ISO 16895:2016

Wood-based panels — Dry-process fibreboard

ISO 16895:2016 specifies a classification matrix, related mandatory tests and thickness ranges for ultra-low-, low-, medium- and high-density dry process wood-based fibreboard. It then provides the manufacturing property requirements for these types of uncoated fibreboard. The values listed in this International Standard relate to product properties used to classify fibreboards into one of four types (UDF, LDF, MDF and HDF, see Clause 3), one of four grades (GP, FN, BL and LB), for use in one of four service conditions (REG, MR1, MR2, and HMR). The values are not characteristic values to be used for design purposes. NOTE Fibreboards are broadly divided into two groups based on the manufacturing process, namely the dry process group and the wet process group (see Clause 3). Wet process fibreboards lie outside the scope of this International Standard.

Panneaux à base de bois — Panneaux de fibres obtenus par procédé à sec

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 27-Jan-2016
• ICS: 79.060.20 - Fibre and particle boards
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 89/SC 1 - Fibre boards
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 89/SC 1 - Fibre boards
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Completion Date: 29-Jun-2021

Relations

• Revises: ISO 16895-1:2008 - Wood-based panels — Dry-process fibreboard — Part 1: Classifications
• Effective Date: 16-Jul-2011
• Revises: ISO 16895-2:2010 - Wood-based panels — Dry-process fibreboard — Part 2: Requirements
• Effective Date: 16-Jul-2011

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 16895
First edition
2016-02-01
Wood-based panels — Dry-process
fibreboard
Panneaux à base de bois — Panneaux de fibres obtenus par
procédé à sec
Reference number
ISO 16895:2016(E)
©
ISO 2016

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ISO 16895:2016(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2016, Published in Switzerland
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior
written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of
the requester.
ISO copyright office
Ch. de Blandonnet 8 • CP 401
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[e-mail]
www.iso.org
ii © ISO 2016 – All rights reserved

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ISO 16895:2016(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 2
5 Classification, designation and coding . 3
5.1 General . 3
5.1.1 Classification matrices . 3
5.1.2 Uses . 3
5.1.3 Additional classifications . 3
5.1.4 Structural grades . 4
5.2 Ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF) . 4
5.3 Low-density fibreboard (LDF). 4
5.4 Medium density fibreboard (MDF) . 4
5.5 High-density fibreboard (HDF) . 5
6 Tests related to each grade . 5
6.1 Mandatory tests . 5
6.2 Optional tests . 6
7 Thickness ranges . 8
8 Expression of specification limits and general requirements . 8
8.1 Expression of specification limits . 8
8.2 Lower specification limits . 8
8.3 Upper specification limits. 9
8.4 Moisture resistance requirement options . 9
8.5 Density variation, dimension and moisture content requirements . 9
8.6 Formaldehyde requirements .10
8.7 Load bearing fibreboard .10
9 Specific property requirements for ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF-FN REG) .10
10 Specific property requirements for low-density fibreboard .11
10.1 General .11
10.2 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(LDF-FN REG) .11
10.3 Requirements for building grade low-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(LDF-BL REG) .11
10.4 Requirements for general purpose low-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (LDF-GP MR1) .12
10.5 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (LDF-FN MR1) .12
10.6 Requirements for building grade low-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (LDF-BL MR1) .13
10.7 Requirements for general purpose low-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (LDF-GP MR2) .13
10.8 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in tropical humid
conditions (LDF-FN MR2) .14
11 Specific property requirements for medium-density fibreboard .14
11.1 General .14
11.2 Requirements for general purpose medium-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (MDF-GP REG) .15
11.3 Requirements for furniture grade medium-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (MDF-FN REG) .15
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ISO 16895:2016(E)

11.4 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (MDF-BL REG) .15
11.5 Requirements for load bearing medium-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (MDF-LB REG) .16
11.6 Requirements for general purpose medium-density fibreboard for use in
temperate humid conditions (MDF-GP MR1) .16
11.7 Requirements for furniture grade medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (MDF-FN MR1) .17
11.8 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (MDF-BL MR1) .18
11.9 Requirements for load bearing medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (MDF-LB MR1) .18
11.10 Requirements for general purpose medium-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (MDF-GP MR2) .19
11.11 Requirements for furniture grade medium-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (MDF-FN MR2) .20
11.12 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (MDF-BL MR2) .21
11.13 Requirements for load bearing medium-density fibreboard for use in tropical
humid conditions (MDF-LB MR2) .21
11.14 Requirements for fitments grade medium-density fibreboard for use in high
humid conditions (MDF-FN HMR) .22
11.15 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in high
humid conditions (MDF-BL HMR) .23
12 Specific property requirements for high-density fibreboard .23
12.1 General .23
12.2 Requirements for general purpose high-density fibreboard for use in dry
conditions (HDF-GP REG) .24
12.3 Requirements for building grade high-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(HDF-BL REG) .24
12.4 Requirements for general purpose high-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (HDF-GP MR1) .24
12.5 Requirements for building grade high-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (HDF-BL MR1) .25
12.6 Requirements for general purpose high-density fibreboard for use in high humid
conditions (HDF-GP MR2) .25
12.7 Requirements for building grade high-density fibreboard for use in tropical humid
conditions (HDF-BL MR2) .26
13 Marking .26
Annex A (normative) Calculation of 5-percentile and 95-percentile values .28
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ISO 16895:2016(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions related to conformity
assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the WTO principles in the Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL: Foreword - Supplementary information
The committee responsible for this document is ISO/TC 89, Wood-based panels, Subcommittee SC 1,
Fibre boards.
This first edition cancels and replaces ISO 16895-1:2008 and ISO 16895-2:2010, of which the product
classification and specification have been technically revised.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 16895:2016(E)
Wood-based panels — Dry-process fibreboard
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a classification matrix, related mandatory tests and thickness
ranges for ultra-low-, low-, medium- and high-density dry process wood-based fibreboard. It then
provides the manufacturing property requirements for these types of uncoated fibreboard.
The values listed in this International Standard relate to product properties used to classify fibreboards
into one of four types (UDF, LDF, MDF and HDF, see Clause 3), one of four grades (GP, FN, BL and LB),
for use in one of four service conditions (REG, MR1, MR2, and HMR). The values are not characteristic
values to be used for design purposes.
NOTE Fibreboards are broadly divided into two groups based on the manufacturing process, namely the
dry process group and the wet process group (see Clause 3). Wet process fibreboards lie outside the scope of this
International Standard.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3340, Fibre building boards — Determination of sand content
ISO 9426, Wood-based panels — Determination of dimensions of panels
ISO 9427, Wood-based panels — Determination of density
ISO 12460-1, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 1: Formaldehyde
emission by the 1-cubic-metre chamber method
ISO 12460-2, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 2: Small-scale
chamber method
ISO 12460-3, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 3: Gas analysis method
ISO 12460-4, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 4: Desiccator method
ISO 12460-5, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 5: Perforator method
ISO 16572, Timber structures — Wood-based panels — Test methods for structural properties
ISO 16978, Wood-based panels — Determination of modulus of elasticity in bending and of bending strength
ISO 16979, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture content
ISO 16981, Wood-based panels — Determination of surface soundness
ISO 16983, Wood-based panels — Determination of swelling in thickness after immersion in water
ISO 16984, Wood-based panels — Determination of tensile strength perpendicular to the plane of the panel
ISO 16985, Wood-based panels — Determination of dimensional changes associated with changes in
relative humidity
ISO 16987, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture resistance under cyclic test conditions
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ISO 16895:2016(E)

ISO 16998, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture resistance — Boil test
ISO 17064, Wood-based panels — Fibreboard, particleboard and oriented strand board (OSB) — Vocabulary
ISO 20585:2005, Wood-based panels — Determination of wet bending strength after immersion in water
at 70 degrees C or 100 degrees C (boiling temperature)
ISO 27528, Wood-based panels — Determination of resistance to axial withdrawal of screws
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 17064 and the following apply.
3.1
dry process fibreboard
wood fibreboard with a forming line moisture content, as a mass fraction, of less than or equal to 20 %
and whose primary bonding results from applied adhesives or resins
3.2
wet process fibreboard
wood fibreboard with a forming line moisture content, as a mass fraction, of greater than 20 % and
whose primary bonding results from felting of wood fibres and their inherent adhesive properties
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
For the purposes of this document, the following symbols and abbreviated terms apply.
BL building
DIY do-it-yourself
EXT exterior
F fungi resistant
FN furniture
FR fire retardant
GP general purpose
HDF high-density fibreboard
HMR highly moisture resistant
I insect resistant
LB load bearing
LDF low-density fibreboard
MDF medium-density fibreboard
MR1 moisture resistant — temperate
MR2 moisture resistant — tropical
REG regular
UDF ultra-low-density fibreboard
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ISO 16895:2016(E)

δ thickness
5 Classification, designation and coding
5.1 General
5.1.1 Classification matrices
Overall classification matrices, which include all major classes available at the time of publication, are
shown in Tables 1 to 4. Tables 1 to 4 allow for future classes to be included as they become available on
international markets.
Not all products in the matrices shown in Tables 1 to 4 are currently available or under development.
Realistic property tables can only be developed for existing products. The remainder are potential
future products and property tables will be developed when necessary.
Density ranges given in product descriptions in 5.2 to 5.5 are a guide. Manufacturers may classify a
product as a particular type or grade if it meets all the property requirements of the nominated type or
3
grade. For example, a thin fibreboard of density 830 kg/m could be called MDF if it meets all property
requirements of the particular MDF grade nominated.
5.1.2 Uses
Products specified in this International Standard have the following applications.
regular REG dry conditions only
moisture resistant — temperate MR1 temperate humid conditions
moisture resistant — tropical MR2 tropical humid conditions
highly moisture resistant HMR high humid conditions
exterior EXT exposed to weather conditions, above ground
general purpose GP applications not requiring the specific properties of
furniture or load-bearing grades
furniture FN in furniture manufacture, cabinet making, fitments, joinery,
bases for surface decorative treatment
building BL building applications requiring high dimensional stability
load bearing LB structural or load bearing
do-it-yourself DIY home projects done by residents rather than professional
tradespersons
5.1.3 Additional classifications
If additional attribute classifications are used, such as fire retardant (FR), insect resistant (I) and
fungi resistant (F), claimed performance shall be confirmed by appropriate testing. Relevant tests and
performance requirements may be specified by national standards and regulations.
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ISO 16895:2016(E)

5.1.4 Structural grades
When a product is used in a load-bearing or structural application, additional information shall
be available in the form of characteristic values derived from structural testing (see ISO 16572),
experimental test results or history of use to validate its performance under the proposed conditions.
It should be noted that engineering design methods do not provide for design for high humid or exterior
service conditions. The inclusion of the MDF-LB grade in the “high humid” section of the classification
matrix (see Table 3) is on the basis that performance is validated by experimental test results or
history of use.
5.2 Ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF)
3
UDF has a nominal density less than 550 kg/m and is classified according to Table 1.
Table 1 — UDF classification matrix
Service conditions
UDF type
Humid
Dry Humid temperate High humid Exterior
tropical
UDF-FN REG furniture grade
No existing No existing No existing No existing
product product product product
Application examples Light-duty partitions
5.3 Low-density fibreboard (LDF)
3 3
LDF has a nominal density in the range 550 kg/m to 650 kg/m and is classified according to Table 2.
Table 2 — LDF classification matrix
Service conditions
LDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
LDF-GP MR1 general purpose MR2 general purpose
No
No existing
Roof Roof
No existing product existing
Application
product
underlay/sheathing, underlay/sheathing,
product
examples
wall sheathing wall sheathing
REG furniture
LDF-FN MR1 furniture grade MR2 furniture grade
grade
No
No existing
existing
Furniture, DIY uses,
product
Application Furniture, DIY uses, Furniture, DIY uses,
product
general uses,
examples general uses general uses
light-duty partitions
LDF-BL REG building grade MR1 building grade
No
No existing
No existing product existing
Application Window frames, Window frames,
product
product
examples door backs door backs
5.4 Medium density fibreboard (MDF)
3 3
MDF has a nominal density in the range 650 kg/m to 800 kg/m and is classified according to Table 3.
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ISO 16895:2016(E)

Table 3 — MDF classification matrix
Service conditions
MDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
REG general MR1 general
MDF-GP MR2 general purpose
purpose purpose
No
No existing
existing
DIY uses, DIY uses,
product
Application DIY uses, general
product
general uses, general uses,
examples uses, overlay floors
veneer grade overlay floors
MR1 MR2 HMR
REG furniture
MDF-FN furniture/fitments furniture/fitments furniture/fitments
grade
grade grade grade
No
Carcase, furniture, Carcase, furniture,
existing
Carcase, furniture, Fascias, window
cabinets for kitchen cabinets for kitchen
product
Application cabinets, substrate joinery, protected
and bathroom, and bathroom,
examples for any decorative exterior
substrate for any substrate for any
finish construction
decorative finish decorative finish
MDF-LB REG load bearing MR1 load bearing MR2 load bearing
Domestic or
No
Domestic or
industrial flooring,
No existing
Domestic flooring,
existing
Application industrial flooring,
wall and roof
product
shelving, general
product
examples shelving, general
sheathing, beams,
construction
construction
toilet partitions
MDF-BL REG building grade MR1 building grade MR2 building grade HMR building grade
Window frames,
No
Window frames, door linings,
Window frames, Window frames,
existing
Application door linings, bearing bearing
door linings, door linings,
product
examples walls, floor and roof walls, floor and
bearing walls bearing walls
sheathing, underlay roof sheathing,
underlay
5.5 High-density fibreboard (HDF)
3
HDF has a nominal density greater than 800 kg/m and is classified according to Table 4.
Table 4 — HDF classification matrix
Service conditions
HDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
HDF-GP REG general purpose MR1 general purpose MR2 general purpose
No
No existing
Composite flooring, Composite flooring, Composite flooring,
existing
Application
product
machined articles, wall panelling in public wall panelling in
product
examples
patterns, packaging amenities, packaging public amenities
HDF-BL REG building grade MR1 building grade MR2 building grade
No
No existing
existing
Application
product
Composite flooring Composite flooring Bearing walls
product
examples
6 Tests related to each grade
6.1 Mandatory tests
The mandatory tests shown in Tables 5 to 8 shall be applied to the various fibreboard grades identified
in Tables 1 to 4, respectively. All property requirements shall be met at dispatch from the factory.
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ISO 16895:2016(E)

6.2 Optional tests
If information on additional properties is agreed between user and manufacturer, it shall be determined
using the test method(s) nominated from ISO 3340, ISO 16985 and/or ISO 27528.
Table 5 — Tests relating to each UDF grade
Property Method UDF-FN
Dimensions ISO 9426 REG
Density variation ISO 9427 REG
Formaldehyde emission ISO 12460-1 REG
Moisture content ISO 16979 REG
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 REG
Bending strength — Modulus of rupture (MOR) ISO 16978 REG
Table 6 — Tests relating to each LDF grade
Property Method LDF-GP LDF-FN LDF-BL
Dimensions ISO 9426 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Density variation ISO 9427 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Formaldehyde emission ISO 12460-1 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Moisture content ISO 16979 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Bending strength —
ISO 16978 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Modulus of rupture (MOR)
Bending stiffness —
ISO 16978 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Modulus of elasticity (MOE)
Thickness swelling ISO 16983 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Surface soundness ISO 16981 — MR1 MR2 —
ISO 16987
Moisture resistance ISO 16998 MR1 MR2 MR1 MR2 —
ISO 20585
Moisture resistance —
ISO 20585
...

DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD
ISO/DIS 16895
ISO/TC 89/SC 1 Secretariat: SA
Voting begins on: Voting terminates on:
2013-09-30 2013-12-30
Wood-based panels — Dry-process fibreboard
Panneaux à base de bois — Panneaux de fibres obtenus par procédé à sec
[Revision of first edition (ISO 16895-1:2008) and ISO 16895-2:2010]
ICS: 79.060.20
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENT AND APPROVAL. IT IS
THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY
NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD UNTIL PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
Reference number
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO/DIS 16895:2013(E)
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
©
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. ISO 2013

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ISO/DIS 16895:2013(E)

Copyright notice
This ISO document is a Draft International Standard and is copyright-protected by ISO. Except as
permitted under the applicable laws of the user’s country, neither this ISO draft nor any extract
from it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission being secured.
Requests for permission to reproduce should be addressed to either ISO at the address below or ISO’s
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Reproduction may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.
Violators may be prosecuted.
ii © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DIS 16895
Contents Page
Foreword . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms . 2
5 Classification, designation and coding . 3
5.1 General . 3
5.1.1 Classification matrices . 3
5.1.2 Uses . 3
5.1.3 Additional classifications . 3
5.1.4 Structural grades . 3
5.2 Ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF) . 4
5.3 Low-density fibreboard (LDF) . 4
5.4 Medium density fibreboard (MDF) . 5
5.5 High-density fibreboard (HDF) . 5
6 Tests related to each grade . 6
6.1 Mandatory tests . 6
6.2 Optional tests . 6
7 Thickness ranges . 8
8 Expression of specification limits and general requirements . 8
8.1 Expression of specification limits . 8
8.2 Lower specification limits. 9
8.3 Upper specification limits . 9
8.4 Moisture resistance requirement options . 9
8.5 Density variation, dimension and moisture content requirements . 10
8.6 Formaldehyde emission requirements . 10
8.7 Load bearing fibreboard . 11
9 Specific property requirements for ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF-FN REG) . 11
10 Specific property requirements for low-density fibreboard . 12
10.1 General . 12
10.2 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions (LDF-
FN REG) . 12
10.3 Requirements for building grade low-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions (LDF-
BL REG) . 12
10.4 Requirements for general purpose low-density fibreboard for use in temperate humid
conditions (LDF-GP MR1) . 13
10.5 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in temperate humid
conditions (LDF-FN MR1) . 13
10.6 Requirements for building grade low-density fibreboard for use in temperate humid
conditions (LDF-BL MR1) . 14
10.7 Requirements for general purpose low-density fibreboard for use in high tropical humid
conditions (LDF-GP MR2) . 14
10.8 Requirements for furniture grade low-density fibreboard for use in high tropical humid
conditions (LDF-FN MR2) . 15
11 Specific property requirements for medium-density fibreboard . 15
11.1 General . 15
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ISO/DIS 16895
11.2 Requirements for general purpose medium-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(MDF-GP REG) . 15
11.3 Requirements for furniture grade medium-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(MDF-FN REG) . 16
11.4 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(MDF-BL REG) . 16
11.5 Requirements for load bearing medium-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(MDF-LB REG) . 17
11.6 Requirements for general purpose medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate
humid conditions (MDF-GP MR1) . 17
11.7 Requirements for furniture grade medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate humid
conditions (MDF-FN MR1) . 18
11.8 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate humid
conditions (MDF-BL MR1). 18
11.9 Requirements for load bearing medium-density fibreboard for use in temperate humid
conditions (MDF-LB MR1). 19
11.10 Requirements for general purpose medium-density fibreboard for use in high tropical
humid conditions (MDF-GP MR2) . 19
11.11 Requirements for furniture grade medium-density fibreboard for use in high tropical
humid conditions (MDF-FN MR2) . 20
11.12 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in high tropical
humid conditions (MDF-BL MR2) . 20
11.13 Requirements for load bearing medium-density fibreboard for use in high tropical humid
conditions (MDF-LB MR2). 21
11.14 Requirements for fitments grade medium-density fibreboard for use in exterior high
humid conditions (MDF-FN HMR) . 21
11.15 Requirements for building grade medium-density fibreboard for use in exterior high
humid conditions (MDF-BL HMR) . 22
12 Specific property requirements for high-density fibreboard . 22
12.1 General . 22
12.2 Requirements for general purpose high-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions
(HDF-GP REG) . 22
12.3 Requirements for building grade high-density fibreboard for use in dry conditions (HDF-
BL REG) . 23
12.4 Requirements for general purpose high-density fibreboard for use in temperate humid
conditions (HDF-GP MR1) . 23
12.5 Requirements for building grade high-density fibreboard for use in temperate humid
conditions (HDF-BL MR1) . 24
12.6 Requirements for general purpose high-density fibreboard for use in high humid
conditions (HDF-GP MR2) . 24
12.7 Requirements for building grade high-density fibreboard for use in tropical humid
conditions (HDF-BL MR2) . 25
13 Marking . 25
Annex A (normative) Calculation of 5-percentile and 95-percentile values . 26
A.1 General . 26
A.2 Notation symbols . 26
A.3 Calculations . 27
A.3.1 Mean value of each individual panel (panel mean) . 27
A.3.2 Standard deviation within each panel . 27
A.3.3 Grand mean (mean of panel means) . 27
A.3.4 Standard deviation of panel means . 27
A.3.5 Mean standard deviation of the test values within panels . 27
A.3.6 5- and 95-percentile of a normally distributed panel property . 27

iv © ISO 2013 – All rights reserved

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ISO/DIS 16895
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 16895 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 89, Wood-based Panels, Subcommittee SC 1,
Fibreboards.
This second/third/. edition cancels and replaces the first/second/. edition (), [clause(s) / subclause(s) /
table(s) / figure(s) / annex(es)] of which [has / have] been technically revised.

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DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/DIS 16895

Wood-based panels — Dry process fibreboard
1 Scope
ISO 16895 specifies a classification matrix, related mandatory tests and thickness ranges for ultra-low-, low-,
medium-, and high-density dry process fibreboard.
The values listed in ISO 16895 relate to product properties used to classify fibreboards into one of four types
(UDF, LDF, MDF and HDF, see Clause 3), one of four grades (GP, FN, BL and LB), for use in one of four
service conditions (REG, MR1, MR2, and HMR EXT). The values are not characteristic values to be used for
design purposes.
NOTE 1 Fibreboards are broadly divided into two groups based on the manufacturing process, namely the dry process
group and the wet process group (see Clause 3). Wet process fibreboards lie outside the scope of ISO 16895.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 3340, Fibre building boards — Determination of sand content
ISO 9426, Wood-based panels — Determination of dimensions of panels
ISO 9427, Wood-based panels — Determination of density
ISO 12460-1, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 1: Formaldehyde
emission by the 1-cubic-metre chamber method
ISO 12460-2, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 2: Small-scale chamber
method
ISO 12460-3, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 3: Gas analysis method
ISO 12460-4, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 4: Desiccator method
ISO 12460-5, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 5: Perforator method
ISO 16572, Timber structures — Wood-based panels — Test methods for structural properties
ISO 16978, Wood-based panels — Determination of modulus of elasticity in bending and of bending strength
ISO 16979, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture content
ISO 16981, Wood-based panels — Determination of surface soundness
ISO 16983, Wood-based panels — Determination of swelling in thickness after immersion in water
ISO 16984, Wood-based panels — Determination of tensile strength perpendicular to the plane of the panel
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ISO/DIS 16895
ISO 16985, Wood-based panels — Determination of dimensional changes associated with changes in relative
humidity
ISO 16987, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture resistance under cyclic test conditions
ISO 16998, Wood-based panels — Determination of moisture resistance — Boil test
ISO 17064, Wood-based panels — Fibreboard, particleboard and oriented strand board (OSB) — Vocabulary
ISO 20585, Wood-based panels — Determination of wet bending strength after immersion in water at 70 °C or
100 °C (boiling temperature)
ISO 27528, Wood-based panels — Determination of resistance to axial withdrawal of screws
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 17064 and the following, apply.
3.1
dry process fibreboard
fibreboard with a forming line moisture content, as a mass fraction, of less than or equal to 20 % and whose
primary bonding results from applied adhesives or resins.
3.2
wet process fibreboard
fibreboard with a forming line moisture content, as a mass fraction, of greater than 20 % and whose primary
bonding results from felting of fibres and their inherent adhesive properties.
4 Symbols and abbreviated terms
BL building
DIY do-it-yourself
EXT exterior
F fungi resistant
FN furniture
FR fire retardant
GP general purpose
HDF high-density fibreboard
HMR highly moisture resistant
I insect resistant
LB load bearing
LDF low-density fibreboard
MDF medium-density fibreboard
MR1 moisture resistant—temperate
MR2 moisture resistant—tropical
REG regular
UDF ultra-low-density fibreboard
thickness
δ
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ISO/DIS 16895
5 Classification, designation and coding
5.1 General
5.1.1 Classification matrices
Overall classification matrices, which include all major classes available at the time of publication, are shown
in Tables 1 to 4. Tables 1 to 4 allow for future classes to be included as they become available on
international markets.
Not all products in the matrices shown in Tables 1 to 4 are currently available or under development. Realistic
property tables can only be developed for existing products. The remainder are potential future products and
property tables will be developed when necessary.
Density ranges given in product descriptions in 5.2 to 5.5 are a guide. Manufacturers may classify a product
as a particular type or grade if it meets all the property requirements of the nominated type or grade. For
3
example, a thin fibreboard of density 830 kg/m could be called MDF if it meets all property requirements of
the particular MDF grade nominated.
5.1.2 Uses
Products specified in this document have the following applications:
regular REG dry conditions only
moisture resistant—temperate MR1 temperate humid conditions
moisture resistant—tropical MR2 Tropical humid conditions
highly moisture resistant HMR high humid conditions
exterior EXT exposed to weather conditions, above ground
general purpose GP applications not requiring the specific properties of furniture or
load-bearing grades
furniture FN in furniture manufacture, cabinet making, fitments, joinery, bases
for surface decorative treatment
building BL building applications requiring high dimensional stability
load bearing LB structural or load bearing
do-it-yourself DIY home projects done by residents rather than professional
tradespersons

5.1.3 Additional classifications
If additional attribute classifications are used, such as fire retardant (FR), insect resistant (I) and fungi
resistant (F), claimed performance shall be confirmed by appropriate testing. Relevant tests and performance
requirements may be specified by national standards and regulations.
5.1.4 Structural grades
When a product is used in a load-bearing or structural application, additional information shall be available in
the form of characteristic values derived from structural testing (ISO 16572), experimental test results or
history of use to validate its performance under the proposed conditions.
It should be noted that engineering design methods do not provide for design for high humid or exterior
service conditions. The inclusion of the MDF-LB grade in the “high humid” section of the classification matrix
(Table 3) is on the basis that performance is validated by experimental test results or history of use.
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ISO/DIS 16895
5.2 Ultra-low-density fibreboard (UDF)
3
UDF has a nominal density less than 550 kg/m and is classified according to Table 1.
Table 1 — UDF classification matrix
Service conditions
UDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
UDF-FN
REG furniture grade
No existing No existing No existing
No existing product
product
product product
Application examples Light-duty partitions

5.3 Low-density fibreboard (LDF)
3 3
LDF has a nominal density in the range 550 kg/m to 650 kg/m and is classified according to Table 2.
Table 2 — LDF classification matrix
Service conditions
LDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
LDF-GP MR1 general purpose MR2 general purpose
No
No existing
No existing product existing
Application Roof underlay/sheathing, Roof underlay/sheathing,
product
product
examples wall sheathing wall sheathing
LDF-FN
REG furniture grade MR1 furniture grade MR2 furniture grade
No
No existing
Furniture, DIY uses,
existing
Application Furniture, DIY uses, Furniture, DIY uses,
product
general uses, light-duty
product
examples general uses general uses
partitions
LDF-BL
REG building grade MR1 building grade
No
No existing
No existing product existing
Application Window frames, door Window frames, door
product
product
examples backs backs

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ISO/DIS 16895
5.4 Medium density fibreboard (MDF)
3 3
MDF has a nominal density in the range 650 kg/m to 800 kg/m and is classified according to Table 3.
Table 3 — MDF classification matrix
Service conditions
MDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
MDF-GP REG general purpose MR1 general purpose MR2 general purpose
No
No existing product existing
Application DIY uses, general DIY uses, general DIY uses, general
product
examples uses, veneer grade uses, overlay floors uses, overlay floors
MR1 furniture/fitments MR2 furniture/fitments HMR furniture/fitments
MDF-FN REG furniture grade
grade grade grade
No
Carcase, furniture, Carcase, furniture,
Cladding, fascias,
Carcase, furniture,
existing
cabinets for kitchen cabinets for kitchen
Application cabinets, substrate window joinery,
product
and bathroom, and bathroom,
examples for any decorative decking, protected
substrate for any substrate for any
finish
exterior construction
decorative finish decorative finish
MDF-LB REG load bearing MR1 load bearing MR2 load bearing
No
Domestic or industrial
Domestic flooring, Domestic or industrial
No existing product existing
Application flooring, wall and roof
shelving, general flooring, shelving,
product
examples sheathing, beams,
construction general construction
toilet partitions
MDF-BL REG building grade MR1 building grade MR2 building grade HMR building grade
No
Window frames, door Window frames, door
existing
Application Window frames, door Window frames, door linings, bearing walls, linings, bearing walls,
product
floor and roof floor and roof
examples linings, bearing walls linings, bearing walls
sheathing, underlay sheathing, underlay

5.5 High-density fibreboard (HDF)
3
HDF has a nominal density greater than 800 kg/m and is classified according to Table 4.
Table 4 — HDF classification matrix
Service conditions
HDF type
Dry Humid temperate Humid tropical High humid Exterior
HDF-GP REG general purpose MR1 general purpose MR2 general purpose
No
No existing
Composite flooring, Composite flooring, wall Composite flooring, wall
existing
Application
product
machined articles, panelling in public panelling in public
product
examples
patterns, packaging amenities, packaging amenities
HDF-BL REG building grade MR1 building grade MR2 building grade
No
No existing
existing
Application
product
Composite flooring Composite flooring Bearing walls
product
examples

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ISO/DIS 16895
6 Tests related to each grade
6.1 Mandatory tests
The mandatory tests shown in Tables 5 to 8 shall be applied to the various fibreboard grades identified in
Tables 1 to 4 respectively. All property requirements shall be met at dispatch from the factory.
6.2 Optional tests
If information on additional properties is agreed between user and manufacturer, it shall be determined using
test method(s) nominated from: ISO 3340; ISO 16985; and/or ISO 27528.
Table 5 — Tests relating to each UDF grade
Property Method UDF-FN
Dimensions ISO 9426 REG
Density variation ISO 9427 REG
Formaldehyde emission ISO 12460-1 REG
Moisture content ISO 16979 REG
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 REG
Bending strength—Modulus of rupture (MOR) ISO 16978 REG

Table 6 — Tests relating to each LDF grade
Property Method LDF-GP LDF-FN LDF-BL
Dimensions ISO 9426 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Density variation ISO 9427 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Formaldehyde emission ISO 12460-1 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Moisture content ISO 16979
Internal bond strength ISO 16984 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Bending strength—
ISO 16978 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Modulus of rupture (MOR)
Bending stiffness—
ISO 16978 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Modulus of elasticity (MOE)
Thickness swelling ISO 16983 MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1
Surface soundness ISO 16981 — MR1 MR2 —
ISO 16987
Moisture resistance ISO 16998 MR1 MR2 MR1 MR2 —
ISO 20585
Moisture resistance—
ISO 20585 — — MR1
Wet bending strength

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ISO/DIS 16895
Table 7 — Tests relating to each MDF grade
Method
Property MDF-GP MDF-FN MDF-BL MDF-LB
ISO
REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Dimensions 9426 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
HMR HMR
REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Density variation 9427 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
HMR HMR
REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Formaldehyde emission 12460-1
HMR HMR
REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
Moisture content 16979 REG MR1 MR2 REG MR1 MR2
HMR HMR
REG MR1 MR2 RE
...