Material Research – MDF (The 1st assessment)

Material and sustainability 과목의 첫번째 과제는 Material research 와 Tools research 이다.

Material research의 경우

1. mdf
2. plywood
3. Baltic birch plywood
4. Water base (latex) paint
5. Polyurethane
6. OSB

총 6가지의 재료를 조사해야 한다.

 

그리고 내용에는 다음의 6가지가 꼭 들어가야한다.

a. material name

b. a picture of the material

c. a description of what the material is, its composition, grade, etc...

d. a specific example of a scenario in which the material can be used

e. Your name & section
f. Date
g. Source citing  

 

그리고 중요한 점은

***As you are studying to become designers, pay attention to the layout and presentation of your document. Organization and structure of the information, both written and visual, are important. Be consistent in the way that you present the information for each material.

>> 자료조사만 대충 하면 되는 게 아니라 문서를 또 이쁘게 만들어야 한다는 점 ㅎㅎ

하긴 디자인과니까요 선생님 ㅎㅎ 이해가 되긴 하는데 네 오래 걸리겠네요 히히

 

다음은 첫번째 재료인 MDF에 관해 조사한 내용이다.

 MDF는 한국어로도 그냥 MDF라고 부르는 것 같다!

 

What Is MDF?

 

MDF is a man-made board, and it stands for 'Medium Density Fibreboard'. It is often found in products like furniture for your home.

Because of MDF's consistent make-up, machining this material with the right tools results in clean, sharp edges without chip-out or fuzzing. Because MDF is denser than most woods, manufacturers recommend only the highest quality tools be used to machine it. Most toolmakers have specifically designed carbide, ceramic, or diamond tools for cutting MDF. Due to airborne wood particles and resin, be sure to use a dust mask and dust collection system when sanding and machining.

Although most home centers now carry MDF, it is often called by other names, such as Medite or furniture-board. It typically costs $17-$20 for a 3⁄4 " x 4' x 8' sheet.

How Is MDF Made?

 

MDF is made up of wood fibres placed in a big container which is then crushed to make the board. To make higher quality MDF boards, more wood fibres will be added to the container which will make the same board but of a higher density. This creates a higher quality board with a much cleaner, smooth finish.

MDF is made up of wood particles and resin. But these particles, which are cooked, and pressure steamed, also get separated uniformly to make a fine, consistent material. Then the manufacturer binds the wood particles with an adhesive and heat presses the composite.

Once the MDF is formed, it is then sanded down to remove any rough spots and smooths the board down even further giving it a soft touch.

 

What Are The Types Of MDF?

Most MDF can be broken down into three categories: lightweight MDF, standard grade MDF & high density MDF. Standard grade MDF is made up of wood fibres with a synthetic resin adhesive to form the board. Lightweight MDF is the same as standard however, it is lighter and is slightly weaker than the standard grade MDF.

The high density MDF has much more wood fibres packed into it. It also features much better-quality wood fibres therefore helping the MDF retain a smooth, clean finish as opposed to standard grade MDF which can appear soft and brittle in comparison.

High density MDF has more wood fibres packed into it, allowing the board to come out in much higher quality than standard grade MDF. Not only will be high density board be better looking and smoother to touch, it’ll keep its look much longer and won’t decompose as quickly as most standard boards. When properly looked after, a high density MDF board will last a lifetime.

 

What Is MDF Used For?

 

It has become one of the most popular composite materials in recent years. Because MDF is uniform, dense, smooth, and free of knots and grain patterns, it makes an excellent substitute for solid wood in many applications, except when the stiffness of solid wood is required, such as in a long bookshelf. Its smooth surfaces also make MDF an excellent base for veneers and laminates.

We use MDF anytime its heavy weight isn't an issue, and when we don't want wood grain showing, such as in painted projects.

 

How To Join MDFs

 

Tips for joining MDF include using yellow woodworker's glue and untapered sheet-metal screws or production screws instead of wood screws. MDF panels hold screws as well as most natural woods but drill a pilot hole first. You also can join this wood composite with spiral grooved dowels, coated staples, and ring shank nails.

 

Source Citing

https://www.woodmagazine.com/materials-guide/lumber/medium-density-fiberboard

https://mdfskirtingworld.co.uk/blog/the-difference-between-mdf/