: Tableware made up of this material is quite popular for being lightweight and sturdy. Such products also come in vibrant colors.
Laminates: Various surfaces that use laminates bound with melamine resin become quite durable. They are resistant to scratching and a better alternative to wood and stone.
Appliance Parts: Components made from this material provide a good choice for appliances requiring components with high heat resistance.

Advantages of Melamine

Durability: Melamine products are known for their sturdiness and resistance to cracking, quite different from products made of ceramic and glass.
Affordability: Compared to expensive materials like porcelain and stainless steel Melamine is quite affordable.
Lightweight: Melamine tableware is ideal for outdoor use as it is significantly light. Whereas its counterparts like ceramic and steel can be quite heavy and difficult to carry.
Heat Resistance: Melamine displays moderate heat resistance therefore it can tolerate warm beverages and conditions where it might have to endure short bursts of heat.
Assortment of Designs: Melamine comes in a vast range of colors and patterns, offering exceptional aesthetic versatility for tableware and laminates.

Disadvantages of Melamine

Potential Leaching Concerns: Melamine contains Formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. Leaching of this chemical from such products into food and beverages at high temperatures is a concern. That’s why using melamine tableware within safe temperature limits becomes necessary.
Biodegradability: Both these materials are non-biodegradable and add to the landfill waste. Some newer variants display some amount of biodegradability, but they are not yet widely available in the market.
Limited Heat Resistance: Melamine has not been shown to withstand sustained high temperatures and may lose integrity under extreme heat. Therefore, microwaving products made from it should be avoided.
Safety Concerns: Melamine dinnerware unfit for food contact can contain higher levels of formaldehyde, posing a health risk. Look for dinnerware with “food-safe” certifications.

Let’s Discuss the Various Facets of Plastics

These materials are derived from petrochemicals and other substances. It’s one of the most commonly used materials in the world and can be found in every nook and corner. Its adaptability and viability have led to its extensive use in innumerable consumer goods.

Advantages of Plastic:

Versatility: Plastic includes a wide range of polymers with unique properties. It can become an option for applications that demand flexibility, and insulation.
Robustness: This material comes in some extremely durable and damage-resistant varieties. They are therefore perfect for producing products that can withstand challenging conditions and are extremely durable.

Lightweight: It’s the perfect material for packaging as it’s generally a lightweight material. This quality also helps in reducing logistical costs.
Cheapness: It is a cost-effective material hence it’s widely used in consumer goods. It’s cheap because it’s being mass-produced all over the world.

Disadvantages of Plastic

Environmental Impact: This material has led to significant pollution all around the globe. These materials are not biodegradable and can sustain for centuries in our environment. They can degrade and turn into microplastics in the environment. These tiny plastic fragments can be microscopic. They can seep into anything and contaminate them. They have caused soil and water contamination all around the world. They can also contaminate our food by seeping into our grains and vegetables.
Limited Heat Resistance: Most variants of this material have limited ability to tolerate heat. They can melt or deform at certain temperatures by losing structural integrity.
Potential health Concerns: Certain variants of this material can discharge chemicals like BPAs and phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to many health problems. Whenever possible look for plastics that are free of such harmful chemicals.

Selecting the Correct Material Using a Sustainable Method

When a selection has to be made between the two materials. An exhaustive analysis needs to be conducted considering their applications and potential environmental impact. Here are some key considerations:

Durability and Reusability: Whenever possible opt for options that are durable and reusable. In the case of tableware, consider using long-lasting materials like stainless steel or ceramic over the disposable materials discussed here.
Heat Resistance: Choose a material with adequate tolerance if heat is involved in any way. For microwaving avoid melamine tableware and select heat-resistant plastics.

Conclusion: Navigating a Sustainable Future

The selection of the most suitable material for any usage often involves a balancing act between components like functionality, safety, and environmental impact. While both melamine and plastic offer advantages, from a sustainability perspective a closer look reveals some key strengths favoring melamine.

A significant advantage that melamine products have over plastic products is the quality of reusability. Melamine dinnerware appears to be a long-lasting alternative compared to disposable plastics that only burgeons landfill waste. Moreover, melamine can reduce overall consumption due to its innate durability and robustness decreasing the need for frequent replacements.

Safety concerns also play a role in the selection of materials. Melamine, when used within recommended temperature limitations, poses minimal health risks. In contrast, readily available plastics can leach harmful chemicals at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, melamine naturally has properties that make it flame-retardant. This offers an extra layer of safety for dinnerware requirements.

While the final decision rests on the specific needs and requirements of the user. In situations where durability, reusability, and safety appear to be of prime importance melamine emerges as a reasonable choice. Essentially, humans are duty-bound to navigate a path toward a more responsible future by making smart material choices that prioritize sustainability and safety.