Maplex P is available in sheet sizes up to 125” x 247”, and Maplex C is available in sheet sizes up to 146” x 255”. However, these large sheets sizes may contain slight surface imperfections and are not recommended for decorative applications. The maximum recommended sheet sizes for decorative applications are 63” x 96” for Maplex P and 73” x 96” for Maplex C.
Yes. Maplex is available in sheet sizes other than those listed on our standard price sheets. All requests for custom sheet sizes will be evaluated and quoted on a per piece basis. Please contact us for a quotation.
The maximum individual sheet thickness for Maplex P is .315” and for Maplex C it is .188”. However, both Maplex P
and Maplex C can be glued up (“laminated”) with most common adhesives. We are not aware of any incompatible
adhesives, but they may exist. Our standard laminating maximum thickness is typically 4.5”, which is based on our
CNC machining capability and not on any true glue limit. We generally use 0.125” sheets for laminating, but any thickness
sheet may be used. When laminating, apply a continuous layer of glue between sheets and apply even pressure throughout the assembly as it dries.
Although there are no specific guidelines for hand bending Maplex “in the field”, thin sheets (less than 1/8”) 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. Please refer to the Maplex General Guidelines for specific recommendations about hand bending Maplex. The document can be downloaded at www.weidmann-csm.com
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 refer to the Maplex General Guidelines for specific recommendations about machine forming Maplex. The document can be downloaded at www.weidmann-csm.com
Development of a design that requires forming at Weidmann involves a significant investment in tooling, prototyping and engineering consultation. This situation is most suitable for applications that result in high-volume production runs. Currently, Weidmann is best equipped to provide flat sheets of Maplex to be used for surfacing applications. However, 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 on any design. In short, we look forward to forming Maplex for your high-volume production design. Please contact us for a manufacturability assessment and quotation.
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 Maplex P than on Maplex C. It can be removed from Maplex P by planing or sanding. Planing and sanding are not recommended for Maplex C.
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. Please refer to the Maplex General Guidelines for specific recommendations about finishing and surface treatments for Maplex. The document can be downloaded at www. weidmann-csm.com.
If you are looking for finishes that complement the environmentally friendly nature of Maplex, Vermont Natural Coatings® products perform well. You can view their products and find retailers at www. vermontnaturalcoatings.com.
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. Please refer to the Maplex General Guidelines for further details about the dimensional stability of Maplex and for specific recommendations about finishing and surface treatments. The document can be downloaded at www.weidmann-csm.com. If you are looking for moisture resistant coatings that complement the environmentally friendly nature of Maplex, RainguardPro® products perform well. You can view their products and find retailers at www.rainguardpro.com.
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. Please refer to the Maplex General Guidelines for specific recommendations about finishing and surface treatments for Maplex. The document can be downloaded at www.weidmann-csm.com.
Maplex P has a Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) that is similar to the MOE of birch plywood. MOE is a measure of resistance to bending; thus it indicates relative “strength”. Therefore, the designer can usually use his or her experience with birch plywood when determining veneer vs. structural applications for Maplex P of a similar thickness. Bear in mind that Maplex P has a maximum individual sheet thickness of .315” and would need to be laminated to compare similarly with birch plywood, which is typically used in thicknesses of 1/2” and 3/4”.
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. 3/16” and 1/4”) are relatively more rigid and may not require as much framing support. Please refer to the Maplex Surfacing Guidelines for specific recommendations about surfacing applications for Maplex. The document can be downloaded at www.weidmann-csm.com.
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. Both Maplex P and Maplex C may be sawed, drilled, sheared, routered, and punched. Maplex P may also be threaded (with a tap and die) and planed. Please refer to the Maplex General Guidelines for specific recommendations about cutting and machining Maplex. The document can be downloaded at www.weidmann-csm.com
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 with a laser, but it may darken, char or even burn in the process. If attempted, laser cutting should only be done very carefully, while watching for signs of excess heat.
1/16” Maplex C has a Class B fire rating. Although Maplex P and other thicknesses of Maplex C have not yet been tested, we expect they would have a Class B rating as well. 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. Please refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for further details about the safety, health, handling and disposal guidelines for Maplex. The SDS can be downloaded at www.weidmann-csm.com.
There are two main differences. Firstly, Masonite uses wood resin (lignin) to bind very short wood fibers (essentially sawdust) together. 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 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). Please refer to the document “What’s green about Maplex?” for further details about how Maplex is sustainable, biodegradable and recyclable. The document can be downloaded at www. weidmann-csm.com.
Yes. Maplex qualifies for LEED Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit 4 – Low Emitting Materials.
Weidmann is currently establishing distribution channels for Maplex. It is available through a limited number of stocking distributors. In areas not covered by a stocking distributor, Maplex can be ordered directly from Weidmann. If your preferred distributor does not carry Maplex, please contact us to explore distribution opportunities with them. For further details about Maplex availability and distribution, please contact a Weidmann Customer Service Representative at the number or e-mail address below
Yes. Samples of Maplex may be obtained through our website or by contacting Weidmann Customer Service Representative at the number or e-mail address below.