Smaller MDF producers in Brazil, who manufacture standard thickness panels on Chinese-built multi-opening batch press lines, are reported to be considering entering the thin board market using continuous calender press lines.
The plywood producers who launched MDF lines in southern Brazil during the world recession last year, have seen their sales of thicker board grow as the country has made a strong economic recovery.
To take advantage of booming thin MDF demand and a national shortage of the product, the firms, Guararapes Paneís Ltda and Indústria de Compensados Sudati Ltda, are said to be keen to complement their range.
“They are considering investing in a calender process which is a continuous belting system where you squeeze the mat making it good enough for thick or thin MDF,explained Brazilian industry consultant Henrique Zanin.
This could mean the installation of a separate production line with a relatively modest investment of around US$10. The board quality would be good enough for the domestic market, he suggested.
