Estudo do potencial tecnológico de madeiras amazônicas para o design de móveis

Abstract

Wood is a raw material used industrially for various purposes, among which is the manufacture of furniture. Despite the diversity of Amazonian forest species available with the potential to be used for the development of furniture projects, this variety is not yet properly explored, being one of the reasons for the lack of knowledge about its technological characteristics and its performance in the furniture production processes. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the technological potential and technical feasibility of Amazonian woods for use in furniture product design projects. To carry out the study, 3 tree species from forest management and 1 species derived from naturally fallen tree were selected, being identified respectively Pithecelobium racemosum Ducke (Angelim-Rajado), Diplotropis racemosa Amsh (Sucupira-Preta), Trattinnickia burserifolia Willd (Amescla) and Ochroma pyramidale (Pau-de-balsa). The quality and indication of the same for furniture production was evaluated by means of physical properties (basic density and dimensional stability) and workability by making furniture, analyzing the performance in the process and the surface finish, in addition to scoring the aesthetic aspects. The type of furniture defined was “coffee table”, with three projects being developed following the design methodology proposed by Bruno Munari, adapted to the needs of the research. According to the results obtained with respect to physical properties, they obtained a classification between low, medium and high density, also showing good dimensional stability. With the development of the products, it was observed that the high density woods can be used in components that demand greater resistance to friction in the handling, due to the surface hardness. Low and medium density wood, on the other hand, had less resistance to friction, acquiring small marks of sinking of the surface more easily. With regard to workability, the ease of execution of the processes was predominantly regular for those of high density, and easy for those of low and medium density. In general, all species obtained positive results in terms of the appearance of the surfaces after the processes, presenting specific defects with a low degree of impact on the parts. In addition, the species exhibited an attractive visual aspect with chromatic variations and decorative figures, important characteristics for the aesthetics of the furniture. Thus, through the analysis of the results obtained, it is concluded that the species are indicated for use in furniture product design projects, being important to take into account their specificities, helping in the selection and the best application of them in the projects.