Product Testing

The following documents are taken directly out of a product testing report conducted on our Ply-Lam product(s). Tests were conducted by TTS Inc.. Please see their website here.

Product Property Comparison - Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) and Modulus of Rupture (MoR)

This chart shows the MoE and MoR of PL3 and PL4 vs. SPF (Spruce - Pine - Fir).

Equivalent Ply-Lam required to match 5.5" SPF - Equivalent Thickness/Width

This chart shows the max load of PL3 and PL4. It also calculates the size of Ply-Lam needed to replicate a 5.5" SPF board. A small increase in thickness and width is necessary to replicate the strength of SPF.

Comparison of stiffness (MoE) and variation (CoV)

This bar chart shows that Ply-Lam's variance is much smaller than that of normal SPF. Normal SPF can have a large variance in MoE, and this can result in a wide range of stiffness for SPF. Ply-Lam does not have a large variation in MoE, and therefore is a more consistent product.

Comparison of strength (MoR) and variation (CoV)

This bar chart shows that Ply-Lam's variance is smaller than that of normal SPF. Normal SPF can have a large variance in MoR, and this can result in a wide range of strength for SPF.

Typical Bending Test Curves of Solid Wood and Ply-Lam

This chart shows 5 separate tests of standard SPF and Ply-Lam. It shows high variability in the bending of SPF. This is not the case with Ply-Lam.

Static Bending - Single Point Loading - SPF (Imperial)

This chart shows 5 separate tests of standard SPF. The variability of SPF is especially evident, with the weakest piece of lumber breaking at half the load of the strongest.