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Powder Coating on MDF
Technological advancements in powder coating materials and application and curing methods have made powder coating possible on heat sensitive substrates, like medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
MDF is a panel of wood particles bonded with a synthetic resin. It is a perfect wood substrate for powder coating. It is coated with pigmented paint; can take the heat of curing and has consistent moisture content, low porosity and a homogeneous surface.
Painted office furniture, store fixtures, tables, vending machines and kitchen cabinets can all be made of powder coated MDF.
Like powder coating on metal, powder coating on MDF has environmental advantages over traditional solvent-borne coating.
- Negligible volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
- Air from the coating booth and ovens can be exhausted into the plant, reducing the need for makeup air which cuts energy demand.
- Overspray can be reused—up to 98% depending on color changeouts.
Production advantages include:
- One step coating.
- Coat sharp edges or round shapes.
- A thicker, single-coat film build.
- Cured coating has an extremely durable finish that adheres well to the substrate.
Heating the board draws moisture to the surface, making it conductive. Coating is followed by curing. Unlike liquid coated parts, powder coated MDF parts are ready for packaging right off the production line. No additional cure time is needed.
Brainerd Technical Design started a conveyorized powder coating line and had a positive impact on productivity and emissions. Describing his satisfaction with the new system, manager Mike Welch stated, “The first 19 of 20 parts ran through the system ended up in production. The 20th was kept as a sample.”
Powder coating technology is evolving and the range of products that it works on continues to expand. Successful testing has occurred on hardwoods. Research is also being conducted on paper-laminated MDF, laminated flooring and particleboard.
If you are interested in learning more about how this technology can enhance your operation, MnTAP can arrange for you to:
- See a demonstration of the technology in place at another shop.
- Have vendors test coat samples of your parts.
- Test powder coating on samples of your products at a job shop.
- Have powder coating equipment tested in your shop.
Contact Paul Pagel, MnTAP’s coating specialist, at 612.624.4638 or e-mail Paul. From greater Minnesota, call 800.247.0015 and ask for Paul.
Resources
Finishing Medium Density Fiberboard with Powder Coatings This Powder & Coatings article provides an overview of the process, including a diagram of a process layout.
Herman Miller Adds Powder Coating The addition of a powder coating line allowed furniture manufacturer Herman Miller to create interesting and unusual shapes for its state-of-the-art workstations. This case study in Products Finishing magazine describes how the company developed its powder system for MDF.
The Powder Coating Institute has information on powder coating MDF.
UV-Powder Coating Process for MDF—The Basics from Start to Finish Powders reformulated to cure with exposure to UV radiation offer several process, economic and finish advantages.
- The powder can be more precisely controlled and tailored to the respective needs of the individual process.
- Overall cycle time is significantly reduced—down to just a few minutes.
- The processing oven, compared to ovens used for thermal curing, requires less floor space.
- UV coatings provide a superior coating hardness along with increased resistance to scratching, impact damage, stains and chemicals.
- When a UV-curable powder is applied to MDF, the need for edge banding may be eliminated.
Wood Powder Coating in Minnesota: Profile Companies
Through assistance of an Environmental loan, Profile has expanded their powder coating capabilities to include medium-density-fiberboard.
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