WPC PVC foam sheets –Replacing Plywood, MDF & Natural wood in furniture applications
Interestingly, WPVC foam sheets are started being used in several new applications in the market. Since its inception in the Indian market PVC foam sheets have been the product of curiosity and questions. It has happened because of the manufacturing technology which was unfamiliar to the wood industry in India. All wood panels – from particle board, MDF, Plywood, Block boards or Door skin- are manufactured with pressing technology. WPC is being produced majorly from the Extrusion technology where polymer processing, formulations, chemical know how and technology understanding are the major areas to be learned and accepted.
WPC as a Polymer with thermoplastic nature gives advantage of ‘Re-cycling’. Thus, we can save lot of natural resources. It gives other natural advantages of Moisture resistance and Termite resistance. Thus, it is being accepted as the ‘Life time Investment product’ by the Indian lower middle class.
Surface of WPVC is quite polished, even, grain less, non porous, clean, calibration free which can be printed, painted and coated directly. It is a ‘ready to use product’ for total carcase applications. WPVC is the best product for ‘Joinery systems’ and it can be joined or sandwiched very fast and solid with ‘PVC Solvent Cements’. This is the fastest technique –played with WPVC boards for making of various product compositions. Whether it’s a 35 to 100 mm thick solid structure or curvilinear chair/tripod or a master piece in children furniture, you can make it quickly possible with WPVC sheet and solvent cement.
With all above advantages WPVC boards are replacing plywood in Kitchen carcases, wardrobes, office cubicles, overhead units as well in bathroom furniture. Density from 550 kg/cum to 650 kg/cum is the perfect fit for screwing and screw holding applications. The regular method of carpentry with PVC foam sheet works well with ‘screw and solvent’ mechanism. Actually it is similar to the plywood and water based adhesive system only but making time will be minutes instead of long hours. And final structure will be moisture proof, termite proof and may be with even ‘Buy back warrantee’ too!
WPVC sheets are being used for Door frame and Children furniture making also because of its easy to cut, easy to mould nature. The structure doesn’t carry in long fibres, thus it is safe for little kids during use. Applications shown in the images can give enough idea about the end use of the material with solvent joinery, curvature shapes and painted surfaces……but with NO WOOD.
Hardik Panchal,
CEO (MBA, BEng Polymer Technology)
HARDY SMITH WPC CENTRE