What is Particle Board?
Particle board, also known as chipboard or low-density fiberboard, is an engineered wood
product manufactured from wood chips and a synthetic resin or other suitable binder, which is
pressed and extruded. Particle board is often confused with oriented strand board (OSB) (also
known as flakeboard, or waferboard), a different type of fiberboard that uses machined wood
flakes and offers more strength.Particle board is a wood-based board made of wood or other
lignocellulosic materials, which is glued together under heat and pressure after applying an
adhesive, also known as particle board.
The raw materials for making particleboard include wood or wood fiber materials, adhesives and
additives. The former accounts for more than 90% of the dry weight of the board. When you cut
the cross section, you can see that there are pores in the middle.
According to different structures, particleboard can be divided into: single-layer structure
particleboard; three-layer structure particleboard; gradient structure particleboard; oriented strand
board; waffle particleboard; molded particleboard.
What is Particle Board’s manufacturing process?
The particleboard manufacturing process is as follows:
Log feeding – peeling drum – particle prepare – drying equipment – dry shavings measuring bin
– belt weighing – MDI plastic storage tank – mixing machine – paraffin and curing agent storage
tank – paving section – continuous flat pressing equipment – cross-section – Edge sawing –
turning machine – finished product
Particle board Application Features:
Advantages of particleboard:
The structure is relatively uniform, the processing performance is good, and it can be processed
into large-format panels according to needs. It is a good raw material for making furniture of
different specifications and styles. The finished product particle board does not need to be dried
again, it can be used directly, and the sound absorption and sound insulation performance is also
very good.
laminati
ng chipboard
Disadvantages of particleboard:
Because the edges are rough and easy to absorb moisture, the edge banding process of furniture
made of particleboard is particularly important. In addition, due to the high density of particle
board, the furniture made of it is relatively heavy compared to other boards.
When evaluating the quality of particleboard, the physical properties that are often considered
include density, moisture content, water absorption, thickness expansion rate, etc., and the
mechanical properties include static bending strength, vertical surface tensile strength (internal
bonding strength), and nail holding force. Modulus and rigid modulus, etc., and the process
properties include machinability, glueability, paint finish, etc.
5×10 melamine sheet
Application range of particleboard:
Generally speaking, particleboard is a mid-to-high-end product in man-made panels. It is mainly
used as veneer base material; the manufacture of cabinets and various indoor furniture, such as
the cabinet body, door panels, back panels and other cabinet parts; furniture countertops or core
boards on countertops and floor mats plate.
Particle board, also known as chipboard, is an engineered wood product made from small wood
particles, such as sawdust, wood chips, or wood shavings, that are bonded together using a resin or
adhesive under heat and pressure. It is widely used in furniture making, cabinetry, and interior
construction due to its affordability and versatility.
Here’s a basic overview of particle board:
Manufacturing Process
1. Wood Chips & Particles: Small wood pieces, typically sourced from wood waste, are collected.
2. Mixing with Resin: The wood particles are mixed with a synthetic resin, like urea-formaldehyde
or melamine, which helps bind them together.
3. Pressing: The mixture is compressed into sheets under high pressure and temperature, resulting
in a dense, solid board.
4. Finishing: The boards are cut to desired sizes and can be coated with veneers, laminates, or
other finishes to improve appearance and durability.
Types of Particle Board
Standard Particle Board: Used in furniture and interior applications.
High-Density Particle Board: Offers more strength and is used in load-bearing applications.
Moisture-Resistant Particle Board: Often treated to resist water damage, commonly used in
kitchen and bathroom furniture.
Advantages
Cost-Effective: Less expensive than solid wood or plywood.
Versatile: Can be easily cut and shaped for various applications.
Eco-Friendly: Uses recycled wood materials, reducing waste.
Disadvantages
Strength and Durability: Less strong compared to plywood or MDF (Medium-Density
Fiberboard).
Moisture Sensitivity: Can swell and degrade if exposed to moisture for long periods.
Limited Aesthetic Appeal: Often requires additional finishing or veneer to enhance its
appearance.
Overall, particle board is a budget-friendly and practical material for a range of applications, especially
where strength is not the primary concern.
Raw Materials for Particle Board Manufacturing
The primary raw materials used in the production of particle board are:
1. Wood Particles: The core raw material consists of various types of wood particles, such as:
o Wood Chips: Larger, coarser wood pieces obtained from sawmills or other wood
processing industries.
o Wood Shavings: Thin slices of wood from planing and other processes.
o Sawdust: Fine wood dust generated from cutting, sanding, or milling wood.
o Recycled Wood: Waste wood from furniture manufacturing, construction sites, and
other industries.
2. Resins or Adhesives: These bind the wood particles together. Common resins used include:
o Urea-Formaldehyde Resin: Most commonly used due to its fast curing and low cost.
o Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin: Used for higher strength and moisture resistance.
o Melamine-Formaldehyde Resin: Provides better resistance to moisture and is used in
higher-grade boards.
o Isocyanate Resin: Used for producing water-resistant boards.
o Lignin-based Binder: An eco-friendly alternative, derived from the same wood fibers.
3. Additives:
o Hardening Agents: Speed up the curing process of resins.
o Water Repellents: Improve moisture resistance, particularly in high-humidity
environments.
o Flame Retardants: Used to reduce fire risks.
o Colorants: For aesthetic purposes, to enhance the appearance of the board.
4. Other Fillers: Some additional materials may be added to improve properties:
o Mineral Fillers: For added strength or improved fire resistance.
o Dyes or Pigments: For color and aesthetic finishes.
Machinery Used in Particle Board Manufacturing
The production of particle board involves various specialized machines for each stage of the process.
The key machines and equipment involved are:
1. Wood Preparation Equipment:
o Chippers: These machines break down logs into smaller wood chips or particles.
o Grinders or Hammer Mills: These machines crush larger wood particles into smaller,
more uniform sizes, often resulting in sawdust and fine chips.
o Drying Equipment: Wood particles are often dried to reduce moisture content, which is
typically done using a rotary drum dryer or a fluidized bed dryer.
2. Resin Mixing and Application:
o Resin Mixer: This equipment mixes the wood particles with the resin to ensure even
distribution. The resin is often applied in a liquid form and sprayed onto the wood
particles.
o Blender or Ribbon Mixer: For mixing additives, like flame retardants or colorants, into
the resin and wood mixture.
3. Forming and Pressing Machines:
o Mat Forming Machine: The resin-coated wood particles are spread out into a mat or
layer. This process may be done using a drum former or a continuous forming line.
o Hot Press: A hydraulic or mechanical press that applies high pressure and heat to the
mat of wood particles. This helps the resin to cure and bond the particles together,
forming a solid board. The press typically uses temperatures between 150°C to 200°C
(302°F to 392°F) and pressures between 3 to 5 MPa.
4. Cooling and Cutting Equipment:
o Cooling Conveyors: After the mat is pressed, it must cool down before further
processing. Conveyors are used to move the boards while they cool.
o Cutting Machines: These machines, such as sawing machines or laser cutters, are used
to trim the boards to the desired size and shape.
5. Finishing Machines:
o Sanding Machines: To smooth the surface of the boards and achieve a uniform texture.
They are typically belt sanders or drum sanders.
o Laminating or Veneering Machines: Used to apply a layer of decorative laminate or
veneer to the surface of the particle board.
o Edge Banding Machine: For applying a protective and aesthetic edge band around the
particle board.
6. Quality Control and Testing Equipment:
o Moisture Meters: To check the moisture content of the raw wood particles and finished
boards.
o Density Testers: To measure the board's density to ensure it meets the required
standards.
o Mechanical Testing Machines: To test properties like strength, water resistance, and
durability.
Summary of the Manufacturing Process
1. Wood Preparation: Wood chips, sawdust, or shavings are collected, ground into particles, and
dried.
2. Resin Application: The wood particles are mixed with resins and additives.
3. Forming: The resin-coated particles are spread into a mat.
4. Pressing: The mat is compressed and heated in a hot press to bond the particles together.
5. Cooling & Cutting: The pressed board is cooled and cut to size.
6. Finishing: The board is sanded, laminated, and edges are applied if needed.
In summary, the production of particle board relies on specialized equipment for each step to ensure
uniformity, quality, and efficiency, starting from raw wood preparation to final board finishing.
