Wood-based panels - Determination of moisture resistance under cyclic test conditions

This European Standard specifies a test method for the determination of the moisture resistance of wood-based
panels under cyclic test conditions.

Holzwerkstoffe - Bestimmung der Feuchtebeständigkeit durch Zyklustest

Diese Europäische Norm legt ein Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung der Feuchtebeständigkeit von Holzwerkstoffen durch Zyklusprüfung fest.

Panneaux a base de bois - Détermination de la résistance a l'humidité selon essais cycliques

La présente Norme européenne spécifie une méthode pour la détermination de la résistance à l'humidité des panneaux à base sous conditions essais cycliques.

Lesne plošče – Ugotavljanje odpornosti proti vlagi pri cikličnih pogojih

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Dec-2003
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
01-Jan-2004
Due Date
01-Jan-2004
Completion Date
01-Jan-2004

Relations

Effective Date
01-Jan-2004
Effective Date
01-Jan-2004
Effective Date
27-Dec-2023

Overview

SIST EN 321:2004 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies a standardized test method for determining the moisture resistance of wood-based panels under cyclic test conditions. This standard ensures accurate assessment of how wood-based panels behave when subjected to repeated cycles of moisture exposure, freezing, and drying, mimicking real-life environmental conditions. It is essential for manufacturers, quality controllers, and researchers involved in wood panel production and durability assessment.

The standard applies to all types of wood-based panels and supersedes the previous version EN 321:1993. Developed under the CEN/TC 112 technical committee, it has been harmonized across CEN member countries, enabling uniform testing and reliable comparison of product performance.

Key Topics

  • Scope of Testing
    Defines procedures for testing moisture resistance through cyclic exposure to water immersion, freezing, and drying, followed by measurements of thickness swelling and residual mechanical strength.

  • Test Methodology
    Involves three repeated cycles, each including:

    • Immersion in water (pH 7 ± 1, 20 ± 1 °C) for 70 hours
    • Freezing between -12 °C and -25 °C for 24 hours
    • Drying at 70 ± 2 °C with forced ventilation for 70 hours
      After cycles, test pieces are reconditioned and evaluated for changes in thickness and mechanical strength.
  • Apparatus Requirements
    Includes specifications for water bath, freezing cabinet, and drying cabinet ensuring controlled and reproducible test conditions.

  • Sampling and Conditioning
    Specifies sampling, cutting, and pre-conditioning procedures to achieve constant mass before testing, adhering to related EN standards (EN 326-1, EN 310).

  • Evaluation Parameters
    Key results measured are swelling in thickness (EN 317), tensile strength perpendicular to the panel surface (EN 319), and optionally bending strength (EN 310).

  • Reporting
    Formal requirements for documenting test procedures, results, and test piece characteristics as per EN 326-1.

Applications

The SIST EN 321:2004 standard is highly relevant for:

  • Wood-Based Panel Manufacturers
    Ensuring product durability and compliance with moisture resistance requirements for different applications such as furniture, construction, and packaging.

  • Quality Assurance Laboratories
    Performing standardized cyclic moisture resistance testing to validate product quality and conformity with European regulations.

  • Research and Development
    Investigating material improvements to enhance durability against moisture-related degradation, freezing damage, and subsequent mechanical property loss.

  • Regulatory and Certification Bodies
    Using EN 321 test results to establish product classifications, load-bearing capacity in humid environments, and provide certifications aligned with harmonized European standards.

Related Standards

SIST EN 321:2004 is part of a comprehensive framework of European standards covering various performance aspects of wood-based panels:

  • EN 310 – Determination of modulus of elasticity and bending strength
  • EN 317 – Measurement of swelling in thickness after water immersion
  • EN 319 – Tensile strength perpendicular to board plane testing
  • EN 325 – Dimension measurement of test pieces
  • EN 326-1 – Sampling and test piece preparation guidelines
  • EN 300 – Definitions and specifications for Oriented Strand Boards (OSB)
  • EN 312-5 and EN 312-7 – Particleboard specifications for humid conditions
  • EN 622-5 – Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) specifications for dry processes
  • EN 634-2 – Cement bonded particleboards for variable moisture conditions

These interconnected standards support a rigorous evaluation environment for manufacturers, helping define the durability profile of wood-based panels used in different environmental conditions.


Keywords: SIST EN 321:2004, wood-based panels, moisture resistance, cyclic test conditions, European standard, wood panel testing, moisture durability, water immersion, freezing test, drying test, swelling in thickness, tensile strength, bending strength, CEN standards, wood panel quality control.

Frequently Asked Questions

SIST EN 321:2004 is a standard published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Wood-based panels - Determination of moisture resistance under cyclic test conditions". This standard covers: This European Standard specifies a test method for the determination of the moisture resistance of wood-based panels under cyclic test conditions.

This European Standard specifies a test method for the determination of the moisture resistance of wood-based panels under cyclic test conditions.

SIST EN 321:2004 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 79.060.01 - Wood-based panels in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

SIST EN 321:2004 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN 321:1996, SIST EN 321:1996/AC:1998, kSIST FprEN 321:2025. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

SIST EN 321:2004 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 305/2011, 89/106/EEC. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

SIST EN 321:2004 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Wood-based panels - Determination of moisture resistance under cyclic test conditionsSRJRMLKPanneaux a base de bois - Détermination de la résistance a l'humidité selon essais cycliquesHolzwerkstoffe - Bestimmung der Feuchtebeständigkeit durch Zyklustest79.060.01Wood-based panels in generalICS:SIST EN 321:2004enTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 321:200101-januar-2004SIST EN 321:2004SLOVENSKI
STANDARDSIST EN 321:1996/AC:1998SIST EN 321:19961DGRPHãþD

EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 321November 2001ICS 79.060.01Supersedes EN 321:1993English versionWood-based panels - Determination of moisture resistanceunder cyclic test conditionsPanneaux à base de bois - Détermination de la résistanceà l'humidité selon essais cycliquesHolzwerkstoffe - Bestimmung der Feuchtebeständigkeitdurch ZyklustestThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 30 September 2001.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2001 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 321:2001 E

ScopeThis European Standard specifies a test method for the determination of the moisture resistance of wood-basedpanels under cyclic test conditions.2
Normative referencesThis European Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. Thesenormative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. Fordated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this EuropeanStandard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references, the latest edition of thepublication referred to applies (including amendments).EN 310,
Wood based panels — Determination of modulus of elasticity in bending and of bending strength.EN 317,
Particleboards and fibreboards — Determination of swelling in thickness after immersion in water.EN 319,
Particleboards and fibreboards — Determination of tensile strength perpendicular to the plane of the board.EN 325,
Wood based panels — Determination of dimensions of test pieces.EN 326-1,
Wood based panels — Sampling, cutting and inspection — Part 1: Sampling and cutting of test piecesand expression of test results.3
PrincipleTest pieces are exposed to three cycles, each comprising immersion in water, freezing, and drying at elevatedtemperature. After cyclic treatment, the test pieces are then reconditioned and their swelling in thickness andresidual strength determined.4
Apparatus4.1
Water bathA water bath which shall maintain water at a temperature of (20 ± 1) °C.4.2 Freezing cabinetA freezing cabinet which shall be capable of maintaining a temperature of between - 12 °C and - 25 °C. It shall alsobe capable of regaining this temperature within 1 h after inserting the test pieces.4.3
Drying cabinetA laboratory drying cabinet with forced, evenly distributed air ventilation, which shall maintain a temperature of(70 ± 2) °C and have (25 ± 5) air exchanges per hour. It shall be capable of reaching a temperature of (70 ± 2) °Cwithin 2 h after inserting the test pieces.4

Test pieces5.1 SamplingSampling and cutting of the test pieces shall be carried out according to EN 326-1 and the relevant materialspecification standard.5.2 Dimensions of test piecesDimensions shall be in accordance with EN 310, EN 317 and EN 319 as appropriate.5.3
ConditioningThe test pieces shall be conditioned to constant mass in an atmosphere with a relative humidity of (65 ± 5) % anda temperature of (20 ± 2) °C. Constant mass is considered to be reached when the results of two successiveweighing operations, carried out at an interval of 24 h, do not differ by more than 0,1 % of the mass of each testpiece.6 Procedure6.1 Treatment of the test piecesThe following sequence of operations shall be carri
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