SNI 01-5008.

2-2000
Plywood for General Use
1. Scope
This standard is used as a guideline for testing plywood for general use produced in
Indonesia.
2. References
2.1 Japanese Agricultural Standard of Plywood For General Use - 1988.
2.2 British Standard No. 6566 - 1983.
2.3 The International Hardwood Products Association (IHPA) - 1991.
3. Terminology and Definitions
3.1 Absolute Dry Weight
The weight of an object that is completely free of water, obtained when in the oven-
dried condition.
3.2 Defect
An anomaly found in plywood that may affect the quality of the plywood.
3.3 Natural Defect
A defect that occurs or is present in the plywood due to natural factors.
3.4 Technical Defect
A defect that occurs or is present in the plywood due to technical factors or the
processing methods.
3.5 Sanding Defect
A defect that occurs during the sanding process.
3.6 Compression Defect
A defect that occurs during the compression process.
3.7 Knife Defect
A defect that occurs during the peeling process.
3.8 Gap
An open defect (groove) that occurs due to an insufficient bond between veneer
layers.
3.9 Wet Resin
A type of resin that is sticky and moist in nature.
3.10 Delamination
The peeling off of the veneer at the edges of the plywood.
3.11 Putty
A material used to fill open defects in plywood.
3.12 Diagonal
A straight line connecting two opposite corner points on the surface of the plywood.
3.13 Scratch
A defect that occurs on the surface of the plywood due to scratching.
3.14 Moisture Content
The amount of water present in the plywood, expressed as a percentage (%) relative
to the plywood in the oven-dried condition.
3.15 Resin Pocket
A cavity found between the growth rings or other areas within the wood that
contains a type of resin in a solid state.
3.16 Sawn Timber
Timber in the form of a square or rectangular shape with specific dimensions, round
timber, or other types of wood obtained by sawing.
3.17 Plywood
A product made by arranging layers of veneer at right angles to each other and
bonding them with adhesive.
3.18 Sample Plywood
Plywood taken from a batch using a specified sampling method, ensuring that it
represents the entire batch for testing purposes.
3.19 Plywood for General Use
Plywood that can be used for various purposes without further processing.
3.20 Uneven Thickness
Variation in thickness on a single sheet of plywood or blockboard for general use.
3.21 Coefficient
A correction factor for the adhesive bond strength of plywood, determined by the
ratio or proportion between the core thickness and the face layer.
3.22 Inlaid Bark
Bark that is embedded within the wood, and if removed, could cause gaps or holes
in the wood.
3.23 Back Layer
The layer on the back side of plywood or blockboard, where the quality does not
need to be as high as that of the face layer.
3.24 Inner Layer
The layer located on the inside of the plywood.
3.25 Anti Layer
The middle layer of plywood and blockboard.
3.26 Face Layer
The layer on the face side of the plywood or blockboard, which is of higher quality
than the back or inner layers.
3.27 Decay
A condition of the wood characterized by the dullness or lack of shine in its color,
reduced strength, and the softening of the wood.
3.28 Blister
An area or part of the veneer that is not bonded, while the surrounding area is
bonded.
3.29 Borer Hole
A hole with a narrow round or elongated cross-section, caused by an attack from
wood-boring insects or marine worms.
3.30 Wood Knot (Mk)
A part of a branch or twig surrounded by the growth of the wood, with a cross-
section that is round or oval in shape, consisting of:
3.30.1 Healthy Knot (Mks)
A knot that is free from decay, with a hard cross-section and a color that is the same
as or older than the surrounding wood.
3.30.2 Rotten Knot (Mkb)
A knot that shows signs of decay, with a softer wood compared to the surrounding
wood. If the decay is advanced, the knot may become loose or the wood may
crumble.
3.31 Plywood Quality
The ability of plywood to be used for a specific purpose based on the characteristics
it possesses.
3.32 Stain
A defect caused by residues of adhesive, paper, oil, or grease on the surface of the
plywood.
3.33 Crack
The separation of wood fibers.
3.34 Adhesive
A material that bonds two objects through surface attachment.
3.35 Rough Surface
A part of the plywood surface that remains rough compared to other areas of the
same surface.
3.36 Color Change
A deviation in color from its original state, typically caused by fungi, reactions
between peeling knife steel and extractive substances from the wood, chemicals in
the adhesive, and so on.
3.37 Rough Cut
A defect on the edges of plywood that occurs during cutting.
3.38 Joint
The meeting line of the thick edges between two veneer sheets on the same plane.
3.39 Inlay
A narrow, elongated patch on the edge of the plywood.
3.40 Patch
The filling of an open defect with veneer, using adhesive.
3.41 Overlapping
A condition where the veneer layers that form the plywood are misaligned, causing
one veneer to overlap the adjacent one.
3.42 Undersized
A defect caused by the veneer being shorter than the required size of the plywood.
3.43 Nominal Size
The standard size used in trade.
3.44 Veneer
A thin sheet of wood produced by peeling or slicing round timber or squared timber.
4. Symbols and Abbreviations of Terms
 4.1 Ø refers to the diameter of the defect.
4.2 p refers to the length of the plywood.
4.3 t refers to the thickness of the plywood.
4.4 I refers to the width of the plywood.
4.5 bh refers to the bush.
5. Requirements
5.1 Quality Classification
5.1.1 Types of Plywood
Plywood for general use is classified into 4 types based on the strength of its adhesive
bond, as follows:
5.1.1.1 Exterior Type I
Plywood that is resistant to weather for a relatively long period of time during its use.
5.1.1.2 Exterior Type II
Plywood that is resistant to weather for a relatively short period of time during its
use.
5.1.1.3 Interior Type I
Plywood that is resistant to high humidity during its use.
5.1.1.4 Interior Type II
Plywood that is resistant to low humidity during its use.
5.1.2 Plywood Quality
The determination of the quality of plywood and blockboard for general use is based
on its appearance quality, as follows:
5.1.2.1 Quality Determination Based on the Face Layer
The quality classification code consists of grades A, B, C, and D, which indicate that
the face layer meets the requirements for grades A, B, C, and D, while the back layer
meets the minimum requirements for the back layer's quality.
5.1.2.2 Quality Determination Based on Both Face and Back Layers
The quality classification code consists of the following combinations: A/A, B/B, C/C,
A/D, B/B, B/C, B/D, C/C, C/D, and D/D. The first letter represents the face layer
quality, while the last letter represents the back layer quality.
5.2 Size Requirements
5.2.1 The unit of measurement applied is the International System of Units (SI).
5.2.2 The measuring instruments used to measure plywood dimensions must be
calibrated by the relevant authority.
 5.2.3 The dimensions of length, width, and thickness are nominal dimensions
expressed in millimeters (mm).
5.2.4 Squareness is expressed by the difference in length between the two diagonals
in millimeters (mm).
5.2.5 Dimensional Tolerances
The dimensional tolerances for all sizes of plywood for general use are required as
specified in Table 1.
Table 1. Dimensional Tolerances for Plywood for General Use
No. Dimension Tolerance
1. Length and width -0,00mm, +1,5mm
2. Thickness:
< 3mm ± 0,15mm
3mm - < 6mm ± 0,2mm
6mm - < 12mm ± 0,3mm
12mm - < 20mm ± 0,4mm
≥ 20mm ± 0,5mm
3. Elbow (diagonal difference) ≤ 3mm
4. Edge straightness ≤ 2mm

5.3 Moisture Content Requirements

The maximum moisture content for plywood for general use is 14%.
5.4 Adhesive Bond Strength Requirements
The adhesive bond strength value for plywood for general use is 7 kg/cm².
5.5 Appearance Quality Requirements
5.5.1 General Requirements
For each type, the following are the maximum allowable defects:
a) Delamination and blistering are not permitted.
b) In the inner layer, defects such as healthy or rotten knots, borer holes, skin inclusions,
resin pockets, wet resin, color changes, cracks, patches, rough surfaces, joints, inlays,
and other defects are allowed, provided they do not affect the surface appearance of
the plywood.
5.5.2 Specific Requirements
a) The quality requirements for the face veneer of plywood and blockboard for general
use are listed in Table 2.
b) The quality requirements for the veneer within plywood and blockboard for general
use are listed in Table 3.
 c) The minimum quality requirements for the back veneer of plywood and blockboard
for general use are listed in Table 4.

Table 2. External veneer quality standards

No. Defect External veneer quality
categories
A B C D
1 2 3 4 5 6
1. Healthy Max 4 pieces, Ø Max 5 pieces, Ø Max Ø Max 50mm no Not limited
Wood Knots Max 13mm no 25mm no group and group
group and sanded flat
sanded flat

2. Rotten Wood Not allowed Ø Max 9mm with max Max Ø 19mm Not limited
Knots cumulative diameter of 40 putty well
mm per m2 in putty and sanded
sanded smooth

3. Wood Knot Not allowed Ø Max 3mm Max Ø 5 mm Max Ø 19mm

Holes putty smooth and sanded putty, sanded flat.
flat.

4. Wood Knots Allowed as long as Allowed as long as they Allowed if tight Allowed
(Needle they are not are not too conspicuous.
Knots) grouped together
and are spaced
evenly.
5. Borer Holes Not allowed Max Ø 1.5 mm, must not Allowed if filled Allowed
be grouped together and with putty and
should be spaced at least sanded smooth.
16 mm apart
6. Healthy Burl Allowed, with a Allowed as long as it is Allowed as long as Allowed as
maximum of 5% of smooth. it is smooth. long as it is
the panel area, as smooth.
long as it is
smooth.
7. Dried Resin Not allowed Allowed as long as it is Max Ø 38mm. Allowed
Pockets / Skin putty, sanded smooth, putty, sanded
Pockets and the color matches. smooth, and the
Max 1 pocket per panel, color matches.
width up to 4 mm, length
up to 100 mm.
8. Color Change Not allowed Allowed as long as it is not Allowed as long as Allowed
too conspicuous. it is not too
conspicuous.
9. Resin / Wet Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Not limitted,
Resin as long as it
does not affect
the use.
10. Mineral Not allowed Allowed as long as it is not Allowed as long as Allowed
Stripes / too conspicuous. it is not too
Fungus Stains conspicuous.
11. Decay Not allowed Not allowed Allowed as long as Allowed as
it is strong, filled long as it is
with putty, and putty, and
sanded smooth. sanded
smooth.
12. Rotten Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Allowed as
long as it does
not affect the
use.
13. Transverse Not allowed Max Length 50mm. Like Max Length Allowed as
Crack hair. 100mm. Like hair. long as it does
not affect the
use.
14. Open Crack Not allowed Like Hair, Length 130 mm Like Hair, Length Max 10mm x
300 mm 500mm.
15. Cracked and 1.5mm x 100mm, Max 3 pieces at each Max 3 pieces at Max 10mm x
Filled 3 pieces at the panel end, with each end, filled 500mm.
ends of the panel dimensions of 3mm x with putty and
or 3 pieces with a 610mm / sanded smooth,
width of 3mm x 3mm x 260mm. with dimensions of
200mm. 5mm x 500mm /
8mm x 300mm.
16. Putty Stain Inconspicuous Allowed as long as it is not Allowed as long as Allowed
too conspicuous it is not too
conspicuous
17. Wrapping Inconspicuous, Inconspicuous, smooth, Allowed, sanded Allowed
Marks smooth, and even. and even. smooth
18. Rough Not allowed Allowed as long as it's Allowed as long as Allowed
Cuts/Rough light and filled smoothly it's light and filled
Surface smoothly
19. Patch Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Max 110mm x
220mm, 1
piece,
matching color
and tightly
fitted
20. Inlay Max. 6 mm x 152 Max. 19 mm x 152 mm, Allowed, matching Allowed, as
mm, tight, tight, matching color, color, filled, and long as it does
matching color, filled, and sanded smooth. sanded smooth. not affect
filled, and sanded usage.
smooth.
21. Joint Allowed: 1 piece, Allowed: 1 piece, tight, Allowed: 1 piece, Allowed as
tight, matching matching color, filled, and tight, matching long as it is
color, filled, and sanded smooth. color, filled, and tight.
sanded smooth. sanded smooth.
22. Tape and Not allowed Not allowed Allowed as long as Allowed
Adhesive they are minimal
Stains and even.
23. Oil, Grease, Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Allowed as
and Paint long as they
Stains are minimal
24. Knife Defects Not allowed Not allowed Max. 1 mm, Allowed as
smooth, filled, and long as it is not
not broken broken
25. Sanding Smooth and even Smooth and even Smooth and even Allowed as
defects long as it is not
too
conspicuous
26. Scratches Not allowed Not allowed Allowed Max. 1 Allowed
mm, filled with
putty and sanded
smooth

27. Compression Not allowed Along the grain 3 mm x 20 Along the grain 8 Allowed as
defect mm, 1 piece per panel, mm x 20 mm, 2 long as it is
filled with putty and pieces per panel, filled with
sanded smooth. filled with putty putty and
Across the grain 1.5 mm x and sanded sanded
16 mm, 1 piece per panel, smooth. smooth.
filled with putty and Across the grain
sanded smooth. 1.5 mm x 16 mm, 2
pieces per panel,
filled with putty
and sanded
smooth.
28. Uneven Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Allowed
Thickness

Table 3. Inner veneer quality standards

No. Defect A B C D
categories
1. Gap Not allowed Max. 1.5 mm x 102 Max. 3 mm x 102 Allowed as long as
mm. Not visible on mm, not visible on it is not visible on
the surface, Max. 1 the surface, Max. 1 the surface.
piece. piece.
2. Overlaping Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Allowed Max. 50 %
panel width, 4 pcs.
3. Thickness Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed Allowed as long as
inconsistencies not delaminating
4. Number of Max. 5 pieces, Not limited Not limited Not limited
Joints/Sheet. color matching,
minimum spacing
between joints 150
mm.
5. Undersized Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed 5 x 200mm,
1 piece
6. Trash under Not allowed Not allowed Not allowed As long as it is flat.
veneer

Table 4. Minimum Quality Requirements for Back Layer Veneer

No. Defect categories Quality requirements
1. Healthy knots (sound, structurally Not limited
intact wood knots)
2. Rotten knots (decayed or deteriorated Not limited
wood knots)
3. Round borer holes Not limited
4. Elongated borer holes Not limited
5. Other types of borer holes Not limited
6. Inlaid Bark /Resin Pocket Allowed
7. Wet Resin/Sap Allowed as long as it does not affect the
usage
8. Color Change Not limited
9. Decay A little
10. Crack Max. 5 mm x 1/2 length
11. Patch Max. 110 mm x 220 mm, 1 piece,
matching color and tightly fitted
12. Rough surface Not limited
13. Joint Allowed
14. Inlay Not limited, tight
15. Knife defect Inconspicuous, does not disturb the use
16. Compression Defect Allowed
17. Sanding Defect A little
18. Scratch Inconspicuous
19. Adhesive Stain, Paper, Oil or Grease Inconspicuous
Stain
 20. Uneven thickness A little
21. Rough Cut A little

6. Testing Methods
6.1 Principle
Testing is performed visually (visual inspection) for measuring dimensions and
evaluating the quality of appearance. Meanwhile, testing for moisture content and
adhesive strength is done through laboratory tests.
6.2 Equipment
The equipment used for visual testing includes: a measuring tape, caliper, micrometer,
and magnifying glass (loupe).
6.2.2 Laboratory Testing Equipment
The laboratory testing equipment includes: balance (scale), desiccator, magnifying glass,
shear and tensile testing device, caliper, oven, and water bath.
6.3 Preparation
6.3.1 Testing is carried out during the day or in a well-lit area (with adequate lighting),
so that all defects in the plywood can be observed.
6.3.2 Sample Collection
For visual testing, samples are taken using census sampling (100% of the material is
tested), and for inspections, samples are taken randomly. For laboratory testing,
samples are also taken randomly. The number of plywood sheets for testing is listed in
Table 5.
Number of sample sheets
No. Number of sheets per batch
Visual Laboratory
1. <500 35 2
2. 501-1000 60 3
3. 1001-2000 80 4
4. >2001 125 5

6.3.3 Preparation of test samples

From each sample sheet of plywood, 5 (five) test pieces are made, evenly distributed
along the diagonal line, each with the size of 300 mm x 300 mm (see Figure 1).
 Sample plywood (one
full panel)

Figure 1: Test samples

Explanation: A, B, C, D, and E are test pieces with dimensions of 300 mm x 300 mm.
Plywood for general use SN1 01-5003.2-2000, page 12 of 18.
6.3.4 Preparation of Test Samples
6.3.4.1 Moisture Content Test Samples
From each test piece, 1 (one) moisture content test sample is made, with a size of 100
mm x 100 mm. Therefore, from each sheet of plywood or blockboard sample, there will
be 5 (five) moisture content test samples.
6.3.4.2 Adhesion Strength Test Samples using Shear and Tensile Tests
1. From each test piece, 4 (four) shear and tensile strength test samples are made
with dimensions of 100 mm x 25 mm, so from each plywood sheet, there will be
20 (twenty) shear and tensile test samples.
2. The shear and tensile test samples are treated as follows: Create a shear notch to
the depth of the core layer with a width not exceeding 3 mm, half of the test
samples have an open delamination crack orientation, and the remaining samples
have a closed delamination crack orientation. If the load direction is the same as
the delamination crack direction, it is considered closed, and vice versa. (See
Figure 2).
Figure 2: Example of tensile shear test
Explanation:
X is the length of the shear plane 1 is the face layer
Y is the closed delamination crack orientation 2 is the core layer
Z is the open delamination crack orientation 3 is the back layer
If the thickness of the outer layer is less than or equal to 1.3 mm, then the size of
the shear area is 12.5 mm x 25 mm. If the thickness of the outer layer is greater
than 1.3 mm, then the size of the shear area is 25 mm x 25 mm.
For plywood with more than 3 layers of veneer, the test sample is made with 3
layers first, with the condition that each adhesive line must be represented, as
shown in Figure 3. At least 20 test samples must be prepared, with the number of
samples from each adhesive line being the same or nearly the same.
 Figure 3: Preparation of Test Samples for Plywood with More Than 3 Veneer
Layers
6.4 Testing Procedures
6.4.1 Dimensional Testing
1. Length is determined by averaging the results of two measurements of the
distance between the two width sides.
2. Width is determined by averaging the results of two measurements of the
distance between the two length sides.
3. Thickness is determined by averaging the results of four measurements at the
four corners.
4. Squareness is determined by the difference between the results of two diagonal
length measurements.
5. Volume is determined by multiplying the thickness, width, and length of the
plywood.
6.4.2 Appearance Quality Test
1. The test includes the types of defects, their sizes, and distribution of defects
present on the face layer, inner layer, and back layer of the plywood.
2. Each defect is evaluated, and its quality is determined based on the
requirements.
3. Appearance quality is defined as the lowest quality grade among the defects
found.
4. If any defects fall below the required standard or do not meet the order/contract
specifications, the plywood and general-use boards will be rejected in the test.
6.4.3 Moisture Content Test
1. The test sample is weighed to determine the initial weight.
2. The test sample is dried in an oven at a temperature of 103°C ± 2°C.
3. The Test Sample is Weighed Again and Then Dried in an Oven Until Its Weight
Becomes Constant (Absolute Dry Weight).
Calculation
The moisture content of the test sample is calculated using the following formula:
 Moisture Content (%)=
𝐵𝑎−𝐵𝑘 × 100%
𝐵𝑘
Explanation:
Ba (berat awal) is the initial weight of the test sample (gram).
Bk (berat kering) is the absolute dry weight of the test sample (gram).

The moisture content of each sheet of plywood is the average moisture content
of the five test samples.
6.4.4 Adhesive Strength Test
6.4.4.1 Exterior Type I Adhesive Strength Test
1. The test sample is boiled in boiling water for 4 hours.
2. The test sample is dried in an oven at a temperature of 60°C ± 3°C for 20 hours.
3. The test sample is boiled again in boiling water for 4 hours.
4. The test sample is soaked in cold water for 20 hours.
5. The test sample is then tested using a shear strength tester while still wet.
6.4.4.2 Exterior Type II Adhesive Strength Test
1. The test sample is boiled in boiling water for 4 hours.
2. The test sample is dried in an oven at a temperature of 60°C ± 3°C for 20 hours.
3. The test sample is boiled again in boiling water for 4 hours.
4. The test sample is dipped in cold water until it reaches room temperature.
5. The test sample is then tested using a shear strength tester while still wet.
6.4.4.3 Interior Type I Adhesive Strength Test
1. The test sample is soaked in hot water at 60°C ± 3°C for 3 hours.
2. The test sample is dipped in cold water until it reaches room temperature.
3. The test sample is then tested using a shear strength tester while still wet.
6.4.4.4 Interior Type II Adhesive Strength Test
The test sample is tested using a shear strength tester in its dry state without
any prior treatment.
Calculation of Adhesive Strength Value
1. To calculate the adhesive strength value, the formula used is as follows:
 KR= KGTx coefficient
Explanation:
KR (keteguhan rekat) = Adhesive strength value (kg/cm²)
KGT (keteguhan geser tarik) = Shear strength value (kg/cm²)

2. The shear strength value is obtained using the following formula:

B
KGT =
P×L
Explanation:
B (Beban) = Tensile load (kg)
P (Panjang) = Shear area length (cm)
L (Lebar) = Shear area width (cm)
3) The ratio between the core layer thickness and the face layer thickness, along with
the coefficient, is presented in Table 6.
Table 6. The ratio between the core layer thickness and the face layer thickness and its
coefficient.
No. The ratio between the thickness of the core layer Coefficient
and the layer
1. 1.5 - < 2,0 1,1
2. 2,0 - < 2,5 1,2
3. 2,5 - < 3,0 1,3
4. 3,0 - < 3,5 1,4
5. 3,5 - < 4,0 1,5
6. 4,0 - < 4,5 1,7
7. ≥ 4,5 2,0

4) The value of wood damage is calculated using the following formula:

LK
KK = × 100%
LB
Explanation:
KK (kerusakan kayu) = Wood damage (%)
LK (luas kerusakan) = Wood damage area on the shear surface (mm²)
LB (luas bidang) = Shear area (mm²)

6.4.5 Formaldehyde Emission Test

If a formaldehyde emission test is required, it can be performed according to the
guidelines for liquid urea-formaldehyde used as an adhesive for plywood.
6.5 Test Passing Requirements
6.5.1 Sample Plywood
6.5.1.1 The dimensions of the sample plywood are considered to pass the test if the
deviations are within the tolerances specified in Table 1.
6.5.1.2 The appearance quality of the sample plywood is considered to pass the test if it
meets the quality requirements listed in Tables 2, 3, and 4.
6.5.1.3 The moisture content of the sample plywood is considered to pass the test if the
moisture content is a maximum of 14%.
6.5.1.4 The shear strength test on the sample plywood is considered to pass if the
average adhesive strength is at least 7 kg/cm².
A plywood sheet is considered to pass the test if at least 90% of the test samples meet
the requirements.
6.5.2 Plywood Batch
6.5.2.1 If 90% or more of the plywood samples pass the test, the batch is considered to
pass the test.
6.5.2.2 If between 70% and less than 90% of the samples pass the test, the testing is
repeated, with the number of samples being twice the original sample size.
If 90% of the retested samples pass, then the batch is considered to pass the test.
6.5.2.3 If fewer than 70% of the samples pass the initial test, or fewer than 90% pass in
the retest, the batch is considered to fail the test.
7. Marking and Packaging
7.1 Marking on Plywood
Each sheet of plywood shall be marked with the following information: a)
Manufacturer's name (company identification mark).
b) Nominal dimensions (length, width, thickness).
c) Type.
d) Appearance quality.
7.2 Marking on Packaging
The markings on one side of the packaging should include the following information:
a) Made in Indonesia.
b) Manufacturer's name (company identification mark).
c) Nominal dimensions (length, width, thickness).
d) Plywood type and general-use block board.
e) Appearance quality.
f) Packaging number.
g) Shipping destination (port of destination).
h) SNI number.
i) Other markings/information as agreed upon between the seller and the buyer.
7.3 Packaging
Plywood intended for export or trade must be packaged according to the established
packaging method.