MDF is a finely dispersed fraction of wood material and is one of the types of boards produced from wood chips. It is widely used in the assembly of furniture sets, although it can be used for other purposes. With its unique structure and characteristics, MDF differs from fiberboard, chipboard and other similar materials.
Differences between MDF and chipboard
MDF (medium density fiberboard) and chipboard (particle board) are two common types of wood boards used in construction and furniture manufacturing. However, there are significant differences between the two materials.
MDF is made from wood fibers treated with resins and high pressure. This process gives MDF a high density and uniform texture, making it an excellent choice for precision machining and painting. Chipboard, on the other hand, is made from wood chips glued together using resins. It is lighter but less dense, making it more suitable for applications that do not require high resistance to weight and pressure.
Thus, the choice between MDF and chipboard depends on the specific requirements of the project, including the desired texture, strength and processing specifications.
MDF production technology
The process of MDF manufacturing includes several stages:
- Preparation of material: Begins with the selection of prepared logs, which are prepared for subsequent processing.
- Formation of fibers: After cleaning the logs, they are ground in a refiner and then heated. During the heating process, various resins are released, including lignin, which serves as a binder. The material is then dried to remove excess moisture, giving it a uniform structure.
- Formation of the slab: The prepared material is fed into special equipment, where sheets are cut from it. Then, alignment using rollers and preliminary pressing to remove excess air occurs.
- Pressing: The MDF board passes through a press, acquiring its final shape. After that, it is divided into sheets of the required size using a saw.
- Sanding. It gives the MDF a smooth and even surface.
Types of MDF panels
Depending on the decorative processing methods, MDF panels are divided into different options:
1. Veneered MDF panels:
- A thin layer of veneer is applied to the panel using adhesive.
- This method makes the material resistant to moisture, corrosion and crumbling.
- Veneering also gives the surface a realistic appearance.
- Laminated MDF panels:
- PVC film is applied to the front side using a pressing method.
- This process allows to imitate the structure of various materials, including natural stone.
- Lamination improves resistance to light, moisture and other external influences, and also extends the service life of the material.
3, Painted MDF panels:
- A layer of paint and varnish materials, be it enamel or elastic paints, is applied to the surface of the panel, manually or automatically.
- This process makes the panel resistant to negative influences, although not to the same level as previous methods.
- However, thanks to paint, it is possible to give the material almost any color.
Application of MDF
MDF panels are most often purchased for:
- Kitchen fronts
- Countertops
- Aprons
- Wall panels
- Back walls of cabinets
In construction, this material is used to level walls and prepare them for finishing, providing an excellent option due to the absence of knots, cracks and other defects. Furniture to order KyivIt also finds application in the creation of window sills and floor coverings.
MDF panels are widely used in the production of office and children's furniture, as well as in frame facades, effectively serving in the interior design of rooms.
MDF is used to manufacture various products, such as advertising signs, fire shields, warehouse packaging, etc.
How to choose MDF board
When choosing MDF sheets, it is necessary to carefully evaluate their intended use and, based on this, purchase the best solution.
Let's look at kitchen furniture: painted MDF boards are great for making kitchen furniture because they are resistant to moisture and water - which is critical in this context.
In the bathroom, it is recommended to choose laminated MDF boards, especially those that are laminated on both sides, providing complete protection from moisture.
When finishing large surfaces, you can use standard MDF sheets without additional processing.
It is also worth paying attention to the following parameters when choosing MDF:
1.Shape (square or rectangular)
2. Cost
3. Color
4. Manufacturer
5. Dimensions
It is important to remember the thickness of the panels. Thin boards are lighter and easier to work with, but due to their fragility, they are mainly suitable for side surfaces. Thick boards, although strong, are heavy and are recommended for retaining walls, doors and top surfaces.
Installation of MDF panels
MDF panels can be installed using two different methods:
- Frame method: The slats are attached to any type of base without any preliminary preparation, such as leveling the wall or removing the old covering. Custom cabinet furnitureIn this case, it is only necessary to prime the surface, install electrical wiring, bring out the cables and apply markings.
- Glue installation method: In this case, the wall requires careful preparation. First, it is leveled with plaster, putty, then primed and all defects, such as pits and grease stains, are removed. Then the installation work begins with the application of glue to the back surface of the panels.
MDF Boards: Versatility and Availability
MDF panels are used in various fields, from furniture production to the creation of warehouse packaging or advertising signs.
The variety of MDF includes many types, giving everyone the opportunity to choose the optimal solution for a specific task.
One of the key advantages is the affordable price of MDF boards. This circumstance explains their wide use in the furniture industry, construction and other industries.