The development of technology has made rational use of industrial wood waste, so chipboard, fiberboard and, superior to their characteristics, MDF board appeared. The decoding of the name of this material is the transliteration of the English letters MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), which means: medium-density fiberboard. Dense, smooth and geometrically stable, the plate is used in construction and for the manufacture of furniture. Well-machined, MDF takes on a very decorative look and is not inferior to wood in terms of durability.
History of creation
American William Mason, seeing a huge amount of wood chips and sawdust around woodworking enterprises and sawmills, suggested that they could be used to make paper, wood-fiber boards such as plywood. Working on production technology, in 1924 he created a device for separating wood waste into separate fibers, called the Mason gun. It consisted of a tank in which moistened chips and sawdust were heated. Under the influence of high temperature, air and water inside the tank expanded, the lid opened and the gun fired into the trap ready for further processing with fibers.
By placing fibers under a steam press, Mason experimented with the manufacture of wood-based panels. Talent, perseverance and luck allowed his plans to come true.Mason received a strong plate, which was called "Masonite."
You know, what is the difference between MDF and particleboard? The difference in the production technology of these materials. In the manufacture of MDF boards use smaller particles of wood and, most importantly, environmentally friendly binders - paraffin and lignin.
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The ability to create building and finishing material from wood waste was of interest not only to Mason; several companies and private inventors worked simultaneously on improving the technology. Since 1966, the US began mass production of medium density fiberboard - MDF.
Modern production technology
The modern technology of MDF production is the “dry” cycle, the raw material is round timber, peeled of bark and chopped into wood chips on a special machine. Using a magnet, the chips are cleaned of metal inclusions, using a sieve, they are sorted by size into three fractions. Fine wood dust is removed, too large chips are sent to the chopper again. Material of optimal size is heated and evenly moistened in a special hopper.
Hot and moist wood chips enter the defibrator machine, which divides wood fragments into separate fibers. To obtain the desired consistency, the chips can be passed through the defibrator several times. Along with grinding, paraffin, resins, binders for further formation of the slab are fed into the machine.
Fibers coated with a thin layer of binders, hardeners, but not glued, are constantly heated, then they enter the cyclone for drying. Dry, hot, fiber-retained fibers are ready for carpet formation and pressing. Weighted material is leveled in the form of a carpet, air chambers are eliminated with a press, cut into pieces of the required size and cooled.
Coming out of the press, the plates have a rough surface, sometimes elevations and bumps. To eliminate them, each plate goes through the grinding process. Finished boards are marked and sent to the warehouse.
The use of MDF in the decoration and manufacture of furniture
Today, beautiful and durable furniture, window sills, interior doors are made from MDF. In the decoration of premises they are used for wall cladding, the device of rough floors and ceilings, office partitions.
- MDF wall panels. The photo shows the wall decoration options for various rooms.
- Furniture made of MDF. In the photo you can appreciate the stylish furniture in the living room and kitchen from this material.
- Partitions in the interior of residential premises and offices.