MDF(medium-density fiberboard)is made from pre-consumer recycled wood, usually sawdust from a sawmill or wood chips from lumber operations. The wood particles are mixed into a dough with a polymer binder (e.g., “glue” or “resin”) and consolidated under heat and pressure to form a panel.
MDF is a very niceprototyping materialbecause it’s inexpensive, uniform in texture and color, and takes paint very well. Don’t confuse MDF with particle board – which uses much larger and looser wood fibers. MDF is actually nice stuff, especially for laser cut prototypes. MDF is a little lighter (in both density and color) than high-density fiberboard (HDF), which is sold under the trade name Masonite, and sometimes called hardboard. Because it is so inexpensive and thus a good material for use in trying out a design, MDF is sometimes calledMDF Draft Board.
MakerStock MDF is extra refined and is a light tan in color.
