Film faced plywood, also known as shuttering plywood or formwork plywood, is a type of plywood that is specially designed for use in construction applications

Film faced plywood, also known as shuttering plywood or formwork plywood, is a type of plywood that is specially designed for use in construction applications. It is commonly used in the formwork system to create temporary molds or structures for casting concrete.

Here are some key features and characteristics of film faced plywood:

Construction: Film faced plywood is made by bonding multiple layers of wood veneers together with a strong adhesive. The wood veneers are usually sourced from hardwood species like birch, poplar, or eucalyptus, which provide strength and durability to the plywood.

Surface Coating: The plywood is coated with a phenolic film on both sides. This film is typically made of phenolic resin impregnated paper or melamine resin-impregnated paper. The film provides a smooth and durable surface that is resistant to moisture, chemicals, and wear.

Waterproof and Weatherproof: The phenolic film coating makes film faced plywood highly resistant to water, making it suitable for outdoor applications. It can withstand exposure to rain, moisture, and humidity without delaminating or warping.

Reusability: Film faced plywood is designed for multiple uses in concrete formwork. The smooth surface and water resistance of the phenolic film enable easy demolding and cleaning after each use. With proper care and maintenance, film faced plywood can be reused for several construction projects.

Strength and Stability: The multiple layers of wood veneers and the cross-grain construction of film faced plywood provide excellent strength, stability, and dimensional accuracy. It can withstand the pressure exerted by wet concrete during the pouring and curing process.

Sizes and Thickness: Film faced plywood is available in various sizes and thicknesses, ranging from 12mm to 21mm. The most commonly used size is 1220mm x 2440mm (4' x 8').

Applications: Film faced plywood is primarily used in concrete formwork, where it serves as the surface for casting concrete structures such as walls, columns, beams, and slabs. It is also used in applications where a smooth and durable surface is required, such as flooring, scaffolding, truck and trailer beds, and packaging.

It's worth noting that film faced plywood is different from regular plywood or other types of decorative plywood. The phenolic film coating gives film faced plywood its unique properties, making it suitable for construction purposes.

When using film faced plywood, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and ensure proper handling, storage, and maintenance to prolong its lifespan and performance.