MDF Panels - the Product

MDF - Medium Density Fibreboard is a panel prepared by pressing a fibre (usually derived from wood, but other firbres are used), mixed with a thermoset resin. Panel thickness is usually between 3 and 40mm.

MDF is the closest composite panel to wood. It can be machined to close tolerances and both the face and the edge of the panel can be finished with paints, lacquers, or overlays. MDF has found extensive markets in the furniture and cabinetry industries, where its uniformity has allowed it to be processed on automated machining and finishing lines.

MDF was developed in the USA in the 1960s by merging two different technologies. The low energy thermo-mechanical fibre used to make wet process fibreboards was dried, mixed with adhesive and pressed in a hot press used for particle board.

MDF - A Product or a Technology?

Since the early days, MDF has developed significantly:

• Resin type and level can now be altered to modify and improve panel properties;
• Uniformity is improved which enables automated production and finishing;
• Panel density can be changed, influencing panel properties;
  • Low Density Medium Density Fibreboard and
• High Density Medium Density Fibreboard are now available;
• A wide range of specialty products meet specific performance requirements including:
• machining grades; and
• flooring substrates.

Perhaps MDF should be defined as a technology which can be used to produce a range of products engineered to meet specific performance requirements, using a range of fibre sources, adhesive types and levels, and densities.

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