IS 139571994AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Metal-faced plywood -Specification

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.

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58Clauses Indexed
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1994Edition
Wood and other Lignocellulosic productsCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 13957 PDF, IS 13957 pdf free download, IS 13957 free download pdf, IS13957 PDF, IS-13957 PDF, IS 13957 1994 PDF, IS 13957:1994 PDF, IS 13957-1994 PDF, IS 13957 (1994) PDF, IS 13957 1994 edition PDF, IS 13957 edition 1994 PDF

What This Standard Covers

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.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Plywood Manufacturers
  • Civil Engineers
  • Architects
  • Construction Material Suppliers
  • Quality Control Inspectors
  • Building Contractors
  • Product Designers

Key Topics Covered

Definition and composition of metal-faced plywood
Materials specifications for plywood, galvanized iron, and aluminium sheets
Adhesive types and application methods
Surface preparation of metal sheets and plywood
Manufacturing process including hot pressing parameters
Dimensions, thicknesses, and tolerances of metal-faced plywood boards
Bond quality testing and criteria
Marking and certification requirements
Additional mechanical tests (modulus of elasticity, rupture, shear stress)
Sampling and inspection procedures
Edge straightness and squareness testing methods
Use of phenol formaldehyde and polyvinyl acetal resins

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 13957: Scope - Key Specifications and Tables

1. Scope Overview (Clause 3.1)

  • Defines plywood boards per IS 707:1976.
  • Applies to metal-faced plywood boards.

2. Dimensions of Plywood Boards (Clause 6.1)

Thickness (mm)Standard Sizes (mm)
2400×1200, 2100×900
2100×1200, 1800×900
1800×1200

Note: Other sizes may be agreed upon between manufacturer and purchaser.

3. Thickness of Metal Faced Plywood (Clause 6.2, Table 1)

Ply CountThickness (mm)
3 Ply3, 4, 5, 6
5 Ply5, 6, 8, 9
7 Ply9, 12, 15, 16
9 Ply12, 15, 16, 19
11 Ply19, 22, 25
>11 PlyAs ordered

4. Permissible Tolerances (Clause 6.3)

DimensionTolerance
Length+6 mm / -0 mm
Width+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness±10% (<6 mm), ±5% (≥6 mm)
Squareness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
Straightness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
  • Edge straightness and squareness tested as per Annex B.

Summary Diagram of Dimensions and Tolerances

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)]
   
2References

IS 13957 Key References, Dimensions & Tolerances

1. Definitions

  • Refer to IS 707:1976 for definitions beyond those in IS 13957 Clause 3.1.

2. Thickness of Metal Faced Plywood Boards (Clause 6.2, Table 1)

Ply CountThickness (mm)
3 Ply3, 4, 5, 6
5 Ply5, 6, 8, 9
7 Ply9, 12, 15, 16
9 Ply12, 15, 16, 19
11 Ply19, 22, 25
>11 PlyAs ordered

3. Permissible Tolerances on Finished Boards (Clause 6.3)

DimensionTolerance
Length+6 mm / -0 mm
Width+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness±10% (if < 6 mm), ±5% (≥ 6 mm)
Squareness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
Straightness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
  • Note: Edge straightness and squareness testing per Annex B.

Annex B: Edge Straightness & Squareness Test (Summary)

  • Procedure involves measuring deviations along edges over the length.
  • Ensures compliance with tolerance limits for quality control.
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.

3Definitions

IS 13957: Definitions & Key Specifications Summary


1. Definitions (Clause 3.1)

  • Definitions specific to metal faced plywood as per IS 13957.
  • For other terms, refer to IS 707:1976.

2. Dimensions of Plywood Boards (Clause 6.1)

Board Size (mm)Typical Dimensions
Standard sizes400 × 1200, 2100 × 900
Additional sizes100 × 1200, 1800 × 900, 800 × 1200
Note: Other sizes as agreed between manufacturer & purchaser

3. Thickness of Metal Faced Plywood (Clause 6.2, Table 1)

Ply NumberThickness (mm)
3 Ply3, 4, 5, 6
5 Ply5, 6, 8, 9
7 Ply9, 12, 15, 16
9 Ply12, 15, 16, 19
11 Ply19, 22, 25
Above 11 PlyAs ordered

4. Permissible Tolerances on Nominal Sizes (Clause 6.3)

ParameterTolerance
Length+6 mm / -0 mm
Width+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness±10% (if < 6 mm), ±5% (≥ 6 mm)
Squareness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
Straightness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm

Edge straightness and squareness tested as per Annex B.


5. Testing (Annex B)

  • Method for edge straightness and squareness detailed in Annex B.
  • Ensures compliance with tolerances.

flowchart LR
    A[Definitions] --> B[Dimensions]
    B --> C[Thickness]
    C --> D[Tolerances
4Materials

IS 13957: Metal Faced Plywood – Key Materials Specifications

1. Thickness of Metal Faced Plywood Boards (Clause 6.2, Table 1)

Ply No.Thickness (mm)
3 Ply3, 4, 5, 6
5 Ply5, 6, 8, 9
7 Ply9, 12, 15, 16
9 Ply12, 15, 16, 19
11 Ply19, 22, 25
Above 11 PlyAs ordered

2. Metal Sheets

  • Galvanized Iron or Aluminium Sheets only.
  • Aluminium sheets must conform to IS 737:1986.
  • Assembly by hot pressing at 145–150°C for 30 min.
  • Pressure during pressing: 1.4 to 1.6 N/mm².
  • Cooling to room temperature before removal.

3. Squareness Check (Clause 2.1)

  • Use a set square with 500 mm arms.
  • Apply one arm to plywood edge.
  • Measure and record the maximum gap to verify squareness.

Summary Diagram: Metal Faced Plywood Assembly

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.

5Preparation of the Composite

IS 13957: Preparation of Composite (Clause 5.3)

  • Materials: Galvanized iron or aluminum sheets bonded to plywood (one/both sides).
  • Hot Pressing Parameters:
    • Temperature: 145℃ to 150℃
    • Pressure: 1.4 N/mm² to 1.6 N/mm²
    • Duration: 30 minutes
  • After pressing, cool the composite to room temperature before removal.

Additional Specifications:

ParameterValue
Temperature145℃ - 150℃
Pressure1.4 - 1.6 N/mm²
Pressing Time30 minutes
CoolingTo room temperature before removal

Process Summary:

  1. Assemble metal sheets and plywood.
  2. Hot press under specified temperature and pressure.
  3. Cool composite to room temperature.
  4. Remove from press.
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.

6Dimensions and Tolerances

IS 13957: Dimensions and Tolerances for Metal Faced Plywood Boards

1. Standard Dimensions (Clause 6.1)

Board No.Dimensions (mm)Alternate Dimensions (mm)
1800 × 1200
2400 × 12002100 × 900
2100 × 12001800 × 900

Note: Other dimensions can be agreed upon by manufacturer and purchaser.


2. Thickness of Boards (Clause 6.2, Table 1)

Ply No.Thickness (mm)
3 Ply3, 4, 5, 6
5 Ply5, 6, 8, 9
7 Ply9, 12, 15, 16
9 Ply12, 15, 16, 19
11 Ply19, 22, 25
Above 11 PlyAs ordered

3. Tolerances on Nominal Sizes (Clause 6.3)

DimensionTolerance
Length+6 mm / -0 mm
Width+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness±10% (if < 6 mm)
±5% (if ≥ 6 mm)
Squareness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
Straightness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm

4. Testing Method for Edge Straightness and Squareness (Annex B)

  • Edge straightness and squareness are tested as per Annex B.
  • Composite boards are hot pressed at 145–150°C for 30 minutes under a pressure of 1.4 to 1.6 N/mm².
  • After cooling to room temperature, edges are checked for straightness and squareness within the specified
7Workmanship and Finish

IS 13957: Workmanship and Finish - Key Specifications

1. Tolerances on Finished Boards (Clause 6.3, per IS 12049:1987)

DimensionTolerance
Length+6 mm / -0 mm
Width+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness±10% (if < 6 mm)
±5% (if ≥ 6 mm)
Squareness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
Straightness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm

2. Workmanship Requirements (Clause 7)

  • Uniform thickness within above tolerance.
  • Representative sampling & conformity per IS 7638:1975 (BWR grade plywood).
  • Surface preparation as per Clause 5.1.

3. Testing Edge Straightness and Squareness (Annex B)

  • Edge Straightness: Tested as per Annex B.
  • Squareness: Checked using a 500 mm set square; max gap recorded.

Summary Diagram: Tolerance Checks

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.

8Sampling

IS 13957: Sampling Key Points

1. Test Specimen (Clause 9.1)

  • Specimens: 150 mm × 150 mm squares, full thickness.
  • Cut from different board positions for representativeness.

2. Tolerances on Finished Boards (Clause 6.3)

DimensionTolerance
Length+6 mm / -0 mm
Width+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness±10% (<6 mm), ±5% (≥6 mm)
Squareness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
Straightness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
  • Edge straightness and squareness tested as per Annex B.

3. Edge Straightness & Squareness (Annex B)

  • Edge Straightness: Measured by placing a straight edge along the board’s edge; deviation should not exceed tolerance.
  • Squareness: Measured by comparing diagonals or using a square tool; deviation within specified limit.

Summary Diagram (Sampling & Testing Flow)

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.

9Tests

IS 13957: Key Test Specifications and Formulas

1. Test Specimen (Clause 9.1)

  • Size: 150 mm × 150 mm square, full thickness.
  • Cut from various board positions for representative testing.

2. Bond Quality Test (Clause 9.3)

  • Ensures proper adhesion between layers.
  • Typically involves applying a force to test bond strength; no explicit formula provided in IS 13957.

3. Optional Additional Tests (Clause 9.4)

Performed if purchaser requires:

TestDescription
a) Modulus of Elasticity (E)Measures stiffness; stress/strain ratio.
b) Modulus of Rupture (MOR)Maximum bending stress before failure.
c) Core Shear StressShear stress in core layers during bending.
d) Facing StressStress 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:

    • (P) = load at failure (N)
    • (L) = span length (mm)
    • (b) = width of specimen (mm)
    • (d) = thickness of specimen (mm)
  • 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.

4. Dimensional Tolerances (Clause 6.3)

DimensionTolerance
Length+6 mm / -0 mm
Width+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness±10% (<6 mm), ±5% (≥
10Marking

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):

    • Source of manufacture
    • Year of manufacture
    • Batch number
    • Type of metal sheet used
  • BIS Certification Mark (Clause 10.2):

    • Metal-faced plywood may carry the BIS Standard Mark.
    • Use of the Standard Mark is governed by the BIS Act, 1986 and related rules (Clause 10.2.1).

Summary Table for Marking Details

Marking ItemDescription
Source of ManufactureManufacturer's name or code
Year of ManufactureYear the board was produced
Batch NumberProduction batch identification
Metal Sheet TypeType of metal facing used

Additional Notes

  • Markings must be legible and indelible.
  • BIS Standard Mark usage requires a license from BIS.
  • Refer to IS 13957 Annex A for related standards on materials and testing.

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.

Annex AList of Referred Indian Standards

IS 13957:1994 — List of Referred Indian Standards

IS 13957 references key Indian Standards essential for metal faced plywood specification:

IS No.Title
IS 277:1992Specification for galvanized steel sheet (plain and corrugated) (5th revision)
IS 303:1989Specification for plywood for general purposes (3rd revision)
IS 460 (Part 1):1985Specification for test sieves: Part 1 Wire cloth test sieves (3rd revision)
IS 707:1976Glossary of terms applicable to timber technology and utilization (2nd revision)
IS 737:1986Specification for wrought aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip (3rd revision)
IS 7638:1986Methods of sampling for plywood, fibre hardboards, insulation boards, particle boards
IS 12049:1987Dimensions and tolerances relating to wood based panel materials

Important Notes:

  • Metal faced plywood uses galvanized iron or aluminium sheets bonded to plywood.
  • Testing and definitions refer to IS 707 and IS 460.
  • Certification and marking governed by BIS Act, 1986 (Clause 10.2.1).
  • Squareness check: Use a 500 mm set square; record max gap (Clause 2.1).

Summary Diagram of Reference Flow:

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.

Annex BMethod of Test for Edge Straightness and Squareness

IS 13957: Method of Test for Edge Straightness and Squareness

Edge Straightness (Annex B, Clause B-1.1)

  • Use a straight edge at least as long as the plywood length.
  • Hold the plywood edge against the straight edge.
  • If convex, position to give equal gaps at ends.
  • Measure the largest gap (mm) between plywood edge and straight edge.
  • Record gap to nearest millimeter.

Squareness (Annex B, Clause B-2.1)

  • Use a set square with 500 mm arms.
  • Place one arm along plywood edge.
  • Measure the maximum gap between the other arm and plywood edge.
  • Record the gap.

Tolerances (Clause 6.3)

ParameterTolerance
Length+6 mm / -0 mm
Width+3 mm / -0 mm
Thickness±10% (<6 mm), ±5% (≥6 mm)
Squareness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm
Straightness0.2% or 2 mm per 1000 mm

Summary:

  • Straightness & Squareness are verified by measuring gaps against a straight edge and set square.
  • Permissible deviation: max 2 mm per meter length.
  • Use calibrated tools and record measurements precisely.
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.

Popular Questions About IS 13957

?What types of metal sheets are permitted for bonding with plywood under IS 13957?

Under IS 13957, the following metal sheets are permitted for bonding with plywood to manufacture metal-faced plywood:

  • Galvanised Iron (GI) Sheets

    • Must conform to IS 277:1985 (Hot-dip galvanized sheets).
    • Surface bonding with plywood requires acid pickling to remove zinc completely or use one-side galvanized sheets with the ungalvanized side rust-free.
    • Post acid pickling, thorough washing (running water, detergent, then running water) is mandatory to remove residual acid.
  • Aluminium Sheets

    • Must conform to IS 737:1986.
  • Plywood used must be BWR grade as per IS 303:1989.

Summary Table

Metal Sheet TypeIS CodeSurface Preparation for Bonding
Galvanised IronIS 277:1985Acid pickled or one-side galvanized, rust-free surface
AluminiumIS 737:1986As per standard (no special treatment specified)

This ensures strong, durable bonding between metal and plywood.

?What adhesive materials and application processes are specified for metal-faced plywood?

Adhesive Materials and Application Process for Metal-Faced Plywood (IS 13957)

  • Plywood Grade: Use BWR grade plywood conforming to IS 303:1989.
  • Surface Preparation of Plywood:
    • Sand plywood surface to be bonded.
    • Blow off dust and splinters.
    • Ensure moisture content is 4-6% or use freshly made plywood panels (Clause 5.1.3).
  • Metal Sheet Preparation (Aluminium):
    • Acid pickle the aluminium sheet to remove oxide film.
    • Wash thoroughly with running water, detergent powder, and again with water to remove residual acid (Clause 5.1.2.2).
  • Adhesive:
    • Although IS 13957 does not specify a particular adhesive type, typically phenol-formaldehyde resin adhesives (BWR grade) are used for bonding metal to plywood due to their water resistance and bonding strength.
  • Bonding Process:
    • Apply adhesive uniformly on the plywood surface.
    • Press metal sheet onto plywood under controlled pressure and temperature to ensure proper bonding.

Summary Table

StepRequirement
Plywood GradeBWR grade (IS 303:1989)
Plywood Moisture4-6% moisture content
Metal Surface PrepAcid pickling + thorough washing
Adhesive TypePhenol-formaldehyde resin (BWR)
Bonding ConditionsUniform adhesive, pressure, heat
Loading diagram...

This ensures a durable, water-resistant bond between metal and plywood as per IS 13957.

?What are the dimensional tolerances allowed for metal-faced plywood boards?

Dimensional Tolerances for Metal-Faced Plywood Boards (IS 13957)

  • Thickness: As per Table 1 (Clause 6.2), thickness varies by ply number, e.g., 3 Ply: 3,4,5,6 mm; 5 Ply: 5,6,8,9 mm, etc.
  • Other Dimensions & Tolerances: Follow IS 12049:1987 (Clause 6.1 and 6.3).
  • Squareness: Checked with a 500 mm set square; maximum gap recorded (Clause 2.1).
  • Uniform Thickness: Boards must have uniform thickness within tolerance limits (Clause 7).

Summary Table (Thickness):

Ply No.Thickness (mm)
33, 4, 5, 6
55, 6, 8, 9
79, 12, 15, 16
912, 15, 16, 19
1119, 22, 25
>11As ordered

Key References:

  • IS 12049:1987 for dimensional tolerances and sizes.
  • IS 7638:1975 for sampling and conformity criteria.

This ensures metal-faced plywood boards meet consistent dimensional quality for structural use.

?How is bond quality tested and what criteria determine acceptable bonding?

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:

    • Modulus of Elasticity
    • Modulus of Rupture
    • Core Shear Stress
    • Facing Stress
      can be performed as agreed.

Summary Table

CriteriaRequirement
Visual inspectionNo delamination in glue lines
Adhesion testWood fibers uniformly adhere to metal sheet
Optional mechanical testsAs per purchaser-supplier agreement
Loading diagram...

This ensures strong, durable bonding between plywood and metal sheets per IS 13957.

?What marking and certification requirements must metal-faced plywood comply with?

According to IS 13957:1994, metal-faced plywood must comply with the following marking and certification requirements:

  • Marking Location: On the face of the board near one corner (Clause 10.1.1).
  • Mandatory Markings (Clause 10.1):
    • Source of manufacture
    • Year of manufacture
    • Batch number
    • Type of metal sheet used
  • Certification Marking: The plywood may also carry the BIS Standard Mark (Clause 10.2).
  • Material Grade: The plywood core must be BWR grade conforming to IS 303:1989 (Clause 4.1).

These markings ensure traceability, quality, and compliance with the standard for metal-faced plywood products.

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