Milled fronts

Frames, linear relief and an integrated grip are formed directly in a painted MDF front.

About the technology

The shape is set by the drawing

First the pattern is defined: the frame width, the line pitch, and the milling depth and radius. Then the MDF is machined and painted as a whole, so the plane, the edge and the relief all get one uniform colour.

The examples below show directions, not a closed catalogue of models. Proportions are adapted to the height and width of specific fronts.

Base: painted MDF
Shape: frame, lines, slat, cutout
Parameters: pitch, depth, radius and profile
Surface finish: matt or semi-matt paint

Frame samples

From a thin outline to a classic frame

The frame can stay almost unnoticeable or become the front's main pattern. What matters is its width, the depth of the inner field, and the character of the transition.

Slim frame

A thin outline around the perimeter keeps a clean, modern look and shows up mainly in side light.

Bevelled frame

The bevelled inner profile makes the border deeper and more visible without overloading the front's plane.

Classic frame

A wider frame and inner field give a distinct rhythm to the bottom row and to tall doors.

Milling samples

Surface relief

The groove's pitch, depth and shape define the surface's character. The pattern is designed across the whole group of fronts and is not linked to the opening method.

MDF sample with wide, rounded longitudinal millings

Soft rail

The rounded relief creates a soft shadow and reads well even in a quiet light colour.

Several painted MDF samples with longitudinal grooves of different widths

Linear grooves

The pitch and depth of the line change the character of the surface — from an almost graphic grid to pronounced volume.

Grip types

Grip in the front's edge

A milled grip is made on a smooth front. The shape of the cutout determines whether the opening line is extended, local, or formed by a bevelled edge.

Extended milled cutout along the edges of white smooth fronts

Linear cutout

The cutout runs along the front's edge and forms a single horizontal opening line.

Short local milled grips on the edges of smooth, light-coloured fronts

Local cutout

The grip is formed only where it is needed on the edge and does not add an extra line across the whole front.

Bevelled top edge of a wood front, used as a grip

Bevelled edge

The angled surface works as a grip and stays part of the smooth front without a separate handle.

Design

What can't be chosen from a single picture

The same pattern looks different on a narrow door, a wide drawer and a tall tower unit. So the shape is agreed on together with both the layout of the fronts and the opening method.

Frame: We calculate the width and profile from the front's size, so the proportion doesn't change randomly from front to front.
Linear relief: The pitch, depth and direction are set by the drawing; the pattern must continue across neighbouring fronts.
Milled grip: Made only on a smooth front. On a frame or a relief, a cutout would break the pattern.
Opening relief fronts: We use a GOLA profile or a push-to-open mechanism so as not to cover the front's pattern.