Wisewoods Commissions Second Dieffenbacher Z-Sifter for Thai Rubberwood MDF
Thai MDF producer Wisewoods installed a second Dieffenbacher Z-Sifter at its Khao Yoi plant, replacing two older units. The system processes rubberwood, improving product quality by removing latex residues and cutting energy consumption by 50%.
Wisewoods Upgrades MDF Line in Khao Yoi
Thai medium-density fiberboard (MDF) manufacturer Wisewoods has commissioned a second Dieffenbacher Z-Sifter with Dryer Discharge Conveyor (DDC) at its plant in Khao Yoi, Thailand. This new system replaces two conventional sifters on an existing production line.
The installation aims to enhance the quality of MDF produced from rubberwood, which forms the primary raw material for most of Wisewoods' products. Additionally, the upgrade seeks to lower energy consumption in the material processing stage.
This move follows the successful start-up of the company’s new Dieffenbacher Cebro MDF plant in August 2024, which also incorporates a Z-Sifter for rubberwood processing.
Targeting Latex Residues and Energy Savings
Rubberwood presents a specific challenge in MDF production due to latex residues, which have a density similar to wood fibers. Conventional sifters struggle to remove these residues, even while effectively handling glue lumps, metals, and larger fiber pieces.
Visarut Palarit, deputy director at Wisewoods, stated that the Dieffenbacher Z-Sifter, with its distinct zigzag profile, was developed specifically for rubberwood MDF production and effectively removes most latex stains from the finished product.
Beyond quality improvements, Wisewoods reports a 50% reduction in energy consumption in the sifting area by consolidating two older units into one Z-Sifter, without compromising production capacity.
Dieffenbacher Z-Sifter Adoption in Southeast Asia
Dieffenbacher's Z-Sifter system has established a strong presence in Southeast Asia, particularly in markets that rely on rubberwood as a raw material. Palarit noted its frequent installation among rubberwood-based manufacturers in the region, including Thailand.
Over the past decade, Dieffenbacher has supplied 15 Z-Sifters to customers across Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The company also confirmed that four additional Z-Sifters with DDC systems are scheduled for operation in Thailand by the close of 2026. These upcoming installations include two units at Panel Plus in Songkhla and two at Metro-Ply MDF in Surat Thani.
Implications for Asian MDF Procurement
For procurement directors and specifiers in Asia sourcing or producing MDF from rubberwood, Wisewoods' investment highlights a proven method for improving material quality and operational efficiency. The specific challenge of removing latex residues from rubberwood can be addressed by specialized sifting technology, as demonstrated by the Z-Sifter's performance at Wisewoods.
Teams considering new MDF lines or upgrades in Southeast Asia can examine the specifications and performance data of such systems. The planned installations at Panel Plus and Metro-Ply MDF by the end of 2026 further signal the regional adoption of this technology for rubberwood processing.
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