EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of EN 317 testing. This European Standard specifies a method for determining the swelling in thickness of flat-pressed or drum-pressed particleboards, fibreboards and cement-bonded particleboards.
EN 317 is a European standard that specifies a method for determining the thickness swelling of particleboards and fiberboards after immersion in water.
The test involves cutting a test sample from wood, measuring its dimensions, and then immersing it in water for a specified period of time. After the immersion period, the sample is removed from the water, the excess water is blotted off and its dimensions are measured again. The difference in thickness between the wet and dry states is recorded as swelling in thickness.
The standard specifies that test specimens should be rectangular and have dimensions of 50 mm x 50 mm x 10 mm for particleboard and 70 mm x 70 mm x 10 mm for fiberboard. Samples should be conditioned in a climate controlled environment for at least 24 hours prior to testing to ensure they are at a constant moisture content.
Immersion time is typically 24 hours, although longer times may be used for some applications. The water temperature is determined as 20°C +/- 2°C, and the water depth should be enough to cover the samples by at least 5mm.
After the immersion period, the samples are removed from the water, dried with a towel and weighed to determine their moisture content. The thickness of each sample is then measured at three points using a micrometer and the average thickness is calculated. Thickness swelling is calculated as the difference between the average thickness of the wet sample and the average thickness of the dry sample and is expressed as a percentage of the dry thickness.
The test method is useful for evaluating the dimensional stability of particleboards and fiberboards under conditions of high humidity or humidity that can cause them to swell or warp. The results can be used to determine whether the boards are suitable for use in applications where moisture resistance is important, such as in humid environments or contact with water.
EUROLAB assists manufacturers with EN 317 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
EUROLABreporting and certification activities, United Accreditation Foundation (UAF), Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK) ve Enterprise Accreditation Foundation (EAF) based on the accreditation provided by the accreditation body. The Enterprise Accreditation Foundation (EAF) accreditation body is also a signatory of the United Nations (UN GLOBAL COMPACT) organization.
