MARKHAM, ON — Flakeboard, a North American manufacturer of particleboard and medium density fiberboard panels, on Jan. 31 announced the start-up of its second thermally-fused melamine press at its particleboard plant in Simsboro, LA.

The new 5x20 fast-cycle press is capable of running 180 cycles per hour in multi-length dimensions of four and five foot widths. The press is fitted with multiple hydraulic rams for optimal pressure equalization across each panel, has a fully-automated paper alignment feature and a Superscan grading system from GreCon.

The LPB (Louisiana Particleboard) Regional Laminating Center will be pressing both particleboard and MDF for cabinet, furniture and store fixture markets, as well as for the emerging use of melamine laminated panels used in closets, storage and home organization systems. The next planned melamine press installation is for Bennettsville, SC, in May, followed by Albany, OR, in 2009.