Lasers to produce a wood grain in MDF

Researchers at WMG at the University of Warwick have devised a way of using a laser that transforms MDF giving it a surface finish that looks like some of the most expensive wood grains.

The "LaserCoat" research project is a collaborative research effort consisting of eight academic, research and commercial organisations and part-financed by the Technology Strategy Board.

WMG researcher Dr Ken Young said: "MDF is a superb and highly versatile material. It's easy to work with and cheap. It is usually made from waste material so it is much kinder to the environment than using real wood. But normally it looks rather dull in its raw state. Until now there has been no way to liven it up other than painting it.

"Using lasers to produce a wood grain in MDF could help bring a more natural quality into homes and businesses without the financial and environmental cost of having to use new wood."

Source: www2.warwick.ac.ukAdded: 24 June 2008