Browsing by Author "Smith, Robert A."
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- An analysis of hardwood lumber and other wood-based materials use in the wood furniture industryForbes, Craig L. (Virginia Tech, 1992-06-05)U.S. manufacturers of wood household, wood office and upholstered furniture were surveyed to (1) assess wood material use for 1990 and estimate use for 1991, and 1992, and (2) to examine consumer perceptions of certain hardwood lumber and supplier attributes in order to ascertain which are most influential in consumer purchase decisions. This study also provided information about the respondents, RTA and unfinished furniture, and green lumber purchases. Total 1990 hardwood lumber used in wood furniture was estimated at over 2.4 billion board feet. Use was expected to increase 13% from 1990 to 1992. Softwood lumber used in wood furniture in 1990 was estimated at over 839 million board feet. A 6% increase in softwood lumber use was expected from 1990 to 1992. Red oak was the most commonly used hardwood species and southern pine was the most used softwood. Furniture manufacturers indicated a decrease in particleboard and MDF use, and an increase in hardboard and OSB/softwood plywood use from 1990 to 1992. Product consistency was the attribute which most influenced the purchase of hardwood lumber, followed by accurate grading, supplier's knowledge of lumber, correct orders, and shipping on time. The least influential attributes were square end trimming, square edges, protective wrapping, end coating and supplier's ability to surface. Just over 20% of the respondents manufactured Ready-to-Assemble furniture and just over 15% manufactured unfinished furniture. Overall, 26% of respondents purchased green hardwood lumber, most being larger firms. Most firms' purchases of green lumber either have not changed, or have increased, over the last 5 years.
- Economic Feasibility of Implementing a Resin Distribution Measurement System for MDF FiberScott, Keith Alan (Virginia Tech, 2001-04-11)There have been successful techniques developed to measure resin distribution of phenol-formaldehyde adhesive on several types of wood surfaces. However, a technique that quantitatively measures UF resin on wood surfaces has been a problem because UF resin is colorless on wood fiber. The first objective of this study was to develop a technique to quantitatively measure surface area coverage and statistical distribution of urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin on medium density fiberboard (MDF) fiber. Two techniques were evaluated to quantitatively measure UF resin. One technique treated the resinated fiber with a reactive stain, such that the resin and wood could be distinguished and separated using digital image analysis. An epi-fluorescence microscope, color video camera, A/D image capture board, and image analysis software were used to measure the percent of resin coverage on the wood surface. The measured resin coverage of the treated fibers did not correlate with the target resin loading level. The other technique added ultraviolet dye to the resin and measured the distribution of resin with an image analysis system. The results of a mill trial confirmed the accuracy of the technique. This system has potential to be incorporated into a mill setting, which will provide MDF mills with a method of determining how resin is being distributed on their fiber. The second objective of this study was to identify factors that would influence the technique's acceptance among MDF mills. A questionnaire was developed, pretested, and sent to every MDF mill in the United States. The method of adding UV dye into the resin was favorable to most mills and could be tested either on-site or by a third-party company. This allows MDF mills to determine potential problems with their blending process. This method saves time and money since it is a proactive measure rather than a reactive measure. It should also lead to a more uniform and consistent product, which is the goal of every MDF mill.