Kopine Particle Board
KOPINE ® is particle board manufactured by Carter Holt Harvey, New Zealand to comply with AS/NZS1859.1. It represents a range of high density (HD) and medium density (MD) reconstituted wood panels manufactured by bonding engineered pine wood particles with synthetic resins under heat and pressure. It is available in a range of thicknesses and sheet size of 2440mm x 1220mm. It is available in two grades, standard and MR (moisture resistant).
Fine Surface presents a fine, uniform surface while Flake Surface shows a larger flake texture.
The comprehensive range allows economic cutting of boards. KOPINE ® particle board is easy to work with normal wood working tools as it has no grain direction so there is the same strength and appearance in all directions. This reduces waste. The fine surface layers are also pre sanded, ready for painting or laminating.
Application of KOPINE
KOPINE ® MD is ideally suited to wide range of dry interior applications. Some of these are:
- Substrate for wood veneer overlays, vinyl and plastic laminates
- Furniture components
- Commercial shop fittings
- Shelving
- Commercial and Residential wall and ceiling linings
- Partitions
- Advertising and display panels
- Packaging
Physical Properties
Mean values when tested to AS/NZS1859:2001
| Density |
kg/m3 |
640 |
| Internal Bond |
kPa |
600 |
| Modulus of Rupture |
MPa |
15 |
| Modulus of Elasticity |
MPa |
2500 |
Dimensional changes of approximately 0.3% in sheet length and width may occur in response to humidity changes.
Panel squareness: length of sheet diagonals does not differ more than 2.0mm.
Thickness tolerance: +/- 0.2mm.
Length and width: +/- 2.0mm
Sheet edges: maximum deviation from line: 2.0mm.
Resin Bonds
UF - Urea Formaldehyde
MUF - Melamine Urea Formaldehyde (for Moisture Resistance MR*) - in limited sizes only.
It must not be exposed to wet or high humidity conditions!
KOPINE ® MD particleboard is NOT to be used externally or as a decking substrate under weatherproof sheeting or roofing membranes. KOPINE ® MD particleboard is not recommended for flush plaster stopped jointing systems intended for papering or painting, (except glued partition and modular building systems).
Standards
AS/NZ 1859:2001 Specification for Wood Chipboard and Methods of Test for Particleboard.
Moisture
KOPINE ® MD particleboard should not be exposed to water or high humidity, i.e. in showers, steam rooms, saunas etc. Also see "Conditioning".
Fungal Decay
KOPINE ® MD particleboard will resist fungal decay provided its moisture content does not exceed 18% for prolonged periods.
Heat
Wall linings should be insulated from heat sources such as freestanding fireplaces and space heaters.
Installation
Installation and methods of fixing
KOPINE ® MD particleboard may be glued, nailed or screwed. Nails and screws (with pilot holes) should be fixed no less than 10mm from edge.
Timber Framing
Avoid fixing to framing timber with moisture content exceeding 18% as this can lead to sheet distortion. Moisture content should be as close as possible to equilibrium when panels are fixed.
Dowel Jointing
KOPINE ® MD particleboard can be successfully butt joined edge to face. Glue and dowel jointing is widely used.
Wall Lining
Before installation: Refer to "Conditioning". When KOPINE ® ® MD particleboard is installed too wet, shrinkage gaps may appear: if installed too dry, expansion and bucking may occur. Fixing: Do not begin until the building is closed in and waterproof. When used as a wall lining, sheets must be supported by framing on all edges. A 3-4 mm gap is recommended at all sheet edges to allow for possible movement. Ensure that any timber framing is under 18% moisture content.
Adhesive Fixing
Sheets may be fixed with conventional wood glues and panel adhesives - direct to framing and other walls. Follow manufacturer's recommendations.
Screw Fixing
Twin fast screws are suitable for fixing into the sheet edge or face. Plated screws are recommended; to avoid corrosion stains discolouring board surfaces.
Prime or clear seal all sheet surfaces immediately after fixing to protect them from marking and the effects of moisture and direct sunlight. Ensure that any timber framing is under 18% moisture content. Water based paints or strains are not recommended.
Staple Fixing
Staples should have as wide a crown as possible - 11mm minimum, be not less than 15 gauge and not less than 50 mm in length. Control air pressure to avoid excess penetration of the staple. Resin coated staples will give much greater holding power.
Exposed Beam Ceilings
Prime surfaces and edges prior to fixing ceilings sheets. Fix after the roof is in place - or lay exposed interior ceiling lining progressively with the exterior roof covering. Be sure to keep panels protected from the weather during construction.
Flooring Overlays
KOPINE ® MD particleboard may be used as an overlay on existing wooden floors. The existing floor should be sanded level and the particleboard fixed combining a nail or staple method with adhesive application. Sheets can be close-butted but a 8 mm clearance should be allowed at perimeter walls.
Laminated Panels
Sheets overlaid with printed papers, vinyl or melamine laminates require particular care when cutting. Using a conventional bench saw - place sheet face upwards. Using a portable electric saw - place sheet face downwards.
Heat
Temperatures should not be allowed to exceed 35°C for prolonged periods.
Shelving
KOPINE ® MD Panels are ideal for all types of shelving. All exposed faces and edges should be sealed before being put into use.
Sheet
Thickness
(mm) |
Span
Type |
Span (mm) |
| 300 |
400 |
500 |
600 |
700 |
800 |
900 |
1000 |
Shelf Load (KG/m²) |
| 16 MD |
Single |
732 |
302 |
150 |
82 |
48 |
28 |
17 |
9 |
| |
Multiple |
1060 |
447 |
229 |
133 |
83 |
56 |
39 |
29 |
| 18 MD |
Single |
1045 |
434 |
216 |
120 |
71 |
44 |
27 |
16 |
| |
Multiple |
1510 |
637 |
326 |
189 |
119 |
80 |
56 |
41 |
| 20 HD |
Single |
1726 |
721 |
362 |
204 |
124 |
78 |
51 |
34 |
| |
Multiple |
2071 |
874 |
447 |
259 |
163 |
109 |
77 |
56 |
| 25 MD |
Single |
2815 |
1178 |
595 |
337 |
206 |
133 |
88 |
60 |
| |
Multiple |
4045 |
1707 |
874 |
506 |
318 |
213 |
150 |
109 |
| 30 MD |
Single |
4873 |
2044 |
1037 |
592 |
365 |
238 |
161 |
112 |
| |
Multiple |
6990 |
2949 |
1510 |
874 |
550 |
369 |
259 |
189 |
Note :
Spans based on a creep factor of 2.0mm with a limiting deflection of 0.006mm x span.
Loadings uniformly disturbed.
"MD = Medium Density, HD = High Density".
For Example :
A 500mm single span shelf with a loading of 210 kg/m² will require 18mm thickness. Maximum loading for this shelf is 216 kg/m²
Single Span
Two supports only
 |
Multiple Span
Self is continuous over three or more supports.
 |
Fixing schedule
Sheet Thickness (mm) |
Nail
Size
(mm) |
Sheet
Staple
Size
(mm) |
Fixing Centers
Edges
(mm) |
Fixing Centers
Int/med
(mm) |
Edge
Clearance(mm) |
| 9 |
40 x 1.6 |
38 |
150 |
250 |
3-4 |
| 12 |
45 x 2.24 |
45 |
150 |
250 |
3-4 |
| 15-16 |
50 x 2.8 |
50 |
150 |
250 |
3-4 |
| 18 |
55 x 2.8 |
56 |
150 |
250 |
3-4 |
Lining guide
Sheet Thickness (mm) |
Wall Lining |
Ceiling Lining |
Stud
Centers
(mm) |
Dwang
Centers
(mm) |
Joists/Truss
Centers
(mm) |
Dwang
Centers
(mm) |
| 9 |
400 |
|
450 |
800 |
| 450 |
1200 |
600 |
600 |
| 600 |
600 |
900 |
500 |
| 12 |
400 |
|
450 |
1200 |
| 450 |
|
600 |
1200 |
| 600 |
1200 |
900 |
600 |
| 16 |
400 |
|
450 |
|
| 450 |
|
600 |
|
| 600 |
1200 |
900 |
1200 |
| 18 |
400 |
|
900 |
1200 |
| 450 |
|
1200 |
900 |
| 600 |
1200 |
|
|
| Note: All fastenings must be corrosion-resistant. |
Screw guide
| Screw Gauge |
Pilot Hole Diameter (mm) |
| 4 |
1.25 |
| 5 |
1.45 |
| 6 |
1.60 |
| 7 |
1.65 |
| 8 |
1.95 |
| 9 |
2.10 |
| 10 |
2.25 |
Handling and storage
Health and Safety
Reconstituted products may contain combinations of processed wood, formaldehyde resin and wax. Exposure to wood dust and formaldehyde may cause irritation to eyes, respiratory system and skin, and may cause sensitisation by inhalation and skin contact (eg asthma and dermatitis). Inhalation of wood dust and formaldehyde may cause cancer. Work and storage areas must be well ventilated and kept clean. Sawing, sanding and routing equipment must be fitted with dust extractors.
When handling, working or cleaning up, wear protective clothing and gloves. Wash skin and clothing afterwards. A dust mask conforming with Standards AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716, and eye protection conforming with AS/NZS 1337 are recommended and must be worn to comply with the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
Conditioning
As with all wood based products, KOPINE ® MD particleboard will expand on taking up moisture from the air and shrink on losing moisture. It is important that the sheets are installed at a moisture content close to what which they will achieve in normal service. Rapid change in moisture content is likely to accentuate minor cupping or bowing. It is essential to expos both sides of each sheet on sit for at least 48 hours prior to use, by stacking as per the below diagram.
Storage
Packs are banded with cover sheets top and bottom for edge and surface protection. Cut brands as soon as possible to prevent indenting. Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
To prevent sagging and permanent sheet distortion:
- Position 75 mm gluts true to line and a dry, level floor so they run the full pack width - at least three supports per 2400mm and four per 3600mm pack.
- Line gluts vertically one above the other with ends gluts no more than 300mm from the ends.
A breather-type cover must be supported on bearers clear of the board surface allowing air to circulate freely round the stack.
 
Finishing
KOPINE ® MD particleboard should be sealed before service.
KOPINE ® MD particleboard, (flake surface, not fine) is suitable for clear finishes and staining.
Ideally, match flake surface sheets from the same pack for colour and texture consistency. Veneer banding, plastic edging, timber clashing and paste type edge fillers may be used on edges.
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