Formply is structural plywood primarily for formwork, holding and protecting concrete until it sets. Sheets have a laminated face that provides additional benefits not found in regular plywood. A hard, durable surface resin on both sides gives concrete builds a smooth finish. It has a hardwood core and often has a black overlay.
WHAT IS FORMPLY MADE OF?
Formply sheets incorporate a high-density overlay of impregnated paper bonded to a plywood core. Premium grade phenolic resin acts as a glue. As a result, formply a type-A marine bond, the strongest plywood bond available.
The bond gives the structural plywood enduring resistance against hot and cold. Performance is not affected if the sheet is partially submerged in water.
The plywood uses several thin sheets of wood glued together, similar to LVL Timber. The laminate and glue create resistance to cracking from nails, shrinking or warping. Figure 1 displays formply sheets and their layers.
Sheets are available in multiple sizes. However, 2400x1200mm and 1800x1200mm remain the most popular. Sheets come in 12, 17, 19, and 25mm thicknesses.
There are a variety of sheets with different cores on the market including birch, eucalypt and radiata pine. Construction personnel have the option to choose between these cores to suit their specific needs.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN F14 AND F17 PLYWOOD?
Formply receives stress grades from F11 to F27, depending on strength. The most commonly available on the market are the F14 and F17 varieties. Deciding between the two depends on the budget and structure of the building.
As the value suggests, F14 formply can withstand 14 megapascals (MPa) of pressure, whereas F17 can withstand 17 MPa. For more demanding builds, F17 is the winner for its superior ability for load-bearing.
F17 is the sheet of choice for many, but there are even stronger sheets if necessary as shown in Figure 2 below.
