Modern development of technological processes allows us to provide users with a variety of building and finishing materials. MDF board is one such material that is used for tooling objects and in the production of furniture. Consider the characteristics and features of this product.
History of Creation
MDF board was invented in the USA (late sixties of the 20th century). The abbreviation can be interpreted as follows: medium density fibreboard. The material is made from wood, which is practically ground to the smallest fibers. This production does not harm forests, since woodworking waste is mainly used.
Recycled material is cleaned of sand and other foreign inclusions. Then the prepared components are thoroughly washed and dried. Then the mass is heated and a tape of the required thickness and width is formed from it with further pressing. Under pressure, a binder of natural origin (lignin) is released from the components. The product acquires its final configuration after air is pumped out, representing a homogeneous structure in the form of an MDF board.
Features
After the pressing processthe product is processed, after which the existing defects are removed and brought to the required dimensions. It should be noted that not all types of wood produce the necessary binding effect. In this case, lignin or its analogues are added.
Among sheet materials, MDF board is considered the safest, since it contains a minimum of formaldehyde. Children's and other furniture is made from this material (international standard - F1). Additional benefits are associated with increased resistance to moisture and fire.
Issue Forms
In its natural form, the considered material has a brown color with a grayish tint, and a homogeneous dense mass is observed on the cut. The final color depends on the type of ground wood and the amount of bark. These MDF wallboards are great for building various types of partitions in the construction and furniture industries.
The work surface can be additionally ennobled by pasting with veneer, lamination, and PVC film. This solution allows you to profitably use this material in finishing work. Technological production standards make it possible to produce products of various shapes and thicknesses used for finishing work, the production of furniture parts, skirting boards, platbands and other moldings.
The structure of the material in question consists of small fibers that form dust during milling. Among other features - the possibility of manufacturing curly facades, decorative grilles and screens for heatingradiators.
MDF board size
The manufacturing technology of this material allows you to adjust the density in the range from 750 to 1100 kg/m2. Products with a lower index are used for finishing work and in furniture production, and versions with a higher density are used as floor finishes.
In the latter case, the material is characterized by increased resistance to abrasion and strength. Plates can be produced with the following parameters:
- Curl ratio - from 1, 2 to 15 millimeters diagonally.
- Width - from 15 to 120 cm.
- Length - from 130 to 260 cm.
- The thickness of MDF boards is from 3 to 40 mm.
- The difference in density is from 0.2 to 2.5mm.
- Run in width/length – 2/5 mm.
It is convenient to work with the specified material due to the small run-up in dimensions. In addition, the joining of the tiles is fast and does not require any special adjustments.
Surface types
Material can be produced with the following surface finishes:
- Sanded versions. They can be processed on both or one side. The product is ideal for puttying or painting. If you use the material to level the walls, it is advisable to use a primer.
- Laminated MDF board. It is covered with a PVC film, duplicating the color and structure of popular types of wood. Also, this coating can be in a matte or glossy finish. Made from this materialelements of cabinet furniture for living rooms. The range is also used for arranging a bathroom, with the addition of hydrophobic fillers that protect against liquid and steam.
- Veneered tiles. In this case, MDF is pasted over with thin saw cuts of valuable wood species. Among the disadvantages of such material note the high cost. The appearance of the product has the maximum similarity with the wood veneer of the corresponding species.
- Plastic. This is one of the simplest types of finishing of the material under consideration, it is used most often in the furniture industry.
Best manufacturers of MDF boards
The following is a list of manufacturers that are most often found on the domestic market:
- SWISS KRONO GROUP. The Austrian company began its work at the end of the 19th century as a sawmill. Now this corporation includes a number of companies that specialize in the production of wood-based panels. In Russia, the brand is known under the brand name Kronostar.
- P&M Kaindl. Another Austrian manufacturer of MDF furniture boards. In the manufacture of the material, high-tech equipment and the highest quality raw materials are used. Products are exported to many countries of the world, are in demand and are presented in various variations.
- KASTAMONU. The company has been operating since 1969, represented by subsidiaries in Romania, Turkey, Bosnia, Russia. The company's products include MDF boards with a variety of coatings, one of the top five analogues on the market today.
- Sonae Industria. The Portuguese company has branches in 12 countries of the world, and is practically not inferior in terms of sales to other well-known competitors. High quality is ensured through multi-stage control, as well as continuous improvement of the technologies used.
Domestic manufacturers
In this category of MDF board manufacturers, the following brands should be distinguished:
- CJSC "Plitspichprom". A large domestic company specializes in the production of laminated and other MDF panels in 35 versions. The company has representative offices in various regions of the country. The production uses Swiss, German and Italian technologies with the use of appropriate equipment. Both budget and high-end products are available.
- "Zheshart plywood factory". The plant has been operating since 1946 and is one of the leaders in the production of domestic MDF boards. Products are also actively exported to countries near and far abroad.
- LLC "Master and K". The specified group of companies has recently acted as the flagship of the production of the material in question in domestic execution. Collections are replenished periodically with new lines, among which even the most demanding customer will find a product with the required parameters and design.
- LLC "MDF Plant". This enterprise is a plant with a full production cycle. The production of products begins with the selection of wood, its harvesting and the release of final products. Thanks to the step-by-step control, the material is of high quality and complies with international standards.
Installation recommendations
Installation of MDF boards is carried out in one of the following ways:
- To install the material in question on uneven walls with a deviation of more than 10 millimeters, a frame structure is used. Most often it is made of wooden bars with a section of 2030 mm, which allow you to compensate for the flaws in the ceiling.
- On a flat surface, the plates are mounted using special glue or liquid nails. The composition is applied in zigzags or dots, after which the sheet is placed against the wall. Pressing it down for a few seconds. The general position is corrected by tapping, checking the vertical and horizontal levels. The joints are sealed with putty.
- Moisture-resistant material is usually laid on the floor, which has a thickness of at least 5 millimeters and a density index of 900 kg / cu. see. Otherwise, the installation rules are identical to the recommendations above.
