Valchromat Pros and Cons

Valchromat Pros and Cons This is our report on our exploration of a manufactured board known as Valchromat. Valchromat is a unique and high quality wood fibre board that is coloured throughout. There is another product similar to it called Fibracolour but this does not match up to the many qualities of Valchromat which we will explore later. We have chosen this topic for several reasons. It is interesting and unheard of to many people while it also relates to two of our learning outcomes in that it is a versatile material that can be used in furniture construction and that it can be used as an architectural woodworking component. A brief description of Valchromat It comes in 8 colours and 7 different thicknesses. Valchromat is made from forest waste, residue from timber mills and recycled pine.http://www.valchromatsa.com/pics/product/10.jpghttp://www.valchromatsa.com/pics/product/1.jpghttp://www.valchromatsa.com/pics/product/8.jpghttp://www.valchromatsa.com/pics/product/6.jpghttp://www.valchromatsa.com/pics/product/4.jpghttp://www.valchromatsa.com/pics/product/16.jpghttp://www.valchromatsa.com/pics/product/12.jpg Its manufacturing process is extremely environmentally friendly. Its production site has zero carbon Emissions. It is manufactured using organic dyes and a specially formed binding resin that ensure exceptional physical and mechanical characteristics while keeping a natural appearance. It is also approved by the British Standards association for safe use in the manufacture of childrens toys.http://www.valchromatsa.com/pics/product/14.jpg It sounds like the perfect manufactured board but can it really be that good? Brief History Of Valchromat Valchromat was created in the research department of valbopan in Portugal as they wanted to improve and develop new and existing wood related products. There was a gap in the market that called for a product combining colour and the features that could already be found in manufactured boards. It was first introduced in Paris in 1998 at the Aprofal fair where it won the technological innovation prise and the display prise. It then hit the market in 1999 through distribution channels in France Switzerland and Belgium. Over the past 30 years MDF has never been completely accepted by specialists as an adequate product for different finishes and decorative processes. Valchromat has broken this taboo. Valchromat is apparently 30 % stronger and more stable than MDF board and can be completely moisture resistant with the right finish. It also increases the lifespan of tools due to a lubricant agent in its composition. But if Valchromat contains all these qualities, then surely most other manufactured boards will also? Manufacturing of Valchromat The wood pigments and glues are carefully selected. The wood is peeled from the bark and torn into small chips. Then the chips are run through a powerful magnet to remove 99% of metals. They are then washed to remove 80 90% of sand which according to the manufactures will reduce the wear and tear on tools. The chips are then sorted into similar sizes and steam cooked. This makes the chips soft and eaier to isolate the fibres. The organic pigments and glue are then added to the fibres. When this mixture has dried the valchromat is pressed in a large press forming large sized sheets. It is then cut to size and assessed in quality control. Properties of Valchromat The Advantages and Disadvantages Valchromat has many advantages above standard MDF. These include strength, wear and tear, machining, environmental and health aspects, variety and finish choices. Strength: During processing special resins are added to the wood fibres bonding them together causing Valchromat to be 30% stronger than ordinary MDF. Due to the strength of Valchromat it can be used in areas of construction requiring high strength material such as, counter tops, table tops, ceilings and walls. Standard MDF would be unsuitable in some cases of these areas of construction as bowing over a large span can be an issue. Wear and tear: Unlike standard MDF, Valchromat is soaked all the way through with organic colour die allowing scratches difficult to detect. Sanding and re-lacquering is all that is required to bring Valchromat panels back to their finished state. Machining: Contained in the special wood fibre bonding resin used in Valchromat is an organic base chemical called melamine. This chemical has lubricated properties which allow the blades of cutting tools to glide through the wood free from friction. It has been verified that blades of cutting tools used for cutting only Valchromat have a life span of four times longer than blades used for cutting standard MDF. Environmental and health aspects: Valchromat is an environmental friendly non-toxic substance made from recycled pine wood and mill waste. Valchromat panels are manufactured using waste wood such as branches and chips from softwood forests. In using waste wood Valchromat helps to sustain forests and minimize carbon emissions given off from felling machinery. Also the carcinogenic odorless chemical gas known as formaldehyde which is found in the wood fibre bonding resin used in standard MDF is absent in Valchromat where a special organic non- toxic wood fibre bonding resin is used allowing Valchomat safe to be used in the manufacture of kids toys. Valchromat also use the same colour dye used in fabric. This dye is organic and non-toxic. Finishing choices All finishes such as lacquer, wax, oil, fire retardant and glossy will give an immense finish when applied to Valchromat. Valchromat is set to take the place of MDF as the standard manufactured panel board used in furniture construction due to its superior strength, moisture resistance and adaptability. Valchromat can take just about any finish required unlike MDF and it surpasses most standard required for furniture construction. http://www.iscsupply.com/id172.html Standards ValchromatÂÂ ® is classified E1 (very low formaldehyde) and has been approved by the British Standards Association for the safe use in the manufacture of childrens toys. http://www.valchromatsa.com/product/index.html Valchromat holds many certificates aswell as their own extremely high standards SGS Certificate Factory production Control certificate Conformity Declaration Certificate Uses of Valchromat Valchromat is leading the field in manufactured boards. It is mostly used in high end furniture construction at the moment but is sure to work its way down to the small workshop because of its superiority to other manufactured boards. Valchromat is used by the leading designers and manufacturers in the furniture industry. Its adaptability means it is used for different furniture projects from table tops, kitchens, Bathrooms, shelving, wall cladding and other things. Valchromat has won numerous awards and has been on show in many prestiges exhibitions. Tent London will host a dramatic pop up cafe bar pavilion designed by award-winning London design studio, Vonsung. From 23-26 September 2010, visitors to Tent London will have the opportunity to experience Vonsungs striking pop-up cafe bar. Commissioned by Tent London the pavilion will provide a unique dining and bar space for the duration of the event. A fast build, the primary structure will be constructed from materials loaned from Vonsungs existing project sites. The cladding material, which will encase the floor and ceiling, is Bolon, a world leader in woven vinyl material. The walls will be ValchromatÂÂ ®, an innovative, award-winning engineered coloured wood, used by architects, designers and decorators. The whole structure will be illuminated by both skylight and dramatic indoor lighting, forming shadows and silhouettes, it will create a compelling feature within Tent Londons design event. http://tentlondon.blogspot.com/2010_08_01_archive.html Interlam is one of the leading manufacturers of carved wooden panels and one of its main materials is Valchromat alongside other materials. INTERLAMÂÂ ® was established in 1985 as an Italian High pressure laminate distributor.ÂÂ   Over the past 23 years we have grown to become a leading manufacturer of sculpted wall panels and expanded our line of architectural components.ÂÂ   INTERLAMÂÂ ® is a designer and manufacturer of high-end SCULPTED WALL PANELS,ÂÂ  CARVED WALL PANELS, DECORATIVE WALL PANELS, ORNAMENTAL WALL PANELS and components based in the United States and exporting to all corners of the globe. The cornerstone of our business is creating and supplying products to the AD community that add significant value to their individual projects. Water resistant, Ecological and Strong; just some of the words used to describe Valchromat from Interlam. Valchromat uses Special resins that are added to the wood fibre during processing which bonds the fibre together. This causes Valchromat to be 30% stronger than standard MDF. Add to that the fact that Valchromat can be used as. Walls, cabinets, seating, tables, ceilings, counters, and general millwork as well as counter tops, table tops, store fronts, and high moisture areas. http://www.interlam-design.com/Products.cfm The TazCorporation is a another major user of Valchromat in furniture manufacture for both local and international markets Valchromat was created to address the need to overcome the limitation of the existing wood fibre materials in the marketplace. For a few decades, MDF has never really been accepted by specialists as an adequate product for different finishes and decorative purposes. Valchromat has broken this convention by introducing a new aesthetic concept of its own while complying with the chemical and mechanical specifications of the MDF. In addition, Valchromat has been awarded for its significant technical innovation ever since its introduction in the Approfal Fair, Paris in 1998. The material has since undergone different industrial tests before its full-fledge distribution in Europe in 1999. Future Possibilities At the moment the future of Valchromat looks very healthy. With new designs available with every advancement in technology. It is already used in Kitchens, Bathrooms, and many other household rooms and offices and is making serious inroads in the childrens toys industry. Whatever route furniture construction takes in the next few years Valchromat is bound to be a part of it for a long time When it comes to choosing the best kind of fibreboard there are many options from LMF, MDF, HDF and now valchromat.http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSQ_K-zGBck77HtTSqEp_vF27qWscAnGc_PWYB80vx1wTD0RWrhRQ The most frequently used fibreboard from knowledge would be MDF (medium density fibre). Its method of manufacture is simple, softwood wood fibres glued under heat and pressure. It has a lot of advantages over solid wood as very little shrinkage and expansion occurs. It is available in large sheets 84 and 95, its Dense, flat, stiff, free of knots, grain not distinguished and very easily machined such as cutting, drilling, filed etc. It can be finished with a variety of solutions such as water based paints, oils, varnishes, lacquers or it can even be laminated. Paint Oil Varnish Lacquer Laminate Along with the advantages of MDF there are also disadvantages, because MDF contains a large amount of glue, this cause blunting to tooling very quickly. Probably the main disadvantage would be the health risks caused by the dust produced from MDF, this is because the fibres are bonded together with formaldehyde resins. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical and is continuously being released from MDF unless sealed, which can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, throat and mucous membrane. It can also cause irritation to the skin and is cancerous. A new product on the market now is valchromat. It is based on the same principles as MDF but in many ways it is much better. Valchromat unlike MDF is moisture resistant and is recommended to be used in areas with high moisture and humidity, where as MDF will tend to swell and expand when in contact with moisture. The wood fibres come from forest waste and there is no formaldehyde added to the product which makes this product non-toxic and more environmentally friendly unlike its rival MDF. Valchromat is available in a variety of colours due to organic dyes being infused into the wood fibres, these dyes penetrate the wood fibres so that the colours are uniform throughout the board. The dye is also resistant to fading when exposed to UV rays from artificial light. These dyes are non toxic, and they are similar to dyes used in fabrics. Special resins are used to bond the fibres together which along with the organic dyes, make valchromat 30% stronger than standard MDF. Because valchromat comes in coloured panels it is ready for production without the need to be painted, finishes maybe added to deepen the colour of the panel such as lacquer, varnish etc. HDF (high density fibreboard) is another form of fibreboard and in many ways it is much better than MDF. It is manufactured using similar principles as MDF, wood fibres glued together under heat and pressure except, HDF is made from exploded wood fibres and is put under much more pressure than MDF produce a higher quality board. Is HDF a better solution than valchromat? In terms of strength and density . . . . . . . . . . . .Yes, as HDF is 75% denser than MDF (depending on manufacturer), where as valchromat is only 30% denser than MDF. In terms of resistance to moisture and environmental impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No, HDF incorporates the same moisture problems and dangers as MDF, moisture causes the panel to swell and expand, and danger through formaldehyde which can cause health problem such as cancer. Conclusion From doing this report we have definitely met the two learning outcomes stated in the introduction. Valchromat is without a doubt a versatile woodworking material and can be used for many architectural components. We also feel that valchromat , even though it is so versatile, it still would not be our choice for certain jobs like making jigs and other practical items. We have already decided to use it ourselves in some project at some stage in our woodworking careers.

The Physics of the Sound Wave and its Effects on the Human Ear Essay

The Physics of the Sound Wave and its Effects on the Human Ear Could you imagine living in a world without sound? It would be enormously different from the world that we know. Our primary form of inter-human communication would be based on visual or tactile imagery. Our sense of perception would be changed. Telecommunication would be different. We would not have the pleasure of music or the soothing sounds of nature. Sound has had an immense impact on our world. This essay will explore the unseen world of sound waves and how humans perceive them. Generally, people hear sound waves traveling through air. These waves cannot be seen, but are heard or felt via vibration. Sound waves originate from vibrating objects and travel in longitudinal waves through mediums (such as a solid, a liquid, or a gaseous material). These types of waves are defined by the textbook as: â€Å"†¦wave[s] in which the vibrations of the medium are parallel to the direction the wave is moving.1† Figure 8.52 shows an excellent example of a tuning fork producing longitudinal waves, which are perceived as sound. It is apparent that as the prongs are struck, they move outward. As they move outward, the neighboring air molecules are compressed together creating what is called compression. The tuning fork prongs reverse the pressure as they move inward and cause a rarefaction (the opposite of a compression) in the neighboring air molecules. The process is repeated until the tuning fork returns to its resting state. As previously stated, sound waves can travel through various mediums. The universal formula to obtain the speed of a sound wave is:Speed=distance/time. â€Å"The faster which a sound wave travels, the more distance it will cover in the same period of tim... ...le that has an intensity of 10-3 W/m2 can be determined2: db = 10 log 10 ( 10-3/10-12 ) = 90-dB. Decibel levels from 0-80 dB are safe to the human ear. Prolonged exposure to sounds higher than that can result in hearing damage. With the factors of frequency and amplitude brought into relation of hearing, it is apparent that nothing would be understood without the concepts that can be referred to from physics. Physics enables the analysis of the human’s ability to understand sound waves. References: 1-Kirkpatrick, L.D. (2001). Physics A World View. (4 ed.) Philadelphia: Harcourt 2-Russell, K. (1997). Sound Waves. Retrieved: 4-30-03 From: www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/linguistics/ressell/138/sec4/actoust/htm 3-Henderson, T. (1998). Sound Waves and the Eardrum. Retrieved: 4-30-03 From: Http://www.glenbrook.k12/gbssci/phys/mmedia/waves/edl.html 4

AOS: Belonging Essay

Experience †¢Our life experiences teach us that when you stop trying to belong you realize that you have always belonged. †¢We search for a place to belong, not realizing that it is our perceptions and attitudes and not the place that allow us to belong. Notions of identity (Ideas) When your cultural identity is marginalized you can feel displaced and dislocated, and believe that you don’t belong to your culture or the dominant culture. †¢Our search for who we are is fueled by a need to find a place in the world where we belong. Relationships †¢The need to belong to a group of community shapes our behavior, attitudes and actions. †¢An individual has the potential to damage relationships and ensure that others do not belong. †¢When humanity experiences a strong (spiritual) connection to a place the notion of belonging is strength – ENED and ENRICHED. †¢When our relationship with a place is shaped by a narrow and biased view of the world, our notion of belonging can be questionable. Acceptance †¢The basic human need to be accepted and belong can cloud our judgments and direct our actions. Understanding †¢When we begin to understand the forces that drive us to belong we develop empathy for others and personal insight. Essay Introduction Belonging is about connections made with people, places, groups, communities and the larger world. A sense of belong is a fundamental need. As Kofi Annan says, â€Å" We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race†. The oxford dictionary defines the word belong as be a member, fit in a specified environment, not be out of place.’ The need to ‘fit in’, to belong with others is common to all humanity, crossing all geographical and cultural boundaries. The need to ‘fit in’ to belong with others is common to all humanity crossing all geographical and cultural boundaries. Perceptions of belonging are shaped within personal, cultural, historical and social contexts. ‘The Fringe Dwellers’ directed by Bruce Beresford deals with an indigenous Australian family whose struggles for acceptance and identities are portrayed through its main characters. Bruce Beresford has used film techniques†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ to show the different aspects of belonging. These characters are depicted as people striving to attain an identity, but the barriers to their acceptance are quite strong. The different aspects of belonging/ not belonging presented in the text are place/land, Topic sentence – about place and land and sense of belonging, Land/Place/Home is an important part, the members of Comeaway family belong to each other and stick together in their extended family in WA. They live in a dilapidated house on the out skit of town. Mrs comeaway is the centre or the family. Trilby has great ambition and plans and wants to move into the council house. The thinks that if she moves into the new house she will be able to like any other white person. The family feels a sesnse of belonging to that place after they moved out to their new home. Trilby says, it’s all new’’. ’A kitchen, an electric stove and running water!† She feels a sense of belonging to that place and does not want her relatives to stay there. The close connection to a place is significant to every individual. Having a home, feeing secure and comfortable is vital. Tribly feels out of place due to her great ambitions and goes away in the end searching for a place of her dreams – to the city to get her great white Australian dream materialized. Some of the shots are extreme long shots and some long shots which show the background. The body language of main characters tells a lot more than words. Trilby and Noonah are a searching for a place to belong Skippy’s return to his tribal birth place indicates that he wants to belong where her belonged. The second aspect of belonging is ‘notions of identity/acceptance. An individual’s sense of identity reflects his/her belief or aspirations about where they belong and feel accepted. When our cultural identity is marginalized we feel displaced and we believe that we do not belong to our culture or group. Our search for who we are is fuelled by a need to find a place where we belong. The sharing of common values creates a bond that allows individuals to feel they won’t be misunderstood or rejected. Often the process off searching and finding one’s identity is a difficult process and can change overtime. In Fringe Dwellers, Noonah, Moolies, Bertie, Joe, are all aware of their identity they never question it except for Tribly – Comeaway school girl. Trilby is full of grand hopes and dreams and questions her identity through body language. There is a difference between knowing your sense of identity and searching for your identity. Trilby constantly encourages her family to be independent and live just like the whites. The director showing the close up shot of Trilby’s face in front of the mirror indicate Trilby’s insecurity about her identity. Again the point of view shot of Tribly looking intently at the window (with the scenes of the city) shows. Her dreams and aspirations. This was the route she looks. Forwards to walk on as it is a pathway to get accepted by the wilder community.

Social And Developmental Perspectives Of Psychology

Phinney Ong’s (2007) article discusses both the social and developmental perspectives of psychology in relation to the various components and measurements that are commonly used to identify ethnic identity within groups. To aid in their discussion, the researchers start by analyzing the available studies whose research effectually laid the groundwork for the development of both theoretical models and applicable assessments concerning individual and group ethnic identification, such as the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) and the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure – Revised (MEIM-R). The purpose of this research was for the researchers to be able to draw their own conclusions regarding modern theories of ethnic identity so that†¦show more content†¦277). However, Phinney Ong (2007) takes the concept of social identity one step further by suggesting that a person’s ethnic identity is also a form of social identity that develops alongside the fo rmation of both the ingroup and outgroup mentality. Therefore, individuals who feel strongly connected to their ethnic group are more likely to identify with and/or behave according to the social norms and expectations of that group. For example, in studying the differences between the multicultural theory and the social identity theory, researchers Negy, Shreve, Jensen, Uden (2003) discovered a strong correlation between individual levels of ethnic identity and levels of ethnocentrism in both European Americans and Latino/a Americans. However, there was little to no correlation found among those who identify themselves as African American. Nevertheless, Phinney Ong (2007) conclude that ethnic identity is multifaceted and research designs and methods should reflect the multidimensional nature of ethnic identity accordingly. In addition to evaluating ethnic identity from a variety of psychological or behavioral perspectives, the article also discusses a number theoretical models for defining ethnic identity. As Phinney Ong (2007) state, â€Å"a clear theoretical model, therefore, is a necessary foundation for allShow MoreRelatedPsychology and Points Essay599 Words   |  3 Pagesyou choose, write which perspective or branch from psychology (humanistic, positive, biopsychology, cognitive-behavioral, developmental, or social psychology) is most related. Then write a one-sentence statement that describes this perspective. They have a medical condition. Biopsychology It shows how the brain effects the way a person acts. 2. 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