SIST EN 314-2:1996

Overview

EN 314-2:1993, published by CEN, defines the bonding quality requirements for veneer plywood (plywood). As Part 2 of the EN 314 series, this standard specifies how plywood bonding classes are determined according to intended end uses. It focuses on the practical criteria that manufacturers, specifiers and conformity bodies use to judge adhesive performance without prescribing the specific test procedures (those are given in EN 314-1).

This standard is essential for ensuring consistent production quality and appropriate selection of plywood for different applications where bond durability and mechanical integrity are important.

Key Topics

• Bonding classes and requirements: Classification of veneer plywood bonding quality according to end-use needs.
• Mechanical properties: Emphasis on shear strength as a primary characteristic for assessing bond performance.
• Wood-failure assessment: Evaluation of the extent of wood failure during bond testing to indicate bond integrity and failure mode.
• Relationship to test methods: EN 314-2 specifies requirements; the appropriate test methods and procedures are referenced in EN 314-1.
• Scope and applicability: Applies to veneer plywood intended for a range of end uses, including both structural and non-structural applications where bonding performance affects service life.

These topics provide the framework for quality control, product specification and third-party assessment of plywood bonding.

Applications

EN 314-2:1993 is directly applicable to stakeholders across the plywood supply chain and construction/product sectors:

• Manufacturers: to define internal production criteria and to classify plywood by bonding class for different product lines.
• Product specifiers and architects: to select appropriate plywood types based on bonding quality for durable installations.
• Test laboratories and conformity assessors: to interpret bonding-class results and report compliance in accordance with EN 314-1 and EN 314-2.
• Certification bodies and procurement teams: to set procurement requirements that ensure the adhesive performance suits the specified end use.

Practical benefits include improved durability, predictable mechanical behaviour under load, and clearer communication of product suitability for specific end-use conditions.

Related Standards

• EN 314-1 - Test methods for bonding quality: specifies the procedures to determine shear strength and wood-failure.
• National and regional building regulations and product standards that reference plywood bonding classes for structural design and safety.

For users implementing EN 314-2:1993, consult EN 314-1 for test procedures and ensure alignment with applicable national requirements and certification schemes. This integrated approach supports reliable plywood selection, quality assurance and compliance across markets.