In home improvement and furniture production, particle board has become the choice of many consumers because of its low cost and wide range of uses .However, the quality of particle board on the market varies greatly. How to identify the quality level of particle board and ensure that high-quality products are purchased is a skill that every consumer should master .This article will provide you with a detailed buying guide to help you make an informed decision when choosing particle board.
- Understand the quality level of particle board
The quality level of particle board is usually determined by a number of factors, including environmental protection level, sheet density, surface treatment, internal structure, etc .Understanding these quality indicators will help you quickly judge the merits of particle board when purchasing. - Environmental protection grade
The environmental protection grade is an important sign of the quality of particle board, which directly affects the formaldehyde release of the board .At present, the environmental protection grade of particle board is mainly divided into three grades: E2, E1, and E0.：
-E2 level: The release of formaldehyde is relatively high, and it is only suitable for non-household products.
-E1 level: low formaldehyde release, suitable for home improvement and furniture production, in line with national environmental protection standards.
-E0 level: low formaldehyde release, superior environmental protection performance, suitable for occasions with high environmental protection requirements, such as children’s furniture, environmentally friendly home improvement, etc.
When purchasing particle board, priority should be given to E1 or E0 environmental protection grade products to ensure the safety and health of the home environment.
- Plate density
The density of particle board directly affects its strength and service life .Generally speaking, the higher the density of particle board, the tighter its structure, the stronger its bending strength and nail grip, and the longer its service life .High-density particle board will feel heavier and have a clearer sound. This is an easy way to identify the density of the board.
- Surface treatment
The surface treatment process of particle board has a great impact on its appearance and durability .The surface of high-quality particle board should be flat and smooth, without obvious scratches, bulging or air bubbles and other defects .Surface treatment includes laminating, veneers or painting, etc., consumers can choose different surface treatments of particle board according to actual needs.
- Internal structure
The internal structure of particle board determines its overall performance .The internal structure of high-quality particle board is uniform, the particles are tightly distributed, and there are no voids or looseness .You can check the internal structure of the plate by observing the cross-section of the plate. The cross-section of the high-quality plate should be tight and delicate, with no obvious voids.
- Practical methods for distinguishing the quality of particle board
When purchasing particle board, in addition to the above theoretical knowledge, you can also judge the quality level of the board through some simple and practical methods. - Observe the appearance
The surface of high-quality particle board should be flat and smooth, with no obvious defects, such as cracks, dents or bulging .The coating or veneer on the surface should be uniform and free of air bubbles, and the edges should be neat and free of burrs .These are important reference indicators for judging the quality of particle board.
- Tapping and listening
Gently tap the surface of the chipboard and listen to the sound it makes.The sound of high-quality particle board is crisp, while the sound of inferior board is muffled or uneven.This method can help you initially judge whether the internal structure of the plate is tight.
- Test nail grip
The nail grip of particle board is an important factor affecting the stability of furniture .The nail grip of the particle board can be checked by means of nail testing .High-quality particle board has a strong nail grip, it is not easy to loose after the nail is nailed, and the plate will not crack or chipper due to the nail.
- Smell the smell
For particle board with a higher environmental protection grade, the formaldehyde content in the adhesive used in the production process is low, so the odor is relatively light .When purchasing, you can initially judge the environmental protection properties of particle board by smelling the smell. If the smell of the board is pungent, the formaldehyde content may be high, and you need to choose carefully.