SLEC 12mm Birch Faced Poplar Plywood combines a decorative Birch veneer face and back with a lightweight Poplar plywood core. This high-quality B/BB grade plywood offers excellent strength-to-weight performance and is ideal for laser cutting, CNC machining, model making and precision woodworking projects.

12mm Birch Faced Poplar Plywood

SLEC 12mm Birch Faced Poplar Plywood is a high-quality lightweight plywood sheet combining the attractive appearance of Birch veneers with the reduced weight and easy cutting properties of a Poplar plywood core.

Featuring a decorative Birch face and back veneer, this B/BB grade plywood provides an excellent surface finish while maintaining the advantages of a lightweight Poplar core. The lower-density core makes this material easier to machine and lighter than traditional all-Birch plywood, making it an excellent choice for applications where weight saving and accuracy are important.

The lightweight construction and reliable glue bond make this plywood particularly suitable for laser cutting and CNC machining, as well as model making, furniture components, cabinetry, and precision woodworking projects.

The Poplar core is manufactured from a fast-growing plantation species, making this a sustainable plywood choice. Available with PEFC™ or FSC® certification.

Grade Information

Birch B Grade Face Veneer

The B grade face provides an attractive natural timber appearance with visible grain variation and colour differences. Small sound knots may be present, adding to the natural character of the wood. The surface is suitable for painting, staining or clear finishing.

Birch BB Grade Back Veneer

The BB grade reverse face allows for more natural features, including larger knots and repaired areas. This provides a practical backing surface where appearance is less critical.

Glue & Laser Cutting Information

This plywood uses an EN314-2 Class 1 glue bond, designed for interior dry conditions.

Class 1 interior glue is generally preferred for laser cutting applications as it produces a cleaner cut compared with some exterior-grade plywoods, which can create a darker burnt edge due to the adhesive used.

Available Sizes

Specifications

• Material: Birch Faced Poplar Plywood
• Thickness: 12mm
• Grade: B/BB
• Core: Poplar Plywood
• Glue Type: EN314-2 Class 1
• Formaldehyde: Ultra Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF)
• Moisture Content: 8–13%
• Certification: Available with PEFC™ or FSC® certification
• Suitable for Laser Cutting: Yes
• Suitable for CNC Cutting: Yes

Features

• Decorative Birch face and back veneers
• Lightweight Poplar plywood core
• Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
• Suitable for laser cutting
• Suitable for CNC routing and machining
• Class 1 glue bond for interior applications
• Ultra Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF)
• Sustainable plantation-grown timber
• Attractive natural timber finish
• Easier to handle than equivalent all-Birch plywood
• Ideal for modelling, furniture, cabinetry and precision projects

Important Information

As plywood is a natural timber product, sheets may contain natural variations including grain differences, colour variation, bow, crook or twist.

Some sheets may require flattening or securing when used for laser cutting. Natural movement in plywood is normal and forms part of the character of the material.

Manufacturing thickness tolerance is approximately ±0.4mm.