6. OSB panels

6.1 Processes

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is made up of thin (0.3 to 0.5 mm thick), long (up to 80 mm), oriented strands of softwood. The lamellas are glued together, often using a combination of organic and synthetic glues, to form a mat of three criss-cross layers. This particular structure explains the panel's excellent mechanical performance.

Cut tangentially, the 0.6 to 0.8 mm thick strips are produced in economical ribbons, thanks to an automated manufacturing process and the use of thinned hardwood species. Durable, strong and available in large dimensions and various thicknesses, OSB has qualities that make it a serious competitor to plywood.