Neatform is a high quality bendable sheet material. It is a processed sheet of MDF, which is widely recommended by architects and designers and used by woodworkers where top quality curved shapes of surfaced are required.
Neatform has a smooth pre-sanded (120grit) surface, which makes it ideal for painting, veneering or laminating. Combine this with the consistency and dimensional stability of the high quality MDF used to make Neatform, it has become the preferred bendable material for many applications including, columns, counter fronts, wavy walls, ceilings, stage and film sets and commercial cabinet making.
Neatform can be attached directly to a framework or used to surface another material such as bending plywood. Alternatively, using the double skin technique, two sheets of Neatform can be glued together to create freestanding double sided curves, which enable greater design flexibility. Neatform can be used to fabricate lightweight components. Also, it can be used in conjunction with bending plywood to create components where structure, impact resistance and screw holding ability is important.
The possibilities are endless.................
Neatform Bendy MDF Benefits
Some great new fabrication techniques are possible with Neatform.............
Neatform is used by architectural joiners / millworkers, store fixture and exhibit manufacturers, plus a wide variety of custom cabinet shops and contractors because it is better than bending plywood for smooth custom curves.
Neatform has a hard smooth MDF paint-grade surface pre-sanded to 120 grit. It is consistent in thickness (±0.15mm / ±0.006") and bends evenly, so it forms itself precisely around custom curves without bumps or hollows.
Some great new fabrication techniques are possible with Neatform - the 'double skin technique' is a particular gem, because fabricators can easily create frameless free-form curves.
Neatform Bendy MDF is now used throughout North America following 10 years of unrivaled success in Europe.
The material of Neatform
A uniquely flexible bending substrate.
• Neatform is mainly made from it's own distinct blend of Lodgepole Pine and Sitka Spruce wood fibers.
Ready to paint and stain.
• Neatform has a hard surface, which is pre-sanded to a superb 120 grit paint-grade finish.
Excellent seam hiding qualities.
• Neatform has a thickness tolerance of ±0.15mm / ±0.006".
Panels can be laid-up flat with veneers or laminate before bending.
• Neatform has a smooth MDF surface, which retains its integrity throughout its bending range.
Durable and great for finishing.
• Neatform is manufactured from regular 750Kg/m3 / 47lb/ft3 density MDF.
A full range of custom curves can easily be fabricated.
• Using Neatform it is possible to create bending radii as small as 150mm / 6".
Repeatability is great and results are predictable.
• Neatform is a precisely engineered product.
Follows the intended curve without bumps or hollows.
• Neatform panels are naturally flat before bending.
Neatform Bendy MDF Characteristics • Bending Characteristics
• Checking
• Consistency
• Dimensional Stability
• Exclusions | • Flatness
• Foils
• Free-standing Structures
• Laid-up Panels (Laminate)
• Laid-up Panels (Veneer) | • Odour
• Paint Grade
• Spring-back
• Surface Quality
• Thickness Tolerance |
Neatform Bendy MDF Compared
| Characteristics | Neatform Bendy MDF | Bending Plywood/
Wiggle Wood |
| Free-standing Structures | Yes - Bond 2 pieces of Neatform face to face with regular wood glue. Once dry the curved form maintains its shape, which means that a fantastic range of designs are possible.
| No - Invariably bending plywood has to be fixed to a framework, so there are no real design possibilities. |
| Bending Characteristics | Consistent - down to
150mm / 6" bend radius with 6mm / 1/4" nominal Neatform. Smaller radii are possible, but are application dependant.
| Varies between each piece, make a batch of bending plywood and small bend radii are not normally possible.
|
| Surface Quality | High quality - smooth MDF surface (pre-sanded 120 grit) maintains integrity throughout the bending range. | Surfaces are grainy and generally rough (except more expensive sanded versions). Grain opens when bending occurs. Checking can result.
|
| Thickness Tolerance | Very good - Thickness tolerance of ±0.15mm / ±0.006" | Poor - both within and between boards, so problems can occur in some applications requiring consistency and accuracy, such as facing panels fitted into rebates.
|
| Flatness | Lays very flat - therefore requires minimal framing | Frequently uneven - so custom curves require framing with frequent ribs, so Bending plywood can be nailed down in an effort to achieve smooth curve. |
| Consistency | Neatform give very consistent results | Results are extremely variable and sometime unpredictable.
|
| Dimensional Stability | Very good - Only minor variations across a range of environmental conditions. | Very susceptible to even minor changes in environmental conditions, which can cause significant and costly problems after installation.
|
| Spring-back | Minimal | Can be significant , so templates and moulds shapes need to be adjusted to take spring-back into account.
|
| Exclusions | None - due to the homogeneous high quality MDF used to make Neatform. | Exclusions, splits and shakes can cause problems and variable bending qualities, which invariably require filling and sanding.
|
| Checking | Rarely a problem - since the smooth MDF surface is very stable. | Can be a serious problem, particularly in variable environmental conditions.
|
| Paint Grade | Yes - the smooth MDF surface, pre-sanded to a 120 grit finish, is ideal for painting. | Not possible without filling, sanding or pre-surfacing. Results are generally unacceptable, which is why most cabinet shops avoid painting.
|
| Laid-up Panels (Veneer) | Yes - can be laid-up before bending because the MDF surface is stable, hence the veneer's integrity is maintained. Regular wood glues with a rigid glue line can be used. | The grain opens up on bending which will frequently spit the veneer. The panel is frequently locked rigid due to glue penetration, so will often net bend satisfactorily anyway. Thin veneers will generally 'telegraph' the rough surface.
|
| Laid-up Panels (Laminate) | Yes - can be laminated with confidence either before in flat sheets, or after fabrication. Bending ability depends on type of laminate.
| Can be laminated, but only after fabrication. |
| Foils | Yes - thin foils can be used with confidence, because of the smooth MDF surface. | Unlikely to achieve usable result due to telegraphing the grain or rough surface.
|
| Odour | No problem - very low odour | Can be problematic - some panels have high odour, particularly when produced from sinkers or some species of timber.
|
Veneered Neatform Neatform is the perfect way to create curved wooden surfaces. 
Pre veneered boards are machined with standard Neatform grooving or intermittent grooving if flat and curved surfaces are to be combined.
A full range of veneers is available in sizes as specified for particular applications. To follow are the standard species held available in size 2420 x 1210 x 6mm with grooving available in long or cross cut.
The new range has found ready acceptance for the production of reception desks, bar fronts and other curves surfaces.
Standard Range:
Superior European Veneer Production on Medite MDF which conforms to EN622-1: Class A low formaldehyde type.
Current crown cut species held in stock are:
White Oak
Cherry
Ash White
Beech
Maple
Available in packs of 10 in size 2420 x 1210 x 6mm
The Neatform grooving can be wither long or cross cut (NB. cross cut boards also have long grain veneer).
Neatform Product Specification
• Bending Capabilities
• Cold Conditions
• Handling | • Health & Safety
• Physical Properties
• Product Characteristics | • Storage
• Temperature Conditioning
• Water & Fire Resistance |
PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
Neatform is produced in two versions - 2440 x 1220mm long cut sheets and 1220 x 2440mm cross cut sheets. In both versions the sheet is grooved in one direction so that for example, either a tall column or wide counter-front can be produced. There are un-grooved border edges, approximately 25mm / 1" wide on the two edges running parallel with the grooves. This un-grooved edge protects and makes the product more stable when being handled.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
The standard specification physical properties of the MDF used to manufacture Neatform are:
- Moisture content 5-6%
- Density 750Kg/m3 / 47lb/ft3
- Thickness Tolerance ±0.15mm / ±0.006"
BENDING CAPABILITIES
The typical minimum bending radius obtainable using 6mm Neatform is 150mm / 6". If a tighter radius is required it is best to test before proceeding, because although Neatform will bend with ease, the grooves may 'telegraph', particularly if excessive pressure is applied to the bend or the material has been badly handled or stored. Bending capabilities of Neatform vary with the moisture content and temperature of the MDF and, because it is manufactured from natural raw materials, it may vary slightly from one batch to another. Long sections are trickier to fabricate and may require a fixture or second pair of hands to form and secure. As with many products being used for the first time, it is worthwhile planning out a programme of work and testing critical areas before proceeding with your main project.
WATER & FIRE RESISTANCE
Neatform is not made from fire resistant MDF nor is it recommended for wet applications.
COLD CONDITIONS
The bending characteristics of Neatform and other materials such as laminate vary with temperature. Care must be taken, especially in cool conditions, that the materials do not become too brittle to work with.
TEMPERATURE CONDITIONING
Neatform should be acclimatised the same as the surface material, adhesives, paints or lacquers to be used.
HANDLING
Care should be taken when handling Neatform Bendy MDF. The size, weight and flexibility of a full sheet will generally require two people to ensure that the material is not over flexed or broken.
STORAGE
Neatform should be stored flat in such a way that both surfaces are protected. Store in dry area and avoid direct contact with the floor.
Neatform Panel Sizes | Panel Size | Thickness | Wt./Sheet | Wt./Sq.M |
| 1220 x 2440mm Cross Cut | 6mm | 10.6 kg | 3.56 kg |
| 2440 x 1220mm Long Cut | 6mm | 10.6 kg | 3.56 kg |
| | | |
| 1220 x 2440mm Cross Cut | 9mm | 15.2 kg | 4.27 kg |
| 2440 x 1220mm Long Cut | 9mm | 15.2 kg | 4.27 kg |
NOTE: All panel sizes may vary a little bit, but are within normal operating tolerances for forest product materials.
Neatform - Frequently Asked Questions | Q: | What is the biggest saving? |
| A: | Fabricating time is the biggest saving because of Neatform's consistent thickness and regularity. |
| |
| Q: | What are the other benefits of using Neatform? |
| A: | The Ultra smooth surface and consistent 'bendability' of Neatform makes it very fast and easy to work with. |
|
|
| Q: | Does Neatform offer new design opportunities? |
| A: | Yes - a complete range of new fabrication techniques will help fabricators satisfy designers' expectations in a practical way. |
|
|
| Q: | Can I create a curved surface that retains its shape? |
| A: | Yes - This is one of the fantastic design and fabrication opportunities offered by Neatform. |
|
|
| Q: | Is Neatform easy to work with? |
| A: | Yes - either attach to a framework, glue two pieces together using the double skin technique or combine with other materials such as bending plywood - to provide the Neatform surface, ready to finish. |
|
|
| Q: | Can Neatform be surfaced |
| A: | Yes - Neatform can be surfaced before or after fabrication. |
|
|
| Q: | What is the minimum bend radius? |
| A: | Typically 150mm / 6" using 6mm / 1/4" nominal Neatform, although it is very supple and will bend to a tighter curve. We suggest you read the section on Bending Capabilities and test a small section before proceeding with your main project. |
|
|
| Q: | What is the advantage over bending plywood? |
| A: | Surface quality, dimensional accuracy and stability, easy finishing and low odour. |
|
|
| Q: | Can Neatform be painted? |
| A: | Yes - the smooth MDF surface is ideal for painting. |
|
|
| Q: | Can Neatform be combined with other materials? |
| A: | Yes - Neatform can be combined with a variety of other bendable materials including bending plywood, veneer and laminate. |
Neatform Literature To download brochure, please click on link below