MDF has the following advantages over alternative materials:
PRICE
– The cost of MDF is 60-70% lower than the cost of the natural wood.
PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
– in spite of the lower cost, MDF surpasses natural wood with physical-mechanical properties, as MDF is free of internal defects of the natural wood such as knots, cracks, etc. The hardness of MDF is higher than any type of the natural wood.
– MDF is not warping, has higher density and does not possess “polythickness”.
– MDF is notable for the even distribution of its properties along the whole board.
– The strength of MDF board is 1,8-2 times higher than particle board. The strength of MDF is provided not only by the use of the synthetic resins, but also by the binding agents in fibrous interaction (lignin).
– MDF swelling factor is several times lower as compared with particle board.
– MDF boards have minimum difference in thickness and size.
– MDF does not lose its form under drastic temperature drop.
– MDF does not crumble.
MOISTURE RESISTANCE, STABILITY TO TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATIONS
– Because of its high moisture resistance MDF is widely used for kitchen and bathroom furniture. Under the influence of steam the furniture made of MDF does not warp.
HIGH LEVEL OF THERMAL INSULATING PROPERTIES
– For thermal insulating properties 12 mm MDF boards are equal to the brick wall of 150 mm and reinforced concrete panel of 260 mm of thickness.
HIGH LEVEL OF ACOUSTIC INSULATION
– MDF boards have high level of acoustic insulation.
MANUFACTURABILITY, WHICH WIDENS THE SPACE TO IMPLEMENT DESIGNERS’ DECISIONS
– MDF is easily laminated and veneered thanks to its ideal surface as opposed to particle board.
– MDF is easily and economically painted thanks to its ideal plane surface, which absorbs less paint as opposed to particle board.
– MDF could be used for the surface embossment, which is impossible with particle board.
– MDF could be used for edge, angle and surface milling, which is impossible with particle board. This allows to give MDF parts different shape and form and widens the possibilities of their usage.
– MDF could be used for bended surfaces, which is impossible with particle board. MDF workpiece bending technology resembles the one for natural wood and plywood.
– thanks to its higher hardness, MDF holds the furniture fittings much better than particle board.
– MDF is irreplaceable, when high density is needed for the fastening of hinged elements.
ECOLOGICAL COMPATIBILITY
– in spite of its low price, MDF is close to the natural wood on its ecological properties.
– MDF possesses higher ecological compatibility against particle board due to low emission of formaldehyde. So MDF is recommended to use for the production of kitchen and baby furniture.
HYGIENE
– MDF is resistant to different fungi and germs, which makes MDF hygienic and safe material for everyday life.
FIRE SAFETY
– MDF is hardly inflammable material.