Bendy ply is a structural cross grain plywood available exclusively at
brothers Steel Company. It is constructed using selected sheets of Fuma Specie veneer laid
up in A grade cross or long grain panels with one centre veneer running
lengthwise or crosswise. Exceptional flexibility is obtained from the special
open grained nature of Fuma Specie which allows the veneer on the outer curve
to expand and the inner curve to compress. The use of appropriate thermosetting
type glues also assists the flexibility.
Bendy Ply is easy to use and offers practically no resistance to bending.
Lined, with a second piece, it will keep its given shape. Though it may be used
structurally on a job site where it can be screwed, glued or nailed, the use of
industrial moulds to shape it remains the favoured technique. This technique
allows unlimited production of identical items (mass produced chair backs, for
example). A cylindrical mould with belt clamps is used for the production of
columns. For all other curved or undulating forms, a mould, combined with a
system of clamps or a screw-press or hydraulic press may also be used.