Compreg Details

Compreg wood, also known as resin-treated composed wood laminate, is produced using CHCP (Compression Heating Cooling Process) technique. The process involves the use of extremely high-pressure hydraulic hot presses, wood veneers, and thermosetting plastic phenol or cresol formaldehyde resins. The result is manufactured wood with excellent mechanical properties, as well as corrosion and termite resistance.

The production process begins with the impregnation of resin into veneer layers, which are left to dry until they are ready to be piled one on top of the other, manually. The bunch is then loaded into a hydraulic compression molding hot press, where the veneers are cured before being circulated in cold water. After production, the compregs are classified as Electrical Grade (Part-I), Chemical Grade (Part-II), and General Purpose Grade (Part-III).

Compreg wood is particularly known for its strength in holding screws, such as those used to make heavy equipment casing, storage boxes, and marine decks. It can also be used to manufacture pallets for industrial purposes and for a whole range of other applications, from engineering to textile manufacturing to atomic plant installations, including neutron shielding.

Compreg Real World Example

Compreg has been increasingly popular for outdoor use, and Dwight is planning to use it for a small house he wanted to build in his backyard. Dwight lives in Seattle, where the rain never stops. He read that compreg wood is relatively affordable but very strong against the elements, although there was a time when it was reexamined by manufacturers due to reports of weather-induced damage.

Reading further, he found out that this problem has been long corrected. While old exposed compreg timber was observed to have visible and microstructural issues, such as color fading, reduced gloss, and surface roughness. Additionally, alterations had been made on newer productions, especially with the types of veneer used. After consulting with an expert in his favorite hardware, he decided to go with compreg timber.

Difference Between Compreg and Impreg

Compreg and impreg are two types of timber that are widely used today. But while they have many similarities, they are essentially different. Both compreg and impreg timber are either completely or partially impregnated with resin, which serves to cover any gaps within the wood and makes it more solid and stronger. The timber becomes a highly dense piece of wood that is ready for heavy use.

They are also equally resistant against moisture, acids, and electricity, and are as beautiful in appearance. This makes them a popular choice for making a variety of products like furniture, wood molds, etc.

However, while compreg and impreg seem like the same type of timber, they differ in the curing process. Making compreg timber requires high-pressure, high-temperature conditions, and that makes the product so much stronger than impreg. The prices are also different, and compreg tends to be a little more expensive for obvious reasons.