32 mm System

System Holes

The 32mm system of building cabinets utilizes a series of 5mm holes that are spaced 32mm apart. Generally these system holes are in two rows running from top to bottom of the cabinet sides (panels, also known as bulkheads, standards, jambs or gables). The 5mm holes spaced 32mm apart are the heart of the European method of cabinet construction. Ultimately the 32mm system is a method of indexing cabinet parts and hardware using these holes.

There is a vast quantity of hardware available that uses mounting holes some multiple of 32mm apart. The most common are European hinges and slides. European hinges mount to the panel with a plate that has two holes spaced 32mm apart. European slides require that the back system row is some multiple of 32mm from the front row because their mounting holes are spaced in multiples of 32mm. Both hinges and slides also require that the front system row be 37mm from the front edge of the panel. While there are both advantages and disadvantages to having the rear system row be 37mm from the back edge, it doesn't matter what the distance from the system rows to the back of the panel is.

Indexing Faces

Because slides and hinges are mounted to system holes and vertically spaced some multiple of 32mm apart, drawer and door faces need to be sized in increments of 32mm to maintain a consistent relationship to the hardware and system holes. While drawn as multiples of 32mm, we need gaps between the faces to provide clearance. Like most system components, faces are sized in multiples of 32mm +/- a constant, i.e. increments (VS multiples) of 32mm. Faces are always a multiple of 32mm minus the desired gap (constant) between faces. Subtracting a typical 3mm gap would make the pictured (0mm gap) faces 157 (32 x 5 - 3), 253 (32 x 8 - 3) and 317mm (32 x 10 - 3) tall. If this cabinet had a door (instead of drawers) it would be 736mm tall (32 x 23 - 3).

A primary aspect of the 32mm system is that all door and drawer faces are some increment of 32mm tall(typically 32 x n - desired gap). While the common focus is on height, e.g. to simplify hinge cup boring, the system can be applied to component widths as well. In that case, all face widths are also 32 x n - gap.


When all faces are an increment of 32mm tall they will all center on, or between, system holes and their top and bottom edges will always be an equal distance from a system hole. In other words, indexing is a constant and all hardware can be mounted an equal distance from the top and/or bottom edge of all faces, e.g. hinges, slides and drawer face mounting hardware.

The traditional method is to have all face edges (plus 1/2 gap) center on system holes (the left hand faces in the image), but it is also common/acceptable to have all face edges center between system holes (the right hand faces in the image). These two methods are referred to as system and shifted registration, respectively. Use whichever works best for your chosen drawer slides and cabinet style.
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Construction Holes

When building a cabinet we have a couple options. The basic European cabinet is simply a box with feet attached to the bottom. The box is typically assembled using 8mm dowels placed in construction holes. While dowels are the traditional method, a popular alternative to dowels is a special screw called a confirmat screw. Both methods require boring holes into the ends of all horizontal members. With dowels we also need to use a series of clamps or have a case clamp. Construction holes don't need to be on the system hole grid and can be done away with alltogether. Alternatives typically involve some combination of dadoes, staples and/or self-tapping screws. With this method we are primarily using the system to index hardware and doors/drawer faces.


Another method of construction is to use system holes as construction holes (SAC). This method simplifies the system and is well suited for those with minimal tooling. Instead of using dowels or confirmat screws we can build our boxes with special hardware. By using something like the Rafix connector we can avoid both endboring and clamping. In some cases, all we need are system holes to build a cabinet. Deeper cabinets, such as kitchen base cabinets, will require additional holes between system rows to provide structural integrity. While this is the most common application for connectors like the Rafix, there is no reason why you can't use them with the construction hole method. With this method we are using the system holes to index the cabinet cross members (cabinet top, bottom, dust rails, etc.) as well as hardware and door/drawer faces.

History

Frameless construction in cabinetmaking refers to the construction of cabinets using flat panels of engineered wood — usually particle board, plywood or medium-density fibreboard — rather than the traditional frame and panel construction.

A common construction method for frameless cabinets originated in Europe after World War II and is known as the 32 mm Method or 32 mm System.[1] This nomenclature is derived from the 32-millimetre spacing between the system holes used for construction and installation of hardware typically used for doors, drawers and shelves. In North America it is also often referred to as "European Cabinetry" popular due to its simplicity of construction, clean lines and low cost.

With frameless cabinets, thicker sides (boxes) keep the cabinet much more stable and avoids the use of a front frame, such as found in face-frame cabinets. By eliminating the front frame, you can have more room to get large objects inside with more usable space.

Tools used

The most common tool used for the 32 mm system is the gang drill. A gang drill machine consists of several individual columns, drilling heads, and spindles mounted on a single base and utilizing a common table. Various numbers of spindles may be used, but four or six are common. These machines are designed for machining parts requiring several hole-machining operations, such as drilling, countersinking, counterboring, or tapping. The workpiece is moved from one drilling spindle to the next, where sequential machining operations are performed by one or more operators.

There are other ways to work with a 32 mm system, either by using different jigs or systems like the Festool hole guide. 

Or you can certainly create your own jig, or guide to help yourself as a very efficient, ingenious, and industrious woodworker that you are.

There are no stressors for this type assembly as it is a system to install hardware.

What role did materials play in this method.

• The material usually used will not move or contract .
• Material used are MDF Prees Board

We have noticed this assembly method in all Ikea furniture that we own to our shame and regret|!

Yet, we love it because it comes from our distant home, however marginal and irrelevant to our spiritual connection. This aside,  the 32mm system is an efficient, accurate and cost-effective method used for hardware installation, especially geared toward doors and drawers. The system allows complete flexibility and creative solutions for a blend of production cabinetry and custom craftsmanship. It's used in large and small woodworking shops for one-offs or production cabinet construction. With a simple hand jig or small multi-spindle drill press, anyone can achieve the benefits of this system.