Researchers at Warwick University have developed a method of giving standard MDF an appearance comparable to real wood.
The LaserCoat project uses a CO2 laser to etch a wood grain onto the material, which it says results in “a more natural quality” and opens up new applications for MDF in and around the home.
“Until now there has been no way to liven it up other than painting it,” said Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) researcher Ken Young.
“Using lasers to produce a wood grain in MDF could help bring a more natural quality into homes and businesses without the financial and environmental cost of having to use new wood.”
Howarth Timber Windows and Doors Ltd, which is a partner in the LaserCoat project, has already extolled the benefits of the technology, saying that increasing the aesthetic appeal of MDF will help it to please its customers while simultaneously cutting costs.
“We would love to use MDF for the glazing beads in double glazing but customers do not like the look of raw MDF,” said Howarth factory manager Mick Toner. “This LaserCoat technology will provide a grained look that will delight our customers, give us much more manufacturing flexibility and cut the cost of the raw materials four-fold.”
WMG added that LaserCoat finished MDF is hardwearing and durable, making it ideal for flooring applications and other installations where cost and appearance are in competition.
Other partners in the LaserCoat programme include TRADA, Norbord Ltd, Sonneborn & Rieck, Granwax, Exel Industrial UK Ltd and the Furniture Industry Research Association.