BLOG
Membrane Cabinet Doors: What They Are and How They’re Made | MakserTeam
Membrane Cabinet Doors: What They Are and How They’re Made | MakserTeam
Membrane cabinet doors are produced by applying PVC or PET(PETG) foil onto CNC-profiled MDF panels using controlled heat and strong vacuum.
They are widely preferred because they offer seamless surfaces, wide color/texture options and long-lasting durability.
These doors are commonly used in:
- Kitchen cabinet doors
- Bathroom vanity doors
- Wardrobe & cloakroom units
- Bedroom closet doors
- Office & archive furniture
- School/hospital storage units
- Decorative wall panels
- …and many other cabinetry applications
Unlike interior room doors, membrane cabinet doors belong to the furniture category, where visual quality and precise detailing are the top priorities.
Foil Thickness Options
In membrane cabinet door production, PVC foil typically ranges between 0.20–0.45 mm, depending on:
- Door model depth
- Desired surface quality
- Matte/glossy/texture choices
Pvc folyo / pvc foils
Choosing the Right MDF
For membrane cabinet doors, high-density membrane-grade MDF is strongly recommended.
Why it matters
- Longer lifetime – Resistance to daily opening/closing and micro-impacts
- Consistent quality – Minimal batch variation
- Smooth surface – No waves or fiber texture showing under the foil
- Sharp profiling – Cleaner CNC cuts, crisp corners, no crumbling
- Stronger bonding – Adhesive forms a uniform film
- Low service cost – Fewer returns due to peeling or cracks
Quick MDF checklist
- Smooth, defect-free surface
- Dense and solid internal structure
- Clean cross-sections without dusting
- Supplier confirmation for membrane-grade suitability
MDF
How Membrane Cabinet Doors Are Produced
1) CNC Cutting & Profiling
The MDF panel is cut to cabinet door size and profiled according to the chosen design:
- Shaker
- Soft curves
- Classic raised panel
- Handle recess models
- Modern flat-groove lines
Makser RO66 CNC Router delivers vibration-free machining and sharp profiling with no sanding required for standard models.
For deep or special profiles, a light finishing sand may be applied.
2) Dust-Free Preparation
A clean environment is essential for flawless bonding.
- The membrane press area must be separate from CNC cutting.
- Floating dust can cause marks, bubbles or weak adhesion.
Maintaining a dust-free workspace ensures a perfect, uniform surface once pressed.
3) Adhesive Application & Flash-Off
Adhesive is sprayed evenly across the surface.
- If edges will be wrapped, edges receive a slightly heavier coat.
- Surface receives a controlled, balanced application.
- Panels rest in drying racks for ~30 minutes.
Important
Drying racks must not be in the same room as the spray area.
Fresh adhesive vapor can settle onto drying panels and negatively affect bonding quality.
4) Vacuum Pressing (Heat + Vacuum)
Panels are placed in the Makser Vacuum Membrane Press with their selected PVC/PET foil.
- Multi-zone heating softens the foil
- Strong vacuum pulls the foil tightly into all CNC-cut details
- The result: a seamless, furniture-grade surface
This step gives the door its final color, texture and visual identity.
5) Trimming & Quality Inspection
- Excess foil is trimmed
- Corners, grooves and profiles are inspected by eye and touch
- Minor edge corrections are made if needed
A well-pressed membrane door should appear:
- Smooth
- Seamless
- Uniform in texture
- Free of bubbles, waves or visible glue patterns
Edge Wrapping vs. Edge Banding
Edge Wrapping (foil folded over the edge)
- Seamless, one-piece look
- Soft corner transitions
- Better moisture resistance
Edge Banding
- Faster for mass production
- Ideal for “framed” or straight-edge modern designs
- Easy to repair in the field
Both methods are widely used depending on design and production volume.
Essential Equipment for Membrane Cabinet Door Production
- Makser RO66 CNC Router
- Makser Vacuum Membrane Press
- Dust extraction systems
- Spray adhesive equipment
- Compressor & air dryer
- (Optional) Edge banding machine
These machines together form a stable, high-quality cabinet door production line.
Makser: Your Straight Path to Premium Membrane Doors
Makser Vacuum Membrane Press applies PVC/PET(PETG) films onto MDF, HDF and particle board with controlled heat and deep vacuum—resulting in smooth, homogeneous surfaces.
Makser RO66 CNC Router ensures:
- Sharp detailing
- Clean cuts
- No sanding requirement
- Faster production cycles
Combined, these systems create a fast, scalable and repeatable membrane cabinet door production workflow.
FAQ – Membrane Cabinet Doors
What foil thickness is most common?
PVC foil between 0.20–0.45 mm.
0.20 mm or 0.35 mm — which should I choose?
Test samples on your own line.
With the correct parameters, Makser presses ensure quality at either thickness.
Do I still need sanding?
Makser RO66 CNC, with the right tooling, eliminates sanding for most designs.
Deep or decorative models may require minor touch-ups.