An Essential Guide of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) & its Pros & Cons

MDF is an excellent composite material. Made from wood fiber and resin, MDF is made environmentally friendly. After drying and pressing, it produces dense, stable sheets. MDF doesn't warp or crack as readily as wood because of this process. In addition, MDF doesn't have noticeable grain patterns since it's made of small particles.

Artificial wood products include MDF. As a result, the cabinets will appear smoother. Some people find MDF to be very attractive because it is less expensive. Depending on their budget, some people would consider buying all-wood cabinets.

Define Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

Material made from MDF has historically been made from wood fibers that have been broken down into residuals. The wood fibers are mixed with wax and resins, and then heat pressed into dense, durable sheets. MDF has a thick, smooth; even surface that can be painted or sealed, with a flat surface that is heavy, smooth, and even. Furniture makers use this material extensively.

Construction Process of MDF

Collection

Raw materials and wood residues are collected and ground as the first stage of the wood processing process. Sawmills and plywood plantations harvest chips and shaves.

Softwoods are ideal for debarking. Agricultural waste and grit are reduced by debarking, and fine grinding is improved. Trimming and reslicing of softwood are required with a chopper.

Preparation of Wood

Magnetic metal separates impurities. Each of the lobes has a different pitch. A magnetic detector isolates the remaining metals. We utilize both plug screw feeders and side screw feeders to accomplish this. An essential function of water collection is to collect water. Fibers are formed by tearing the substances. Massive motor units remove foreign objects.

Curing

Formaldehyde resistance is reduced by applying resin after processing and the catalyst after refining. Depending on the volume to be used, the quantity of resin is determined. Mats and pads are rendered uniformly thick using a scalping roll.

Compression

There are two stages to compression. There is slicing and trimming before final processing. In order to compact it, a bigger drum is used. Once it is compacted, it is cut and cooled.

Panel Shading

Squeaky-clean surfaces are achieved by sanding the finished panels. The process involves belts and abrasive coatings. The abrasives used are various ceramics, including zirconium alumina and aluminum oxide. The use of silicon carbide results in a smoother surface. Two-way grading improves accuracy.

Finishing

In the finishing process, cutting is the first step. The consistency of the MDF changes according to the finishing process specifications. Wood grains appear in a variety of shades. Various cuttings are used to produce different shapes. The adhesive is then applied to the fiberboard. The final covering is made up of vinyl & foil. Lamination is used to finish them.

Pros of MDF

1. Compared to wood, MDF is cheaper and less expensive. In this way, it is affordable for everyone and more accessible.
2. Due to its recycling process, MDF saves trees.
3. Wood takes a long time to stain in different colors, but it is easy to paint any color. As a result, the smooth surface of MDF does not have knots or kinks.

4. Chemicals used to process MDF make it resistant to some insects.
5. You can paint or stain it to look just like real wood. As a result, wood furniture can be replaced with plastic furniture.
6. Wood is more difficult to depict than MDF.
7. A laminator can easily be attached to MDF to give it the appearance of real wood veneers.
8. Using MDF instead of wood is a good choice because it is solid, dense, flat, and stiff.
9. Due to its natural nature, MDF does not have grain, and it can be easily cut and drilled without causing damage.
10. For its appropriate density, it exhibits excellent machining characteristics.

To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.

Video Source: The Audiopedia

Cons of MDF

1. The strength of MDF is lower than that of wood. MDF furniture is not as durable as wood furniture.
2. Despite its cheap price, MDF represents a loss in terms of money.
3. MDF is prone to cracking and splitting in extreme conditions.

4. Water absorbs faster in MDF than in wood. Because of this, people must be aware that MDF can swell if not handled properly.
5. Nailing and screwing into MDF is difficult. You may see a fraction when nailing. If you plan on screwing, use pilot holes.
6. VOCs, such as urea-formaldehyde, are present in MDF and can irritate the lungs and eyes.
7. When MDF is manufactured, it produces a lot of dust that is very harmful to the lungs.