ISO 2074:2007

Overview

ISO 2074:2007 - Plywood - Vocabulary defines the terminology specific to plywood and plywood manufacturing. Published as the second edition (replacing ISO 2074:1972) and prepared by ISO/TC 89 (Wood‑based panels), Subcommittee SC 3 (Plywood), this International Standard provides clear, authoritative descriptions of terms that may be used in other wood and wood‑based materials standards. The vocabulary is intended to clarify and interpret general terminology as it applies to plywood production, specification and use.

Key Topics

ISO 2074:2007 covers a comprehensive set of plywood‑related terms, including:

• Plywood types - definitions for plywood, balanced plywood, veneer plywood, blockboard (core strips >7 mm and ≤30 mm), battenboard (core strips >30 mm and ≤76 mm), laminboard (core made of veneer strips ≤7 mm), composite plywood, moulded plywood, long‑grain and cross‑grain plywood.
• Panel elements - layer, cross‑band, core, veneer, ply; distinctions between veneers and other sheet or core materials.
• Veneer production - forms and cutting methods: sliced veneer, rotary‑cut (peeled) veneer, semi rotary‑cut, sawn veneer.
• Panel characteristics - surface, face, back face, panel length/width/thickness, butt joint, scarf joint.
• Veneer characteristics and defects - grain types (angle, spiral, interlocked, curly), veining, knots (sound, intergrown, partially intergrown, non‑adhering, pin knots up to 3 mm), checks, splits, stains, resin pockets.

These definitions are literal and prescriptive to avoid ambiguity in specifications, testing, procurement and quality control.

Applications

ISO 2074:2007 is useful for:

• Plywood manufacturers - to ensure consistent terminology in production, quality control and product data sheets.
• Product specifiers and architects - for unambiguous material descriptions in design documents and specifications.
• Test laboratories and inspectors - to interpret sample descriptions and report findings consistently.
• Standards writers and regulators - to harmonize terminology across standards and regulations for wood‑based panels.
• Educators and technical writers - reproducing terms (under ISO reproduction conditions) in training and instructional materials.

Using this vocabulary reduces misunderstandings between suppliers, purchasers and regulatory bodies when specifying plywood types, veneer quality and panel construction.

Related Standards (if applicable)

ISO 2074:2007 complements other ISO standards and national standards dealing with wood and wood‑based materials. It is intended to be used alongside technical performance standards, grading rules and product specifications for plywood and other wood panels.