How Is Plywood Produced?
Plywood has existed in some form or another since ancient Egypt. Modern plywood is made using technological advances and industry wide specifications. It is widely available and valued today for its durability and flexibility. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Traces of laminated wood have been discovered by archaeologists in the tombs of ancient Egypt. Chinese furniture was often made from a composite of shaved wood and glue as long as 1,000 years ago. The English, French and Russians were known to have plywood type materials in the 17th and 18th centuries. Modern plywood was the brain child of Portland Manufacturing Company owner Gustav Carlson in 1905.
Function
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Plywood is often used in building construction for floors, walls and paneling. It can be found in cabinetry, furniture, office equipment, boats, trains, and sporting goods.
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Features
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Plywood is made by bonding three or more layers of thin wood veneers together. Each layer of wood veneer is called a ply. It is then heated and squeezed together using a hydraulic press to create a uniform piece. The plywood is then trimmed and sanded. It is always made from an odd number of plies to increase strength and prevent twisting or warping.
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References
- Photo Credit Unfinished Plywood Background image by Gary Chorpenning from Fotolia.com