Modelling fiber flow in fiberboard manufacturing

Abstract

Resin weighs substantially on the costs associated with the manufacturing of MDF (medium-density fiberboard). It is thus important to ensure the efficiency of resin usage in production lines with the purpose of ensuring a given internal bond strength (IB) for specific products. Sonae has two MDF production lines using similar technologies and materials but which need different resin percentages to reach the same IB. It was asked of the study group to find out what were the determining factors responsible for this difference and, if possible, suggest alternatives which will improve resin efficiency.