ISO 17064:2016

Overview

ISO 17064:2016 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides comprehensive vocabulary and definitions related to wood-based panels. This standard specifically covers fibreboard, particleboard, and oriented strand board (OSB). By establishing consistent terminology, ISO 17064:2016 facilitates clear communication within the wood panel industry and ensures uniform understanding among manufacturers, designers, and end-users.

The second edition of ISO 17064, published in 2016, updates and consolidates terminology relevant to all types of these engineered wood panel products, reflecting advances in their applications and technical characteristics.

Key Topics

ISO 17064:2016 defines key terms pertinent to wood-based panel products used worldwide, including:

• Fibreboard: Panels manufactured from lignocellulosic fibers using heat and pressure, bonded through felting or synthetic adhesives. Common types include medium-density fibreboard (MDF), hardboard, and softboard.
• Particleboard: Panels created from wood particles such as flakes, chips, or sawdust combined with adhesive, used widely in furniture and construction applications.
• Oriented Strand Board (OSB): Multi-layered panels formed from aligned wood strands bonded with binders. OSB is primarily used for building construction, including wall, roof, and floor sheathing.
• Moisture Resistance Classifications:
  • Regular (REG) for dry indoor conditions
  • Moisture Resistant Temperate (MR1) for cool, humid environments
  • Moisture Resistant Tropical (MR2) for hot, humid climates
  • High Moisture Resistant (HMR) for environments with consistently high humidity or occasional wetting
• Special Properties:
  • Load Bearing (LB) for structural applications
  • Fire Retardant (FR) to slow fire spread
  • Insect Retardant (I) to prevent degradation from insects
  • Fungi Retardant (F) to inhibit fungal attack

This standardized vocabulary supports clarity in specifying the correct panel types and their performance in varied environmental and structural conditions.

Applications

ISO 17064:2016 vocabulary is critical for:

• Manufacturing: Ensures production aligns with industry-accepted definitions, aiding quality control and compliance.
• Building and Construction: Helps architects and engineers correctly specify panel materials based on environmental exposure and load requirements.
• Furniture Design: Assists manufacturers and designers in selecting appropriate wood-based panel materials tailored to interior humidity and durability needs.
• Product Certification and Testing: Standardized terms improve consistency in test reporting and certification for performance features such as moisture resistance and fire retardancy.
• International Trade: Promotes clear communication and reduces technical barriers, benefiting exporters and importers of wood-based panel products.

Related Standards

ISO 17064:2016 complements other international standards and guidelines related to wood-based panels, including:

• ISO 20854 – Classification and symbols for fibreboards
• ISO 16895 – Particleboard specifications
• ISO 8446 – Oriented Strand Board (OSB) specifications
• ISO 2859 – Sampling procedures for inspection
• ISO 14001 – Environmental management standards relevant to sustainable wood panel production

It works in conjunction with ISO Technical Committees focused on wood-based panels (ISO/TC 89), ensuring harmonization of terminology with related product standards.

ISO 17064:2016 plays a vital role in unifying the language used across the wood-based panel industry, enhancing product clarity, improving specification precision, and supporting global standardization efforts for fibreboard, particleboard, and OSB products in diverse construction and manufacturing environments.