MDF Product Range and Properties

High quality profiling and routing can be achieved with MDF


Profiling properties are illustrated in this quality cabinet.
MR MDF is designed for use in tropical areas and where there is risk of water spillage.

Range
MDF panels are sold either in their raw form with a fine sanded surface or with a surface decorative overlay such as bonded melamine papers, vinyl, or wood veneers. The most common grades available are Standard and Moisture Resistant (MR). A range of sheet sizes are available with the most usual being 2400 x 1200mm, and 3600 x 1200mm.

Various thicknesses are generally produced as shown in the following table :

Type Nominal thickness (mm)
Standard
Thin   3, 4, 4.75, 5, 6, 7.5
Medium   9, 12, 16, 18
Thick   25, 32
MR
Medium   9, 12, 16, 18
Thick   25, 32


Mechanical and Physical Properties

In determining product quality, a range of properties are tested on regular production samples. These tests are chosen to predict in-service behaviour and generally include density, internal bond, bending properties, surface properties, formaldehyde emission and moisture resistance.

The Australian Standard AS/NZS 1859.2 gives details of the minimum properties of the various types and thicknesses of MDF products. Surface properties for decorative overlaid panels are described in AS/NZS 1859.3. Also consult our Data Sheets (downloadable under Publications on this site) for typical values of AWPA member produced panels.

Special test behaviour such as acoustic or thermal properties may be available from manufacturers.