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IS 13957 : 1994Metal-faced plywood -Specification

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EN 13986 · AS/NZS 2269.0
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationBIMMaterials Science · Wood and Other Lignocellulosic Products
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OverviewValues6InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 13957:1994 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for metal-faced plywood -specification. This standard specifies the requirements for metal-faced plywood, a composite material made by bonding metal sheets to a plywood core. It details the materials (plywood, metal, adhesive), manufacturing process, dimensions, tolerances, finish, and testing methods to ensure performance in applications like partitions, furniture, and vehicle bodies.

Metal-faced plywood -Specification

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Wood and Other Lignocellulosic Products
Type
Specification
Amendments
Amendment 1 (August 2004)
International equivalents
EN 13986:2004+A1:2015 · CEN (European Committee for Standardization), EuropeAS/NZS 2269.0:2012 · Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
Typically used with
IS 303IS 710IS 737IS 848IS 1734
Also on InfraLens for IS 13957
6Key values2Tables4FAQs

BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.

Practical Notes
! Ensure the core plywood grade (IS 303 for MR, IS 710 for BWR) is specified according to the application's moisture exposure.
! The choice of metal facing (e.g., aluminium, GI steel) and its thickness must be clearly specified to meet corrosion resistance and structural needs.
! Verify that the adhesive used for bonding metal to plywood is of Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) type for exterior or high-humidity applications.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 4MaterialsCl. 5ManufactureCl. 7Dimensions and TolerancesCl. 9TestsCl. 10Workmanship and Finish
Pulled from IS 13957:1994. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
Updates & Amendments1 amendment
Amendment 1 (August 2004)
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
plywoodmetal sheetaluminiumgalvanized steeladhesivecomposite panel

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
EN 13986:2004+A1:2015CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Wood-based panels for use in construction — Characteristics, evaluation of conformity and marking
Broadly covers all wood-based panels, including overlaid plywood, under which metal-faced plywood falls.
AS/NZS 2269.0:2012Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand, Australia/New Zealand
LowCurrent
Plywood - Structural - Part 0: Specifications
Specifies the structural plywood core but does not specifically cover the composite metal-faced final product.
Key Differences
≠IS 13957 is a prescriptive standard, specifying exact materials (e.g., BWP grade adhesive, aluminium conforming to IS 737). In contrast, EN 13986 is performance-based, requiring manufacturers to declare performance values (e.g., strength, fire resistance) which are then verified, allowing for more material innovation.
≠The Indian standard has a very narrow scope, focusing solely on metal-faced plywood. The primary European equivalent, EN 13986, is a broad, harmonized standard covering all types of wood-based panels for construction (Plywood, OSB, Particleboard, etc.).
≠IS 13957 specifies a unique adhesion test involving a multi-cycle boiling water immersion followed by a visual check and a pull-off test. European standards typically reference EN 314-1/-2 for the plywood core's bond quality, which uses different test cycles and focuses on shear strength.
≠EN 13986 mandates a formal 'Reaction to Fire' classification (Euroclass) according to EN 13501-1, which is critical for CE marking in Europe. IS 13957 does not include a comparable, integrated fire classification system.
Key Similarities
≈Both standards are centered on a plywood core and reference their respective national standards for the base plywood's requirements (e.g., IS 303 or IS 710 for IS 13957; EN 636 for EN 13986).
≈Both mandate the use of highly durable, weather-resistant adhesives. IS 13957 specifies 'Boiling Water Proof' (BWP) grade, which is conceptually equivalent to the 'Class 3' (exterior conditions) bonding requirements under EN 314-2.
≈Both standards define and set limits for dimensional tolerances, including thickness, length/width, and squareness, to ensure product consistency and interchangeability.
≈Both recognize the importance of mechanical properties, specifying tests for bending strength (Modulus of Rupture) and stiffness (Modulus of Elasticity), as these are key performance indicators for the panel's application.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Plywood Core AdhesiveBoiling Water Proof (BWP) grade synthetic resin conforming to IS 848.Bonding Class 3 (exterior conditions) as per EN 314-2.EN 13986:2004+A1:2015
Thickness Tolerance (for panel >8 mm)±0.4 mmDepends on thickness (t). e.g., for a 12mm panel, tolerance is ±(0.2 + 0.03*12) = ±0.56 mm.EN 13986:2004+A1:2015 (ref. EN 315)
Bending Strength (MOR)Fixed minimum values based on construction, e.g., ~45 N/mm² for 4mm panel.Not a fixed value; it is a characteristic value declared by the manufacturer and verified via testing to EN 310.EN 13986:2004+A1:2015
Adhesion Test (Metal Face)No delamination after 8h boil + 16h dry + 8h boil cycle, plus pull-off test.No specific adhesion test for the overlay is mandated; performance is assessed through overall durability and declared properties. Core bond tested to EN 314-1.EN 13986:2004+A1:2015
Minimum Aluminium Face Thickness0.15 mmNot specified; it is part of the manufacturer's declared specification for the overall product.EN 13986:2004+A1:2015
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values6

Quick Reference Values
Plywood Core RequirementConforming to IS 303 or IS 710
Adhesive for Bonding MetalSynthetic resin adhesive conforming to IS 848
Tolerance on 12mm thickness±1.2 mm
Adhesion Test LoadNo separation under 50 kg load for 6 hours
Wet Heat Test Condition3 hours in boiling water
Dry Heat Test Condition150 ± 2 °C for 4 hours

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Tolerances on Nominal Thickness, Length and Width
Table 2 - Requirements for Tests
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Materials
Clause 5 - Manufacture
Clause 7 - Dimensions and Tolerances
Clause 9 - Tests
Clause 10 - Workmanship and Finish

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 303:1989Plywood for General Purposes - Specification
→
IS 710:2010Marine Plywood - Specification
→
IS 737:2008Wrought Aluminium and Aluminium Alloy Sheet a...
→
IS 848:2006Specification for Synthetic Resin Adhesives f...
→
IS 1734:2000Methods of test for plywood
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

What kind of plywood is used for the core?+
The core must be plywood conforming to IS 303 (MR Grade) or IS 710 (BWR Grade) as agreed upon (Clause 4.1).
What are the main performance tests for this material?+
The key performance tests are the Adhesion Test, Resistance to Wet Heat (Boiling Water) Test, and Resistance to Dry Heat Test (Clause 9).
Can any metal be used for facing?+
The type and thickness of the metal sheet, such as aluminium (conforming to IS 737) or galvanized steel, shall be as specified by the purchaser (Clause 4.2).
What is the standard of finish required?+
The surfaces should be smooth and free from blisters, delamination, and other defects. The edges must be cut square and clean (Clause 10).

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