How is aircraft plywood constructed?

Aircraft plywood is constructed using cross-grained veneer layers bonded together with adhesive. This method involves taking thin sheets of wood, known as veneers, and layering them with the grain of each layer oriented at right angles to the layers adjacent to it. This cross-graining technique enhances the strength and stability of the plywood while minimizing the potential for warping or splitting under stress.

The adhesive used in the lamination process adds to the plywood’s durability and ability to withstand various environmental conditions, making it suitable for aviation applications where weight, strength, and reliability are critical. This layered construction allows aircraft plywood to maintain excellent structural integrity, which is essential for use in various parts of an aircraft, including fuselages and wing structures.

In contrast, single solid wood pieces would lack the necessary uniformity in strength and resistance to environmental factors, while simply slicing wood and gluing them together does not provide the same advantages as the cross-grained approach. Additionally, resin-infused materials refer to a different construction technique typically associated with composite materials, rather than plywood.