- Edge SnipeEdge Snipe:A narrow tapered condition along the long edge of a sanded panel. This taper often cannot be detected visually.
- Edge Tape EaseEdge Tape Ease:The amount of bevel along the edge of edge-taped shelving.
- EPP CertificationEPP Certification:An Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) is a product and service that has a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared to other products and services that serve the same purpose. Because various states have adopted policies promoting sustainability to “reduce adverse impacts on natural habitats and species” the Composite Panel Association (CPA) adopted this voluntary Environmentally Preferable Product Specification (EPPS) to promote the fulfillment of these goals.
- Feed RateFeed Rate:The rate in which material passes a cutting tool, measured in feet per minute (fpm).
- Fiber PopFiber Pop:Swelling of wood particles due to moisture which creates texture on the surface of the board.
- FillerFiller:A high solid finishing material used to fill tiny voids or pits in board surfaces.
- Flake RaiseFlake Raise:Face flakes that are raised above surrounding flakes appearing as a rough surface. Usually caused by excessive absorption of moisture. Sometimes referred to as fiber pop.
- Flame SpreadFlame Spread:Term relating to spread of a flame along the surface of a material; expressed in numbers or letters and used in describing interior finishing requirements for building codes.
- FlowbackFlowback:Refers to the degree a material will compress before penetration of a cutting tool occurs.
- FoilsFoils:Cellulose papers weighing between 40 and 140 grams per square meter untreated. The papers may be impregnated with melamine thermoplastic resins or left untreated.
- FormerFormer:Machine that forms the furnish into a particleboard mat prior to hot pressing. May use mechanical or air classification methods of forming the mat.
- FormaldehydeFormaldehyde:A reactive organic compound HCHO.
- Free FormaldehydeFree Formaldehyde:Uncombined or unreleased formaldehyde available for release or emission from a panel.
- FurnishFurnish:The blended particles, binders and additives ready for the board-forming process. May also be used to refer to unblended particles (raw furnish).
- Grit MarksGrit Marks:Surface scratches resulting from sanding with belts in incorrect sequence or from extreme variations in the thickness of rough panels. Sometimes both.
- Grit SizeGrit Size:Refers to coarseness of an abrasive material on a sanding belt. The lower the grit label, the coarser the abrasive material.
- HardnessHardness:A measure of resistance to indentation of the board surface which is related to board density. Value stated in pounds (lbs).
- Heat Transfer FoilsHeat Transfer Foils:A panel coating system that involves the transfer of a complete coating system from a carrier film to a substrate by means of heat and pressure.
- Homogeneous BoardHomogeneous Board:A particleboard product manufactured with the same kind, size and quality of particle throughout its thickness.
- Hook or Rake AngleHook or Rake Angle:Angle on a cutting tool affecting ease in which the tooth penetrates the material being machined.
- HPLHPL:High pressure laminate. A sheet material formed from multiple layers of kraft paper saturated with phenolic resin; a decorative layer of paper saturated with melamine resin; and a very thin top sheet of paper heavily saturated with a melamine resin. Fused together in the hot press under high temperature and pressure to produce a stiff plastic sheet.
- Impact ResistanceImpact Resistance:Ability of a material to withstand sharp blows or violent contact.
- Insulation ValueInsulation Value:Ability of a material to resist heat flow. Stated as R or thermal resistance value.
- Internal Bond StrengthInternal Bond Strength:An overall measure of the board's integrity, illustrating how well the core materials bonded together. Tested by applying tension perpendicular to the panel surface. Value stated in pounds per square inch (psi).
- KerfKerf:A slot made by a sawblade. The width of the saw cut.
- LaminateLaminate:(n) A product made by bonding together two or more layers of material. (v) To unite layers of material with adhesive.
- Large Chamber Test ASTM E1333Large Chamber Test ASTM E1333:A controlled environmental chamber test designed to measure formaldehyde emissions from UF bonded wood products. Recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development.
- Large Particle Show-ThroughLarge Particle Show-Through:A visual substrate flaw that causes oversize particles to show through thin, light-colored overlays.
- Linear ExpansionLinear Expansion:A measure of growth along length and width of the board when exposed to conditions from low to high humidity stated in percent (%).
- Low Basis WeightLow Basis Weight:Laminating papers, often referred to as “micro-papers” or “rice papers”, that range in weight from 23 to 30 grams and sometimes preimpregnated with resin.
- LPLLPL:Low pressure laminate. A preprinted or solid color decorative paper that has been saturated with a resin. Under heat and pressure, it bonds to a board surface without need for additional adhesive.