IS :3087-1985

( Reaffirmed 1996 )

Indian Standard

SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD

PARTICLE BOARDS ( MEDIUM DENSITY)
FOR GENERAL PURPOSES

( First Revision )
Second Reprint SEPTEMBER

UDC

1994

691116 : 674816.41

Q Copyright 1986
BUREAU
OF
MANAK
BHAVAN.

INDIAN
9
NEW

BAHAJXJR
DELHI

STANDARDS
SHAH
11OMQ

WFAR

MARC3

I!3:3087-1985

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD
PARTICLE BOARDS ( MEDIUM DENSITY )
FOR GENERAL PURPOSES
(

First Revision )

Wood Products

Sectional Committee, BDC 20

chairman
DR P. M.

IndiasAy

GANAPATHY

Representing
Industries

Research

Institute,

Institute

( CSIR ),

Members

to

SHCI V. SIVANANDA (Alternate

Dr P. M. Ganapathy )
DR ARJUN DAS

Cent;dmr%ilding

Research

SHRI L. K. AOA~WAL( Alternate

SHRI P. R. CHANDRASEKHA-R
CHIEF CONSERVATOR
OF FORESTS
SHRI L. N. DOKA~IA

)
Directorate General of Civil Aviation, New Delhi
Forest Department, Government of Assam
Federation of Indian Plywood and Panel Industry,
New Delhi
SHRI M. R. MOTEYED( Alternate )
National Buildings Organization, New Delhi
EDITOR
Ministry of Defence ( DGI ), New Delhi
SHRI D. P. GHOST
SHRI J. K. S~NHA( Alternate )
Directorate
General of Technical Development,
I~o~srn1.4~ ADVISER .
New Delhi
SHRI P. V. MEHTA( Alternate )
Ministry of Railways ( RDSO ), Lucknow
JOINTDIRECTORSTANDARDS
( CARRIAGE-I)
The Western Indian Plywood Limited, Cannanore
SHRI A. K. KADERKUT~Y
Ministry of Defence ( R and D ), New Delhi
SHRI U. B. KANCHAN
SHR~B. B. MEHTA( Alternate )
( Continued on page 2 )

BUREAU

@I Copyright 1986
OF INDIAN STANDARDS

This Publication is protected under the Indian Copyrighl Act ( XIV of 1957 ) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
publisher shall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.

IS : 3087 -

1985

( Confinuedffampage 1 )

Members

Repremlng

SHRI K. S. LAULY
Indian Plywood Manufacturing Co Ltd, Dandoli
LT-COL G. B. SINOH( Afternate )
In personal capacity ( C - 59, Inderpuri, New Delhi )
DR A. N. NAYER
DR A. PTJRUSHOTHAM
Indian Academy of Wood Science, Dharwad

DR SATISHKUMAR( Alternate )

SHRI A. K. RAMACHANDRAN

South Indian Plywood Manufacturers

Trivandrum

Association,

SHRIJOSEPH
K. KURIAN( Aiternate )
Engine~ne~X&iefs
SHRIP. R. RIOHSINO~NI

Branch,

Army

Headquarters,

MAJ D. R. KOHLI ( AZternate )

SHRI S. K. SANOANERIA

Assa~ssa~lywood

Manufacturers

Association,

&RI S. N. SANYAL

Forest Research

Institute and Colleges ( Timber

Mechanics Branch ), Dehra Dun
Indian Tea Association. Calcutta
Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals,
New Delhi
Central Public Works Department, New Delhi

SECRETARY
SHRI SWARANSINOH

SUPEIUNTENDINO
SURVEYOROF
WORKS ( NZ )
SURVEYOROF WORKS ( NZ ) ( Alternate )
Sitapur Plywood Manufacturers Ltd. Sitapue
SHRI II. THOMSON
Director General, IS1 ( Ex-oficio Memh? )
SHRI G. RAMAN,
Director ( Civ Engg )

Secretary

SHRI P. SATYANARAYANA
Assistant Director ( Civ Engg ). IS1
Wood-Based

Building

Boards

Sub Committee,

BDC 20 : 6

Convener

SHRI J. S. MATHARU
M - 39C. Rajouri ffarden, New Delhi 110010

Representing ,,

Uemfbzrs
DR ARNN DAS

Gzntr;rw Bn&img

Research

Institute

( CSIR ),

SHR~V. K. JAIN ( Alternate )

Ministry of Railways ( RSDO ), Lucknow
DUTY
DIRECTORSTANDARDS
( CARRIAGE-III )
ASSISTANTDI~~%x~R, STANDARDS
( CARRIA~EIII ) ( Afternute )
Indb&yrod
Indnstries Research Institute,
DIRELT~R
SHRIV. SXVANANDA( Alternate )
National Buildings Organization, New Delhi
EDITOR
SKRI T. R. BHATIA ( Afiernaze )
Anail Hardboards Limited, Bombay
SHRI ARVINDJOLLY
SHRIV. D. SHARMA ( Alternate )
Western India Plywood Limited, Cannapore
SHRI K. P. KAMALUDDIN
SHRI PIJRSHOTAM
DAYAL ( Akmute
)

( Codnucd
2

on page 19 )

IS :3087-1985

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD
PARTICLE BOARDS ( MEDIUM DENSITY )
FOR GENERAL PURPOSES

( First Revision )
0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard ( First Revision ) was adopted by the Indian
Standards Institution on 30 August 1985, after the draft finalized by the
Wood Products Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil
Engineering Dtvision Council.
0.2 There are three catagories of particle boards based on their density
classification namely high density particle board having specific gravity
over 0.9 covered in IS : 3478 - 1968*, low density particle boards having
specific gravity not exceeding 0.4 covered in IS : 3129 - 1965t and medium
density particle board covered in this standard having specific gravity in
the range of 0.5 to 0.9.
0.3 Medium density particle boards are used for partitions, for doors, in
the furniture industry, etc. This standard was first formulated in 1965 to
provide guidance in the manufacture of med!am density particle boards.
Based on the development in the particle board industry, this revision has
been taken up. In this revision the types of particle boards have been
redefined and the requirements in respect of the physical and mechanical
characteristics have also been revised. Other significant changes relate to
the inclusion of test for screw withdrawal strength and deletion of that for
,
thermal conductivity and tensile strength.
0.4 All organic building materials are prone to decay if they are used in
damp and unventilated situations without adequate protective treatment. lt
is, therefore, recommended that the guidance of the manufacturers should
be sought when it is proposed to use wood-particle boards in conditions
condusive to the growth of fungs or moulds. BS : 1982 Methods of testing
fungal resistance ( corresponding Indian Standard to be formulated in due
course ) provides means for assessing the resistance to fungal decay of
building materials of, or, containing materials of organic origin, and for
judging the efficiehcy of such protective treatment as may be applied to them.
*High density wood particle boards.
$Particle board for insidation purposes.

IS:3087- 1985
0.5For the purpose of deciding whether a particular

requirement of thir
standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated, express.
ing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accordance witt
IS : 2 - 1960*. The number of significant places retained in the rounded
off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.

1.SCOPE
1.1 This standard covers the requirements of medium density wood particle
boards for general purposes, having specific gravity in the range 0.5 to 0.9.
1.2 This standard does not cover veneered particle boards, moulded particle
boards, high and low density particle boards or particle boards faced by
impregnated paper surfaces.
2. TERMINOLOGY
2.0 For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions shall apply
and for definitions other than those given below, reference may be made to
IS : 707 - 1976t.
2.1 Additive - Any material introduced prior to the final consolidation of
a board to improve some property of the final board. Fillers and preservatives are included under this term.
2.2 Extruded Particle Board - Resin-bonded particle board manufactured
by mixing wood particles of pre-determined sizes and shapes with synthetic
resins and curing and pressing while the mix is being forced through an
extrusion hot platen press, pressure being applied in the direction of the
length of extrusion which tends to orientate the wood particles considerably
in a direction at right angles to the direction of extrusion.
2.3 Flat-Pressed Particle Board - Resin-bonded particle board manufactured by mixing wood particles of pre-determined sizes and shapes with
synthetic resins and curing and pressing in a parallel platen hot press of
the usual multidaylight type but may be pressed in a continuous hand type
of press. The applied pressure is perpendicular to the plane of the board.
2.4 Formation ( Forming ) - Laying up of the glued particles in the form
of a matready to the pressed.
2.5 Graded Particle Board - A board formed by arranging the wood
particles in a grad&d manner such that the smallest particles form.the top
most layer and the largest particles form the middle layer. In graded
*Rules for rounding of numerical values ( revised).
tC.Xossary of terms applicable to timber technology and utilizalion

( second revision).

IS: 3087- 1985

particle board there is a gradual density gradient
centre of the board across its thickness.

from the top to the

2.6 Multi-Layer
Particle Board - A board made of more than three
layers of like material in which particles of different shapes and sizes may
be used in diKerent layers.
2.7 Particles - Distinct particle or fraction of wood or other lignocellulose
material produced mechanically for use as the aggregate for a particle
board. This may be in the form of flake, granule, shaving splinter and a
sliver as stated below:

a>Flakes
wood

- Specially made thin flat particles, with the grain of the

essentially parallel to the surface of the flake, prepared with
the cutting action of the knife in a plane parallel to the grain but
at an angle to the axis of the fibre.

b)

Granule - A particle in which the length, width and thickness are

approximately equal, such as particle of saw-dust.

cl

Sltavirlg -

Splinter and Sliver - Particle of nearly square or rectangular crosssection with a length parallel to the grain of the wood of at least
four times the thickness.

A thin slice or strip of wood pared off with a knife,

plane or other cutting instrument, the knife action being approximately along the axis of the fibre, such as the shavings produced in
the urface of wood.

2.8 Particle Board -

A board manufactured from particles of wood or

other ligno-cellulose material, for example, flakes; granules; shavings;
slivers; splinters agglomerated, formed and pressed together by use of an
orgamc binder together with one or more of the agents, such as heat, pressure, moisture, a catalyst, etc.

2.9 Single-Layer Particle Board - A board made of one uniform layer of

particles and resin mix, predominantly of uniform texture and having uniform density across the board thickness.
2.10 Sizing Material - Wax, resin or other additive introduced to the
agglomerate for a particle board prior to forming, primarily to increase
water resistance.
2.11 Three-Layer
Particle Board - A board made bf three layers of
particles and resin mix, usually with finer and thinner particles for the top
and bottom layers and coarser and bigger particles for the core layer. Resin
content in a three-layer board is usually higher in the face layers than in
the core layer leading +o a sandwich construction with stronger and denser
skin.
5

IS : 3087 - 1985
NOTE- A three-layer particle board has a steep density gradient across the board
thickness that is the board has highest density at the two surfaces and the lowest
density in the centre. This density gradient helps in attaining higher bending strengths
at lower board density.

3. CLASSES AND TYPES

3.1 The particle bq?rd shall be of the following classes.
Class

TYP?

Flat pressed, single layer

Flat pressed-three layer,
multilayer and graded
Extrusion pressed, solid
Extrusion pressed, tubular

1
2
-

Designation

FPS
FPT-1
FPT-2
XPS
XPT

The flat pressed-three layer, multilayer and graded class shall be. of two
types, namely, Type 1 and Type 2; the grading is based on the physical and
mechanical properties as given in Table 1.
4. MATERIALS
4.1 Any species of wood or any other ligno-cellulosic
used in the manufacture of particle board.

material

may be

4.2 Adhesive - Any suitable type of synthetic resin conforming IS : 848 1974* may be used for the purpose of bonding. However, for flat-pressedthree layer, multilayer and graded boards of Type I, BWR or BWP type
adhesive should be used.
4.3 Sizing Material - Paraffin wax dissolved in mineral spirit or alternatively emulsified with water or melted shall be used as sizing material.
5. MANUFACTURE
5.1 Wood particles for the manufacture

of particle boards shall be produced

by cutting wood and/or any other suitable ligno-cellulosic materials into
shavings, flakes, splinters or slivers on a suitable chipping machine. The
wood particles shall be dried in a mechanical drier. The dried particles
shall be graded to required sizes and thoroughly blended with the requisite
quantity of adhesives in mechanical mixers or applicators.
The required
sizing material may be added at this stage, either mixed with the binder or
separately introduced into the mixer. Care shall be taken that the moisture
*Synthetic resin adhesives for plywood ( phenolb and aminoplastic)

(first revision ).

IS:3087-1985
content of the binder does not excessively increase the moisture content of
the chips. The well-blended chips are then formed into a mat and
pressed into panels by passing into the pressing machine under controlled
heat pressure and time conditions. The hot pressed boards are subsequently
cooled, conditioned to attain equilibrium moisture content and sanded on
both sides to attain uniform thickness and finally trimmed and cut to standard sizes.
5.2 In case of three-layer particle boards, the construction shal be wellbalanced about the central plane. In case of a single-layer particle board,
the particles shall be uniformly laid. Care shall be taken that no asymmetric
grading of chips takes place.
5.3 Preservative Treatment - A suitable preservative may be added to the
particle mix at the stage of rensing of adhesive. The following preservatives
are regarded as suitable and their percentage is given on the basis of
oven dry weight of particles:
a) Sodium pentachlorophenate
b) Pentachlorophenol
Alternatively,
pentachlorophenol
edges.

to the extent of 0.2 percent, and

to the extent of O-2 percent.

2 percent of sodium pentachlorophenol

or sodium
in organic solution should be applied on the surface and

6. F?NISH
6.1 The particle boards shall be of uniform thickness and uniform density
throughout the length and width of the boards. All particle boards shall
be flat. Both surfaces of the particle board shall be sanded to a smooth
finish.
7. DIMENSIONS

AND TOLERANCES

7.1 The sizes of wood particle boards in mm shall be as follows:

Length: 4 850 ( 4 800 ), 3 650 ( 3 600 ), 3 000,2 750 ( 2 700), 2 400,
2 I@, 1 800, 1 500, I 200,l 000 and 900
Width: 1 850, 1 800, 1 500, 1 200, 1 000, 900, 600 and 450
NOTE- Values which arc underlined are multiples of the 300 mm module for
building boards.

7.2 Thickness - The thickness of particle boards shall be as given below:

6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 19, 22, 25, 27: 30, 35 and 40 mm.
7

IS:3087- 1985
TABLE 1 PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF, VARIOTYPES OF PARTICLES BOARDS
( Cfuuses 3.1, 8 and 10 )
PROPERTIES

PRE%~ED FLATPRESSEDEXTRUSIONEXTRUSION
SINOLELAYER THREE LAKER
PREZSED
FLAT

MULTILAYER&
GRADED
Type

(1)
1.l Density Variation, percent
1.2 Water Absorption, percent
2 h soaking
24hsoaking
1.3 Thickness Swelling, percent
2 h soaking
Thickness
Length
Width
1.4 Swelling due to surface
absorption, percent
1.5 Modulus of Rupture,N/mm*
up to 20 mm thickness
above 20 mm thickness
1.6 Tensile Strength perpendicular
to surface, N/mm*
up to 20 mm thickness
above 20 mm thickness
1.7 Tensile Strength perpendicular
to surface, N/mm8
*a) After cyclic test
tb) Accelerated water
resistance test
1.8 Screw withdrawal strength, N
Face
Edge

TVBVLAR
-P-O

pSYLZD
(XPS)

----

Type

(2)

(3)

(4)

rtl0

*10

&IO

Z.tlO

25
50

10
20

40
80

40
80

40
80

10
05
05
9

8
0.5
0.5
6

12
05
0.5
9

5
2
0.5
4

5
2
0.5
4

::

15.0
125

;:;

;;;

045
040

(5)

0.2
0.15

1 250
850

1 250
850

1 250
700

-_

(6)
110

*Cyclic Test - Specimens are immersed in water at 27f2C for a period of 72 h.

followed by drying in air at 27 f 2C for 24 h and then heating in dry air at 70C
for 72 h. Three such cycles are to be followed, and then the specimen are tested for
tensile strength perpendicular to surface.
TAccelerated Water Resistance Test - Specimens are immersed in water at
27 f 2C and water is brought to boiling and kept at boiling temperature for 2 h.
Specimens are then cooled in water to 27 f 2C and then tested for tensile strength
perpendicular to surface.
8

IS:3@$7-1985

7.3 Other thickness or sizes may be manufactured

specified by the purchaser.

on specii?l demand as

7.4 Dimensional Tolerance - The following toterantis

finished boards shall be permissible:

on dimensions

of

Tolerance

Dimension

a) Length - for all lengths

b) width - for all widths

kg mm
+g mm
*2*5 percent

c) Thickness - Above 25 mm

15 percent

Up to and including 25 mm

7.4.1 The lengths of the two diagonals of a wood particle board,

gular panel, shall not differ by more than 2.5 mm maximum.

rectan-

7.4.2 The edges of the board shall be straight with a tolerance of 3 mm.
8. PHYSICAL

CHARACTERISTICS

8.1 Den6ity - The mean density of the boards, when tested in accordance

with 10.3 shall be between 500 to 900 kg/m3. The density shall not vary
from one sample to another by more than ten percent of the mean density.
8.2 Moisture Content -- The mean moisture content of the boards, when
determined in accordance with 10.4, shall not be less than 5 percent and
not more than 15 percent. The moisture content of individual test
specimen shall not vary from the mean percentage by more than $3 percent.
8.3 Water Absorption - The mean water absorption of the boards, when
tested as described in 10.5, shall not exceed the prescribed limits given in
Table 1 for various types of boards after both 2-hours and 24 hours immersion.
8.4 Swelling in Wafer - The mean swelling in thickness, length and width,
when tested as described in 10.6, shall not exceed the limits given in
Table 1 for various types of boards.
8.5 Swelling Due to Surface Absorption - The mean swelling in thickness
due to surface absorption, when tested in accordance with 10.7, shall not
exceed the limits given in Table 1 for ;larious types of boards.
8.6 Workability - The particle boards shall not crack or split when drilled,
sawed and nailed perpendicular to the surface.
VOTE - Recommended precautions for storing, cutting and working
Soards aregivcn in Appendix A.

with particle

IS : 3087 - 1985
9. SAMPLING

AND INSPECTION

9.1 Scale of Sampling

9.1.1 Lot - In any consignment, all the particle uoards of the same
grade; type and dimensions, and manufactured under similar conditions of
production, shall be grouped together to constitute a lot.
9.1.1.1 The conformity of a lot, to the requirements of this specification, shall be ascertained on the basis of tests on particle boards selected
from it.
9.1.2 The number of particle boards to be selected from a lot shall be
in accordance with the following table:
Lot Size

N
up

Number of Particle Boards

to be Selected

50

51 to 100

101 to 200

201t0300

301 to 500

to

501 and above

10

9.1.2.1 These particle boards shall be selected

at random ( see
IS : 4905 - 1961* ). In order to ensure randomness of selection, all the
particle boards in the lot may be arranged in a serial order and every rth
particle board may be selected till the required number is obtained, r being
the integral part of N/n, where N is the lot size and n is the sample size.
9.2 Test Specimens and Number of Tests - The length, thickness and the
diagonals of the particle boards selected as in 9.1.2, shall be measured
before cutting the particle boards for taking test specimens. The straightness of edges shall also be-measured.
The lot having been found satisfactory shall be further tested for physical characteristics given in 8. For this purpose, the particle boards examined according to 9.2.1 and found satisfactory shall be used.
9.2.1 From each of the particle board selected, following test specimens
shall be cut out from portions 150 mm away from the edges for tests as
*Methodsfor random sampling.

IS : 3087 - 1985
specified under 10. The method of preparation and conditioning
mens shall be as specified in IS : 2380 ( Part 1 ) - 1977*:

of speci-

4 For determination of density - Three test specimens from each

sample, in full thickness of material, 75 mm wide and 150 mm
long; other sizes of sample specimens may be used when deemed
necessary. In case of tubular board, the tubes should be uniformly
distributed in the centre.

b>For

determination of moisture content - Three test specimens from

each sample in full thickness of material, 75 mm wide and 1.50mm
long. Smaller specimens may be used when deemed necessary.
4 For water absorption test - Three test specimens, size 300 mm x
300 mm x full thickness of board from each sample.
4 For swelling in water test - Three test specimens, size 200 mm x
100 mm x full thickness of board from each sample.
e>For determining swelling due to surface absorption - Three test
specimens from each sample, size 125 x 100 mm.
f-1 For determination of modulus of rupture - Three test specimen from
each specimens to conform to dimensions as specified in IS : 2380
(Part 4) - 1977*.
For
determination of tensile strength perpendicular to surface - Three
g)
test specimens from each sample, size 50 mm x 50 mm full thickness of board.
9 For determination of screw withdrawal strength - Three test
specimens from each sample of size as specified in IS : 2380
(Part 14) - 1977.

9.3 Criteria for Conformity - A lot shall be considered as conforming to

the requirements of the specification, if none of test specimens for any of
the characteristics fails, the samples and test specimens pass the conditions
as prescribed in 10.
9.3.1 in case of a failure, double samples shall be taken from the lot for
testing. The lot shall be considered to have passed if all these samples
conform to the requirements specified.
10. TESTING OF SAMPLES
10.1 The samples and test specimens shall be tested as given in 10.3
to 10.10 and shall conform to the requirements as prescribed in 8 and
Table 1.

*Methodsof test for wood particle boards and boards from other lignoeellulosic
materials.
11

IS : 3087 - 1985
10.2 Accuracy of Dimensions of Boards - The accuracy of dimensions of
boards shall be measured as specified in IS : 2380 ( Part 2 ) - 1977*. All the
samples selected in accordance with 9.2.1 shall be measured for straightness
of edges, squareness of boards, lengths, widths and thicknesses.

10.3 Test for Density - The mean density of the board shall be determined
in accordance with IS : 2380 ( Part 3 ) - 1977*, and shall comply with the
requirements specified in 8.1. The mean density shall be straight average of
the density of the test specimen taken out from each of the sample as
in 9.1. While calculating the density of the tubular board, the empty
tubular space shall be deducted from the volume of the test specimen.
10.4 Test for Moisture Content - The moisture content of wood particle
boards shall be tested for each specimen as prepared in 9.2.1 (b) in accordance with the method prescribed in IS : 2380 ( Part 3) - 1977* and the
average value for all the samples shall comply with the requirements specified in 8.2.
10.5 Test for Water Absorption - The water absorption in test specimen
as prepared in 9.2.1 (c) shall be tested in accordance with IS : 2380
( Part 16 ) - 1977* and shall comply with the requirements specified in 1.2
of Table 1.

10.6 Test for Swelling io Water - The swelling in thickness, length a.lo
width of test specimen as specified in 9.2.1 (d), when tested by the method
prescribed in IS : 2380 ( Part 17 ) - 1977*, for 2 hours soaking shall not
exceed the limits specified under 1.3 of Table 1. The length of specimen in
case of FPT boards shall be taken as in the line extrusion.
10.7 Test for Swelling Due to Surface Absorption - ne swelling in thickness due to surface absorption on test specimen as specified in.9.2.I (e),
when tested in accordance with IS : 2380 ( Part 17 ) - 1977* shall comply
with the requirements given under 1.4 of Table 1.
PO.8 Test for Modulus of Rupture - The modulus of rupture on test
specimens specified in 9.2.1 (f) and tested as prescribed in IS : 2380
( Part 4 ) - 1977* shall conform to the requirements laid down in Table 1.
10.9 Tensile Strength Perpendicular to Surface - Tensile strength perpendicular to surface of test specimens as specified in 92.1 (g), and tested as
prescribed in IS : 2380 ( Part 5 ) - 1977*, shall have maximum failing load
not less than the values prescribed in Table 1.
10.9.1 Cyclic Test - Cyclic test tested as prescribed in Table 1 shall have
maximum failing load not less than the value prescribed.
*Methods of test for wood particle boards and boards
materials.

12

from other

IignocJulosic

x3:3087-1985
10.9.2 Accelerated Water Resistance Test - Accelerated water resistance
test tested as prescribed in Table 1 shall have maximum failing load not less
than the values prescribed.
10.10 Screw Withdrawal Strength - The screw withdrawal strength as
prescribed in 9.2.1(h) and tested as prescribed in IS : 2380 (Part 14) - 1977*
shall have a failing load not less than value specified in Table 1.
11. MARKING
11.1 Each particle board shall be legibly marked near any of its edges with
the following:
a) Name of the manufacturer or trade-mark, if any;
b) Designation of particle board (see Table 1);
c) Thickness (see 7.2); and
d) Date of manufacture.
11.1.1 Each particle board may also be marked with the IS1 Certification
Mark.
NOTE - The use of the IS1 Certification Mark is governed by the provisions of the
Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks Act and the Rules and Regulations
made thereunder.
The IS1 Mark on products covered by an Indian Standard
conveys the assurance that they have been produced to comply with the requirements
of that standard under a well-defined system of inspection, testing and quality
IS1
control which is devised and supervised by IS1 and operated by the producer.
marked products are also continuously checked by ISI for conformity to that
standard as a further safeguard.
Details of conditions under which a licence for the
use of the ISI Certification Mark may be granted to manufacturers or processors, may
be obtained from the Indian Standards Institution.

*Methods of test for wood particle boards and boards

materials.

13

from

other

IignoceIluIosic

IS : 3087 - 1985

APPENDIX

( Clause 8.6 )
STORAGE AND WORKING

OF WOOD PARTICLE

BOARDS

A-l. GENERAL
A-l.1 Wood particle board is a composite board of wood particles bonded
together with a resin-bonding agent. The wood grain is, therefore, nondirectional as compared with natural wood which has only one grain
direction. Due to the abrasive nature of the resin and the multitudinous
grain direction, tool wear is greater than with most medium density natural
woods. Because of this special saw and cutter tips should be used on
production runs. By working according to the following basic principles,
wood particles boards can be generally handled, cut and worked in such
the same manner as natural wood.

A-2. STORING
A-2.1 Wood particle boards shall be-stored in packs on a level 5at surface

in a clean, dry and covered place with free circulation of air. The boards
Ishall be protected from rain, dampness and insect and fungal attack. The
edges of boards in a pack shall be in a straight vertical plane. If required,
the edge may be sprayed or painted with a suitable protective coat or
sealing material. The packs shall be kept clear of the floor. The top of
the stack shall be kept covered with a cover board and weighted down
suitably.
A-3. CUTTING
A-3.1 For hand cutting, normal carpentry tools used for wood working
machines, each of the circular saw, hand saw, fret saw, etc, shall be used.
The tools shall be kept sharp and free from swarf at all times. When
working on machines, high-speed steel tools are preferable. For productions runs, carbide-tipped saws and cutters give a smoother cut and longer
life. The same feed speeds as for natural hard woods shall be used, but
care should be taken at all times not to force the cut. Cutter life will be
improved if the cutter at all times not to force the cut. Cutter life will be
improved if the cutter face angle is increased to approximately 4OC and,
where uossible, the cutting angle decreased as CornDared to natural wood.
A cutter speed-of 6 000 rcrn ii recommended.
A-4. SAWS AND SAWING

A-4.1 Coarse rip saws shall not be used. Well sharpened, moderately set
saws give consistently good results. Do not force the boards through the
14

Is:3087-1985
saw at unneccessarily high-feed speeds. This is the cause of tearing or
break cut on the underside. Always cut veneered boards facing upwards.
For clean fast cutting, always adjust the saw height so that only 12 mm
protrudes above the material being sawn. For trenching or grooving
across the boards dada should be used. For sawing, highspeed steel saws
or carbide-tipped saws are recommended.
A-5. DRILLING
A-5.1 Drilling shall be effecttd by using standard bench, portable or pillar
drilling machines. The conventional hand drill shall be used but the drill
edge should,be always kept sharp. The use of drills having an helix angle
between 20 and 32 is recommended.
Drills shall be kept free from swarf
during drilling by backing out. When particularly clean cuts are required,
spur type drills will give best results.
A-6. ROUTING AND MOULDING
A-6.1 Tugsten carbide-tipped cutters are recommended for long production
runs. High speed steel cutters will produce good finishes but edge life
between sharpening is limited. As in the case of sawing, moderate feed
speeds shall be used.
A-6.2 Recommended spindle speeds for routers and spindle moulders are
given below:
Spindle Speeds in revlmin for
-___A---7

--

Spindle Moulders

Routers
Tungsten carbide-tipped tools
High speed steel

18 OOOto 24.000
13 000

9 OOOto 12 000
4 500 to 6 000

A-7. SANDING A-7.1 Sanding operations shall be carried out in the same manner as with
natural timber. It should be remembered that there is no grain direction
in carrying out this operation.
A-7.2 Drum Sanders - The following combination
mended for use with triple drum sanding machines:
First drum
Second drum
Third drum
NOTE-

The above recommendations

to suit the particular job requirement.

of papers is recom-

No. 14 grade or 40 Grit open coat

No. 1 grade or 50 Grit open coat
No. 0 grade or 80 Grit closed coat
are for general guidance and

15

may be varied

Is :3087- 1985
A-7.3 For hand sanding, generally compressive stones with grip size 50 to

80 will be found suitable.

A 8. APPLICATION

OF PLASTIC LAMINATES

A-g.1 Most resin glues and contact adhesives are suitable for bonding plastic
laminates to particle board, provided manufacturers instructions are fully
adhered to. Case in glues are not suitable.
A-9. JOINERY WORK
A-9.1 Particle,board is a composite board panel and cutting of asymmetrically for any joinery is not recommended, unless the composite joint is
again symmetrical. In case of three-layer boards and veneered particle
boards, the strength of the board is made up of all the layers and balanced.
Therefore, where joints are to be effected, cutting shall be done keeping a
symmetry about the centre. Edge-joining by tongue and groove method is
possible if a separate tongue of wood is provided. But joint shall be done
with a backing strip of wood or metal or other metal fixtures like l-sections,
corrugated pins or other connectors.
Lap joint or level joint shall be done
with the use of an adhesive for holding tacks and screws, but the joints
shall be symmetrical about the centrd. Mortise and tenon joints shall not
be used for the ends. However, the surface may be cut through and end.
to surface joints are possible. For edge to edge joining, dove-tail joint,
finger joint, lap joint, mitre joint, etc, are all possible, provided the
composite nature of the joint is kept symmetrical. Cutting for joints shall
be with sharp tools and machine-cutting shall be only with high-speed
machines. The joints may be tied by conventional carpenters glues
combined with holding tacks, pins, rivets, screws or nails.
A-9.2 Veneered type of particle boards require particular care to see that
the composite nature of the boards is preserved. If one surface of the board
is to be cut, it should be so done that the assembled componentsa. gain
develop symmetry around the central axis.

A-10. SCREWING AND NAILING

A-10.1 The nail and screw holding properties on the surface side of the
particle boards are generally as much as that of the ordinary wood of the
same density. However, at the edges, particle boards have lower nail-and
screw-holding strength than wood. It is, therefore, necessary that when
screws and nails are driven from the edges, these should be of greater
lengths, usually 20 percent more than for normal wood; and diameter
slightly less. Holes shaU be drilled for screws according to the following
values:
16

IS : 3087- 1985
Screw Size

Pilot Drill Size

( Ref;6if ; 599-

Depth

of
E&e
mm

Length x Screws Designation

No.
12 mm x 4-5 (2.743.10 mm)
20mmx5
(310 mm)
2Ommx7
(3.81 mm)
25 mm x 6
(3.45 mm)
25 mm x 7
(3.81 mm)
30 mm x 6-7 (3.45-3.81 mm)
40 mm x 7-8 (3-81-4.17 mm)

1.85 mm
1.85 mm
2.20 mm
2.20 mm
230 mm
2.20 mm
2.30 mm

Depth

of

Edge

mm

6
10

10

10
10
-

10
10
19

A-10.2 Dipping the nails or the screws in ordinary

carpentry glue before

driving will increase the holding strength. It is always advisable to edge
larger panels, where used, as doors with wood edge strips since they are
liable to constant movement and vibration which loosen the screws.
A-11. LIPPING

AND BEADING

A-11.1 Lipping and beading of wood particle board shall be done by the
conventional method either with a veneer or with wood moulding or plastic
moulding. Use of carpenters glue and conventional holding tacks or nails
or screws are recommended.
Metal beading, if required, shall be done
with a suitable glue which will hoId metal to wood.

A-12. GLUING
A-12.1 The best results are obtained with glue having a low moisture
content. These include urea formaldehyde, phenolic type glues, PVA,
resorcinal and spirit-based contact adhesives. Animal glues may be used
satisfactorily, but it is essential that a thick mix is prepared and used hot.
A-12.1.1 In all cases, the manufacturers instructions should be followed
implicitly. Casein ghres are not recommended.
A-13. PAINTING,

VARNISHING,

POLISHlNG

AND PRINTING

A-13.1 Particle boards may be painted, varnished

conventional methods. However, proper preparation
*Specificationfor twist drills (revised).
17

or polished by the
of the surface and

x3:3087-1985

filling is necessary. The filler, only sufficient to fill the grain, shall be
applied with broad knife or scraper, pressing well into the pores of the
board. On carefully rubbing down and thoroughly drying, a perfect surface
for decorating will be obtained. Dusting, sealing, staining and filling
operations are similar to those used in conventional woodwork. When
treating both surfaces of the panels in an exposed position, the treatment
shall be done simultaneously on both sides. It is recommended that the
edges of the boards are heavily sealed before painting. Normally, the
edges of the boards are covered by lipping.
A-13.2 Particle boards may be veneered with commercial or decorative
veneers by use of any glue mentioned in A-12.1, and with conventional
methods.

18

IS : 3087- 1985
( Conrinuedfiom

page 2 )

Members

Represenring

SHRI S. K. KAPOOR
SHRIS. S. KAPUR
SHRI T. UDAYAKUMAI~( AJternute
SHRI A. K. MEXROTRA
$HRI M. L. LAHOTI( AJrernate )

SHRI P. V. MEHTA

SHRI P. K. JAIN ( Alternate

Ministry of Defence ( DGI ), New Delhi

Llyod Insulation ( India ) Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
)
Assam Hardboards Limited, Calcutta
Directorate General
New Delhi

Novopan
SHRI S. A. NAQ~I
SHRI K. R. SREEDHARAN( AJternare )

of Technical

Development,

India Limited, Secunderabad

Ministry of Defence ( R and D ), New Delhi

SHRI G. V. RAO
SHKI RAVIKDRA KUMAR ( AJternate )
Kutt&;t;l,
Doors and Furniture Co ( Pvt ) Ltd,
SHRI K. SAKKRAKRISHNAN
SHRJ R. S. RAGHAVAN ( AJternate )
Indian Plywood Manufacturing Co Ltd, Dandoli
LT-COL G. B. SIKGH ( RETIRED)
Forest Research Institute and Colleges, Dehra Dun
SHRI K. S. SHUKLA
SHRI S. P. SWGH ( AJternute)
Sitapur Plywood Manufacturers Ltd, Sitapur
SHRI H. THOMSON
SHU PURSKOTAMDAYAL ( AJternate )

19

BUREAU

OF

INDIAN

STANDARDS

Headquarters;
Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. NEW DELHI 110002
Talephones : 331 01 31, 331 13 75
Telegrams : Manaksanotha
( Common to all offices)
Telephones
Regional Ofllces:
331 01 31
Central
: Manak Bhevan. 9 Behadur Shah Zafar Mara.
_[ 331 1375
NEW DELHI-1 iOOO2
36 24 99
gEastern : 1 /14 C.I.T. Scheme VII All, V. I. P. Road.
Maniktola, CALCUTTA 700054
Northorn : SC0 445-446, Sector 35-C,
21643
[ 31641
CHANDIGARH
160036
41 24 42
Southern : C. I. T. Campus, MADRAS 600113
41 25 19
1 41 2916
twostern : Manakalaya, E9 MIDC, Marol, Andheri (East),
6 32 92 96
BOMBAY 400093
Branch Oflces:
26348
Pushpak Nurmohamed Shaikh Marg, Khanpur,
[ 26349
AHMEDABAD
38.0001
38 49 55
SPeenya Industrial Area, 1st Stage, Bangalore Tumkur Road
[ 38 49 56
BANGmALORE 560058
66716
Gangotri Complex, 5th Floor, Bhadbhada Road, T. T. Nagar,
BHOPAL 462003
Plot No. 82/83, Lowis Road, BHUBANESHWAR
751002
6 36 27
5315, Ward No. 29, R. G. Barua Road, 5th Byelane,
3 31 77
GUWAHATI 781003
6-8-6X
L. N. Gupta Marg ( Nampally Station Road ),
231063
HYDERABAD 500001
63471
R14 Yudhlster Marg, C Scheme, JAIPUR 302005
E69832
21 68 76
117/418 B Sarvodaya Nagar, KAN PUR 208005
121 82 92
62305
Patllputra Industrial Estate, PATNA 800013
6 21 04
T.C. No. 14/1421, University P.O., Palayam
[ 621 17
TRIVANDRUM
695035
lnspecflon Oflce (With Sale Point) :
2 61 71
Pushpanjali, 1st Floor, 205-A West High Court Road,
Shankar Nagar Square, NAGPUR 440010
52435
Institution of Engineers ( India ) Building. 1332 Shivail Naglar
PUNE 411005
27
*Sales Office in Calcutta Is at 5 Chowrlngheo Approach, P.O. Prlncsp
Strret, Calcutta 700072
22
TSalrr Office In Bombay Is at Novelty Chamber&
Grant Road,
Bombay 400007
22
_
stales OfRce In Bangalore lo at Unlty Bulldlng, NararlmharrJa Square
Bangalorr 560002
Ctlnted at Slmro Prlntlno Pram. Ddhl.

82 00
6s 22
36 II
Indl~

A&lENDMENT NO. 1

AUGUST 1987

'

TO

IS:3087-1985 SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD PARTICLE

BOARDS (HEDIUM DENSITY) FOR GENERAL PURPOSES
(First Revision)

(Page 11, clause 9.3, line 2)

group' -_
for 'none'

Substitute 'no

(Page 12, clause 10.3, line 4, clause: 10.6,

line 2, and -clause 10.7, line 2) - Substitute
'specimens' for 'specimen'.
i1'age 12, clause 10.5, line 3) - Substitute
'the average value shall not exceed the limits' for
'shali comply with the requirements'
clause 10.6, -lines 3 and 4) (Page
12, --_
Substitute
'shall have an average
value
not
exceeding' .-_for 'shall not exceed'.
(Page 12, clause 10.7, lines 3 and 4) Substitute
'shall. have an average
.value not
exceeding the limits' for 'shall comply with the
requirements'.
(Page 12, clause 10.8, line 3) - Substitute
'shall have an average value not less than' for
'shall.conform to'.

(BDC

20)
_-Printed at Simco Printing Press, Delhi. India

AMENDMENT

NO. 2

MARCH 1990

IS 3087 : 1985 SPECliikATION

FOR WOOD
PARTICLE BOARDS ( MEDIUM DENSlTY)
FOR GENERAL PURPOSES
( First Revision )
( Puge 6, clause 3 ) -

Substitute the following for the existing clause:

3 CLASSES AND GRADES

3.1 7 he particle board shall be of the following classes:

CklSS

Grade

Designation

FPS
FPT-1
FPT-2
XPS
tiPT

Flat pressed, single layer

Flat pressed-three layer,
multilayer and graded
Extrusion pressed, solid
Extrusion pressed, tubular

I
II
-

The flat pressed-three

types, namely, Grade

layer, multilayer and graded class shall be of two

I and Grade IJ; the grading isbased on the physical
and mechanical properties given in Table 1.
( Page 6, clcluse 4.2 ) -

( Page 8, Tub/e 1 ) for Type 2.

( Page 9, clause 8 ) -

Substitute Grade Ijbr Type I

Substitute Grade I for Type 1 and Grade II

Substitute gradefor

( Puge 10, clause 9.1.1 ) -

Substitute

type wherever appear&

the following

for the existing

clause:
9.1.1 Lot - In any consignment, all the particle boards of the same class,
grade and dimensions, and manufactured under similar conditions of production, shall be grouped together to constitute a Jot.

( Page 12, clauses 10.9 and 10.9.1 ) existing clauses:

Substitute the following for the

10.9 Tensile Strength Perpendicular to Surface - Tensile strength perpendicular to the surface of test specimens 8s prescribed in 9.2.1. (g), when
I

10.9.1 The tensile strength pzrpendicular

to the surface of each test
specimen prescribed Xi19.2.1(8) when subjected to (a) cychc test, or (b)
accelerated water resiscancc test as given in Table 1 shall he not less than
tk values specified in Table 1.

(, Pfrge 13, c~fuuse10.92 ) -- Delete.

( CED 2iJ J

2
Printed at Simco Printing Press. Delhi. India

AMENDMENT

NO. 3 OCTOBER 1992

TO
IS 3087 : 1985 SPECIFICATION
FOR WOOD PARTICLE
BOARDS ( MEDIUM DENSITY ) FOR GENERAL
PURPOSES
(First Revision)
( Page 11, clause 9.2.1, second sentence ) existing sentence:

Substitute

the following

for the

The method of preparation and conditioning of specimens for tests listed in (c),
(d), (e), (f) and (g) be1ow shall be as specified in IS 2380 (Part 1) : 1977*:
[ Page 11, clause 9.2.1(g) ] -

Insert the following at the end :

In addition to this for Grade I boards, three more test specimens shall be taken for
cyclic or accelerated water resistance test as given in 10.9.1.
(Page 12, clause 10.8 ) -

Substitute the following for the existing clause :

lOS_Test for Modulus of Rupture - The modulus of rupture of test specimens

specified in 9.2.1(f) and tested as prescribed in IS 2380 (Part 4) : 1977* shall have
an average value not less than the value specified in 1.5 of Table 1.
[Page 12, clause 10.9 (see-a/so Amendment No. 2)) for the existing clause :

Substitute the following

10.9 Tensile
Strength
Perpendicular
to Surface
Tensile
strength
perpendicular
to the surface of three test specimens as prescribed in 9.2.1(g),
when tested in accordance with IS 2380 (Part 5 ) : 1977* shall have an average
value not less than the value specified in 1.6 of Table 1.
[ Page 12, clause 10.9.1 (see also Amendment
following for the existing clause :

No. 2 )] -

Substitute

the

10.9.1 The tensile strength perpendicular

to surface of three test specimens
prescribed in 9.2.1(g) when subjected to (a) cyclic test, or (b} accelerated water
resistance test as given in Table 1 shall have an evenge value not less than that
specified in 1.7 of Tablel.

( Page 13, clause 10.10 ) -

the following for the existing clause :

Substitute

10.10 Screw Withdrawal Strength - The screw withdrawal resistance to test

specimens as specified in 9.2.1(h) and tested in accordance with IS 2380 (Part 14):
1977* shall have an average value not less than the value specified in 1.8 of
Table 1.

(CED

20)
Printed

at Simco

Printing

Press,

Delhi

AMENDMENT

NO. 4
MAY 1993
TO
IS 3087 : 1985 SPECIFICATION
FOR WOOD
PARTICLE
BOARDS ( MED!UM DENSITY ) FOR
GENERAL PURPOSES
(First
(Page 6, clause 4.2, last fine ) ( Page 8, Table 1, Sl No. 1.4 ) swelling and due.
(Page 8, Table 1, SI No. 1.8 ) word Edge.

Revision)
Substitute

shall for should.

Insert in thickness
Insert ( for thickness

between

the words

> 12 mm ) after the

(CED20)

Printed at Simco Printing Press. Delhi

AMENDMENT

NO. 5 JUNE 2000

TO
IS 3087:1985
SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD
PARTICLE BOARDS (MEDIUM DENSITY) FOR
GENERAL PURPOSES
(First Rewkion )

( Page 3, Foreword, clause 0.2) Substitute 1S 3478: 1966~or 1S34781968 and IS 3129:1985 for IS 3129:1965.
( Page 3, Foreword,

clause 0.4) Insert the following clause after 0.4 and

renumber the subsequent clause:

---------

- . . ..

. .. .-

0.5 A scheme of labelling environment friendly products to be known as ECO

Mark has been introduced at the instance of the Ministry of Environment and
Forests (MEF), Government of .India. The ECO Mark shall be administered
by the Bureau of Indian standards
(BIS) under the BIS Act, 1986 as per
the Resolution No. 71 dated 21 February 1991 and Resolution No. 425
dated 28 October 1992 published in the Gazette of the Government of India.
For a product to be eligible for ECO Mark, it shall also carry the Standard Mark
of the BIS besides meeting additional environment friendly requirements. For
this purpose, the Standard Mark of BIS would be a single mark being a
combination of the 1S1 Mark and the Eco logo. Requirements to be satisfied for
a product to qualify for the BIS Standard Mark for Esw friendliness, will be
included in the relevant published Indian Standards through an amendment.
These requirements will be optional; manufacturing units will be free to opt for
1S1 Mark alone also.

The amendment pertaining to Eco criteria is based on the Gazette Notification

No. 170 dated 18 May 1996 for Wood Substitutes as Environment Friendly
Products published in the Gazette of the Government of India.
(Page 3, foofnofes ) Substitute the following for the existing footnotes:
Specification for high density wood particle hoards
tSpecification

for low density particle boards (first revision ).

( Clauses 2.2,2.3,2.5,5.1
and A-1.l ) Substitute -particles of wood or
other lignoeellulosic materials for wood particles.

,R-


..

~z~

...,,,,,,,......_._._._-_-..~

~
[

Amend No. 5 to IS 3087:1985

(Page 6,dause

4.1) Insert the following matter at the end of the clause:

For ECO Mark, only species of wood from sources other than naturalforests
from rubber, coconut, cashew, industrial and social forestry
plantations, etc and shade trees from tea and coffee estates, wood residues or
agricultural wastes shall be used for the manufacture of wood particle boards.

such as wood

[ Page 7, clause 5.3 (b)] Delete.

( Page 8, Table 1, SINO. 1.3 under Properties)
for the existing :

Substitute the following

1.3 a) Linear expansion,

(Swelling in water)

i)

Ixngth

ii) Width
b) Ihickne= swelling,

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

0.5

10

12

Page 10, clause 9.1.2.1)

Substitute IS 4905:1968

Jiw IS :4905-

1961.
{ Page 13, chuse 10.10 ) Insert the following new clauses after 10.10
and renumber the subsequent clauses:
11
11.1

OPTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

.. ---- ..

..

percent 2 h soaking
(

..

pereent 2 h soaking

FOR ECO MARK

General Requirements

11.1.1 The particle board shall conform to the requirements of quality and
performance as specified in this standard.
11.1.2 The manufacturer shall produce to BIS environmental consent clearance
from the concerned State Pollution Control Board as per the provisions of the
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention and
Control of Pollutwn) Act, 1981 and Water (Preventwn and Control of Pollutwn)
Cess ACL 1977 alongwith the authorization, if required under the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 while applying for ECO Mark appropriate with enforced
rules and regulationa of Forest Department.

,.

...

,-.

......

. . ... .

,,

Amend No. 5 to IS 3087:1985

11.2

Spwilic

Requirements

The particle board shall coukrrm 10 the specific requirements given for ECO
Mark under relevant clauses of the sta mlard.
NOTE The manufacturer shall provide documentary evidence by way of certificate or
declaration to Bureau of Indian Standards while applying for ECO Mark.

(Page 13, Renumbered

clause 12.1) Insert the following matter under the

clause:
e) The criteria for which the particle board has been label led as ECO Mark.

( CED 20 )

Reprography UniL BIS, New Delhi, India

AMENDMENT

NO. 6 FEBRUARY 2001

TO
IS 3087:1985
SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD PARTICLE
BOARDS (MEDIUM DENSITY) FOR GENERAL
PURPOSES
(Fust Revisiim )
(Page 7, clause 53)

Substitute the following for the existing claustx

5.3 Preservative
Treatment
A suitable preservative may be added to the
particle mix at the time of rinsing of adhesive. The following percentages of
preservatives are regarded as suitable
a)

Sodium pentachlorophenate

1 percent on the basis of oven

dry weight of particles, or

b)

Trichlorophenol

5 percent on the basis of main

adhesive mix.

( CED 20 )
Reprography UniL BIS, New Delhi, Ida

AMENDMENT

NO. 7 JULY 2002

TO
IS 3087:1985
SPECIFICATION FOR WOOD
PARTICLE BOARDS (MEDIUM DENSITY) FOR
GENERAL PURPOSES
( Fiist Revisimt )
( Pages 5 and 6, clause 2.11, Note) Delete.

( CED 20 )
Reprography Unit, BIS, New Delhi, India