Hoisko CLT Simplifies Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Production Process With Single Polyurethane Adhesive

Large timber structures are reshaping the way we build. As the construction industry seeks more environmentally friendly solutions, cross-laminated timber (CLT) has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective material. In each piece of cross-laminated timber (CLT), adhesives play a crucial role in securely bonding the layers of wood together. Finnish manufacturer HOISKO CLT has now adopted Kiilto Pro SW 13 polyurethane adhesive to ensure the production efficiency and lasting strength of its cross-laminated timber (CLT).

HOISKO CLT produces cross-laminated timber (CLT) components that are widely used in various types of buildings, from schools and libraries to sports centers and private residences. The company also provides cross-laminated timber (CLT) components for bridges and other high-demand infrastructure projects.

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is the most advanced form of modern wooden structures. Its cross-laminated structure gives it a strength comparable to steel, making it suitable as a load-bearing material for walls, floors, and roofs.

The bonding process plays a crucial role in the production of cross-laminated timber (CLT), ensuring the structural performance of each component. The bonds must withstand time, mechanical stress, and temperature changes while meeting stringent quality standards.

In the production process of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), the open time and pressing time of the adhesive depend on the number of layers in the component. In the past, HOISKO CLT used two different adhesives for different types of components, each with varying open times.

In early 2025, Kiilto launched a new adhesive for cross-laminated timber (CLT) production - Kiilto Pro SW 13, which HOISKO CLT chose without hesitation.

Kiilto Pro SW 13 is a single-component polyurethane adhesive with an optimized balance of open time and pressing time. This allows all types of components produced by HOISKO CLT, whether they have three, five, or seven layers, to use the same product.

Markku Herrala, the production manager at HOISKO CLT, stated: "Using a single adhesive has streamlined the production process, making daily tasks clearer and more straightforward. We no longer need to track which adhesive is in stock or running low, as the same solution applies to all situations."

Kiilto Pro SW 13 polyurethane adhesive is designed to enhance production efficiency in the wood industry and provides high strength in harsh application environments. This adhesive spreads evenly during the pressing process and effectively penetrates the wood cells, ensuring structural durability and high adhesion strength.

Its viscosity changes with flow, allowing for pumping at lower pressures. The extruded adhesive can dry completely, leaving no residue on the processing blades used in subsequent processing steps. This reduces the frequency of blade replacements and extends the lifespan of the blades.

The process of switching to this new type of adhesive is very easy, with no need to make any changes to the equipment. The press settings only require slight adjustments, allowing production to continue without any downtime.

HOISKO CLT components glued with Kiilto adhesives have been delivered to several large construction projects in Finland, including the new Turku Music Hall and one of Finland's largest swimming pool projects (Elmo Swimming Pool).