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Maplex master sheet size and standard sheet sizes for each grade can be found here.
Due to master sheet sizes, we are able to accommodate a variety of custom sizes – please contact our Customer Service to review your specific requirements and obtain a quotation.
Depending on the grade, Maplex is available in thicknesses from 1 mm and up to 8 mm. Please review the Maplex at a glance documents for grades, thicknesses and side by side technical data.
Please note, due to its density and strength, you may require a thinner caliper of Maplex compared to traditional fiberboard paneling.
Although there are no specific guidelines for hand bending Maplex “in the field”, thin sheets (less than 1/8” or 3.2 mm) are quite flexible. They may be used to create smooth, sweeping curves by bending and fastening the material into position against an underlying substructure. The substructure can be almost anything (plywood, MDF, dimensioned lumber, etc.) that is stable and rigid. Making sharp bends by hand is not recommended and should only be done using a machine forming process.
Maplex may be machine formed into surprisingly complex three-dimensional shapes. The basic process involves wetting/conditioning, restraining and drying. Furniture manufacturers and fabricators who form wood/plywood should be able to use their steam forming techniques to form Maplex. However, with forming and extreme bending, better results can usually be obtained at our manufacturing facility due to our specialized equipment and decades of experience with the material. But for design considerations, in single axis machine forming, all bends should have a radius of at least 16 times the material thickness. In roll forming cylindrical shapes, the diameter should be at least 80 times the material thickness. Beyond those limits, the outer plies may tear and the inner plies may wrinkle. In multiple axis machine forming, designs must be evaluated on an individual basis. Process limits (e.g. when using wood/plywood forming techniques and equipment) may also apply. In any case, the end-user must determine the applicability of Maplex to each individual design and application. Please contact our Application Development Engineer to discuss the best ways of machine forming, grade recommendation and small scale prototyping.
Every project is unique and we feel it is important for designers and architects to understand that they are able to tap into resources in our engineering and fabrication departments to help answer questions when working with Maplex. In short, we look forward to prototyping and forming Maplex for your design. We will be happy to issue you a manufacturing assessment and quotation if our manufacturing capabilities allow us to make high volume runs.
Maplex has a texture of small indentations on the surface that result from the board-making process, called a “screen pattern.” The screen pattern is more pronounced on higher density grades and it can be removed from by planing or sanding. Planing and sanding are not recommended for lower density grades due to the smoother sheet surface.
Maplex is sold unfinished and in most applications should be coated to protect it from moisture, stains and abrasion. Many wood finishing products, such as paints, stains, linseed oil, carnauba wax, acrylics and urethanes are suitable for Maplex. However, products that contain a high percentage of water may cause Maplex to warp. Test any finish on a scrap piece before proceeding with a final application. Applying finishes with a sprayer generally yields better results than roller or brush applications.
As Maplex may be finished with many different products, we do not recommend any particular one. However, if you are looking for finishes that complement the environmentally friendly nature of Maplex please consider these companies in your next projects:
Maplex contains nothing but wood fibers and is therefore not as dimensionally stable as panel products impregnated with petrochemical resins. The wood fibers in Maplex are bound using only heat and pressure. Maplex will expand and contract with changes in humidity and will also absorb liquid water, causing warpage and discoloration. The effects of humidity and liquid water can be mediated by a combination of providing adequate structure in designs utilizing Maplex and applying a sealer to all surfaces and edges.
If you are looking for moisture resistant coatings that complement the environmentally friendly nature of Maplex,
Maplex please consider these companies in your next projects:
Because Maplex is sold unfinished, a flooring application would require finishing with a highly resistant surface treatment to protect it from liquids, stains and abrasion. At a minimum, apply a similar treatment as is used for bare wood floors. The end-user must ultimately determine the applicability of Maplex to each individual design and application.
Framing is useful for preventing sag in thin sheets of Maplex in wall surfacing applications. Maplex may be applied directly over framing, over framing faced with panel materials (plywood, gypsum wallboard, MDF, etc.), or over framing with furring strips. Thicker sheets of Maplex P (e.g. 5mm and 6mm) are relatively more rigid and may not require as much framing support. Maplex also can be used in manufacturing of the honeycomb panel.
Due to its density and fiber strength, Maplex machines more like aluminum than wood. Most woodworking tools and metalworking processes are applicable to Maplex, however, do not use liquid coolant. Any tools that are used must be kept very sharp, and cutting speeds must be adjusted to avoid smoking or burning. Maplex may be sawed, drilled, sheared, routered, and punched. Maplex P may also be threaded (with a tap and die) and planed.
Maplex has not been tested in vacuum forming processes. If attempted, consider that it is porous and may require a film or coating seal on one side. Also note that as a wood fiber product, Maplex inherently contains a small percentage of moisture that may be drawn out into vacuum equipment.
Maplex can be cut and engraved with a laser. If attempted, laser cutting should only be done very carefully, while watching for signs of excess heat.
Maplex P has an equivalent of Class B rating. We recommend using interior and exterior fire retardant coatings manufactured by National Fire Proofing Co. You can view their products and find retailers at www.natfire.com
Because Maplex contains nothing but wood fibers, there are no specific hazards under normal or intended use. By following industry-standard safety procedures used in woodworking and construction, Maplex can be processed safely.
Maplex is made from long softwood fibers after the lignin has been removed. Secondly, Maplex board machines have been specifically designed to bind the long, clean softwood fibers together using only water, heat and pressure. This process compacts the fibers to the point where their natural tendencies to hydrogen bond are maximized. The ability to create hydrogen bonds is an inherent characteristic of the cellulose molecule that makes up the softwood fibers. It is because the fibers are bound with only hydrogen bonds and no resins that Maplex has superior formability, appearance and adaptability. Only Maplex can be bent into simple curves and formed into complex three-dimensional shapes to give a unique look to any design. The equipment and processes used to manufacture Maplex are unique and proprietary to Weidmann, and careful production control is used to maintain product quality.
The fibers used to make Maplex come from sustainably managed forests. Third party institutions in our suppliers’ home countries have certified them: in Canada by KPMG Forest Certification Services Inc. (Forest Stewardship Council Chain of Custody Certification Standards) and in Sweden by FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).
Yes. Maplex qualifies for LEED Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit 4 – Low Emitting Materials.
You can buy Maplex directly from Weidmann locations in your region. For further details about Maplex availability, please contact a Weidmann Customer Service Representative at the number or e-mail address below.
For further details about Maplex samples please fill out our website sample request form or for larger sample format, please contact a Weidmann Customer Service Representative at the number or e-mail address below.
Maplex is a VOC free material and its VOC compliance was tested by berkeley analytical. VOC Emission certificate can be viewed here.
Maplex is manufactured without added substances, making it 100% biodegradable. Therefore it can be removed as “green waste” by municipal collectors*.
We understand that many biodegradable materials, such as wood, paper and natural fabrics, are commonly coated with paints, dyes and finishes that impede biodegradation at the end of their useful lives. Therefore, we are working together with experienced coating manufacturers to develop sustainable materials to protect, color and increase resistance to stains and abrasions, while also preserving Maplex’s biodegradability. We also use bio-based glues, such as dextrin and casein, and experiment with new, eco-friendly adhesives.
*Recovery policies may vary from one location to another in accordance to local regulations and laws. Although Maplex is suitable for composting and for green waste facilities, we do not guarantee our materials will be accepted as yard trimmings and garden waste.
To preserve Maplex’s natural appeal, we do not currently coat our material therefore it is only available in its natural kraft color. We are collaborating with several companies to explore sustainable and recyclable coatings for Maplex and will be happy to recommend environmentally friendly surface coatings and glues to minimize environmental impact.
Maplex properties, along with its original natural kraft color, make it suitable for many applications, such as arts and crafts, interior paneling, signage, trade show displays, wall partitions, footwear, etc.
Weidmann have been working to develop furniture and panel systems which are recyclable and provide a unique alternative to the existing MDF and particle board based products. We continually strive to expand our product line while maintaining our environmental commitment.