Manufacturing MDF:
Softwood is cut up into 20x20x5mm chippings, soaked at 8 bar and between 140 and 160°C, and ground into fine fibres. This fibre pulp is sprayed with glue then compressed by roller presses. Almost any thickness of board can be produced, from 3 mm to 60 mm.
Other comparable materials are available on the world market. Materials such as HDF, chipboard, OSB and cement-bonded boards can all be coated.
Medium Density Fibreboard
Medium density fibreboard (0.6-0.8 kg / dm3) is characterised by an almost completely homogeneous structure and very low levels of swelling and shrinking: around 4% length- and widthways, and around 6% in its thickness. Because of its excellent surface quality, it is especially suitable for film-coating of broad and narrow moulded surfaces.
MDF is processed using conventional woodworking machines. When manufacturing furniture finishes, coatings are applied using the adhesives normally used in the woodworking industry. Dust-free, sanded surfaces and cleanly cut edges are essential for the quality of the coating. With MDF, edges and cuts in the broad surfaces are more absorbent than untreated surfaces. This must be taken into account when it comes to the adhesive, which must be applied particularly carefully in these areas.
