The reacha was developed to bring more sustainability into the water sports industry. To this end, we have produced almost everything in Europe from the very beginning and relied on innovative materials. Our new loading platform stands for exactly that. That's why we want to introduce you to the CDF material used.
Compact Density Fibreboard (CDF) is a relatively new material on the market that can be used for a variety of applications in the construction and furniture industries. In this article we will look at what CDF is, what it can be used for, how it differs from other materials such as MDF, OSB or particleboard and how it can be used in the new Platform of the reacha bike trailer.
What is CDF material?
CDF is a material consisting of wood fibers and synthetic resin. Unlike other wood fiberboard, CDF is manufactured with high pressure and temperature. This gives it a high density and strength. The result is a very strong, durable material with excellent mechanical properties. CDF is outdoor-ready and can withstand both hot and cold temperatures. CDF can be manufactured in a variety of thicknesses and sizes and is usually brown or black. Due to its high density, CDF is heavier than other fiberboard and therefore requires special care during handling and processing.
When cutting CDF, suitable tools should be used to achieve precise results. It is also important to treat the cut edges of CDF with a suitable sealer to keep moisture and dirt out. We have our CDF plates for the reacha platform carefully milled out to save weight for you. However, the board remains robust and outdoor-ready thanks to Compact Density Fibreboard. When processing CDF, it is important that the material is sanded before painting, staining or glazing. This ensures that the surfaces of CDF are smooth and even. Care should also be taken when using screws or nails to avoid splintering the material.
CDF is a material that is heavier than other fiberboard due to its high density. Therefore, it is important that special care is taken when handling and processing CDF to avoid injury.
In summary, CDF is a material that requires special attention during handling and processing. However, by using suitable tools and carefully treating the cut edges and surfaces of CDF, high-quality and durable end products can be produced. Like for example our new reacha platform.
The reacha platform made of CDF.
What can CDF be used for?
Compact Density Fibreboard can be used for many things in the construction and furniture industry. Due to its high strength and density, it is particularly suitable for use in areas where stability and durability are important. For example, CDF can be used to make doors, window frames, furniture and flooring. CDF is also increasingly used in shipbuilding and the automotive industry. For furniture, CDF has become increasingly popular in recent months because it makes a wonderful substrate. The material also binds additional carbon and is particularly sustainable. In addition, its smooth surface means that it can be finished with surface treatments such as lacquering or glazing.
In addition, there are other areas in which CDF is used. One increasingly popular area of application is the sports and lifestyle sector. Due to its high strength and durability, CDF is ideal for the production of fitness equipment, outdoor furniture and equipment, as well as skateboards and snowboards.
In the field of fitness equipment, CDF is used for the production of exercise equipment such as weight benches or weight stations due to its high density and strength. CDF is also used in the manufacture of yoga blocks and Pilates rollers, as it is a resistant and durable material. We also use CDF in reacha for our platform and it's sidepanels.
CDF is particularly suitable for outdoor use due to its weather resistance and water resistance. It is increasingly used for the production of garden furniture, patio flooring and fencing.
Overall, CDF offers a wide range of possibilities for sports and lifestyle applications due to its high density and strength. Its weather resistance, water resistance and surface finishing options make it a durable and robust material suitable for use in many different areas.
Condensed Density Fibreboard possible applications.
How is CDF different from other materials?
CDF differs from other wood fiberboards such as MDF, OSB or particleboard in several aspects. Compared to MDF, CDF is denser and stronger, which makes it suitable for applications with higher loads. Unlike OSB and particleboard, CDF has a smooth, homogeneous surface and can be finished with a variety of surface treatments such as lacquer, glaze or veneer. In addition, CDF is more water repellent and resistant to moisture than particleboard.
Another important difference between CDF and MDF is the method of production. While CDF is produced under high pressure and temperature, MDF is produced under high pressure and moderate temperature. As a result, CDF has a higher density and strength than MDF.
There are also some differences in comparison with OSB. OSB is a board made of aligned wood chips glued with resin. In contrast, CDF is made of fine wood fibers and synthetic resin. OSB is a relatively inexpensive material and is ideal for use in the construction industry, especially for making roof and floor panels. CDF, on the other hand, is more suitable for applications with higher loads due to its higher density and strength.
Particleboard is another type of fiberboard made from wood chips and binders. Compared to CDF, particleboard has lower density and strength, which makes it less suitable for applications where stability and durability are important. In addition, particleboard is more susceptible to moisture and can swell and deform with prolonged contact with water.
Here it can be said that CDF has some advantages compared to other wood fiberboards such as MDF, OSB or particleboard. CDF has a higher density and strength than MDF and a smooth, homogeneous surface as well as a higher water resistance than particleboard. Compared to OSB, CDF is more suitable for higher load applications. Due to its unique properties, CDF is an interesting alternative to other wood fiberboards and offers many possible applications in various fields.
The reacha platform made of CDF
The sustainability of CDF
Yet Compact Density Fibreboard is gaining in popularity not only because of its material properties: the material is very climate-friendly and sustainable. Wood is pressed during the production of CDF. The cellulose fibers used in this process bind an enormous amount of CO2. Since CDF material contains a high proportion of cellulose fibers, it contributes to CO2 storage by trapping the bound CO2 in the material. This reduces the amount of free CO2 in the atmosphere, helping to reduce greenhouse gases.
Other benefits of CDF for the environment
Resource efficiency: CDF material is made from wood waste and recycled fibers, which helps to reduce the environmental impact of waste and optimize the use of natural resources.
Longevity: The high strength of CDF ensures a longer service life for the material, which means fewer resources are needed for repairs and replacements.
Energy efficiency: Due to its high density, CDF has good thermal and sound insulation properties, which helps to reduce energy consumption in buildings and lower CO2 emissions.
Our CDF is sustainably grown in Switzerland
How is CDF used in the reacha platform?
With the new platform of the reacha bike trailer, CDF is used as the material for the floor and side walls. Thanks to its high strength and density, CDF is able to carry heavy loads while remaining stable and safe. The smooth surface of CDF also makes it easier to clean and maintain the trailer. The use of CDF as a floor material further increases the durability and robustness of the reacha bike trailer.
We have put the material through its paces and are convinced of the outdoor capability of CDF. Pull your reacha with the new platform over hill and dale and see for yourself. You want to learn more about CDF in the reacha? Then take a look at this video!
Conclusion on the use of CDF
CDF is a new material that is suitable for a wide range of applications in the construction and furniture industries due to its high density and strength. Compared to other fiberboards such as MDF, OSB or particleboard, CDF has several advantages, such as its water resistance, smooth surface and the possibility of a wide range of surface treatments. Due to its versatility and durability, CDF is increasingly becoming a popular material in many different industries and applications.
All in all, CDF is a high-quality material that is ideally suited for stable, durable and sustainable projects. With its high strength, density and water resistance, it is increasingly becoming a popular material in many different industries and applications.
