Poplar Plywood
Poplar Plywood
- Specification
- Technical Data
Poplar plywood is a versatile engineered wood panel constructed from cross-laminated poplar veneers. Known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and uniform texture, it serves as an ideal substrate for furniture manufacturing, interior decoration, and light structural applications where consistent quality and workability are prioritized.
Key Features
Material Composition
Face/Back: Rotary-cut poplar veneers (Grade BB/CC)
Core: Cross-banded poplar or mixed hardwood species
Adhesive: MR (Moisture Resistant) or E0/E1 urea-formaldehyde
Physical Properties
Density: 450-550 kg/m³ (lighter than birch plywood)
Modulus of Elasticity: 6,500-9,000 N/mm² (EN 310)
Moisture Content: 8-12% (equilibrium at 20°C/65% RH)
Standard Specifications
Parameter Range Thickness 2.5mm-25mm (±0.2mm) Panel Sizes 1220x2440mm (standard) Ply Count 3-ply to 11-ply
Performance Advantages
✓ Lightweight - 20% lighter than comparable hardwood plywood
✓ Dimensional Stability - 0.5% thickness swelling (24hr water immersion)
✓ Paintable Surface - Exceptional substrate for paints and veneers
✓ Cost-Effective - 30-40% more economical than birch plywood
Manufacturing Process
Veneer Preparation - Poplar logs peeled into 1.5-2.0mm veneers
Drying - Veneers dried to 8-10% moisture content
Layup - Cross-grain orientation for enhanced stability
Pressing - Cold/hot pressed at 12-18kg/cm² pressure
Finishing - Sanded to P80-P120 grit (Ra ≤20µm)
Application Guide
| Industry | Typical Uses | Recommended Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Cabinet backs, drawer bottoms | 6mm-12mm |
| Interior Design | Wall paneling, ceiling tiles | 4mm-9mm |
| Packaging | Export crates, display stands | 9mm-15mm |
| DIY/Crafts | Painting panels, small projects | 3mm-6mm |
Quality Standards
Formaldehyde - E1 (≤0.124mg/m³) or CARB Phase 2 compliant
Bond Quality - Passes 24hr cold water test (EN 314-1)
Surface Defects - ≤5 sound knots per m² (BB grade)
Comparative Analysis
| Property | Poplar Plywood | Birch Plywood | MDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (12mm) | 6.5kg/m² | 8.5kg/m² | 9.0kg/m² |
| Screw Holding | 750N | 950N | 600N |
| Paint Absorption | Excellent | Good | Excellent |
| Cost (per m²) | $$ | $$$ | $$ |
Installation & Finishing
Cutting - Standard carbide-tipped blades sufficient
Edge Treatment - Requires edge banding for premium finish
Priming - Water-based primer recommended before painting
Fastening - 4mm pilot holes for screw placement
Technical Notes
Thermal Conductivity - 0.11 W/(m·K)
Fire Rating - Class D-s2,d0 (standard)
Sustainability - Fast-growing poplar species (5-7 year rotation cycle)
