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IS 7638:1999 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for fibre boards (medium density fibreboard and hardboard) - specification. This standard provides the specifications for fibreboards, published in two separate parts. Part 1 covers Medium Density Fibreboards (MDF) for general purposes, and Part 2 covers Fibre Hardboards. It details the classification, dimensions, tolerances, physical and mechanical property requirements, and testing methods for these engineered wood panels.
Lays down the requirements for medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and hardboard, covering their types, properties, and test methods.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always specify the grade (Interior/Exterior) and formaldehyde emission class (E1/E2) for MDF based on the application. E1 is highly recommended for all interior living spaces.
! MDF's performance heavily depends on the resin used. Exterior (EXT) grade uses moisture-resistant binders (like Phenol Formaldehyde) making it suitable for humid areas, unlike Interior (INT) grade.
! The edges of MDF are particularly porous and susceptible to moisture absorption, leading to swelling. Effective edge banding or sealing is critical for durability in furniture and cabinetry.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
medium density fibreboardmdfhardboardengineered woodwood fibres
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
EN 622-5:2009CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Fibreboards - Specifications - Part 5: Requirements for dry process boards (MDF)
Directly corresponds to the Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) requirements within IS 7638.
EN 622-2:2004CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
HighCurrent
Fibreboards - Specifications - Part 2: Requirements for hardboards
Directly corresponds to the Hardboard requirements within IS 7638.
ANSI A208.2-2016ANSI (American National Standards Institute), USA
HighCurrent
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) for Interior Applications
Covers specifications for MDF, similar to the MDF section of IS 7638, but focused on North American grades and applications.
ISO 16895:2016ISO (International Organization for Standardization), International
MediumCurrent
Wood-based panels — Dry-process fibreboard
Provides global specifications for dry-process fibreboard (MDF), aligning well with the MDF portion of the IS code.
Key Differences
≠IS 7638 combines specifications for both MDF and Hardboard into a single document, whereas the European (EN 622) system separates them into distinct parts (Part 5 for MDF, Part 2 for Hardboard).
≠The classification and grading systems differ. IS 7638 uses grades like Grade I/II (Interior/Exterior) for MDF, while EN 622-5 uses a more detailed system based on use, such as MDF (general purpose, dry), MDF.H (humid conditions), and MDF.LA (load-bearing, dry).
≠While both standards reference test methods, the specific codes differ. IS 7638 primarily refers to the IS 1708 series for testing wood-based panels, whereas EN standards refer to the EN 3xx series (e.g., EN 310, EN 319, EN 317).
≠Dimensional tolerance requirements can be more nuanced in international standards. For example, EN 622-5 specifies different thickness tolerances for boards made on continuous vs. multi-opening presses, a distinction not explicitly made in IS 7638.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 7638 and equivalent standards like EN 622-5 define MDF as a dry-process fibreboard with a density typically exceeding 600 kg/m³.
≈The formaldehyde emission classes (E1 and E2) and their corresponding limits are identical. Both IS 7638 and EN 622-1 specify E1 as ≤ 8 mg/100g and E2 as > 8 to ≤ 30 mg/100g, when tested by the perforator method (EN 120 / EN ISO 12460-5).
≈Core mechanical and physical properties are specified in both standards, including Bending Strength (Modulus of Rupture), Internal Bond strength (tensile strength perpendicular to the plane), and Swelling in Thickness after water immersion.
≈Both standards recognize the need for different board types based on moisture resistance, classifying them for use in either dry or exterior/humid conditions (e.g., IS 7638 Exterior Grade MDF vs. EN 622-5 Type MDF.H).
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
MDF Bending Strength (MOR), >12-18mm
≥ 30 N/mm² (Grade I, Interior)
≥ 23 N/mm² (Type MDF, dry use)
EN 622-5:2009
MDF Internal Bond (IB)
≥ 0.60 N/mm² (Grade I)
≥ 0.55 N/mm² (Type MDF, >12-19mm)
EN 622-5:2009
MDF Thickness Swell (24h), >12-18mm
≤ 12% (Grade I, Interior)
≤ 12% (Type MDF, >12-19mm)
EN 622-5:2009
MDF Density Definition
> 600 kg/m³
600 kg/m³ to 800 kg/m³
EN 622-5:2009
Formaldehyde Content (Perforator Method), E1 Class
≤ 8 mg/100g oven dry board
≤ 8 mg/100g oven dry board
EN 622-1:2003
MDF Thickness Tolerance (Sanded)
± 0.3 mm
± 0.2 mm (continuous press) / ± 0.3 mm (multi-opening press)
EN 622-5:2009
Hardboard Bending Strength (MOR), 3-4mm
≥ 40 N/mm² (Standard Grade)
≥ 40 N/mm² (Type HB, 2.5-4mm)
EN 622-2:2004
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
What is the difference between Interior Grade (Type I) and Exterior Grade (Type E) MDF?+
Exterior grade uses a synthetic resin binder that provides high resistance to moisture, making it suitable for high humidity applications. Interior grade is for dry conditions only. (Part 1, Clause 3.1.2)
What are the formaldehyde emission classes for MDF?+
The standard defines two classes based on emission levels: E1 (<0.1 ppm) and E2 (0.1 to 0.25 ppm). (Part 1, Annex C)
What is the minimum bending strength (MOR) for a 19mm Interior grade MDF board?+
For boards thicker than 12mm, the minimum Modulus of Rupture is 30 N/mm². (Part 1, Table 2)
How are hardboards classified?+
Hardboards are classified based on density and treatment as Standard (S), Tempered (T), and Medium (M). (Part 2, Clause 3)