Pre-consolidated fines layer for improved engineered wood products
AssigneeLouisiana-Pacific Corp.
InventorsGareth Paul Merrick, Brian St. Germain
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An engineered wood based siding, cladding or panel with a pre-consolidated fines layer (PCF) applied to the top of the main strand matrix layers to minimize telegraphing and provide an improved surface appearance. The PCF is consolidated prior to application to the surface of the strand matrix or mat, and takes the place of a loose fines layer. The PCF prevents the loss of fines into the strand matrix, effectively keeping the fines at the surface so they can effectively and efficiently function to prevent or eliminate strand telegraphing, and provide a smooth finished surface for the product.
Claims15
An improved method of producing an engineered wood product, comprising the steps of:
- forming a multi-layer strand matrix on a production line, said strand matrix comprising a top surface;
- applying a pre-consolidated fines layer on the top surface of the strand matrix, said pre-consolidated fines layer comprising a plurality of fines consolidated on a paper layer prior to application of the pre-consolidated fines layer to the top surface of the strand matrix, and further comprising an upper surface with at least some of the plurality of fines opposite the strand matrix;
- and
- consolidating and bonding the strand matrix and pre-consolidated fines layer together using heat and/or pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.