At Sonae Arauco we make our decorative boards out of two different wood-based products, namely Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and Particleboard. These wood-based boards form the basis of all our products and so, in this article we are going to look at the two types of boards in more detail in order to give you a better idea of what each product is and the differences between the two.
Particleboard
Particleboard is a versatile wood-based product which is made by combining and then heat pressing wood particles and resin to form a solid board. Particleboard is made up of a three-layer profile which is a combination of the screened fine and coarse material. This forms a lightweight board that has the advantage of being both strong and having a smooth, flat surface that makes it perfect for making furniture and using in construction. Particleboard is a less expensive alternative to Medium Density Fibreboard; however, it is not as strong or dense as MDF and, unlike MDF, cannot be painted or lacquered.
At Sonae Arauco we manufacture two different types of Particleboard:
- Novogold® is our A grade particleboard substrate, manufactured for general use in interior furniture fitments. Novogold®’s high density ensures excellent screw holding and machinability while its smooth surface characteristics make it ideal for lamination using either Melamine, Foil Films, High Pressure Laminates, Veneer Layons and other applications.
- Novogold MR™ is our A grade particleboard which displays a degree of resistance to moisture. Panels of Novogold MR® are identified by a green colouration of the core of the board, visible on the board’s edges. Novogold MR™ is manufactured to a high specification ensuring excellent screw holding and machinability while its smooth surface characteristics make it ideal for lamination using either Melamine, Foil films, High Pressure Laminates, Veneer Layons or other applications.
We also manufacture a NovoCommercial (15.5mm Sanded product) and NovoBronze (15.5mm); both of which are used in construction and for upholstered furniture.
Medium Density Fibreboard
Unlike Particleboard, which is made from wood particles, Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is made from wood fibres which gives it a wider range of applications. This is because it is stronger, with a high mechanical resistance as well as excellent dimensional stability, especially against temperature variations and damp. Medium Density Fibreboard is made from a wood fibre pulp created by softening wood chips through a refining process. The wood fibre pulp is then pressed into a board which is heavier than particleboard due to its higher density and which is distinguishable thanks to its exceptionally smooth, homogenous surface, which make it ideal for lacquering and to be used in making furniture and construction.
At Sonae Arauco we manufacture three different types of Medium Density Fibreboard:
- Novowood® is our standard Medium Density Fibreboard substrate which is designed for general purpose interior use only and is not suitable for exterior use or interior areas where wetting or high humidity conditions are likely.
- Novowood DR® is our Medium Density Fibreboard that is manufactured to a higher specification for interior applications that require consistent deep machining for the profiling of cabinetry and mouldings.
- Novolite® is our standard Thin Medium Density Fibreboard substrate which is available in either an unsurfaced or surfaced option. Novolite® has a fine homogeneous surface which makes it suitable for any coated application.
All of our Particleboard and Medium Density Fibreboard products are available in a variety of cut sizes and thicknesses to suit a wide variety of applications.
If you missed our article on the process of how we turn the timber into Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) and Particleboard (PB) you can view the article here.
https://www.sonae.projects.coppertable.co.za/
Read our previous article here: https://www.sonae.projects.coppertable.co.za/how-melamine-coated-paper-is-laminated-onto-boards/