Types of plywood?

[whofan]

1. What is the best type to crate with to keep contents dry when shipping to tropical locations?
2. What is the strongest for protecting contents from forklift punctures?

[The Cratinator]

Are you talking about the cap or base?

On the cap, unless you're using thicker than 3/8" you're probaby stuck a 3 ply CDX. I don't think you can get thicker than 3 ply. I know there are a lot of non-north american plywoods becoming more available, but my experience is that none of them are as puncture resistant. If you're using 1/2" you can use a 5 ply instead of 3 ply.

For the base, alot of people don't know that 1 1/8" plywood is available. You may have to buy T&G though.

If tropical storage is a problem, I would always consider using a caseline fastened to the inside of the box. It's likely that you'll also need a vapor barrier. There are a few barriers available so you may want to speak with whoever you get your supplies from to get a recommendation.

I'm not sure if that answers your question. If anyone else has any ideas on the plywood, I would like to know too.

[Crate Crazy]

In reference to plywood thickness I know our crates come in 6mm - 5 ply or 8mm - 7 ply and 12 mm - 9 ply plywood. And trust me, they're strong!

I'd tell you all a funny story about how a shipper thought he could put his fist through it, but ya know... we all know how that one went! lol silly guy and man did I feel bad for his knuckles!!!

I would say the skies the limit for what you can do with wood... but how much you want to pay for it is the crucial point.

[Marcel]

For keeping contents dry in tropical areas one would think that plywood would be the best, however plywood by itself after a short time of exposure to sun & or rain/humidity will tend to delaminate. The best type of crate in my opinion for this application is T&G Pine (1x8). Line the box with product called TYVEK? will provide ample protection from water damage.
DuPont Tyvek? has introduced new dimensions of protection, security and safety in a wide variety of industries, including protective apparel, construction, envelopes, medical packaging and graphics.
Made from very fine, high-density polyethylene fibers, Tyvek? brand protective material offers all the best characteristics of paper, film and fabric in one material. This unique balance of properties, which cannot be found in any other material, makes Tyvek? lightweight yet strong; vapor-permeable, yet water-, chemical-, puncture-, tear- and abrasion-resistant. Tyvek? is also low-linting, smooth and opaque.
Also protection from rust can be accomplished from Vapour Barrier Foil Bags sealing the product using a vacuum & a sealing iron.
As for puncture proof a product that is becoming more widely used is Polyboard with comes in the dimensions of plywood & can be cut nailed or screwed. It is very close to being puncture proof .
Hi Density fibre boards can also provide a reasonably puncture proof crate for local shipments but breaks down with moisture very rapidly which is often the case in tropical areas.