Manufacturers
Production by the one manufacturer of OSB totals 350,000 cubic metres per year.

Definition
Oriented strand board is a panel made of oriented flakes of wood. It is a structural panel made up of oriented wood flakes forming three vertical layers, which increase the board 's mechanical strength and rigidity. These wood flakes are unified with glue and pressed at high temperature.

Base raw material
OSB uses 100% planted pine wood. To the pine flakes are added parafin, synthetic resins and, in some products, anti-termite protection.

Characteristics
The main characteristic of OSB is that it is a structural panel, in other words, it is capable of matching wood and steel structures. Its physical/mechanical strength equals that of plywood.

OSB products and applications

1.OSB UF - Manufactured with non-water resistant glue, but with the same structural resistance. Suitable for applications with no water contact including furniture, interior packaging and ironing boards.

2.OSB Tapume - Produced with water resistant glue, it is recommended for use in construction such as fencing, temporary building site structures and shuttering boards amongst other applications.

3.OSB Eco-Tábua - Produced with water resistant glues, this board is cut in 30 cm. wide planks and is sold in lengths of 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5 and 5.5 metres, measurements representing the main difference with sawn solid wood. It is suitable for use in construction as concrete formwork (up to two uses), shuttering panels, scaffolding boards and temporary site walkways (supported at 60 cm. intervals).

4.OSB Multiuso - Also manufactured with water resistant glue, with a four year anti-termite protection guarantee. This panel is suitable for use in heavy duty packaging (exempt from NIMF 15), for furniture and decoration.

5.OSB Home - This board, produced with water-proof glue, has a 10-year anti-termite protection guarantee, and is distinguished by a green border. It carries the TECO seal (the US guarantee for structural use of steel or wood products). It is recommended for use in walls, flooring, and dry construction system roofing (American), as well as mezzanine floors. The 18mm thick panel comes with tongue and groove fitting.

6.OSB Ecoforma - Produced with highly water resistant glue, this board is distinguished by its blue edging. It displays little swelling and is suitable for concrete form used up to 12 times.

7.OSB Ecoplast - Manufactured with highly water resistant glue, this board is also marked with blue edging. Its major difference from Ecoforma is that both its faces are finished with phenolic film, so ensuring a solid appearance of excellent quality. It is recommended for up to 16 uses as concrete form.

8.OSB HRP - Produced with water resistant glue, it displays little swelling in high atmospheric humidity. The board is finished on both faces with high pressure plastic laminate. It is recommended for use in furniture, exposed to humidity as in bathrooms, kitchens and coastal areas.