<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> This page documents where laser-curable <em>wood adhesive systems</em> are industrially viable today and how formulation and process design can support moisture resistance aligned with <strong>EN 204 D4</strong>. It focuses on sensitizing additives used by formulators to design laser-assisted curing systems. It does <strong>not</strong> describe finished adhesives and does <strong>not</strong> offer adhesive products for sale.</p> <p> LASERSense™ LASER sensitizing additives are developed by Kela Materials.</p> <h2>Why wood and engineered timber are different</h2> <p>Wood and engineered timber assemblies commonly require <strong>thick bond lines</strong>, involve porous substrates, and exhibit strong optical scattering. These factors make curing less predictable: UV/visible exposure may not develop conversion through the full adhesive thickness, and oven-based processes can increase energy cost and limit cycle time.</p> <h2>Where NIR-assisted curing fits</h2> <p>NIR-assisted curing is relevant when a formulator needs rapid, localized cure development despite <strong>limited optical penetration</strong> (opacity, fillers, scattering, substrate variability). A sensitizing additive can <strong>enable</strong> controlled in-layer energy conversion under near-infrared irradiation, helping the system reach practical cure development across thick bond lines.</p> <h2>Safe technical mechanism statement (system-level)</h2> <p>Under NIR laser irradiation, this sensitizing additive may undergo <strong>certain kind of reduction</strong> alongside <strong>photothermal effects</strong>. These effects can lower the effective activation barrier of the formulation’s existing polymerization or crosslinking pathway, supporting cure development through thick adhesive layers. In this application class, curing does not rely on UV penetration, but can be achieved via <strong>NIR-assisted mechanisms</strong> depending on formulation and process conditions.</p> <h2>What this page is / is not</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Is:</strong> A formulator-facing application page for designing laser-assisted curing in wood and engineered timber adhesive systems.</li> <li><strong>Is not:</strong> A finished adhesive product page. This page does not sell adhesives.</li> </ul> <h2>Validated application link</h2> <p><strong>Validated application:</strong> wood and engineered timber systems (EN 204 D4 anchor).</p>