Important Information

Movement In Plywood
Due to the many variable factors associated with the moulding of plywood, it is not possible to produce a product, which will hold its dimensions exactly to the mould it was pressed in.
These variables include
• Moisture content in MDF (Medium density fibre board) or veneer,
• Grain density and texture
• Ambient temperature and humidity
• Glue viscosity
• The number of laminations, cooking and dwell times
• Whether the veneer was peeled from the outside of a log or closer to the heartwood
All of these variables and even the way the product is stacked has an influence over the integrity of the shape.
Where tolerances are critical, we strongly advise to contact us prior to ordering for an approximate estimation of movement. If the moulded plywood component is to be fitted in or over another item or structure, it is most important to obtain the moulded plywood fist and make any design modifications necessary. Movement is usually consistent through a batch run and therefore only one design modification should have to be made.

Plywood Facts
A common misconception is that moulded plywood is manufactured by taking flat plywood and pressing it into a shape, then steaming it, when in fact it is made up layer by layer in veneer or MDF. Every second layer in most cases is run through a double-sided gluing machine. Once the desired thickness including face veneers is achieved, the entire veneer mattress is placed into a male and female mould and pressed under a predetermined amount of pressure. Curing takes place by bombarding the electrons within the moisture molecules of the glue lines using radio waves at 13.75 MHz.
The more laminations in a moulded plywood product generally results in less movement.
Plywood half cylinders for example tend to close in slightly whereas MDF half cylinders will open out.

Adhesive
The glue used in the process of Radio Frequency curing of moulded plywood is Urea Formaldehyde. It has a HMR (Highly moisture resistant) rating and is not recommended for outdoor use.

Environment
Nearly 100% of all veneers used at Plywood Engineering come from Australian owned sustainable re-growth plantation timber.

N.B.
Plywood Engineering P/L does not make recommendations for strength and durability of plywood for customer’s applications. We strongly advise all customers to have the appropriate testing carried out by the Australian Furniture Research and Development Institute (Furntech) or similar body.