Do you know what the acronyms mean? OSB? They correspond with the English definition Oriented Strand Board, “strand” being understood as a shaving. In Spanish they are known as tadjustable chip (or fiber) boards, obtained by applying pressure and heat to glued wood chips.
Manufacturing of chipboards
The boards are formed by successive layers of chips of several centimeters, where each layer is pressed with the chips oriented in the same direction, and the layers are joined, as with plywood boards, perpendicularly to achieve greater stability and resistance, which makes them in many areas a alternative to solid wood.
Multiple applications
Due to its mechanical properties and appearance, it is used in applications structural, although some designers take advantage of their appearance to create furniture.
This flexibility allows it to be used in covers, covering beams, in Muros interiors, partitions and internal divisions, in panels sandwich, in furniture and other carpentry elements, and even, in packaging industrial resistance.
Features
During the manufacturing process different materials can be used. types of wood, , the Pine y fir tree (fast growing species), while the poplar one of the most common in quality OSB boards.
Depending on the materials used (wood, adhesives, etc.), the characteristics of OSB boards can be different. They are classified into 4 groups, the most common being: OSB-3 which has been standardized from a consumption point of view.
La measure The most common size of a board is 244x120 centimeters. The most frequent thickness is 15mm, but it can easily be found between 10mm and 40mm.
What is the difference with plywood?
Comparisons between the two boards are quite frequent as they offer similar features. In fact, this was precisely what was sought: an alternative to the plywood boards or marine sheet metal. The technical building codes offer them the same classification and uses.
Since plywood is a more well-known product, it is mistakenly believed that OSB boards are a product of inferior quality, This may be due to its significantly lower cost and a considerably less fine appearance. However, this is not the case in reality.
Properties and advantages of OSB
The demand for this type of boards has been going on for quite a few years now. expansion, to the point of exceeding in some areas, such as the United States or Canada, the demand for plywood boards. These are some of its main virtues:
• El price is significantly lower. For example, the price of OSB 3 is about a third of that of solid wood and half of that of plywood.
• Great resistance to breaking and twisting.
• Absence of knots, which facilitates the machining and the cuts.
• Greater forest use, Therefore, its manufacture has a lower impact on the environment. On the other hand, it is not necessary to use specific species, and it is even possible to use trees fast growing or even small.
• Recycling very easy.
• It is not usually attacked by insects.
• Since it is a completely industrial alternative, the size limitations are less, so boards can be manufactured larger dimensions.
Some inconvenients…
The biggest drawback of this type of board is that, in adverse humidity conditions and without the corresponding treatment, they deform to a greater extent than plywood, although it depends on the adhesive used.
It must also be recognized that the OSB board is something heavier and less rigid than plywood, which is lighter and more flexible.
But one advantage over the plywood is that its surface is resistant at all points; which does not occur in plywood if two knots of the different sheets coincide in the same place.
Both the sound insulation, as their fire resistance, depend on the wood with which it is manufactured and its fireproof and sound-absorbing characteristics.
Trend in offices
Office design acts as a sort of materials laboratory which constantly investigates and searches for new products to apply on large surfaces. Hence the great success of OSB boards, especially in interiors: it is sustainable, economical, resistant and it has a raw look that is very much in line with the “raw” trend we have been seeing in recent years.
Especially adaptable to industrial style, With exposed ceilings and pipes, the use of a material as “humble” as OSB connotes a whole intention on the part of the company, which shows an image conscious and respectful with the environment, in a simple and functional way.
Depending on the use that will be given to it, it can be purchased at stupid, tongue and groove (to facilitate paneling), sanding for a better result when applying varnishes or paints, etc. It is also found in different thicknesses, usually between 10 and 28 millimeters.
These types of boards are an excellent solution for reduce manufacturing times and costs. In offices we find it in the covering of walls, ceilings, beams or floors, but also in furniture (shelves, counters, tables, benches, doors, etc.). Without a doubt, it is here to stay.
