The plywood core is considered the most important part of the wood panel sheet. It determines the strength and durability of the plywood. Any good ply should have a good core. This article is going to give readers more insights into the plywood core options and help them with importing plywood from China.
As a plywood manufacturer in China, we have multiple choices in terms of plywood core material and grades.
Core Veneer Types
Poplar
Pine (conifer)
Eucalyptus (hardwood)
COMBI (poplar mixed with eucalyptus)
Birch
MDF / Particle Board / Blockboard
Among these wood materials, Birch is the hardest and most expensive timber. Most birch veneers are produced in northeast China or Russia. Poplar is the cheapest core veneers. Chinese plywood factories produce 80% of their products with poplar. Poplar plywood is essentially the signature product of Chinese plywood industry. If you import plywood from Chile, normally you would get pine core plywood.
Core Grades
Finger Joint Core
1 Step Calibrated
2 Steps Calibrated
Marine Grade Core
Finger joint core is low grade timber recycled from used plywood. It is not recommended even though some plywood factories are producing it. The finger joint core is weak and dangerous when it is used for phenolic film faced plywood. Buy structural panel if you have a formwork project.
Most of our plywood cores are 2 steps calibrated. That means our plywood have uniform thickness and good bonding strength inside the core.
Marine grade core is the best choice for high quality plywood. It features a void-free edge and a waterproof bond. If you are looking for the best plywood for your projects, then you should buy marine plywood.
Finger Joint Core (Recycled Core)
Some Chinese film faced plywood manufacturers use finger joint core to make ultra low price plyform.
This type of core is made from used plywood. After join the plywood blocks, manufacturers will laminate extra layers of new veneer on both sides of the block. Hence the film on both sides.
Finger joint core film faced plywood is only recommended to be used 2-4 times. More uses will damage the finger joint structure and cause safety problems.
