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Changing the veneer

By SuperyachtDesign. Jan 07, 2010

Metrica Interior, in co-operation with one of their suppliers, has developed a new wood veneer cutting process by laser—"The art of manufacturing with high-tech laser machines"—that offers the potential to further customise the interior surfaces of yachts. "This technology provides new design possibilities for designers using the material veneer", reports Roman Hagen of Metrica Interior. "We offer the possibility to join burl wood without seeing gaps and joints to achieve larger sized surfaces. It is an absolutely new technology for new design opportunities."
 
 The technology works using a laser to cut the veneer very accurately to within tolerances of less than 0.1mm - the exact procedure being a closely guarded secret. Using vector data files and diagrams it is possible to create a pattern or use an image for the creation of a veneer, although images are more challenging to cut. Up to 140 types of wood, including burl, can be used to create these designer veneers. When SYD inquired about the design limits for the veneers, Hagen's responded that the only limitation was the size of the machine that restricted the veneer dimensions to 1400 x 2400mm.  "We can also offer curved and other shaped contours and surfaces", continues Hagen, "so cladding of columns or other curved items is not a problem." With regards to indoor-outdoor use and cleaning, these veneers behave the same way as standard veneers and need to be treated for exterior use with their life span depending on the final surface treatment.