Fiberboard is sometimes used as a synonym for particle board, but particle board usually refers to low-density fiberboard. Plywood is not a type of fiberboard, as it is made of thin sheets of wood, not wood fibers or particles. Fiberboard, particularly medium-density fiberboard (MDF), is heavily used in the furniture industry. For pieces that will be visible, a veneer of wood is often glued onto fiberboard to give it the appearance of conventional wood.
Fiberboard is also used in the auto industry to create free-form shapes such as dashboards, rear parcel shelves, and inner door shells. These pieces are usually covered with a skin, foil, or fabric such as cloth, suede, leather, or polyvinyl chloride. Urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins are dominantly used in the medium density fiberboard (MDF) industry because of their low cost and fast curing characteristics. However, pressures on the use of UF resins are mounting steadily due to potential problems associated with formaldehyde emission. On the other hand, phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins are more durable and do not emit formaldehyde after cure. But the Industry has traditionally shied away from using PF resins due primarily to their higher cost and much slower curing rate than UF resins.
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is a generic term for a panel primarily composed of lignocellulosic fibers combined with a synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system and bonded together under heat and pressure. The panels are compressed to a density of 0.50 to 0.80 and specific gravity (31-50 lb/ft3).
Medium density fiberboard (MDF) as a dry-formed panel product manufactured from lignocellulosic fibers combined with a synthetic resin or other suitable binder. The panels are compressed to a density of from 496 to 801 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3) (31 to 50 pounds per cubic foot [lb/ft3]) in a hot press. The entire interfiber bond is formed by a synthetic resin or other suitable organic binder.
- Doors, Jambs & Millwork
- Edge Shaping & Machining
- Embossing
- Laminate Flooring
- Laminating & Finishing
- Moulding
The total wood-based substrate industry in India, the INR 13 bn MDF market currently accounts for a mere 7% as compared to 80% globally. Albeit on a lower base, the domestic MDF market has been growing at 15-20% CAGR over the last five years.
MDF is a superior substitute for cheap unbranded plywood and demand for it is being driven by a penchant for readymade modular furniture among the young and the aspiring who are eager on aestheticizing their interiors. Moreover, with ready to-move-in offices and retail outlets mushrooming across the country, the prospects for this sector look brighter than ever. The MDF market is estimated worth ~H35 billion in India and has grown at a CAGR of ~5-8% over the last five years. The Central Government’s decision to withhold fresh licenses for the manufacture of plywood has widened the gap between demand and supply. This is a positive development for the MDF industry and will increase the use of engineered panel products. As a whole there is a good scope for new entrepreneur to invest in this business.
Few Indian major players
1. Amazon Wood Pvt. Ltd.
2. Aryan Enterprises Pvt. Ltd.
3. Asian Pre-Lam Inds. Pvt. Ltd.
4. Associate Decor Ltd.
5. Bajaj Eco-Tec Products Ltd.
6. Best Board Ltd.
7. Darshan Boardlam Ltd.
