Is edge swelling on formwork plywood a defect?
No — edge swelling of 1–3 mm after the first concrete pour is normal moisture adjustment. Panels leave the factory at low moisture content and stabilize after 2–3 pours as they reach equilibrium. Seal all cut edges and drill holes before first use to minimize swelling.
Why do my formwork plywood panels look different colors?
Film color reflects manufacturing variables such as resin formulation and pressing temperature, not quality or performance differences. A lighter brown panel works identically to a darker one from the same product line. Color variation between panels in the same shipment is normal.
How can I tell if plywood is delaminating or just swelling?
Location is the key indicator. Separation at cut edges or drill holes after site use is almost always moisture damage from handling — not a manufacturing issue. Face-wide separation on an unused, uncut panel that was stored correctly is rare and worth investigating with your supplier.
Are core gaps in plywood a defect?
Small gaps between veneer sheets at core joints are inherent to veneer-core plywood construction and occur across all manufacturers worldwide. They are permitted within international grading standards including EN 635 and ANSI/HPVA HP-1, and do not affect panel performance when well-distributed across the core.
Should I reject formwork plywood with surface scratches?
Not if the phenolic film is intact beneath the scratch. Surface marks from normal stripping are expected wear, not failure. Only when the film is torn through to expose the wood core does the scratch become a concern — that area will absorb moisture on subsequent pours.
My panels arrived bowed or warped — is this a defect?
Panel distortion results from storage, transport, and environmental conditions after leaving the factory — not from manufacturing. Thin panels under 15 mm are especially susceptible due to their inherent flexibility. Store flat on level bearers under cover, and most bowing reverses when panels are placed under load on formwork bearers.
