Effects of pilot hole diameter on screw-driving torques in medium density fiberboard

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of pilot-hole diameter in medium density fiberboard (MDF) on the characterization of screw-driving torques. The factors investigated were the embedded screw orientation and pilot hole diameter. Based on the curves obtained from screw-driving process, the measurements of the seating torque (SET) and stripping torque (STT) were obtained. The results of statistical analysis indicated that the SET and STT values in MDF were significantly affected by the pilot hole diameter. In the case of driving screws into the side of MDF material, the mean SET ranged from 0.37 to 1.23 N·m and STT values ranged from 1.18 to 2.68 N·m whereas for the face specimens, the mean SET ranged from 0.57 to 1.56 N·m and STT values ranged from 2.89 to 5.41 N·m.