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laser plywood (laserply) and mdf glue types.
With different plywood glue types and classifications available for plywood depending on it's end use we put together this simple guide for all of our plywood.

Glue Classifications for Interior / Exterior

EN314-2 Durability of glue bond between the layers within the plywood.
  • Class 1 = Interior (dry) conditions.
  • Class 2 = Humid conditions. This can include protected exterior applications or damp internal applications.
  • Class 3 = Exterior conditions. This includes exposure to the weather over long periods or exposure to relative high humidity.

EN636 Classification

The EN636 classification takes into account the glue classification and other structural factors (such as bending strength) relating to the plywood to give it a more detailed grading. There are three grading’s which are shown in the table below PLACEHOLDERTABLE For a material to be rated as, for example, EN636-2 the material would need meet all the factors needed to meet the EN636-2 specification.

Interior and Exterior Glue and Laser Cutting

Interior glue is generally considered the preferred option for materials that are to be laser cut. This is because the exterior glue causes a more obvious ‘burnt’ look on and around the area that is cut.

Formaldehyde Emission

All products made from wood will emit some naturally occurring Formaldehyde. Some products such as MDF can have Formaldehyde added during the manufacturing process. There are two European Formaldehyde classes that define the level of Formaldehyde emission. These are E1 and E2. E1 refers to a level that is less than 0.1 ppm (parts per million) and for E2 boards it is between 0.1 ppm and 0.3 ppm. All of our plywood and MDF falls into the E1 (low emission) classification.

 

Useful Laser Plywood (laserply) Resources.
What Is Laser Plywood (laserply).
Plywood: The Production Process.
Plywood glue types and classifications.
Looking after your plywood.
How is Poplar Plywood Different to Birch Plywood?
A Guide to Plywood Grading.
A guide on using laser materials.

Kitronik's suggested additional learning

Plywood grades (laserply)

Plywood (laserply) is graded using a lettering system, this guide explains what quality of finish should be expected for each of the UK grades including photos. It also explains how two grades are used to give the same or different quality finishes on either side of a sheet of material.

6 comments

Mark Donnison

Mark Donnison

Hi Jack, All of our plywood and MDF falls into the E1 (low emission) classification so we cannot reliably state on the differences between the two. A google search of the following may throw up some useful information: Properties of E2 particleboard versus E1 particleboard

Jack Yang

Jack Yang

Hi I wanted to ask if the chipboards with melamine paper which uses E1 has more strength or E2

Mark Donnison

Mark Donnison

Hi Nick, our wood glue needs are quite standard and as such we haven't had to do much research into specialist adhesives. Google can probably steer you in the right direction.

Nick

Nick

Hi, I’m looking to buy a glue that will bond plywood to make square blocks and inturn create balls that need to withstand extreme shock!? But also not to toxic to use? Any ideas

Mark Donnison

Mark Donnison

Hi Christopher, you would have to refer to the manufacturer's documentation for that level of detail.

Christopher

Christopher

What is the glue actually made out of?

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