Composite Panels: Particleboard and Medium-Density Fiberboard

Specified as substrate for a multitude of applications, particleboard and medium-density fiberboard are an essential material for interior architects.
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Advertorial course provided by Weyerhaeuser
Karin Tetlow

Benefits of Particleboard

Particleboard offers many benefits:

  • Has a smooth surface
  • Is available in a wide variety of panel sizes and thicknesses
  • Accepts many types of laminates, veneers, and coatings
  • Thin laminate can be applied without telegraphing (evidence of bumps or color from the substrate transferred through the laminate)
  • Readily accepts most edge treatments
  • Has no surface patches or core voids
  • Cuts cleanly without splintering
  • Specialized particleboard is available for specific applications.
  • Can have resins or chemicals added to enhance fire retardancy or moisture resistance

Manufacturing Particleboard

To achieve the desired particle geometry, raw material must first be cleaned and sized, then mechanically resized by means of a refiner and a series of screens. Once sized, the material passes through a dryer and then to a storage silo. Urea formaldehyde (UF) resin is applied prior to forming the mat. (Additives to enhance characteristics like fire retardancy or moisture resistance can be applied at this stage.)


Source: Weyerhaeuser Company

Mats are then formed on a caul plate or belt, loaded into the press and subjected to heat, pressure and time until the resin has cured. After the press cycle is complete, the panel is removed from the press, transported through a board cooler, and then hot-stacked to await sawing into finished panel sizes and sanding. Alternatively, the master panels may be sanded before being cut into finished sizes.

What is MDF?

Like particleboard, MDF is a composite panel product that typically consists of cellulose fibers (usually wood) combined with a synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system and joined together under heat and pressure. Additives may be introduced during manufacturing to impart additional characteristics.

Used in the manufacture of furniture, cabinets, door parts, moulding, millwork, and laminate flooring, MDF panels are manufactured in a variety of dimensions and densities. Like particleboard producers, MDF manufacturers create niches for themselves with products such as 3mm panels for the door skin industry, 11/16-inch panels for the hardwood plywood industry, 1-1/4-inch stock for crown moulding, or 2-1/2-inch thick material for the furniture industry.

Uses for MDF

  • Casework
  • Store fixtures
  • Slot wall
  • Cabinet doors
  • Drawer fronts
  • Wall panels
  • Countertop core
  • Office furniture
  • Upholstered furniture
  • Stiles and rails
  • Miter-folding
  • Ready-to-assemble furniture
  • Shelving
  • Picture frames
  • Molding & trim
  • Pianos and instruments
  • Engineered Floors
  • Toys
  • Speaker components

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record.
Originally published in December 2005

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