IS 1328:1996 specifies the requirements for veneered decorative plywood used primarily for furniture, interior panelling, and vehicle interiors such as railway coaches and buses. It covers two grades—Moisture Resistant (MR) and Boiling Water Resistant (BWR)—and defines standards for veneer species, dimensions, tolerances, surface quality, and water resistance tests to ensure durability and aesthetic quality. This standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and quality inspectors involved in producing or evaluating decorative plywood in India.
Overview
IS 1328:1996 specifies the requirements for veneered decorative plywood used primarily for furniture, interior panelling, and vehicle interiors such as railway coaches and buses. It covers two grades—Moisture Resistant (MR) and Boiling Water Resistant (BWR)—and defines standards for veneer species, dimensions, tolerances, surface quality, and water resistance tests to ensure durability and aesthetic quality. This standard is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and quality inspectors involved in producing or evaluating decorative plywood in India.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 1328 - Scope & Key Specifications Summary
IS 1328 covers Veneered Decorative Plywood with emphasis on dimensions, quality, and manufacturing tolerances.
Squareness Check (Clause 2.1):
Use a 1200 mm x 1200 mm square.
Measure the maximum gap between plywood edge and square arm to ensure squareness.
General Requirements (Clause 13.1):
Covers surface finish, veneer quality, and bonding requirements.
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length & Width | ± 2 mm |
| Thickness | ± 0.3 mm |
| Squareness (gap) | ≤ 3 mm (max gap) |
flowchart LR
A[Manufacturer & Purchaser] --> B[Agree on Dimensions]
B --> C[Standard Dimensions per IS 1328]
B --> D[Custom Dimensions]
C --> E[Manufacture Plywood]
D --> E
E --> F[Check Squareness with 1200x1200 mm Square]
F --> G[Measure Gap ≤ 3 mm]
For detailed tables and bonding specifications, refer to full IS 1328 document.
IS 1328: Key References and Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Range/Value |
|---|---|
| Tube Dimensions | As per IS 1328 standard tables* |
| Wall Thickness | Varies based on tube size |
| Tolerances | Specified in IS 1328 and IS 1239 |
| Material Grade | Typically Fe 410 or Fe 410W |
*Exact dimension tables are detailed in IS 1328 for various tube sizes.
flowchart LR
A[IS 1328: Steel Tubes] --> B[Dimensions & Tolerances]
A --> C[Material Grades]
A --> D[Definitions from IS 707]
B --> E[Standard Sizes]
B --> F[Custom Dimensions (Clause 8.1)]
IS 1328: Definitions & Key Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Thickness | As per agreement; standard thicknesses available |
| Length & Width | Standard sizes or as agreed |
| Tolerances | Specified in IS 1328 Clause 8 |
flowchart LR
A[IS 707:1976 Definitions] --> B[IS 1328 Additional Definitions]
B --> C[Dimension Designations]
C --> D{Dimension Agreement?}
D -- Yes --> E[Use Agreed Dimensions]
D -- No --> F[Use Standard Dimensions]
B --> G[Decorative Veneer Quality]
For detailed tables and tolerances, refer to Clause 8 of IS 1328.
IS 1328: Grades and Types of Veneered Decorative Plywood
| Property | BWR Grade | MR Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Boiling water resistant | Moisture resistant |
| Typical Use | Exterior | Interior |
| Test Requirement | Boiling water test | Moisture test |
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Type 1 | Higher quality, strict requirements (Clause 7) |
| Type 2 | Standard quality |
flowchart TD
A[Plywood Grades] --> B(BWR)
A --> C(MR)
D[Plywood Types] --> E(Type 1)
D --> F(Type 2)
B --> G{Boiling Water Resistant}
C --> H{Moisture Resistant}
E --> I{High Quality}
F --> J{Standard Quality}
This classification helps select plywood based on environmental exposure and quality requirements per IS 1328.
| Condition | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Air drying | 27 ± 2 °C |
| Water soaking | 27 ± 2 °C |
This ensures plywood durability and quality for decorative and structural applications.
IS 1328: Construction Requirements – Key Points
| Parameter | Standard Dimension (mm) | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 25 | ±0.2 mm |
| Length & Width | 2440 x 1220 (standard) | ±2 mm |
flowchart LR
A[Veneer Selection] --> B{Match Type}
B --> C[Matched Grain]
B --> D[Mis-matched Grain]
C --> E[Uniform Colour & Texture]
D --> F[Decorative Contrast]
For detailed manufacturing and testing procedures, refer directly to IS 1328 clauses and IS 303 for ECO Mark specifics.
IS 1328: Surface Quality and Veneer Characteristics
Surface Quality:
Veneer Characteristics:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Figure & Grain | Selected for decorative effect |
| Texture & Colour | Uniform, free from discoloration |
| Defects | No torn grain, dead knots, sapwood, or quote |
| Matching | Matched or mis-matched for aesthetic design |
flowchart LR
A[Select Veneers] --> B{Match Type}
B -->|Matched| C[Uniform colour & grain]
B -->|Mis-matched| D[Contrasting figure & texture]
C & D --> E[Decorative Veneered Surface]
For detailed dimensional tolerances and veneer thickness, refer to Clause 8 of IS 1328.
IS 1328: Dimensions and Tolerances for Plywood (Clause 8.3)
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 |
| Thickness | < 6 mm: ±10% |
| ≥ 6 mm: ±5% | |
| Edge Straightness | 2 mm per 1000 mm (0.2%) |
| Squareness | 2 mm per 1000 mm (0.2%) |
flowchart TD
A[Nominal Dimension] --> B{Tolerance Type}
B --> C[Length: +6 mm / -0]
B --> D[Width: +3 mm / -0]
B --> E[Thickness < 6 mm: ±10%]
B --> F[Thickness ≥ 6 mm: ±5%]
B --> G[Edge Straightness: 2 mm/1000 mm]
B --> H[Squareness: 2 mm/1000 mm]
This summary ensures compliance with IS 1328 for plywood dimensional quality control.
IS 1328: Edge Finishing and Squareness Key Points
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | <6 mm: ±10% |
| ≥6 mm: ±5% | |
| Edge Straightness | 2 mm/1000 mm (0.2%) |
| Squareness | 2 mm/1000 mm (0.2%) |
flowchart TD
A[Place plywood on flat surface] --> B[Hold straight edge along edge]
B --> C{Is edge convex?}
C -- Yes --> D[Hold straight edge to create equal gaps at ends]
C -- No --> E[Hold straight edge flush]
D --> F[Measure largest gap (mm)]
E --> F
F --> G[Check if gap ≤ 2 mm per 1000 mm]
G -- Yes --> H[Edge straightness acceptable]
G -- No --> I[Edge straightness not acceptable]
Note: Always refer to Annex C for detailed test procedures.
IS 1328: Sampling and Criteria for Conformity
Sampling Method: As per IS 7638:1986, representative samples must be drawn for testing decorative plywood. This ensures uniform quality assessment.
Edge Trimming & Squareness (Clause 9.2):
Edge Straightness and Squareness Test (Annex C):
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Edge trimming tolerance | ±3 mm |
| Squareness check tool | 1200 mm x 1200 mm square |
| Maximum gap allowed | As per Clause 8.3 (typically a few mm) |
flowchart LR
A[Sample Plywood] --> B[Draw Representative Samples (IS 7638)]
B --> C[Edge Trimming ±3 mm]
C --> D[Sand Edges Smooth]
D --> E[Check Squareness with 1200x1200 mm Square]
E --> F[Measure Maximum Gap]
F --> G[Compare with Tolerance (Clause 8.3)]
G --> H{Conforms?}
H -->|Yes| I[Accept Batch]
H -->|No| J[Reject Batch]
This ensures plywood meets quality and dimensional standards before acceptance.
IS 1328 Testing Procedures - Key Points
| Test Type | Specimen Size (mm) | Soaking Condition | Drying Condition | Number of Cycles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | 250 x 100 | Water at 60 ± 2°C for 3 h | Dry at 65 ± 2°C for 8 h | 3 |
| Boiling Water Resistance | 250 x 100 | Boil for 8 h | Dry at 65 ± 2°C for 16 h | 3 |
This ensures the plywood's durability under moisture conditions, critical for decorative plywood applications.
IS 1328: Inspection and Delivery Key Points
| Step | Condition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Soaking | Water at 60 ± 2°C | 3 hours |
| Drying | Air at 65 ± 2°C | 8 hours |
| Repeat Cycle | 2 more cycles of above | - |
| Interim Storage | Air or water at 27 ± 2°C | Between shorter periods |
This procedure ensures durability and resistance to moisture, critical for decorative plywood used in interiors and transport vehicles.
IS 1328 - Additional Requirements for ECO Mark (Plywood)
| Aspect | ECO Mark Requirement |
|---|---|
| Packaging Material | Recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable |
| Plywood Type | Must conform to MR type as per IS 303:1989 |
| Veneered Plywood | Must meet ECO-specific clauses |
| Certification | Documentary evidence to BIS required |
| Marking | Combined ISI + Eco logo |
flowchart LR
A[Manufacture Plywood] --> B{Packaging Material}
B -->|Eco-friendly| C[Eligible for ECO Mark]
B -->|Non Eco-friendly| D[Not Eligible]
C --> E{Plywood Quality}
E -->|Meets MR Type IS 303:1989| F[Conforms to ECO Mark]
E -->|Does Not Meet| D
F --> G[Submit Certificate to BIS]
G --> H[Receive ECO Mark Label]
This ensures plywood is both environmentally responsible and meets BIS quality standards.
Clause 13.1: Mandatory Marking on Each Plywood Board
Clause 13.2: BIS Certification Marking
Clause 5.3: ECO Mark Requirements
Clause 14.1 (Amendment)
| Marking Element | Description | Location on Board |
|---|---|---|
| Source of Manufacture | Manufacturer's name or code | Face, near one corner |
| Year of Manufacture | Year the plywood was made | Face, near one corner |
| Batch Number | Production batch identifier | Face, near one corner |
| Type | Plywood type (refer IS 1328:7) | Face, near one corner |
| BIS Standard Mark | Optional for decorative plywood | Face |
| ECO Mark Criteria | Specific to ECO Mark certified boards | Face |
This ensures traceability, quality assurance, and compliance with eco-friendly standards.
IS 1328: Veneered Decorative Plywood - Specification (Third Revision)
| IS Code | Subject |
|---|---|
| IS 1734 | Methods of Test for Plywood |
| IS 303 | Timber - Classification |
| IS 848 | Synthetic Resin Adhesives |
| IS 1121 | Veneers - Definitions and Grades |
flowchart LR
A[IS 1328 Standard] --> B[Timber Species]
A --> C[Plywood Types (MR)]
A --> D[Thickness Specifications]
A --> E[Drying/Soaking Cycles]
A --> F[Referenced IS Codes]
F --> G[IS 1734 - Testing]
F --> H[IS 303 - Timber Classification]
F --> I[IS 848 - Adhesives]
F --> J[IS 1121 - Veneers]
For detailed tables and formulas, consult the Annex A of IS 1328 and the respective referenced IS standards.
Frequently Asked
Permitted Timber Species for Decorative Veneers under IS 1328
This ensures aesthetic quality and durability of decorative plywood.
IS 1328 - Veneered Decorative Plywood Dimensions & Tolerances
Thickness Tolerance: As per Clause 9.1 referencing Clause 8.1, the plywood thickness must be uniform within specified tolerance limits (typically ±0.3 mm for decorative plywood, but verify exact value in Clause 8.1).
Surface Quality: Clause 7.2.3 mandates the veneered surface to be free from manufacturing and wood defects, except as allowed in 7.2.1 & 7.2.2. Veneers must be matched/mismatched for decorative effect.
Dimensional Designation: Clause 8 specifies the designation of dimensions and tolerances, ensuring plywood meets quality and performance standards (Clause 13.1.1).
| Parameter | Value/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.3 mm (confirm exact in Clause 8.1) |
| Veneer Quality | Defect-free as per Clause 7.2.3 |
| Surface Uniformity | Matched/mismatched for aesthetics |
Note: Refer to Clause 8.1 for exact dimensional tolerances and Clause 7.2 for veneer quality specifics.
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Water Resistance Test for MR and BWR Grades (IS 1328: Clause 11.1.2 & 11.1.2.1)
This test ensures the plywood's bonding and surface integrity under wet and drying conditions, critical for MR (Moisture Resistant) and BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) grades.
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IS 1328: Surface Defects Allowed & Rectification
Allowed Defects:
Minor defects permitted only as per Clauses 7.1.1, 7.2.1, and 7.2.2 (not detailed here). Generally, the decorative veneered surface must be free from:
Inspection (Clause 12.1):
Visual inspection for:
Rectification:
Any defects beyond permissible limits must be removed or repaired to restore surface integrity. This may involve:
Summary: The decorative veneered surface must be visually flawless except for minor allowed defects, which should be corrected by repair or replacement to meet aesthetic and structural standards.
To qualify for the ECO Mark certification under IS 1328, the following additional requirements must be met along with the regular BIS Standard Mark:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Marking | ISI Mark + Eco logo |
| Packaging | Recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable |
| Environmental Clearance | State Pollution Control Board approvals |
| Legal Compliance | Water, Air, Environment Protection Acts |
| Documentation | Certificate/declaration to BIS |
This ensures the product is both quality certified and environmentally responsible.
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