Is formply the same as film faced plywood?
Formply is a type of film faced plywood that meets Australian structural grading requirements, typically F17 under AS/NZS 2269. All formply is film faced plywood, but not all film faced plywood carries an Australian structural grade designation.
Can I use imported film faced plywood instead of formply?
Yes, provided the imported panels meet F17 bending strength and your project's engineering requirements. Many large Australian contractors already import film faced plywood from Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Ensure your supplier provides test reports, chain of custody, and biosecurity documentation.
How many times can I reuse formply?
Reuse depends on the panel grade, overlay type, concrete mix, and site handling. Typical ranges are up to 10 pours for melamine-coated panels and up to 20 pours for phenolic-coated panels with proper care.
What thickness formply do I need?
17 mm or 18 mm is standard for most slab and wall formwork in Australia. These thicknesses work with PERI, DOKA, and other common formwork systems. For heavy-duty applications with wide spans, consider 21 mm.
