SIST EN 14323:2022

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 14323:2022
01-februar-2022
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 14323:2017
Lesne plošče - Z melaminom oplemenitene plošče za notranje prostore -
Preskusne metode
Wood-based panels - Melamine faced boards for interior uses - Test methods
Holzwerkstoffe - Melaminbeschichtete Platten zur Verwendung im Innenbereich -
Prüfverfahren
Panneaux à base de bois - Panneaux surfacés mélaminés pour usages intérieurs -
Méthodes d'essais
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 14323:2021
ICS:
79.060.01 Lesne plošče na splošno Wood-based panels in
general
SIST EN 14323:2022 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN 14323:2022

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SIST EN 14323:2022


EN 14323
EUROPEAN STANDARD

NORME EUROPÉENNE

November 2021
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 79.060.20 Supersedes EN 14323:2017
English Version

Wood-based panels - Melamine faced boards for interior
uses - Test methods
Panneaux à base de bois - Panneaux surfacés Holzwerkstoffe - Melaminbeschichtete Platten zur
mélaminés pour usages intérieurs - Méthodes d'essais Verwendung im Innenbereich - Prüfverfahren
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 24 October 2021.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC 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
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.





EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 14323:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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SIST EN 14323:2022
EN 14323:2021 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Test pieces . 4
5 Conditioning of test pieces . 4
6 Test methods . 5
6.1 Dimensions (thickness, length and width) . 5
6.2 Flatness . 5
6.3 Edge damage . 5
6.4 Surface defects . 6
6.5 Resistance to scratching . 7
6.6 Resistance to staining . 8
6.7 Resistance to cracking. 9
6.8 Colour comparison and surface texture . 10
6.9 Resistance to abrasion of the decorative surface layer . 14
6.10 Resistance to water vapour . 15
6.11 Resistance to colour change in xenon arc light . 15
6.12 Gloss level . 16
6.13 Resistance to impact by large-diameter steel ball . 17
7 Test report . 17
Annex A (informative) Staining agents . 19
Annex B (normative) Similarity index . 21
Annex C (normative) CQA index . 22
Bibliography . 23

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SIST EN 14323:2022
EN 14323:2021 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN 14323:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 112 “Wood-based
panels”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2022, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by May 2022.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 14323:2017.
Compared to EN 14323:2017 the following modifications have been made:
a) spectral measurement technology added as an option in 6.8.3 and 6.8.4 to determine colour
comparison.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
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EN 14323:2021 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies test methods for the determination of characteristics of melamine faced boards
(MFB) in accordance with EN 14322.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 324-1, Wood-based panels - Determination of dimensions of boards - Part 1: Determination of
thickness, width and length
EN 438-2:2016+A1:2018, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting
resins (usually called laminates) - Part 2: Determination of properties
EN ISO 2813, Paints and varnishes - Determination of gloss value at 20°, 60° and 85° (ISO 2813)
EN ISO 3668, Paints and varnishes - Visual comparison of colour of paints (ISO 3668)
EN ISO 4892-2:2013, Plastics - Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources - Part 2: Xenon-arc lamps
(ISO 4892-2:2013)
EN ISO 11664-6, Colorimetry - Part 6: CIEDE2000 Colour-difference formula (ISO/CIE 11664-6)
ISO 9352, Plastics - Determination of resistance to wear by abrasive wheels
ISO 13655, Graphic technology - Spectral measurement and colorimetric computation for graphic arts
images
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
4 Test pieces
The test pieces for the following tests shall be taken at least 150 mm from the edge of the product.
When needed, the longitudinal or transverse direction of the decorative surface shall be specified by the
manufacturer for the tests on the products.
5 Conditioning of test pieces
Unless specified otherwise for the individual tests, the test pieces shall be tested in the received state.
In cases of dispute or for type approval, the test pieces shall be conditioned for one week in an
atmosphere of (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % relative humidity prior to testing.
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6 Test methods
6.1 Dimensions (thickness, length and width)
These properties shall be determined in accordance with EN 324-1.
6.2 Flatness
6.2.1 Principle
Flatness is determined by measuring the maximal deviation of the board surface from a metal straight
edge placed at two selected positions parallel to the long and short edges of the board or panel.
6.2.2 Apparatus
Straight edge, of (1 000 ± 1) mm length, with dial indicator gauge (comparator) graduated to permit a
reading accuracy of 0,1 mm.
6.2.3 Test pieces
The test piece shall be the complete board under test, as received, stored in the conditions
recommended by the manufacturer.
6.2.4 Procedure
Place the board in a vertical position free from restraint with one long edge resting on an essentially
horizontal floor. Place the flatness gauge on the concave surface at various positions. At each position,
measure the greatest distance between board surface and the flatness gauge with an accuracy of
0,1 mm.
6.2.5 Expression of results
The result of the test is the highest recorded reading on the dial gauge in millimetres to the nearest
0,1 mm.
6.3 Edge damage
6.3.1 Principle
Edge damage is determined by placing a graduated mask or tape measure on the board or panel under
test and measuring the size of chips of paper removed from the edges.
6.3.2 Apparatus
A metal tape measure or mask graduated in divisions of 1 mm.
6.3.3 Test pieces
The test piece is the board or panel as received.
6.3.4 Procedure
The test piece is laid level on a protective surface. Loose surface contamination is to be removed using a
soft brush. Using the metal tape measure or the mask the size of the chip is measured at right angles to
the board edge, across the chip towards the centre of the board.
6.3.5 Expression of results
Record the dimensions of the largest chip of paper removed to the nearest millimetre (mm).
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6.4 Surface defects
6.4.1 Principle
Inspection of boards for surface appearance under standardized conditions of lighting and viewing.
2
Surface defects are > 0,8 mm and those that are identified when the surface texture is viewed from a
distance of 0,7 m and at an angle about of 45°.
6.4.2 Apparatus
The light source shall provide a diffused illumination of (1 200 ± 400) lx over the whole area. This shall
either be diffused daylight or be diffused artificial light. The daylight shall be unaffected by surrounding
trees, etc. When artificial daylight is used, it shall have a correlated colour temperature of (5 000 to
6 500) K and a Ra > 92, by using a colour matching booth in accordance with EN ISO 3668.
A convenient distance of the lights from the inspection table is approximately 1,5 m.
6.4.3 Test pieces
The test piece shall be the board under test, as received.
6.4.4 Procedure
Place the board, decorative face uppermost, on the inspection table and wipe it free of any loose
contamination, if necessary, with a soft cloth and any suitable cleaning agent if necessary. Inspect it
from the distance required (specified in 6.4.1) for defects such as smudges, smears, finger-prints,
scratches, foreign particles, damage or any other form of blemish evident within the decorative surface.
In case of cut to size panels the inspection shall be performed on the edges too.
The evaluation of the total area of spot-type defects in square millimetres and of the total length of hair-
1
like defects in millimetres shall be carried out with the help of a Size Estimation Chart . In case of
dispute the inspection shall be carried out by three observers using a Chart.
The tester shall have normal eyesight, corrected if necessary No magnifying glass shall be used in
viewing the sheet. In cases of doubt or dispute, three observers are required for the visual assessment.
All observers shall not have any colour perception impediment. In case of three observers, the reported
rating for the test surface shall be the average to the nearest nominal value.
6.4.5 Expression of results
Record all defects identifying type, number and size of defects and sum up surfaces and length.
The admissible size of defects is based on a maximum contamination area equivalent to a unit of defects
and is proportional to the standard delivery size of the manufacturer. The total admissible area of
contamination shall be concentrated in one spot or dispersed over an amount of smaller defects.
In case of pre-cut panels the cumulative defect is referred to the standard delivery sizes of the
manufacturers or amount of delivery.
2 2
EXAMPLE Permitted unit of defect (see EN 14322) in this sample is 2 mm /m
Standard delivery size of the manufacturer: 5 000 mm × 2 000 mm

1
The “Tappi Size Estimation Chart” is an example. “Tappi Size Estimation Chart” is the trade name of a product
supplied by TAPPI, Technology Park, P.O. Box 105113, Atlanta, GA 30348-5113, USA, tel. +1 770 446 1400, fax +1
770 446 6947. The article reference is: TAPPI - Dirt size estimation chart. “Tappi size estimation chart” is an
example of a suitable product available commercially. This information is given for the convenience of users of
this European Standard and does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of this product.
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Points:
The permissible total error (TE) is calculated as follows:
2 2 2
TE = Board length × Board width × Permitted unit of defect = 5 000 mm × 2 000 mm × 2 mm /m = 20 mm
The following errors are therefore permitted:
2
1 × 20 mm defect, or
2
2 × 10 mm defect, or
2
3 × 6,6 mm defect etc.
Length:
The permissible total error (TE) is calculated as follows:
2
TE = Board length × Board width × Permitted unit of defect = 5 000 mm × 2 000 mm × 20 mm/m = 200 mm
The following errors are therefore permitted:
1 × 200 mm defect, or
2 × 100 mm defect, or
3 × 66 mm defect etc.
6.5 Resistance to scratching
6.5.1 Principle
Increasing loads are applied in specified steps to a diamond scratching point of defined geometry.
The resistance to scratching of the melamine faced board under test is expressed as a numerical rating
which defines the minimum applied load which is producing a continuous surface scratch. The test
result is verified by visually confirming that the next higher load-step produces a continuous scratch.
6.5.2 Apparatus
Scratch testing apparatus and viewing enclosure shall be used as described in EN 438-2:2016+A1:2018,
25.3.
6.5.3 Test pieces
Cut a test piece 100 mm × 100 mm from the board under test. Wipe the surface using cotton fabric
impregnated with a solvent such as acetone. Once cleaned, the surface shall not touched in the test area.
Before making the scratch test store the test piece for 4 days in the standard atmosphere according to
Clause 5.
6.5.4 Procedure
Follow the procedure in EN 438-2:2016+A1:2018, 25.6 with the following modifications.
Start the test by making two scratches at 1,0 N with a spacing of approximately 1 mm between the
scratch marks. On the same test piece repeat this procedure with loads in increment of 0,5 N up to a
load of 4,0 N leaving a space of approximately 3 mm between each pair of scratches. Place the scratched
samples in the standard atmosphere, specified in Clause 5, for 24 h before final inspection.
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6.5.5 Expression of results
During the examination, the operator shall ensure that the double circle of scratch marks selected is
truly > 90 % continuous.
The examination of the surface should take ≤ 10 s.
Record the minimum load giving a continuous mark visible after 24 h in the standard atmosphere. In
cases of dispute, three observers shall view the test piece and report their results independently; the
final result shall be the average of the three reported values, rounded to the next 0,1 N.
6.6 Resistance to staining
6.6.1 Principle
Test pieces are left in contact with a series of staining agents which are likely to be encountered in
everyday use. The time and conditions of contact are specified for each staining agent. At the end of the
specified contact period the test pieces are washed and examined for residual surface marks.
6.6.2 Staining agents
The test is carried out with the two representative staining agents: acetone and black coffee. Acetone is
applied at ambient temperature; black coffee of normal drinking strength is applied at approximately
80 °C. If the product under test meets specification requirements then it is deemed to comply with the
specification for stain resistance. Other staining agents are included in Table A.1 (see Annex A) for
information only and may be used after agreement between supplier and customer.
6.6.3 Apparatus
— Glass covering (e.g. watch glass) to prevent evaporation;
— cleaning agent;
— diffuse light source.
The light source shall provide a diffused illumination of (1 200 ± 400) lx over the whole area. This shall
either be diffused daylight or be diffused artificial light. The daylight shall be unaffected by surrounding
trees, etc. When artificial daylight is used, it shall have a correlated colour temperature of (5 000 to
6 500) K and a Ra > 92, by using a colour matching booth in accordance with EN ISO 3668.
A convenient distance of the lights from the inspection table is approximately 1,5 m.
6.6.4 Test pieces
Individual test pieces of any suitable size shall be used cut from the board under test. Where surface
finishes are different, state the side to be tested.
Alternatively a single piece test specimen, large enough to allow the staining materials to be applied
side by side, may be used. Keep the test piece flat during the test. An area of about 100 mm × 100 mm is
required for each test.
6.6.5 Procedure
The pieces shall be initially at room temperature. Apply a small quantity (for example 2 or 3 drops) of
staining agent to the test area. Cover the staining agents with a glass cover.
After 16 h contact time has elapsed remove the staining agents completely. Then wash the test areas
with any suitable cleaning agent.
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Leave the test pieces 24 h in normal ambient conditions. Then view from various angles at a distance of
400 mm using normal eyesight, corrected where necessary.
If agreed, another examination can be made after a further specified period of time.
6.6.6 Expression of results
Use following rating scale for evaluation:
— rating 5: No visible change; test area indistinguishable from adjacent surrounding area;
— rating 4: Minor change; test area distinguishable from adjacent surrounding area, only when the
light source is mirrored on the test surface and is reflected towards the observer's eye, e.g.
discoloration, change in gloss and colour;
— rating 3: Moderate change; test area distinguishable from adjacent surrounding area, visible in
several viewing, directions, e.g. discoloration, change in gloss and colour;
— rating 2: Significant change; test area clearly distinguishable from adjacent surrounding area,
visible in all viewing directions, e.g. discoloration, change in gloss and colour, and/or structure of
the surface slightly changed, e.g. cracking, blistering;
— rating 1: Strong change; the structure of the surface being distinctly changed and/or discoloration,
change in gloss and colour, and/or the surface material being totally or partially delaminated.
6.7 Resistance to cracking
6.7.1 Principle
To determine the ability of the decorative surfaces of melamine faced board to resist to cracking under
dry heat at 70 °C.
6.7.2 Apparatus
— electrically heated oven, provided with air circulation capable of being controlled at (70 ± 2) °C;
— hand-lens with approximately 6x magnification;
— lighting of intensity (800 to 1 000) Lux.
6.7.3 Test pieces
A 250 mm × 250 mm test piece shall be cut out of the product. The edges which define decorative sides
shall be chamfered about 3 mm wide at an angle of about 45° to avoid any notch effect from the edge.
6.7.4 Procedure
The test piece shall be stored in an oven with air turbulence controlled at (70 ± 2) °C for 24 h. After
subsequent cooling in standard reference atmosphere 23 °C/50 % relative humidity for 24 h, a
magnifier with approximately 6x magnification shall be used to determine whether, and to what extent,
cracks have appeared, when examined under a light intensity of (800 to 1 000) Lux.
6.7.5 Expression of results
Cracks are divided into 2 classes. Hairline cracks that are difficult to see by eye and surface cracks that
may cut into the surface finish and may reach the board. These can be clearly seen and felt.
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The result of the examination of the surface and reverse side shall be expressed in accordance with the
following rating scale:
— rating 5: without cracks;
— rating 4: isolated hairline cracks;
— rating 3: hairline cracks randomly distributed over the total surfaces;
— rating 2: in addition to stage 3, 1 to 2 small cracks < 25 mm have appeared on the surface which are
still visible at an observation distance of 400 mm;
— rating 1: more cracks spread over the total surface area.
Surface cracks, which originate due to edge damage, are not taken into consideration for overall
judgement.
6.8 Colour comparison and surface texture
6.8.1 General
Three options (option 1, 2a and 2b) corresponding to the three main recognized test methods are given
for the colour comparison requirements. The manufacturer shall act in accordance with at least one of
the three options.
6.8.2 Option 1: Visual assessment
6.8.2.1 Principle
To assess the colour and texture of each face of a test piece against a reference sample agreed between
supplier and customer.
6.8.2.2 Reference sample
A sample, as retained by the manufacturer, approximatively A4 size. This sample shall be stored away of
lights and heat sources.
6.8.2.3 Test piece
A A4 size test piece shall be cut from the board under test. Where printed decors are to be examined,
care should be taken to select the test piece from the same area as the reference sample to reflect the
identical panel.
6.8.2.4 Apparatus
Light box for colour comparison: The light box is to be painted matt black and fitted with a light source
(daylight, colour temperature 6 500 K) giving a light intensity of (800 to 1 000) Lux. The size of the box
is to permit both the reference sample and the test piece to stand side by side and vertically at the rear
such that shadow free, non-reflected light strikes the samples.
6.8.2.5 Procedure
6.8.2.5.1 General
The tester shall have normal eyesight, corrected if necessary, and not have any colour perception
impediment.
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6.8.2.5.2 Colour comparison
The colour comparison of these surfaces is carried out visually against the reference sample in the
evaluation box using daylight (colour temperature 6 500 K). The samples are placed at the rear of the
box, standing in a slightly inclined position side by side, and are viewed from about 0,7m distance.
6.8.2.5.3 Surface texture
Surface texture control is carried out visually against the reference sample in the evaluation box. The
samples are placed at the rear of the box, standing side by side, with diffused reflected light across the
surfaces.
6.8.2.5.4 Expression of results
The test pieces shall be judged as described above using the following rate scale for evaluation:
— R 5: no visible deviations;
— R 4: slight deviations of colour and/or texture;
— R 3: marked deviations of colour and/or texture;
— R 2: severe deviations of colour and/or texture;
— R 1: very severe deviations of colour and/or texture.
6.8.3 Option 2 a: Spatially resolved spectral measurement technology
6.8.3.1 Principle
A reference sample agreed between supplier and customer, which is digitally read in (reference image)
and no longer haptically stored, is used to assess the colour match on each side of the test piece. This
reference sample data set is used for the comparative assessment.
Spatially resolved spectral measurement means that an image (line by line / pixel by pixel) is recorded.
For each of these pixels, location and spectral information are known. This pixel-by-pixel spectral
information is then used to determine the similarity between individual samples.
The application of spectral image processing ensures that the measurement technique is able to
reproduce the optical colour impression perceived by a well-trained and healthy human eye and to
subject it to a comprehensive objective evaluation.
When using spatially resolved spectral measurement technology, the colour match of the specimen with
the reference sample is determined. The structure itself is not measured (no roughness measurement);
nevertheless, the structure has an influence due to the refraction of light during colour measurement.
For this reason, the test pieces shall always be compared with the same structure.
6.8.3.2 Digital reference sample
In the case of the print decors, a prominent position shall be defined in the reference sample and shall
be 200 mm x 200 mm. The tolerance here is ± 2 mm. The reference image is generated by scanning the
reference sample using spatially resolved spectral measurement technology.
Reference images can be retained instead of physical samples.
6.8.3.3 Test pieces
The 200 mm x 200 mm test piece shall be cut from the board under test. Where printed decors are to be
examined, care should be taken to select the test piece from the same area as the reference sample to
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reflect the identical panel. The image is generated by scanning the test piece using spatially resolved
spectral measurement technology.
6.8.3.4 Apparatus
Specification of the colourimeter for determining the colour match of decorative surfaces:
Spectral scanner with a spatial resolution of minimum 90 dpi and a spectral resolution of minimum
10 nm steps, in the spectral range 400 nm - 730 nm. Measuring geometry: 45°/0°, measuring surface at
least 150 mm x 80 mm.
NOTE 1 This measurement mode meets the M0 requirements of ISO 13655.
NOTE 2 For unicolour and white, it is possible to use a hand-held colourimeter (single-point measurement) to
determine the colour match. The measurement geometry 45°/0° is preferred in order to ensure comparability
with the spatially resolved spectral measurement technique.
6.8.3.5 Procedure
6.8.3.5.1 General
The sample surface shall lie flat on the sc
...