In this article, we will compare the different kinds of construction grade of plywood and understand better the characteristics of the plywood and their applications.
WBP (Water Boil Proof) Plywood
The WBP plywood is whereby the veneer layers are glued using WBP adhesive. The WBP plywood offers a higher quality surface finish, and is also less susceptible to shrinkage and expansion compared to the regular hardwood plywood. WBP plywood should be able to pass the hot water boiling test without delamination and also undergo wet and dry conditions repeatedly without delamination. In actuality, WBP is more of a rating of glue used in the manufacture of the plywood than it is in the wood itself.
In Singapore context, WBP plywood veneer layers are usually of tropical hardwood. The WBP plywood offers a higher quality surface finish, and is also less susceptible to shrinkage and expansion compared to the regular hardwood plywood.
Applications: Outdoor applications such as temporary shelters and covers, general construction works, container flooring etc
Marine Plywood (Complies to British Standard BS1088)
The marine plywood is made using thick and high-grade veneer and the core veneer must be voids free to be classified as marine plywood. Marine plywood is bonded using Type A top grade phenolic bond, making it structurally stronger than the other variants of plywood. The plywood must be able to pass the stringent water boil proof (WBP) test.
As such, marine plywood, is also WBP plywood but is of the best grade of WBP plywood. The marine plywood is considered one of the best variants of plywood in terms of surface finishing, ply count and durability. Costing for marine plywood is high.
Applications: Boat and ship decking building, premium furniture, vehicle body, suitable for extreme outdoor conditions.
Film Faced Plywood
Film faced plywood is exterior plywood used for concrete shuttering and formwork. The plywood is made with quality grade veneers with WBP bond which can withstand the water boil proof test. Both sides of the panel are coated with a smooth laminated film.
The main purpose of having a laminated film is for a better smoother concreate finishing (F3 finishing) and an easier striking after casting.
Film Faced Plywood is also known as phenolic board, tego film plywood, phenolic film faced plywood, formwork plywood. Film is usually black or brown in colour. Good quality film faced plywood can be recycled in formwork applications, the number of times it can be recycled depends on the quality of the film and veneer. Good quality film faced plywood can be reused up to 10 times if applied a layer of form oil before casting. By doing this, it can pro long the lift span of film face plywood.
Applications: Cast in-situ of column, slab, beams, staircase wall, lift-core walls, decking of loading platforms, transport equipment containers.
Falcata Plywood
The Falcata plywood is a lightweight plywood which is ideal for use in applications where weight-reduction is crucial. It is made using wood from the Albasia tree in Indonesia, the Falcata plywood is generally 35% lighter than standard hardwood plywood, which is why it can deliver significant weight savings in lightweight joinery applications in an interior outfit. The Falcata plywood also comes with a lighter appearance as compared to standard hardwood plywood. It has a clean face with very few knots or imperfections.
Applications: Furniture, crates manufacturing, interior joinery applications
Protection Plywood (MR Plywood)
It is also known MR (Moisture Resistance) plywood or structural plywood. Knots are allowed on both surfaces of the plywood. Face is usually of C/D or D/D grade. As the plywood surface does not have a good appearance finishing, the plywood is usually use for temporary protection, site storage or coverage purpose whereby the looks do not matter.
Applications: Protection of flooring or walls, temporary roofing, indoor packaging, temporary site platforms, site shelfing etc.
Hardwood Plywood (BB/CC Plywood)
The hardwood plywood is a manufactured wood panel made from gluing layers of wood veneers, with every layer of wood veneer placed in right angles to the preceding and following layers. The veneer layers are of tropical hardwood giving the plywood heavy duty characteristics.
The surface is of good appearance, top side BB grade and thus can be use for racking or heavy-duty furniture applications.
Applications: Heavy duty furniture, racking, industrial wooden casing.
Birch Plywood
Birch plywood uses birch veneers that are evenly sandwiched together, usually at right angles to the layer above or below, also known a ‘cross bonded’. This results in a product with a void-free core which gives it greater strength and more resistance to shrinkage. Its void free core also means that screws bite and hold with 100% of their threads leading to better screw holding, this makes it a great choice for long-term use. Birch plywood has an elegance to it, thanks to its smooth, pale finish which leaves a beautiful sheen on any product made from it.
Applications: Quality furniture, structural and industrial applications, pattern making.
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