In the 21st century, furniture made from chipboard is in great consumer demand. Chipboard is a unique invention of the German entrepreneur Max Himmelheber , which made the life of ordinary people comfortable and allowed them to save up to 60% of the wood that was used for recycling. This is not only caring for people with average incomes, but also an exemplary example of caring for natural resources.
Furniture factories have been producing cabinet, upholstered and kitchen furniture from laminated chipboard, chipboard and MDF for a long time. These materials have some characteristics similar to natural wood, and in some respects they even surpass it.
Lamination and lamination of chipboard. Chipboard technology.
Chipboard lamination and lamination technology.
Production of laminated chipboard. Decorative coating for furniture boards. To use chipboard in furniture production, sanded chipboard is subjected to decorative processing - a decorative coating of laminated paper (melamine) films is applied. At this production site, sanded chipboard is converted into laminated chipboard. The production of laminated chipboards is the process of lining sanded chipboards with paper-based films (laminated paper films).
There are two methods for decorative processing of chipboards with paper-laminated films:
- Chipboard lamination.
- Chipboard lamination.
The main difference between lamination and lamination of chipboards is that during lamination, a decorative coating is created by chemical pressing and is a component of the board, while during lamination, a ready-made solid paper-resin film is glued to the board.
How is MDF made? How to define quality?
To produce MDF, wood is crushed, dried and pressed. Lignite, a natural substance found in wood, binds wood particles together instead of resins. There are practically no formaldehydes in MDF, and in terms of chemical safety the material is as close as possible to natural wood. For protection, PVC film, veneer or enamel is applied to it.
The photo below shows the EGGER chipboard we use in production:
Chipboard lamination.
Chipboard lamination is the process of covering board surfaces with paper-resin films impregnated with resins. The combined effect of pressure (25-28 MPa) and high temperature (140-210 ̊ C) causes the film to practically “grow” into the surface of the chipboard. The word “lamination” itself is of English origin and is translated as “layering, rolling, layering.”
Chipboard lamination line, made in China. (photo from website: china1.ru)
Fast lamination line. (photo: elo.ru)
Feeding the slab into the press. | Multi-vacuum device with reversible strip for film laying. |
How does the laminating process work?
To produce laminated cardboard, a special lamination line equipped with an electronic control system is required. The size and thickness of the resulting products depend on the technical characteristics and dimensions of the equipment. Control over the process, as a rule, occurs using a display with a remote control.
Chipboard lamination.
Chipboard lamination is the pressing of a cured film onto a chipboard. A layer of glue is applied over the entire surface of the slab and a hard decorative film is pressed onto this layer. The procedure for laminating chipboard slabs takes place under “milder” conditions than during lamination: under a pressure of 5-7 MPa and at a temperature of 120 -150 ̊C. The term "laminated" has German roots and comes from the German Kaschieren, which means "to paste over with paper."
Chipboard laminating line. (photo from the site: izoplit.ru)
Video of the process of laminating some slab material at one of the Chinese factories.
Laminated chipboard panels 10 mm thick.
Laminated chipboard. (photo from the site: woodkeep.ru)
Interesting information. |
Some large factories for the production of serial furniture have their own chipboard laminating workshops to reduce the cost of finished products. Such factories purchase or produce sanded chipboard in small batches, saw it in this form, according to final dimensions, into parts in accordance with the technological map of a particular furniture product. Then a batch of such “raw” parts is sent to the laminating line. From there they get to the workshop, where holes are drilled in the already lined parts on special multi-spindle machines for installing fittings and assembling finished furniture. The chipboard cladding method - lamination - is used as it is somewhat technologically simpler and less expensive.
Packing chipboards on pallets.
In accordance with the requirements of the standard, the slabs are sorted and then either cut into blanks for furniture panels, or sent to consumers full-size.
Depending on the criteria for the appearance of the slab (cracks, chips, staining, stains, protrusions and depressions), laminated chipboard slabs are divided into the following grades:
- Laminated chipboard – 1st grade
(defects are not acceptable except minimal ones), - Laminated chipboard – 2nd grade
(large surface defects are acceptable), - without grade
(cardinal surface defects).
Furniture magazine
In order to somehow reduce the harmful effects on human health of formaldehyde released from the resin used to create chipboards, manufacturers use various coatings.
One of these coatings is laminated. This material is considered one of the cheapest. And therefore it is of poor quality.
When laminating, glue is applied to the lined surface, and then the rolled material is applied as a solid sheet. The canvas is pinned with rollers (the glue hardens). Laminating is carried out under a pressure of 5-7 MPa at a temperature range from 20 to 150 degrees Celsius.
Laminated chipboard looks quite presentable at first, but due to its low quality, after a few months it looks like a blotter.
There are several types of caching:
- hot (thermo laminating),
- cold
- using flat or roller presses.
Processing chipboard using the laminating method can be done not only with paper. A protective layer can also be created by films, the front surface of which is coated with varnish. A prerequisite for such lamination: the varnish must withstand the curing temperature of the glue.
Thus, laminated chipboard is sanded chipboard lined with paper or plastic films. However, the method of cladding is not of fundamental importance for the client.
Characteristics of laminated chipboard:
- cheap;
- attractive in appearance;
- short service life;
- problematic to care for.
In order to somehow reduce the harmful effects on human health of formaldehyde released from the resin used to create chipboards, manufacturers use various coatings.
Source: plus-beton.ru
Melamine film for chipboard cladding.
Melamine films are a modern facing material based on decorative papers of various densities (plain or printed), impregnated with amino-formaldehyde resins with an incomplete degree of polycondensation. (photo from website: bimma.ru)
To obtain a melamine film, you need to impregnate special decorative paper with resin. Impregnation occurs in several stages. On an impregnation machine, resin is first applied with a roller to the underside of the canvas, and then the paper is completely immersed in the resin in the bath. Between the first and second stages of impregnation, the paper passes through a “penetration” zone. As this zone passes through, the resin applied to the underside penetrates the paper and displaces the air from the paper. Thanks to the displacement of air, good saturation of the middle of the paper is achieved in the future.
After the first impregnation machine, the paper is dried, resulting in the removal of volatile substances. Then the fabric enters the second impregnation machine. There, a layer of melamine-formaldehyde resin is applied to both sides of the paper sheet. The purpose of applying a second layer of resin is to give the top layer increased fluidity properties during pressing, as well as to give the facing surface smoothness and increased strength.
The paper then goes into another dryer, which has three heating zones and one cooling zone. Once in the cooling zone, the film sheet enters a roller conveyor (roller table), the rollers of which are cooled by water. This is how paper turns into film. After this, the film is cut into sheets of a given size. These film sheets are stacked on a sheet stacker and packaged.
Types of laminating lines
There are three types of modern equipment for cardboard laminating, each of which has its own advantages and technical features.
To produce packaging using the roll-to-roll or sheet-to-roll technology, an in-line laminating machine is most often used. Such equipment can also be used for double-sided lamination of two-layer corrugated cardboard, autonomous lamination using the “roll to roll” technology, cutting rolls, and applying a tear strip. This line includes the wet part.
A line that also carries out autonomous laminating of the “roll to roll” or “sheet to roll” type, but without a wet part. Using such equipment, it is possible to produce double-sided lamination of corrugated cardboard, apply a tear strip, and use it for cutting sealed and unsealed rolls.
Laminating machines using sheet-to-sheet technology, with lamination and lay-out sections. This machine allows you to produce high-quality packaging from corrugated cardboard sheets and printed paper.
The difference between chipboard and laminated chipboard
Probably every person is familiar with chipboard; it is used for construction and furniture production. It appeared on the construction market at the beginning of the last century.
Laminated chipboard appeared relatively recently and has improved performance characteristics. This is a chipboard coated with a special film. The laminated surface not only improves the appearance of the product, but also increases its strength, moisture resistance, and susceptibility to negative factors. Panels with an additional layer of film, unlike chipboard, do not require special processing and finishing before use. Therefore, the first material is used more often. Thanks to the coating, the panels practically do not get dirty and are easy to clean, which cannot be said about their predecessors.
Classification of laminated cardboard
Different types of cardboard can be used as a rigid base for laminated products:
Corrugated cardboard. Durable, rigid, rather thick material consisting of two liners and a wavy layer (fluting) between them. Corrugated cardboard is usually used for packaging bulky goods and transportation, although such containers can also be coated with a colored liner material for advertising purposes.
Micro-corrugated cardboard. Its main difference from corrugated cardboard is the thickness of the “wave”. This material is thinner (no more than 2 mm), with a white or brown inner surface. Such laminated boxes are used for packaging smaller goods and for making gift packaging. The lamination method allows you to make this material bright and presentable: coated glossy paper with a pre-printed image is pressed onto a sheet of cardboard.
A rigid base for lamination can be interwoven cardboard (its thickness is true, this material is not so widely used in the printing industry.
Main differences
These two textures have the same scope of application. But the plates still have differences. We will talk about them below.
- Appearance. Laminated chipboards look much more attractive due to the laminated film, which gives the products a presentable appearance. Chipboard panels have a slightly rough surface and are not suitable for any interior.
- Price. The cost is higher for a product that is more difficult to produce, so laminated chipboards are more expensive. The presence of a laminated layer increases the cost of manufacturing slabs.
- Safety. Both textures contain formaldehyde resins, which have a negative effect on humans. But due to the additional layer, they do not emit volatile substances and become safe for humans. Therefore, to assemble furniture, use only laminated chipboard.
- Moisture resistant. Material with a laminated surface has a long service life due to the film that protects it from moisture. A simple chipboard is defenseless against the aquatic environment, and therefore mold and mildew often appear on it.
- Soundproofing. Thermal conductivity and sound insulation are the same; the materials are often used for wall decoration.
- Range. Laminated chipboards are presented in an assortment and have different colors, which cannot be said about their predecessors. Therefore, laminated boards are more often used to create furniture; they come in glossy and matte. Such panels will find application in any interior due to the wide variety of shades.
- Application area. Laminated chipboard is more often used for furniture production due to the large number of types of film. The finished products look stylish, modern and can fit into the interior of any home or apartment. If we talk about making furniture yourself, where cutting slabs is necessary, it is better to choose chipboard. Often, special equipment is required to work with a laminated surface, and if cut incorrectly and using conventional tools, the panel will crack and split. It will not violate the integrity, but the appearance of the product will be spoiled.
Both materials are suitable for furniture production, but chipboard is used more often. In addition to the fact that the slab looks much more beautiful, it is resistant to moisture, bacteria and fungus.
The strength characteristics are also much higher; the surface can withstand heavy loads and mechanical damage. If we talk about safety, laminated materials do not emit volatile substances, which cannot be said about chipboard.
The cost of both materials meets the needs of the market buyer. The choice in favor of one of them should be made depending on the purpose. For example, laminated chipboard is suitable for the production of cabinets, tables or partitions, but for finishing the room there is no need to spend money - choose chipboard.
Quality indicators of chipboards
There are several characteristics that, to one degree or another, affect the quality of the material:
– Degree of toxicity . The chipboard production process is based on hot pressing of wood sawdust and shavings using formaldehyde resin as a binder. If the standards are exceeded and the technology is violated, this resin, evaporating and entering the environment, has a negative impact on human and animal health. In particular, such resins can cause allergies, poisoning and even cancer in susceptible people. Conscious chipboard manufacturers carefully monitor the permissible concentration of formaldehyde in their products.
In order to determine the toxicity level of chipboard, it is necessary to perform a chemical analysis of it. But initially you can trust your sense of smell: if there is no smell, then most likely the material is good and you can buy it. If the smell is strong, refuse to buy, no matter how cheap such chipboard is sold.
– Material density . The strength of the future structure depends on this indicator. In a chipboard board of good density, you can screw in (and unscrew) a screw several times in the same place. In a loose sheet, already after the second or third screwing in, the thread of the material will be completely broken and the screw will simply fall through or become stuck. The density of chipboard should be in the range of 650-660 kg/cub.m.
You can determine the quality of the material by this indicator visually. At the first inspection, uncompacted areas will be noticeable. You can also try sticking a nail or screwdriver into the ends of the slab. If the attempt is successful, then you have a bad product. In high-quality chipboard, the ends are very strong and nothing like this can be done.
– Quality of coverage. There are two types of chipboard: laminated and laminated. The first one is of higher quality and uses laminate as its covering. As for the second, it is short-lived, because... It is based on plain paper. Laminated chipboard wears out very quickly and quickly loses its presentation.
It is very easy to distinguish laminated chipboard from laminated chipboard: just touch the surface of the board. If you feel like you are ironing paper, don't buy this material. It is better to give preference to a quality product.
The quality of chipboards can be determined without any special skills or special equipment. Most often, to identify defects, it is enough to conduct a visual inspection of the material.
When choosing chipboard, do not forget that its quality is only 50% the key to success, everything else depends solely on “the dexterity of your hands.” Furniture parts will be ideal if they are processed with high quality: sawing and cutting chipboard and subsequent processing of the edges of the furniture part. Craftsmen - “homemade” craftsmen, entrust this work to specialized companies that have good equipment, leaving themselves only with the development of the design and assembly of finished parts. As a result, the finished furniture looks impeccable, costs much less than store-bought furniture, but does not take a lot of time and nerves.
What is MDF
MDF is a medium-density fiberboard made from fine sawdust. These slabs are produced from wood waste and timber destined for felling. The material is ground into small cubes, which are subjected to high-pressure steam treatment, after which they are fed to the rotating discs of the defibrator. The felted and wiped material is sent for drying and gluing.
Advantages and disadvantages of MDF
MDF is distinguished by its high density and homogeneity in its composition. This was the reason for the use of this material in the furniture industry. For example, kitchens made from MDF are characterized by resistance to moisture and hot vapors. These boards are not inferior to natural wood. Qualitative characteristics contribute to the long service life of products made using MDF.
Affordable price and production flexibility are among the undeniable advantages of this type of building material. MDF is a very environmentally friendly material, as wood particles are held together using lignin and paraffin. Also, the advantages of this material include excellent characteristics of fiber adhesion, compactness, and constancy of geometric dimensions over a long period of time.
MDF's greatest strength is its favorable ratio between thickness and hardness. This material has a flat, smooth, uniform, dense surface, which makes processing the slabs simple.
Among the disadvantages of MDF, it is worth noting that these boards are highly flammable, so their contact with quickly heated surfaces or open fire is considered a big risk.
Scope of application of MDF in furniture
In recent years, door blocks have begun to appear with frames and trim made of MDF and topped with veneer of various valuable wood species. MDF is used in the manufacture of interior doors, which as a result acquire excellent planarity, impact resistance and surface hardness. This material is widely used in the manufacture of laminated and veneered trims, frame racks, extensions, canvases for painting and various linings for entrance doors. MDF can be used in rooms with very high humidity.
Facade materials
It should be noted that facades come in different types of opening: sliding – for example, sliding doors made of aluminum profiles and hinged ones, which affects their design. Furniture opening options
From a structural point of view, facades can consist of a single material and be prefabricated, for example, infill from other materials is inserted into a profile made of one material. Common frame materials are aluminum profiles, profiles made of MDF and wrapped in PVC film.
The materials for facades consisting of a single material and the materials for filling prefabricated facades are fundamentally the same: laminated chipboard, painted MDF, both with and without milling, MDF covered with PVC film, MDF covered with HPL plastics, Mirror and glass, both simple and processed - matte, tinted, painted, with a pattern, etc., decorative plastics and artificial leather.
Rating by cost from cheapest to most expensive:
- Chipboard.
- Transparent glass and silver mirror (i.e. not tinted)
- Glasses with Oracal colored films
- MDF frame profile facades
- MDF covered with PVC films
- MDF coated with HPL plastic from Egger, Melaton, Arpa and others.
- Matt painted MDF
- Painted MDF glossy
- MDF veneered
In 1930, in Bremen, Germany, innovator Max Himmelheber invented such a stove, which began to spread throughout the world in the 50s of the last century.
Essentially, these are furniture blanks made from wood waste, which at the beginning of the last century accounted for up to 60% when furniture was made from natural wood. Now the waste of such production is only about 10%, and it is rapidly decreasing, since almost all the remains are used, even for the production of compressed briquettes as firewood.
Chipboard production technology
This is the name of sheet material made from wood waste, mainly sawdust and their binding substance - urea-formaldehyde resins. It is produced in presses under high pressure (up to 5 atmospheres) and heated to 190º.
Pros and cons of chipboard
These plates have a number of advantages:
- An inexpensive source is sawdust, since it is a waste product from any wood production.
- Tensile and bending strength, which is good for making furniture.
- High degree of thermal insulation, a characteristic excellently used in construction.
- Good soundproofing ability.
- Good, but often disposable ability to hold fasteners in thickness.
In addition, compared to wood, chipboard is not as durable.
Main types of chipboard
Depending on the number of layers when gluing, chipboards are divided into
- single-layer,
- three-layer,
- multilayer.
Bending strength , deformation and water resistance, as well as susceptibility to deformation and warping, divide the slabs into 2 grades: P1 and P2. Grade P2 is relatively more water resistant than P1.
The grade (1st, 2nd and “no grade”) depends on the number of defects: from acceptable (1st grade), which do not affect applicability, to acceptable (2nd grade) and unacceptable.
Toxicity is determined by the formaldehyde emission class: E1 (up to 10 mg per 100 grams), E2 (10-30), E3, E4. The last 3 are toxic and there are strict restrictions on their use.
Density _ There are 3 degrees of density: high at 750 kg/m³, medium (550-750) and low (less than 550). Accordingly, slabs of the first type will be the heaviest.
Laminated chipboard: what is it, a variety of colors
When, in addition to the usual painting, it became possible to laminate a slab made from wood chips in production conditions, then laminated chipboard or laminated chipboard appeared. And also when, with the same thermopolymer film in the form of an edge with or without hot melt adhesive, it became possible to hide the chip cut, then laminated chipboards began to be used for a wide range of furniture.
We can talk endlessly about the variety of colors of this material. From banal white to any option suggested by imagination. Colors you can find:
- imitating wood of any kind,
- monochromatic throughout the palette,
- under stone: granite, marble,
- matte and glossy and so on.
What is chipboard
Chipboard is a particle board that is made by hot flat pressing of shavings and sawdust - wood particles. They are mixed with a binder, which is mainly synthetic formaldehyde resins.
A valuable raw material for chipboard is any low-value deciduous and coniferous wood. The performance properties of chipboard depend on the density, size and shape of the particles, the quality and quantity of the binder used. There are slabs with very low, low, medium and high density. There are slabs of one, three or five layers.
There are two types of chipboard:
- E1 is characterized by greater environmental friendliness and has a much lower formaldehyde emission rate.
- E2 is prohibited for the production of children's furniture. It is generally accepted that the most environmentally friendly chipboard is manufactured in Austria and Germany.
Advantages and disadvantages of chipboard
Among the main advantages of chipboard it is worth noting strength, water resistance and ease of processing. Chipboard perfectly “holds” the screws and nails that hold the structure together. This material lends itself well to mechanical processing - planing, drilling, sawing, milling, and is easy to paint and glue. Another advantage of chipboard is its low price.
In some physical and mechanical characteristics, chipboards are even superior to wood. For example, these boards are less flammable, swell less from moisture, do not warp with uneven changes in humidity in the room, are more bioresistant and have good sound and heat insulation properties.
The disadvantages include the presence of formaldehyde resins used to hold wood particles together. Chipboard emits a certain amount of formaldehyde, which is considered not the most healthy product.
Field of application of chipboard
Chipboard is considered the most common material for interior design, for the production of cabinet furniture and for use in construction. These boards are the most widely used material for economy class furniture. Chipboard should not be used in rooms with high humidity.
What is laminated chipboard
LDSP – laminated chipboard (chipboard) of coarse dispersion. Laminated chipboards are shaped into sheets by hot pressing using formaldehyde resin.
What is KDSP
KDSP – laminated chipboard (chipboard). CDSP is produced by sanding chipboard and gluing cured paper-resin films. KDSP is in many ways inferior to laminated chipboard.
Modern furniture materials: MDF, laminated chipboard and chipboard
In the 21st century, furniture made from chipboard is in great consumer demand. Chipboard is a unique invention of the German entrepreneur Max Himmelheber, which made the life of ordinary people comfortable and allowed them to save up to 60% of the wood that was used for recycling. This is not only caring for people with average incomes, but also an exemplary example of caring for natural resources.
Furniture factories have been producing cabinet, upholstered and kitchen furniture from laminated chipboard, chipboard and MDF for a long time. These materials have some characteristics similar to natural wood, and in some respects they even surpass it.
Furniture made from laminated chipboard
LDSP is laminated chipboard. With the help of lamination, chipboard improves its properties: it becomes more durable and water-resistant, which cannot be said about ordinary chipboard.
Furniture made from chipboard
KDSP is laminated chipboard. The difference between laminated chipboard and chipboard consists only in the technology of applying the decorative coating: when laminating, it is glued to the chipboard, and when laminating, it is created during pressing due to chemical processes and is inseparable from the base board. The performance properties and characteristics are the same, but laminated chipboard is the most moisture resistant. Therefore, chipboard is much cheaper than both laminated chipboard and MDF.
MDF furniture
MDF is a fine fraction of wood. The structure of MDF is more uniform, and the strength is twice as high as that of laminated chipboard. And it behaves better in a humid environment and is more resistant to fire. But the cost is more expensive than laminated chipboard.
Pros and cons of furniture made from laminated chipboard and furniture from MDF
Chipboard and MDF are modern materials that have both their pros and cons. Let's consider the performance properties according to the main parameters - moisture resistance, safety, strength, aesthetics, cost.
Moisture resistance
The structure of laminated chipboard is more susceptible to moisture penetration than MDF. Why is this happening? Due to the density of the boards, but this does not mean that MDF is not at all afraid of moisture.
Safety
Laminated chipboard is more toxic than MDF. The concentration of formaldehyde (E 240) in chipboard is higher, but formaldehyde is also present in MDF. Acceptable and safe material for the manufacture of furniture are slabs that comply with GOST 10632-2014. When choosing furniture for your home, keep in mind that Russian GOST imposes much higher requirements than European ones. This means it is better to give preference to Russian-made furniture. The furniture factories with which our online store cooperates have ALL quality and safety certificates. Certificates can be found on official websites, for example Stolline, or by contacting us, we will send or provide them upon request.
Strength
MDF has a density 2 times higher than laminated chipboard. MDF can be milled and inclined holes can be made. The material “holds” fasteners better.
Aesthetics
The color solutions for both MDF and laminated chipboard are on the same niche - any color is possible, at the request of the client. As for bends and shapes, curved facades can only be made from MDF.
What is chipboard
Chipboard is an abbreviation for its full name (chipboard). A material that is created by mixing wood shavings, in other words, sawdust, and formaldehyde resin under a hot press. Under a heavy press, the output is a homogeneous solid mass, which begins to take on the appearance of a furniture sheet. High-quality compressed chipboards are characterized by the following properties: Rigidity, strength, absence of cavities and moisture resistance.
Chipboard is divided into three types based on moisture absorption. Tests are carried out by immersing the slab in water for a day:
- The moisture resistance of the slab is expressed in its deformation in thickness. If the width of the board after immersion in water has increased by less than 15%, this type of chipboard is considered moisture resistant.
- Regular chipboard, grade P-A - increases no more than 22%;
- Regular chipboard, grade P-B - increases no more than 33%;
P-A means brand of chipboard. There are standards that distinguish two types. P-A and P-B. These brands differ in their physical and mechanical characteristics. Grade P-A is superior to P-B in terms of strength and flexibility, is more resistant to moisture, and has a less rough surface.
Standards according to GOST
Russian GOST establishes the following division of chipboard into grades, grades and formaldehyde emission classes:
- according to physical and mechanical indicators - for grades P-A and P-B;
- in terms of surface quality – grades I and II;
- type of surface - with regular and fine-textured (M) surface;
- according to the degree of surface treatment - polished (Ш) and unpolished;
- in terms of hydrophobic properties - with normal and increased (B) water resistance;
- formaldehyde content - into emission classes E1, E2.
Based on this classification, the corresponding designations for chipboard are used. Thus, a slab of first grade P-A with a fine-textured polished surface of emission class E1 with dimensions of 3500x1750x15 mm has the following symbol: P-A, I, M, Sh, E1, 3500x1750x15, GOST 10632 - 89.
Formaldehyde emissions will sharply decrease if the chipboard surfaces are varnished or painted. Veneered and laminated particle boards are the main building materials used for making furniture. Since the front side of the board is covered with paper-resin films, veneer or polymer films, formaldehyde emissions drop sharply . To further improve this indicator, it is necessary to seal the ends (glue or paint over them).
How chipboard is made
Chipboard is a mixture of sawdust and formaldehyde resin. At the first stage, sawdust of different sizes is loaded into the wood processing machine. Several hours of hard chopping turns them into a homogeneous mass. The next step in the production of chipboard is a mixture of finely chopped sawdust with formaldehyde resin. The finished slabs, rolling out from the conveyor, fall under a heavy press weighing several tons and are strongly pressed. Our chipboard sheet is practically ready. At the final stage, it undergoes treatment to protect it from moisture. In order for the chipboard to have a decent appearance, various wood textures are glued on top of the board. Difficult and unclear? Watch the video and everything will fall into place.
Quality indicators of chipboards
There are several characteristics that, to one degree or another, affect the quality of the material:
– Degree of toxicity . The chipboard production process is based on hot pressing of wood sawdust and shavings using formaldehyde resin as a binder. If the standards are exceeded and the technology is violated, this resin, evaporating and entering the environment, has a negative impact on human and animal health. In particular, such resins can cause allergies, poisoning and even cancer in susceptible people. Conscious chipboard manufacturers carefully monitor the permissible concentration of formaldehyde in their products.
In order to determine the toxicity level of chipboard, it is necessary to perform a chemical analysis of it. But initially you can trust your sense of smell: if there is no smell, then most likely the material is good and you can buy it. If the smell is strong, refuse to buy, no matter how cheap such chipboard is sold.
– Material density . The strength of the future structure depends on this indicator. In a chipboard board of good density, you can screw in (and unscrew) a screw several times in the same place. In a loose sheet, already after the second or third screwing in, the thread of the material will be completely broken and the screw will simply fall through or become stuck. The density of chipboard should be in the range of 650-660 kg/cub.m.
You can determine the quality of the material by this indicator visually. At the first inspection, uncompacted areas will be noticeable. You can also try sticking a nail or screwdriver into the ends of the slab. If the attempt is successful, then you have a bad product. In high-quality chipboard, the ends are very strong and nothing like this can be done.
– Quality of coverage. There are two types of chipboard: laminated and laminated. The first one is of higher quality and uses laminate as its covering. As for the second, it is short-lived, because... It is based on plain paper. Laminated chipboard wears out very quickly and quickly loses its presentation.
It is very easy to distinguish laminated chipboard from laminated chipboard: just touch the surface of the board. If you feel like you are ironing paper, don't buy this material. It is better to give preference to a quality product.
The quality of chipboards can be determined without any special skills or special equipment. Most often, to identify defects, it is enough to conduct a visual inspection of the material.
When choosing chipboard, do not forget that its quality is only 50% the key to success, everything else depends solely on “the dexterity of your hands.” Furniture parts will be ideal if they are processed with high quality: sawing and cutting chipboard and subsequent processing of the edges of the furniture part. Craftsmen - “homemade” craftsmen, entrust this work to specialized companies that have good equipment, leaving themselves only with the development of the design and assembly of finished parts. As a result, the finished furniture looks impeccable, costs much less than store-bought furniture, but does not take a lot of time and nerves.
What types of chipboard exist?
As you understand from watching the video, even on the factory conveyor, chipboard is divided into several types, and also has differences in appearance. In addition to differences in moisture resistance, chipboard also differs in wear resistance, density and other parameters.
Regular chipboard . The most common, untreated chipboard. Few people will like the appearance of such material, and you are unlikely to want a bed made of such material. The level of protection of chipboard in this state is minimal. It crumbles easily and strongly absorbs moisture. It is not recommended for use in this form. Chipboard in this form is the initial stage of the following varieties. Untreated chipboard can be used as an underlay under laminate flooring, or in the construction of houses, between concrete walls. Since the appearance of chipboard is unsuitable for use, it is used for the internal layers of something. The average person most likely saw sheets of such material in warehouses with a large number of boxes, or during the construction of a house, among builders.
Chipboard texture close-up
Raw chipboard sheets
Laminated chipboard. Most often, this type of chipboard is called for short - chipboard . It appears after applying a paper film over a regular chipboard. Due to the large selection of colors and textures, laminated chipboard is the most common option for making furniture. When applying the film, the laminated chipboard undergoes processing, due to which the board is demolished more protected from moisture and mechanical damage. In addition to color, laminated chipboards acquire texture. This will allow you to imitate even the most expensive type of wood at home, for a low price.
Chipboard texture close-up
Color options for laminated chipboard
Laminated chipboard. KDSP is very similar in structure to laminated chipboard, but the main difference is the absence of varnish on the surface. In fact, the chipboard goes through the stage of gluing the coating, acquires an acceptable appearance, but is not varnished. This affects protection against mechanical damage and moisture resistance. KDSP is used for furniture in rooms where there is no humidity, such as the living room or bedroom. However, if it is possible to make furniture from laminated chipboard, laminate is chosen.
In addition to the types listed above, there are also chipboard building boards, with all kinds of holes for drilling, joints and other elements needed during construction. It is practically impossible for you to encounter this type of chipboard in everyday life, so there is no point in talking about such boards.
Texture of laminated chipboard
Fiberboard (fibreboard)
Familiar to all those who have at least once moved cabinets away from the walls. This is hardboard familiar to all of us. The back walls of most cabinets, the bottoms of drawers, these sheets that are rough to the touch are fiberboard. (The most expensive furniture uses plywood instead of fiberboard, but its performance properties are not much better). Like MDF, fiberboard is made from compressed wood dust - but in the case of fiberboard, the wood particles are steamed, and the board is made by wet pressing. That is why the “wrong side” of the fiberboard texture resembles the surface of cottage cheese with a “mesh”, like wet gauze. And that’s why fiberboard slabs are never thick: technology doesn’t allow it. Usually one side of the fiberboard remains like this, and the other is covered with film (laminated or laminated).
Plus: low price with high durability.
Cons: small range of uses. Of course, you can’t make a complete set of furniture from fiberboard, but at the same time, it’s almost impossible to replace fiberboard “in your own field.”
Where are chipboards used?
Due to the low cost of the material, chipboard quickly became a popular material in many areas. Today, chipboard is used to produce:
- Construction molding materials
- Fencing panels for construction sites
- Furniture manufacturing
- Facing materials
- Internal room partitions
- Interior doors
- Exhibition stands
As you can see from the list, the scope of application of chipboard is large. It is most in demand, of course, in furniture production. The list of furniture made from laminated chipboard includes:
There is probably no person on earth who has not encountered chipboard in his life. For residents of Uzbekistan, it is safe to say that 80% of the furniture in your home is furniture made from laminated chipboard.
Furniture manufacture
OUR PHONES: Moscow 799-91-70, 799-91-71, 799-91-76 799-91-77, 782-49-05
|
Authorization |
|
How to care for chipboard furniture
Since chipboard is afraid of strong humidity, it is used indoors. Chipboard is suitable for creating partitions between rooms. It can be drilled, sawed and painted. That is why it is so in demand in interior design. You can keep chipboard furniture intact for many years by following some rules.
- Protect furniture made from chipboard from water.
- Monitor the humidity in the room. It should not exceed 40%.
- Elevated temperature is not recommended. For example, exposure to direct sunlight in summer.
To summarize, we can highlight that chipboard is suitable for the manufacture of almost all furniture for the home. The service life of such products is 8 years and above. It is advisable to avoid using chipboard in furniture for a children's room. When ordering children's furniture, pay attention to the material. It is best to use MDF to completely eliminate the evaporation of toxic formaldehyde resins near children.
Useful tips for choosing chipboard
Before making a purchase, you should definitely check the quality of the chipboard. Some useful tips from experts:
- If an unpleasant odor is felt at arm's length from the chipboard, then the material does not meet the requirements for formaldehyde content.
- If any object fits into the end of the slab without much effort, then the material is of poor quality. You should check from all sides.
- In a high-quality slab, the middle layer is made of large chips, and the outer layers are made of small chips.
- A slab that has good physical and mechanical properties will not look overdried.
- The edges of the slab must be perfectly smooth without chips or nicks. The presence of defects indicates a poor-quality cut.
- If the surface of the slab is peeling, then most likely its production technology has been violated, which cannot have a good effect on the quality of the product.
- If the slab is dark in color, then there is a large amount of bark in it or it is burnt. The high bark content has almost no effect on the strength of the material, however, white spots may form on the surface of such a slab over time. A burnt slab loses its strength characteristics and its use in construction is impossible.
- If the slab has a red or ginger tint, then it was made from burnt wood chips. This board is quite durable, but it is not recommended to laminate it.
- Poor quality packaged slabs look like an artist's palette, they are all different colors. High-quality chipboard - light board.
- The surface of the board plays an important role in lamination. It should be even and smooth. If indentations and scratches are noticeable, then the plate was not sanded, but simply calibrated.
- Chipboard thickness. All slabs in the package must be the same thickness. Permissible deviations – 0.3 mm. The manufacturer is obliged to comply with this requirement and produce only a high-quality product.
By following the tips listed above, you can easily choose good material. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to ask questions to your sales consultant. You deserve only the best.
Useful tips for choosing chipboard
Before making a purchase, you should definitely check the quality of the chipboard. Some useful tips from experts:
- If an unpleasant odor is felt at arm's length from the chipboard, then the material does not meet the requirements for formaldehyde content.
- If any object fits into the end of the slab without much effort, then the material is of poor quality. You should check from all sides.
- In a high-quality slab, the middle layer is made of large chips, and the outer layers are made of small chips.
- A slab that has good physical and mechanical properties will not look overdried.
- The edges of the slab must be perfectly smooth without chips or nicks. The presence of defects indicates a poor-quality cut.
- If the surface of the slab is peeling, then most likely its production technology has been violated, which cannot have a good effect on the quality of the product.
- If the slab is dark in color, then there is a large amount of bark in it or it is burnt. The high bark content has almost no effect on the strength of the material, however, white spots may form on the surface of such a slab over time. A burnt slab loses its strength characteristics and its use in construction is impossible.
- If the slab has a red or ginger tint, then it was made from burnt wood chips. This board is quite durable, but it is not recommended to laminate it.
- Poor quality packaged slabs look like an artist's palette, they are all different colors. High-quality chipboard - light board.
- The surface of the board plays an important role in lamination. It should be even and smooth. If indentations and scratches are noticeable, then the plate was not sanded, but simply calibrated.
- Chipboard thickness. All slabs in the package must be the same thickness. Permissible deviations – 0.3 mm. The manufacturer is obliged to comply with this requirement and produce only a high-quality product.
By following the tips listed above, you can easily choose good material. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to ask questions to your sales consultant. You deserve only the best.