Birch cross-grain veneer in grade B/BB or S/BB, which means high-quality cross-grain veneer with at least one side free of knots. Interior-grade adhesive has been used between the veneer layers.
Facts
Technical designation: Birch cross-grain veneer
Density: 0.7 g/cm³
Tolerance: +/- 10 %
Certification: FSC Mix
Good to know
Birch cross-grain veneer is widely used for many purposes, such as interior design, construction, architectural models, jewellery, signage and works of art.
The material consists of many layers of birch veneer and is both strong and has an almost flawless surface. This type is bonded with interior-grade adhesive between the veneer layers, which means that the edges are less sooty after laser cutting than with birch cross-grain veneer using exterior-grade adhesive.
Birch cross-grain veneer usually has a knot-free side and rarely contains knots. However, an exception is the 3 mm thickness, where one side may have knots and similar defects that have been filled and repaired.
Due to the many layers and high adhesive content, birch cross-grain veneer is not suitable for many details in thicknesses exceeding 4 mm. As a rule of thumb, the thickness of the material should lie between the cutting lines.
Line and surface engraving
Birch cross-grain veneer can be engraved both linearly and on the surface. The material takes on a darker shade where it is engraved. The deeper the engraving, the darker the colour. The colour of the engraving, just like the colour of the wood, may vary from sheet to sheet.
Heavy line and surface engraving may cause discolouration around the engraved area, particularly with surface engraving. However, this can be easily removed by light sanding.
Surface engraving is not possible on sizes larger than A1.
Avoid burn marks
A protective film on the top and/or bottom can be selected as an option when ordering, which helps to prevent the worst soot and burn marks from the laser. However, protective film is not available for surface engraving.
Wood grain direction
If you have any specific requirements regarding the wood grain direction and your design, please let us know by drawing an arrow in your file to indicate how we should orient the sheet. Please also let us know in the comments field when placing your order if you have any specific requests in this regard.
Laser cutting
Top – Along the cutting line, the wood will take on a slight dark discolouration. The thicker the material, the more pronounced the discolouration will be. This can be removed by light sanding. When placing your order, you can opt for a protective film, which prevents the worst marks from the cutting process.
Edges – The edges will appear dark and may leave marks. Excess soot can be wiped away with a slightly damp cloth, but the edges will remain black afterwards. Sanding can remove the black edges completely. The thicker the material, the more sooty the edge will be. With very thick sheets, over 15 mm, parts of the innermost layers may burn away.
Underside – Along the cut line, there will be soot deposits and marks from the surface on which the material was cut. If the underside is visible in the finished product, it usually needs to be sanded or painted. For A-sizes, you can also choose a double-sided adhesive option, which makes it possible to hang the pieces on, for example, a wall without using nails or screws.
Finishing
Birch cross-grain veneer can be used untreated, but can be painted, oiled or varnished to seal and protect the surface.
