Optimization of medium density fiberboard (MDF) production parameters

In medium density fiberboard (MDF) production, production parameters vary according to the type of product. In order to adjust these parameters to appropriate values with each new product transition, it is necessary to make costly trial production and bear the cost of poor quality. In order to avoid the cost of trial production, a solution was searched with mathematical modeling. This study was carried out in Adana facility of a global MDF production company. Firstly, a critical product was selected for the company and one-year productions of that product were followed and the data subject to the study were kept. All production parameters determined by responsibles in MDF production are taken into consideration. Optimum values of all production parameters were found for expected quality output values. Production parameters which have an effect on screw holding and internal bond quality outputs were determined by statistical analysis. The single purpose functions are constructed to maximize internal bond and screw holding. Considering these objectives, optimum / effective production parameter values were obtained with multi-purpose non-prioritized goal programming.