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MDF Powder Coating Process |
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The powder coating of MDF is a very different process to the powder coating of metal. This is because unlike metal which is relatively stable, MDF contains moisture which can change the properties of the MDF from day to day and creates challenges not present for the powder coating of metal.
For MDF to be powder coated correctly, three objectives must be achieved. First, the powder coating must be fully cured in order to maximise the mechanical properties and chemical resistance of the powder.
Second, the powder must be fully cured without mobilising the moisture in the board. Mobilising the moisture in the MDF can result in 'outgassing' or bubbles forming in the powder coated surface. |
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Third, the powder must be fully cured without fracturing the resin bonds in the board which can result in hair line cracks appearing in the edges of the board, a condition known as edge cracking.
Decorative Imaging is the only company in Australia to use the Opalz powder coating process which is able to consistently deliver all of the 3 quality objectives. Opalz has been developed over several years in conjunction with 2 of Australia's largest companies in the building products industry. Interpon, the world's largest manufacturer of powder coatings, has developed the special powder coating used in the Opalz process and Carter Holt Harvey manufacture a special grade of MDF for use in the Opalz process. |
| The process involves a number of controlled stages including the pre-heating of the board, the application of the powder in a special powder coating booth, an infra red heating stage and a final curing stage in a convection oven which has been constructed to comply with the special requirements of the opalz process. |
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