IS 13957:1994 specifies the requirements and manufacturing guidelines for metal-faced plywood composites, which consist of plywood bonded with galvanized iron or aluminium sheets on one or both sides. This standard is essential for manufacturers and users aiming to produce or utilize metal-faced plywood with assured quality, dimensions, bonding strength, and durability, particularly in applications requiring enhanced strength and timber conservation.
Overview
IS 13957:1994 specifies the requirements and manufacturing guidelines for metal-faced plywood composites, which consist of plywood bonded with galvanized iron or aluminium sheets on one or both sides. This standard is essential for manufacturers and users aiming to produce or utilize metal-faced plywood with assured quality, dimensions, bonding strength, and durability, particularly in applications requiring enhanced strength and timber conservation.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 13957: Scope - Key Specifications and Tables
| Thickness (mm) | Standard Sizes (mm) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 400×1200, 2100×900 |
| 2 | 100×1200, 1800×900 |
| 1 | 800×1200 |
Note: Other sizes may be agreed upon between manufacturer and purchaser.
| Ply Count | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3 Ply | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| 5 Ply | 5, 6, 8, 9 |
| 7 Ply | 9, 12, 15, 16 |
| 9 Ply | 12, 15, 16, 19 |
| 11 Ply | 19, 22, 25 |
| >11 Ply | As ordered |
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | ±10% (<6 mm), ±5% (≥6 mm) |
| Squareness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
| Straightness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
graph TD
A[Plywood Board] --> B[Dimensions]
B --> C[Length: +6/-0 mm]
B --> D[Width: +3/-0 mm]
B --> E[Thickness: ±10% (<6 mm), ±5% (≥6 mm)]
IS 13957 Key References, Dimensions & Tolerances
| Ply Count | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3 Ply | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| 5 Ply | 5, 6, 8, 9 |
| 7 Ply | 9, 12, 15, 16 |
| 9 Ply | 12, 15, 16, 19 |
| 11 Ply | 19, 22, 25 |
| >11 Ply | As ordered |
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | ±10% (if < 6 mm), ±5% (≥ 6 mm) |
| Squareness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
| Straightness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
flowchart TD
A[Start] --> B[Measure edge length]
B --> C[Check deviation from straight line]
C --> D{Deviation ≤ 2 mm per 1000 mm?}
D -- Yes --> E[Pass]
D -- No --> F[Fail]
This summary aids in quick reference for design, quality checks, and compliance with IS 13957.
IS 13957: Definitions & Key Specifications Summary
| Board Size (mm) | Typical Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Standard sizes | 400 × 1200, 2100 × 900 |
| Additional sizes | 100 × 1200, 1800 × 900, 800 × 1200 |
| Note: Other sizes as agreed between manufacturer & purchaser |
| Ply Number | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3 Ply | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| 5 Ply | 5, 6, 8, 9 |
| 7 Ply | 9, 12, 15, 16 |
| 9 Ply | 12, 15, 16, 19 |
| 11 Ply | 19, 22, 25 |
| Above 11 Ply | As ordered |
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | ±10% (if < 6 mm), ±5% (≥ 6 mm) |
| Squareness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
| Straightness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
Edge straightness and squareness tested as per Annex B.
flowchart LR
A[Definitions] --> B[Dimensions]
B --> C[Thickness]
C --> D[Tolerances
IS 13957: Metal Faced Plywood – Key Materials Specifications
| Ply No. | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3 Ply | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| 5 Ply | 5, 6, 8, 9 |
| 7 Ply | 9, 12, 15, 16 |
| 9 Ply | 12, 15, 16, 19 |
| 11 Ply | 19, 22, 25 |
| Above 11 Ply | As ordered |
flowchart LR
A[Galvanized Iron / Aluminium Sheet] --> B[Bonding with Plywood]
C[Plywood (3,5,7,9,11+ Ply)] --> B
B --> D[Hot Pressing at 145-150°C, 1.4-1.6 N/mm², 30 min]
D --> E[Cooling to Room Temperature]
E --> F[Final Metal Faced Plywood Board]
This standard ensures adequate strength while economizing timber use by bonding metal sheets to plywood under controlled temperature and pressure conditions.
IS 13957: Preparation of Composite (Clause 5.3)
Additional Specifications:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 145℃ - 150℃ |
| Pressure | 1.4 - 1.6 N/mm² |
| Pressing Time | 30 minutes |
| Cooling | To room temperature before removal |
Process Summary:
flowchart LR
A[Assemble Sheets & Plywood] --> B[Hot Pressing]
B -->|145-150℃, 1.4-1.6 N/mm², 30 min| C[Cooling to Room Temp]
C --> D[Remove Composite]
This ensures a strong, durable bond per IS 13957 standards.
IS 13957: Dimensions and Tolerances for Metal Faced Plywood Boards
| Board No. | Dimensions (mm) | Alternate Dimensions (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 800 × 1200 | |
| 2 | 400 × 1200 | 2100 × 900 |
| 2 | 100 × 1200 | 1800 × 900 |
Note: Other dimensions can be agreed upon by manufacturer and purchaser.
| Ply No. | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3 Ply | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| 5 Ply | 5, 6, 8, 9 |
| 7 Ply | 9, 12, 15, 16 |
| 9 Ply | 12, 15, 16, 19 |
| 11 Ply | 19, 22, 25 |
| Above 11 Ply | As ordered |
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | ±10% (if < 6 mm) |
| ±5% (if ≥ 6 mm) | |
| Squareness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
| Straightness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
IS 13957: Workmanship and Finish - Key Specifications
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | ±10% (if < 6 mm) |
| ±5% (if ≥ 6 mm) | |
| Squareness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
| Straightness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
flowchart TD
A[Finished Board] --> B[Measure Length & Width]
B --> C{Within Tolerance?}
C -->|Yes| D[Check Thickness]
C -->|No| E[Reject or Rework]
D --> F{Thickness Within ±%?}
F -->|Yes| G[Check Squareness & Straightness]
F -->|No| E
G --> H{Within 0.2% or 2 mm/1000 mm?}
H -->|Yes| I[Accept Board]
H -->|No| E
Use IS 13957 along with IS 12049, IS 7638, and IS 303 for full conformity and quality control of metal faced plywood.
IS 13957: Sampling Key Points
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | ±10% (<6 mm), ±5% (≥6 mm) |
| Squareness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
| Straightness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
flowchart TD
A[Select Boards] --> B[Cut 150x150 mm Specimens]
B --> C[Measure Dimensions]
C --> D{Check Tolerances}
D -->|Within Limits| E[Accept]
D -->|Outside Limits| F[Reject]
C --> G[Check Edge Straightness & Squareness]
G --> D
Note: Refer IS 707:1976 for additional definitions and sampling procedures.
IS 13957: Key Test Specifications and Formulas
Performed if purchaser requires:
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
| a) Modulus of Elasticity (E) | Measures stiffness; stress/strain ratio. |
| b) Modulus of Rupture (MOR) | Maximum bending stress before failure. |
| c) Core Shear Stress | Shear stress in core layers during bending. |
| d) Facing Stress | Stress in surface layers during bending. |
Typical formulas:
Modulus of Elasticity (E):
[
E = \frac{\sigma}{\varepsilon} = \frac{\text{Stress}}{\text{Strain}}
]
Modulus of Rupture (MOR):
[
MOR = \frac{3PL}{2bd^2}
]
Where:
Core Shear Stress ((\tau)):
[
\tau = \frac{P}{2bd}
]
Facing Stress ((\sigma_f)):
[
\sigma_f = \frac{P L}{2 t_f b d}
]
Where (t_f) = thickness of facing layer.
| Dimension | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | ±10% (<6 mm), ±5% (≥ |
Marking Requirements as per IS 13957
Location: Markings must be on the face of the board near one corner (Clause 10.1.1).
Content of Marking (Clause 10.1):
BIS Certification Mark (Clause 10.2):
| Marking Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Source of Manufacture | Manufacturer's name or code |
| Year of Manufacture | Year the board was produced |
| Batch Number | Production batch identification |
| Metal Sheet Type | Type of metal facing used |
flowchart LR
A[Metal Faced Plywood Board] --> B[Marking on Face Near Corner]
B --> C{Marking Content}
C --> D[Source of Manufacture]
C --> E[Year of Manufacture]
C --> F[Batch Number]
C --> G[Type of Metal Sheet]
B --> H[BIS Standard Mark (Optional)]
This ensures traceability and quality assurance for metal-faced plywood boards.
IS 13957:1994 — List of Referred Indian Standards
IS 13957 references key Indian Standards essential for metal faced plywood specification:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| IS 277:1992 | Specification for galvanized steel sheet (plain and corrugated) (5th revision) |
| IS 303:1989 | Specification for plywood for general purposes (3rd revision) |
| IS 460 (Part 1):1985 | Specification for test sieves: Part 1 Wire cloth test sieves (3rd revision) |
| IS 707:1976 | Glossary of terms applicable to timber technology and utilization (2nd revision) |
| IS 737:1986 | Specification for wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip (3rd revision) |
| IS 7638:1986 | Methods of sampling for plywood, fibre hardboards, insulation boards, particle boards |
| IS 12049:1987 | Dimensions and tolerances relating to wood based panel materials |
graph LR
A[IS 13957 Metal Faced Plywood] --> B[IS 277 Galvanized Steel Sheet]
A --> C[IS 737 Aluminium Sheet]
A --> D[IS 303 Plywood]
A --> E[IS 707 Timber Glossary]
A --> F[IS 460 Test Sieves]
A --> G[IS 7638 Sampling Methods]
A --> H[IS 12049 Wood Panel Dimensions]
This ensures all materials, sampling, and terminology conform to recognized Indian standards for quality and uniformity.
| Parameter | Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Length | +6 mm / -0 mm |
| Width | +3 mm / -0 mm |
| Thickness | ±10% (<6 mm), ±5% (≥6 mm) |
| Squareness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
| Straightness | 0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm |
flowchart LR
A[Plywood Edge] -->|Place against| B[Straight Edge (full length)]
B --> C[Measure largest gap]
D[Plywood Corner] -->|Check with| E[Set Square (500 mm arms)]
E --> F[Measure max gap]
C & F --> G[Record & compare with tolerance limits]
This ensures compliance with IS 13957 for metal faced plywood quality control.
Frequently Asked
Under IS 13957, the following metal sheets are permitted for bonding with plywood to manufacture metal-faced plywood:
Galvanised Iron (GI) Sheets
Aluminium Sheets
Plywood used must be BWR grade as per IS 303:1989.
| Metal Sheet Type | IS Code | Surface Preparation for Bonding |
|---|---|---|
| Galvanised Iron | IS 277:1985 | Acid pickled or one-side galvanized, rust-free surface |
| Aluminium | IS 737:1986 | As per standard (no special treatment specified) |
This ensures strong, durable bonding between metal and plywood.
Adhesive Materials and Application Process for Metal-Faced Plywood (IS 13957)
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Plywood Grade | BWR grade (IS 303:1989) |
| Plywood Moisture | 4-6% moisture content |
| Metal Surface Prep | Acid pickling + thorough washing |
| Adhesive Type | Phenol-formaldehyde resin (BWR) |
| Bonding Conditions | Uniform adhesive, pressure, heat |
Loading diagram...
This ensures a durable, water-resistant bond between metal and plywood as per IS 13957.
Dimensional Tolerances for Metal-Faced Plywood Boards (IS 13957)
| Ply No. | Thickness (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3 | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| 5 | 5, 6, 8, 9 |
| 7 | 9, 12, 15, 16 |
| 9 | 12, 15, 16, 19 |
| 11 | 19, 22, 25 |
| >11 | As ordered |
This ensures metal-faced plywood boards meet consistent dimensional quality for structural use.
Bond Quality Test as per IS 13957
Test Procedure (Clause 9.3):
Specimens cut from the boards are tested for bond quality.
Acceptance Criteria (Clause 9.3.1):
A specimen passes if:
a) No visible delamination occurs in plywood glue lines or between plywood faces and metal sheet.
b) On forcible separation, wood fibers adhere uniformly over the entire metal sheet surface.
Additional Tests (Clause 9.4, optional):
If required by purchaser, tests like:
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | No delamination in glue lines |
| Adhesion test | Wood fibers uniformly adhere to metal sheet |
| Optional mechanical tests | As per purchaser-supplier agreement |
Loading diagram...
This ensures strong, durable bonding between plywood and metal sheets per IS 13957.
According to IS 13957:1994, metal-faced plywood must comply with the following marking and certification requirements:
These markings ensure traceability, quality, and compliance with the standard for metal-faced plywood products.
Ask AI about any clause, requirement, or provision in IS 13957. Get instant, clause-cited responses powered by our indexed library.
Free tier includes 150 queries (50 AI + 100 Reference) · No credit card required