HDF
High Density Fiberboard
Standard reference ABNT MDF

Definition
HDF is a reconstituted wood panel similar to MDP and MDF. HDF is the acronym for High Density Fibreboard. The wood fibres are glued and compressed with synthetic resin through a combination of heat and pressure in the latest generation of continuous press. HDF is a homogeneous industrial panel with excellent dimensional stability, a smooth uniform surface and of high density and generally a lower thickness.

Base raw material
These panels are produced with pine and eucalypt wood, cut from sustainable cultivated forests so, HDF is an environmentally friendly product. Plantation forests allow the large scale use of wood, so reducing the pressure on native woodland.

Characteristics
HDF is a panel whose main feature is its high density, with smooth surfaces on both sides, which is suitable for machining.

Finishing options
Natural, laminated or painted.

1. Natural (without covering)
The panels are left uncovered, ready for processing by the user and can be surfaced with wood veneers or with plastic laminate, such as PVC. Another type of covering is painting or printing directly onto the board.

2. Low pressure laminated
In low pressure lamination, a paper-based overlay, impregnated with melamine resin, is applied to the board with a combination of heat and pressure, producing a panel ready for use. The panels can be smooth or textured, in plain colours, a wood grain pattern or fancy designs. Low pressure lamination provides a finish highly resistant to surface scratches and stains, as well as to an infestation of micro-organisms.

3. Finish foil (FF) or ecological laminate (LE) covered
A specially varnished paper-based overlay is laminated over the HDF board through a process of heat and pressure. The panel is supplied in plain colours, a wood grain pattern or a fancy design, with various surface options such as standard, coatable or ready varnished in high gloss or semi-matt finish.

4. Painted (gloss or semi-matt)
The HDF panel is painted or lacquered in plain colours, a wood grain pattern or a fancy design.

Uses and applications
HDF is a very versatile panel, used in a variety of industries. It is ideal for routing and embossing and with thin board, the panel can be flexed. HDF is suitable for use in the manufacture of home and office furniture for the back of furniture and drawers, in heavy duty packaging of products in different industries, for hand crafted products and toys. In the construction sector it is used for laminated wood flooring, wall partitions and doors.

Maintenance and cleaning
Cleaning finished wood panels must be done using a soft, dirt free cloth, dry or lightly dampened with mild soap and water, and squeezed out thoroughly to remove excess water. Never use abrasive material like steel wool or sharp objects to clean HDF. To remove stains, make use of a cloth moistened with a solution of alcohol and water in equal measure.