The deformation behaviour of flat wood-based panels is very limited. Complex moulded parts have so far been manufactured primarily from comparatively expensive veneer laminate materials. However, several
process steps are necessary in order to be able to produce 3D moulded parts from cost-effective wood-based materials such as high-density fibreboard. These steps were developed as part of several research projects
at the Chair of Wood Technology and Fibre Materials Technology at Dresden University of Technology.
Perforation patterns are applied to panel-shaped wood-based materials in order to increase their forming behaviour and obtain a semi-finished product that can be used to manufacture single-layer moulded parts in
batch size 1 using simple press technology. The article describes in detail the development of the process step of forming the partially perforated wood-based materials using a vacuum steaming process. Based on
the process requirements, the recently completed research project (Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe
e. V., funding code: 2220HV069A) succeeded in developing preferred parameters for the plastification, forming
and fixing of plate-shaped fibreboards into a single-layer, double-curved moulded part within a single device.
It was proven that vacuum presses with single-sided moulds are suitable for the process.