What is the difference between Schaltafel and Siebdruckplatte?
A Schaltafel is a formwork panel — a rigid, coated board used to shape poured concrete. A Siebdruckplatte (literally: screen-print board) is film faced plywood with a phenolic resin overlay. In practice, most Schaltafeln used in German construction are made from Siebdruckplatten. The terms overlap but are not identical — Schaltafel describes the function (formwork), while Siebdruckplatte describes the product construction (film-coated plywood).
Can Vietnamese formwork plywood be used on German building sites?
Yes. Vinawood panels comply with EN 636-2 (Class 2, humid conditions) or EN 636-3 (Class 3, exterior conditions) and carry CE marking under EN 13986. Products with CE marking can be specified in German building permits without additional national approval. A Declaration of Performance (DoP) is provided with every shipment for regulatory documentation.
How much do Schaltafeln from Vietnam cost compared to German retail?
Retail Schaltafeln (18mm EN 636-2) in Germany typically cost EUR 18–28 per m² at outlets like Bauhaus or Hornbach. FOB pricing from Vinawood for equivalent certified product runs EUR 8–13 per m², a saving of 30–45%. After sea freight and customs, landed cost in Germany is approximately EUR 11–16 per m².
What is the shipping time from Vietnam to Hamburg?
Transit time from Ho Chi Minh City or Hai Phong to Hamburg is approximately 25–32 days via Singapore or Port Klang transhipment. Shipments to Rotterdam take 28–35 days for buyers planning onward trucking into Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
Which EN 636 class should I specify for exterior formwork in Germany?
For exterior and infrastructure applications with extended outdoor exposure — such as bridge construction (Brückenbau), retaining walls, or foundation shuttering (Fundamentschalung) — specify EN 636-3 (Class 3) with WBP phenolic adhesive. For standard interior and covered formwork applications like slab formwork (Deckenschalung) and wall formwork (Wandschalung), EN 636-2 (Class 2) with WBP melamine adhesive is sufficient.
