Plywood glue types and classifications

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 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.