MDO Concrete Form Panels

Save with Overlay Panels vs. Raw Wood

If you are looking for a concrete forming panel that gives the performance of an overlay panel yet the economy of sanded plyform then Eagle’s MDO plywood panel is the smart choice.

Eagle’s MDO is manufactured using thermosetting resin-impregnated fiber bonded to the face veneer of the panel. The overlay effectively masks the veneer surface to reduce telegraphing grain and boat patches. The result is a superior matte finished concrete. All of this plus typically 10 or more reuses equates to savings.

The overlay surface represents the latest in research and development from Arclin^® – the world leader in overlay technology. Eagle’s MDO has improved chemical resistance and better form oil retention so cleanup is easier. The result is a more durable and cost effective panel than traditional BB concrete form. We offer a complete assortment of sizes and thicknesses including up to 5’x12′ in continuous non-scarfed panels.

View Specs

MDO Concrete form panels used on a large building site

We Offer More Choices

Thickness: 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/8″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″
Width: 2′, 4′, 5′
Length: 8′, 9′, 10′, 12′ with continuous non-scarfed panel
Available in both Good-1 side and Good-2 side
Grade stamped with the APA trademark and PS-1
Nox-Crete reactive release agent applied at the mill
Durable factory edge seal
Standard Class 1 concrete forming designation. Struc 1 available on request.
Ship by rail, truck , van or container

Engineered for Performance

Eagle MDO panels are available in a variety of thicknesses and sizes. The panel thickness requirements are based on the pressures of the concrete, the form work support structure and all other associated loads. Below are tables that illustrate the allowed concrete pressures for various MDO panel thicknesses at commonly used support spacings. The highest values are achieved when the face grain of the plywood is at right angles to the supports. These values are shown in Table 1.

Somewhat lower values occur when the face grain of the plywood is parallel to the supports. These tables are derived from the structural properties of plywood and reflect the standards of APA and PS-1. Note also that an unsupported panel edge may deflect more that the panel’s center under certain high moisture or load conditions.

Eagle is unique among MDO manufacturers in our ability to produce up to 5′ x 12′ panels with a continuous overlay surface (non-scarfed panel).

Long Direction Across Supports – Plywood Continuous Across Two or More Spans

TABLE 1	PLYWOOD THICKNESS – ALLOWABLE PRESSURE (PSF)
TABLE 1	1/2″		5/8″		3/4″		1-1/8″
SUPPORT SPACING	l/360	l/270	l/360	l/270	l/360	l/270	l/360	l/270
8″	1155	1155	1365	1365	2040	2040	2949	2949
12″	490	515	705	845	995	995	1826	1826
16″	210	280	320	395	495	560	1157	1199
19.2″	120	160	190	255	300	390	755	832
24″	—	—	100	130	160	215	432	533

Short Direction Across Supports – Plywood Continuous Across Two or More Spans

TABLE 2	PLYWOOD THICKNESS – ALLOWABLE PRESSURE (PSF)
TABLE 2	1/2″		5/8″		3/4″		1-1/8″
SUPPORT SPACING	l/360	l/270	l/360	l/270	l/360	l/270	l/360	l/270
8″	485	555	775	775	1690	1690	2586	2586
12″	140	185	355	410	715	815	1601	1601
16″	—	—	150	200	310	415	957	1028
19.2″	—	—	105	130	225	255	571	571
24″	—	—	—	—	115	155	365	365

Preparation

MDO panels are edge sealed at the mill with a high quality waterbase coating. During form work construction, plywood edges are often exposed by sawing and drilling. These edges should be sealed with two coats of a high quality waterbase paint. This slows down the penetration of water which can cause panel swelling, edge failure, and staining. MDO panels are coated at the mill with a chemically reactive release agent. Because the mill cannot predict the amount of time that has elapsed from manufacture to first time use, a light coating of chemically reactive release agent should be applied at the job site before the first pour and prior to all subsequent pours. This coating helps produce a quality concrete
finish as well as prolong the life of the panels. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application rate.

Stripping

Panels last longer when handled properly. Don’t use metal pry bars; they damage the plywood surface. Wood wedges work the best.

Cleaning

Panel surfaces should be cleaned of concrete residue as soon after stripping as possible. Failure to remove concrete residue prevents a good release on the next pour. Panel life is shortened and the concrete surface compromised. Use wood or plastic scrapers, fiber brushes or
burlap. Do not use metal. Panels should be inspected for damage. Minor dents and dings can be patched with auto body putty.

Handling and Storage

Careful handling and proper storage will prolong the usability of MDO plywood. Dropping panels is one of the most common ends to an otherwise good panel. Panels should be stored flat and protected from weather and sun.