A Versatile Solution for Construction Needs

2023-04-21

Film Faced Plywood: A Versatile Solution for Construction Needs

Film faced plywood, also known as shuttering plywood or concrete formwork plywood, is a type of plywood that is specifically designed for use in construction projects. It has gained popularity due to its durability, versatility, and ease of use in various construction applications. In this article, we will explore the different types of film faced plywood, their features, and common applications in the construction industry.

Shuttering plywood, also referred to as film faced plywood or concrete formwork plywood, is a high-quality plywood that is widely used in construction projects for creating formwork or molds for pouring concrete. It is made from layers of wood veneers that are bonded together with a strong adhesive and overlaid with a phenolic or melamine film on both sides. This film acts as a protective barrier that provides resistance to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion, making film faced plywood ideal for use in construction sites where it may be exposed to harsh weather conditions, water, and chemicals.

One of the main types of film faced plywood is marine plywood. Marine plywood is made with high-quality veneers and is designed to be resistant to moisture, decay, and insect infestation, making it suitable for use in marine applications such as boat building, docks, and decks. Marine plywood is typically made with a special type of adhesive that is formulated to withstand the rigors of marine environments and is often certified by recognized marine classification societies for its performance and durability.

Phenolic plywood is another type of film faced plywood that is known for its excellent mechanical properties and resistance to moisture and chemicals. It is made with phenol formaldehyde resin, which is a type of synthetic resin that provides superior strength and durability compared to other types of adhesives. Phenolic plywood is commonly used in heavy-duty construction applications, such as high-rise buildings, bridges, and commercial structures, where high load-bearing capacity and resistance to wear and tear are essential.

Hardwood plywood is a type of film faced plywood that is made from hardwood veneers, which are known for their strength, durability, and natural resistance to decay and insect infestation. Hardwood plywood is commonly used in construction projects where high strength and stability are required, such as in concrete formwork for columns, beams, and walls. It is also used in other applications where aesthetics and natural beauty are important, such as in interior design and furniture making.

Construction plywood is a general term that encompasses various types of film faced plywood that are used in construction applications. It is typically made with a combination of hardwood and softwood veneers, depending on the desired strength and durability requirements. Construction plywood is widely used in a variety of construction projects, such as residential and commercial buildings, highways, bridges, and infrastructure development.

Black film plywood and brown film plywood are two common types of film faced plywood that are differentiated by the color of the phenolic film overlay. Black film plywood has a black film on both sides, while brown film plywood has a brown film overlay. Both types of film faced plywood offer similar performance characteristics, such as resistance to moisture, chemicals, and abrasion, and are commonly used in construction projects where aesthetics or color-coding is important for identification or design purposes.

One of the key features of film faced plywood, regardless of the type, is its waterproofing capability. The phenolic or melamine film overlay provides a protective barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the plywood, making it highly resistant to warping, swelling, and delamination. This makes film faced plywood ideal for use in construction projects that require exposure to moisture, such as concrete formwork, outdoor structures, and wet environments.