MDF? Chipboard? What are the Differences of MDF and Chipboard?
What is MDF?
MDF, which means medium density fiberboard, emerges as an abbreviation of medium density fiberboard word group. MDF is a wooden furniture material with a healthy structure. MDF products are frequently used in different living spaces, restaurants, workplaces and homes. MDF, which has various surface and color alternatives, takes its place on the basis of materials that can enrich decoration with decorative paper-covered types. MDF is an engineering product that consists of 90% wood. Mixtures of soft and hard woods to a certain extent go through various processes. The mixtures obtained go through the production stages to have the necessary qualities to be used in different areas of use.
With the help of intense steam and special blades, wood pieces are separated into fibers. The parts separated into fibers are mixed using special adhesives and hardeners that will help them to hold on to each other tightly. The resulting mixture must be dried. The mixture, which is desired to reach the determined humidity value, is brought to this temperature with hot air. The fibers that dry as a result of the processes are laid homogeneously according to the desired product. Afterwards, in the first pressing process, the rough lines of the plate appear. With the second pressing process, it is necessary to ensure that the fibers stick to each other. For this, operations are carried out by reaching the appropriate temperature and pressure value. In the last step, time is given for the plates, whose pressing processes are concluded, to cool. When the cooling period is completed, sanding is done so that the plates reach the thickness determined in line with the usage area. Sanding also makes the sheet surface smooth. After the sanding process is finished, the MDF boards are cut in sizes suitable for use and become ready.
What is Chipboard?
The real name of the chipboard, which is based on wood chips, is particle board. The name chipboard, which is formed by combining the words artificial and wood, is more known than chipboard. Another definition of fiberboard is lower density fiberboard. Chipboard, which can be shortened to LDF, is a product manufactured as a substitute for wood timber. Particleboard, which is frequently encountered in furniture manufacturing, has the feature of being a material produced by human hands. The budget allocated for the construction of the chipboard is much lower than the wooden material. The water resistance of chipboard is very low. It deforms when it gets damp or wet. Although it is structurally hard, it softens when it encounters water.
In the construction of chipboard, first of all, tree species suitable for the characteristics desired to be carried are determined. The determined trees are supplied and cut into small pieces with the help of machines with special crushing characteristics. Shredded trees are categorized and stored according to their sawdust size. Drying process is carried out on the lower and upper layer shavings until the desired humidity value. The chips, which are divided into two different classes, are mixed with each other using special hardeners and adhesives. In addition, different special adhesives and chemicals are added for each class. After the chemical has been added, the two separate grade mixtures are dried using hot air. For each grade, a humidity value suitable for the requirements is provided. Very thin pieces of sawdust are laid in the lowest area. On top of this, chips with larger pieces are laid. Depending on the nature of the product, one more layer of small sawdust can be passed to the top. After these processes, pressing applications are made. The first pressing is performed to reveal the outline of the plate. In the second pressing, it is processed for the required time at appropriate pressure and temperature values, so that the materials are well adhered to each other. After the pressing applications are finished, the plate is waited for cooling to be ready. When the cooling is finished, the boards are sanded to ensure smoothness. At the same time, the thickness measure is adjusted by sanding. The cutting process is done on the boards in accordance with the area to be used and the chipboard is ready for use.
Is MDF Water Resistant?
MDF has a dense structure as a result of tightly pressing the fiber structures inside during the manufacturing phase. MDF, which has the feature of being a dense material, has little space inside. MDF, which is a structurally low-void material, exhibits high durability when it encounters water and moisture. It demonstrates its resistance to water and humidity, as it does not contain many spaces that water can penetrate. With its water-resistant structure, MDF does not deteriorate easily in wet environments. Thanks to its water-proof and non-deformable structure, MDF can also be used safely in areas where water will be involved. For example, in areas where water can come into contact, such as bathrooms and kitchens; MDF made furniture, which is resistant to water, can be used. You can safely use MDF-made furniture without worrying about the deterioration of its structure when combined with water.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of MDF?
MDF is a material frequently used in furniture production. The reason why it is used in different types of furniture is that it has many advantages. MDF is a material that provides high resistance to heat structurally. It does not compromise its solid structure when in contact with heat. It does not deteriorate easily in humid environments and is resistant to moisture. MDF has a flat surface as a result of various production stages. When a flat material is needed in the furniture industry, MDF material is used, along with other advantages. MDF also stands out with its smooth texture. Thanks to its non-protruding structure, it can be used in the production of many different furniture according to its intended use. It is a suitable material for painting on MDF. As a result of its smoothness, dyeing operations can be done perfectly. In addition to the fact that its flat and smooth surface is suitable for painting, any coating process can be done easily.
MDF is easily inserted into the desired shape. In addition to the smoothness of the surface, the edges are also quite regular. This feature is used to be used as a decorative. MDF is economical considering the cost it will create. It can be achieved with a smaller budget compared to natural wood products and plywood sheet. While there are various advantages provided by MDF material, it also brings with it a few disadvantages. MDF has a very dense fiber ratio, so it is a heavy material. Considering the screw holding performance of MDF, it is lower than other wood materials. Since cutting operations can be done easily on MDF, forming applications must be done carefully. If cutting tools are to be used on MDF, attention should be paid to this feature and slow moves should be made.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Chipboard?
Chipboard has the feature of being an advantageous material with the return of its structure. Particleboard is lighter compared to other materials. The lightness of chipboard is due to the fact that it is a less dense material than natural woods. Being light is advantageous for some furniture and therefore it is used in many areas. Chipboard is also an easily processed material. The chipboard, which has a wide range of colors, can be selected according to different requirements and wishes. Since it is not produced as a single color or single model, it can be used in different areas and purposes. From the desired model and color of the chipboard that offers a rich variety; It is used in living spaces, office, home and various places.
Another advantage of chipboard is that its cost is quite low. Due to its low cost, it can be accessed at more affordable prices compared to other materials. However, reinforcing some of the qualities of the chipboard may cause an increase in its cost. The fact that the resistance to temperature or water will be increased will also increase the cost at the same rate. The amount and thickness of the density of the chipboard are also seen as important factors in changing the cost. Chipboard is a type of material that structurally contains voids. The fact that there is a gap in the chipboard also brings about a low level of durability. The reason for this is that there is no high level of compression during the pressing operations. For this reason, moisture penetrating into the gaps when it stays in a humid environment causes damage on the material. With this feature, chipboard cannot be resistant to moisture and suffers from structural deterioration.
Differences Between MDF and Chipboard
MDF and chipboard can be preferred for use in separate areas in line with their different properties. These two substances, which are chemically and physically different, can meet the requirements according to their qualities. MDF is structurally denser than chipboard. As a result of pressing processes, there are fewer gaps in the structure of MDF, while there are more gaps in chipboard. The reason is that MDF is formed by the tight pressing of powdered wood pieces. This causes the chipboard to have a less dense structure than MDF. MDF is also a heavy material with the benefit of being dense. Chipboard is lighter than MDF. If the durability rates are compared, the strength of MDF, which has a higher density, is also higher than that of chipboard.
It is more suitable for screw assembly and disassembly than MDF chipboard. Since MDF has less voids structurally, it is more difficult to absorb water and moisture. Therefore, MDF is more resistant to water than chipboard. Chipboard, on the other hand, shows structural deterioration when it comes into contact with water and encounters moisture. MDF has a structure that can be easily shaped. Because it has a more homogeneous and smooth structure. MDF is more suitable than chipboard in applications such as shaping and painting. The strength value of chipboard is quite low compared to MDF. The strength value of MDF, which has a stronger structure than chipboard, is higher than that of chipboard with its performance properties. The carrying capacity of chipboard is less than that of MDF. Chipboards are also more economical materials than MDF.
Where are MDF and Chipboard Used?
MDF is a frequently preferred material in the furniture industry. However, MDF material can also be used in the construction industry. This is the reason why MDF, which has high density and durability, is used in the construction field. At the same time, it is frequently preferred in the field of furniture with its features such as being easily paintable, suitable for milling operations, being manufactured in standard sizes, and being resistant to moisture. At the same time, it has an ideal structure for surface applications such as wood coating, PVC, decorative foil. Easily painted MDF also prepares the ground for the easy application of liquid processes such as varnish and lacquer. MDFs are among the preferred materials in the interior design of various areas. MDF; It is frequently used in cabinets in bathroom areas, on the body and doors of kitchen cabinets, in bedrooms and living rooms. MDF, which is available in a suitable type for different surface treatments, becomes a material that manufacturers benefit from in different applications.
Chipboard is offered for use in different areas as raw or processed. Chipboards, whose thickness and densities can vary, are preferred in accordance with the requirements with their different sizes. Chipboard is a widely used material in furniture production and its usage area is wide. Particleboard can be used in the production of furniture used in living areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms. Among the products used in the construction of chipboard; bathroom and kitchen cabinets, built-in wardrobes, bedroom and dining room sets. At the same time, chipboards are assisted in the design of various places such as banks, elevators, entertainment venues, libraries, fairgrounds, offices, schools.