Profile 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. MDF is a wood based composite. The primary constituent is a softwood that has been broken down into wood fibres; that is the very cells (tracheids, vessels, fibres and fibre tracheids), which are far smaller entities than those used in particleboard. The panels are compressed to a density of 0.50 to 0.80 and specific gravity (31-50 lb/ft3). Additives may be introduced during manufacturing to improve certain properties. MDF Characteristics: • Width : 1650 mm • Length (grain) : from 1650 to 3660 mm • Thickness : from 6 to 24 mm • Glue type : Urea Carbamide/urea melamine formaldehyde (UMF) • Quality Reference: TU 5536-007-4477-9728-2003 • Density : 700-850 kg/m3 • Dimensions : 3.4.1. Length/width/thickness Application Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is widely used in the manufacturing of furniture, kitchen cabinets, door parts, mouldings, millwork and laminate flooring. Common Uses: • Doors, Jambs & Millwork • Laminate Flooring • Laminating & Finishing • Moulding • Office & Residential Furniture • Kitchen Cabinets ? Production Procedure In the production procedure of MDF board following few steps are involved: • Chipping of wood • Defibrating, gluing and drying • Mat forming and processing • Cooling, sanding & trimming • Grading & storage • Impregnation • Lamination Market Potential The global potential demand for panel boards is estimated at 250 million m3 per year and the potential market for MDF alone is 100 million m3. The gap of 150 million m3 can be diverted to particleboard, plywood & OSB. Bulk of the industrial round wood in India is utilized by the saw milling industry, consisting of more than 23,000 units. The projected demand for MDF is 6,70,000 tons, whereas the combined capacity of 2 Plants operating in India (Delhi & Calcutta) is only 1,17,000 cubic meters (88,000 tons). Some shortage is covered by MDF imports of around 3,00,000 tons.