Bison Panel FAQ'S
COMMON QUESTIONS
The weight for different thicknesses of Bison Panel is as follows -
- 6 mm - 7.5 kg/sq.m
- 8 mm - 10 kg/sq.m
- 10 mm - 12.5 kg/sq.m
- 12 mm - 15 kg/sq.m
- 16 mm - 20 kg/sq.m
- 20 mm - 25 kg/sq.m
- 30 mm - 37 kg/sq.m
- 40 mm - 50 kg/sq.m
The number of boards would vary according to thickness -
- 6 mm -- 80 -- 8 ft. x 4 ft.
- 8 mm -- 60 -- 8 ft. x 4 ft.
- 10 mm -- 50 -- 8 ft. x 4 ft.
- 12 mm -- 40 -- 8 ft. x 4 ft.
- 16 mm -- 30 -- 8 ft. x 4ft.
- 20 mm -- 25 -- 8 ft. x 4 ft.
- 30 mm -- 17 -- 8 ft. x 4 ft.
- 40 mm -- 13 -- 8 ft. x 4 ft.
The approximate weight per pallet is approximately 2000 Kgs.
The thermal resistance of the boards varies with thickness. These are given below in Square Mts x k / W where k/W denotes Kelvins per Watt
- 6mm -- 0.0231
- 8mm -- 0.0308
- 10mm -- 0.0385
- 12mm -- 0.0461
- 16mm -- 0.0615
- 20mm -- 0.0769
- 40mm -- 0.1538
Bison Panels weigh about 1250 Kgs per cubic meter where as other particle boards & plywood weigh between 700 & 900 Kgs. Bison Panel is heavy & robust to resist several destructive forces that normally are not resisted by other boards.
No. The maximum length can only be 10 feet. The width will be 4 feet.
Yes. Any thickness from 4 mm to 40 mm can be manufactured. Thicknesses other than standard ones can be manufactured when the requirement is large & sufficient time is available.
A scratch can be made on the board with a sharp tool.
To manufacture Bison, only fast growing wood species like Eucalyptus & Casurina are employed. These are grown to meet production demand. Deplantation & replantation of these species is maintained in a continuous cycle. Central Public Works Department of India & numerous such organizations have accepted Bison Panel as a wood substitute. Further, waste wood from Plywood factories is also being used at the Paunta Sahib Plant in Himachal Pradesh, India.
Yes. In fact, Bison is able to achieve superior strength when compated with boards manufactured elsewhere & this has been acknowledged by our German collaborators. The board is manufactured as per the strengths specified by International Standards Organization (I.S.O.) as I.S. specifications in India.
A test was conducted in Hungary in 1975 where a framework made with Bison was buried in earth for 10 years. The board did not undergo any change. On the contrary, there was an improvement in strength during the first three years.
A series of test were conducted in Switzerland subjecting the board to temperatures ranging from -20 Deg. C to +20 Deg. C in varying moisture conditions. These tests qualified the board as frost resistant.
Dry board is a good insulator. When properly painted, the board can be used for any type of switch gear application. However, it is advisable to generalize the board as a good insulator.
There is no effect of salt water on the board.
As the board is Alkaline with a pH value of 10 to 13, acidic fumes tend to decolorize the board. The board is unaffected by many dilute chemicals such as brines, bleaches, detergents, & other chlorine solutions. The surface should be protected where the possibility of exposure to high acidic concentrations is likely.
The sound reduction obtained for each thickness is given below.
- 6 mm - 29 dB
- 8 mm - 30 dB
- 10 mm - 31 dB
- 12 mm - 32 dB
- 16 mm - 33 dB
- 18 mm - 35 dB
- 20 mm - 35 dB
- 30 mm - 36 dB
- 40 mm - 37 dB
The reason must be due to non-drilling of prebore or due to not maintaining the required edge distance. Pre-holes up to 80% diameter of the nails would be required before nailing. Nailing should be away from the edge by about 1 to 1.5 times the thickness of the board & 40 mm from the corners.
Carbide tipped tools would serve better in terms of ease & life, & prove economical in the long run. Traditional tools can also be used.
Cement paste may not have the required strength to bind them. When the paste dries, it shrinks to crack again. So, adhesives like Fevicol would be more suitable.
A deep groove may be cut in the damaged part & the gap filled with Putty or AllTek flex paste. AllTek is a brand of paints & putties manufactured by a company that is part of the NCL Group. After 8 hours, the joint can be sanded to even surface & painted.
No. The process of manufacturing Bison is fully computerized. During this process, fine particles in wood would deposit at the bottom & top surfaces, while the coarse particles form the intermediate core. This will be in the form of a continuous mat. The arrangement of wood particles gets disturbed by introducing any material such as a wire mesh. Such attempts may impair the very strength of the board.
It is a near guarantee that Bison Panel will be unaffected by this menace.
Bison Panel upto 8 mm thick can be nailed directly on timber supports with round wire nails by maintaining required edge fixing distance. For boards above 10 mm thickness, a pilot hole of 0.8 times the nail diameter must be predrilled. The nail lengths should be approximately 3 times the thickness of the board.
INTERIORS
- Partitions -- 10, 12, 16 mm
- Wall Cladding -- 10, 12, 16 mm
- False Ceiling -- 6, 8 mm
- Mezzanine Floors -- 16, 20, 30 mm
- Duct Covers -- 16, 20, 30 mm
- Cubicals -- 12, 16 mm
- Doors -- 8, 10, 12, 16 mm
- Louvers -- 10, 16 mm
- Steps -- 10, 16 mm
EXTERIORS
- Wall Panels in Prefab Houses -- 10, 12 mm
- Wall Cladding for facades -- 12, 16 mm
- Eaves boards & soft lining -- 8, 10 mm
- Concrete farm work -- 16, 20 mm
- Hoardings -- 12, 16 mm
- Roof sheet underlay -- 12 mm
MOISTURE ABSORPTION
This would be 102 Degrees Centigrade. However, the recommended limit is 35 to 80 degrees celcius (ᵒC).
Normally, the board absorbs about 2 to 3% moisture due to a changing climate. The absorption of moisture depends on several factors, namely, the temperature, relative humidity, pressure, & time. In an extreme case, supposing the temperature were below 20 Deg. C, relative humidity were 90%, the board would attain equilibrium with total moisture content of 19% when the down pour is for about 24 hours.
The board may absorb about 27% of moisture in the first 50 hours. When the moisture content is this high, the board may become flexible. In order to prevent moisture absorption, the board can be painted with an impervious paint. When this is done, nothing happens to board even if it is soaked continuously for a week or more.
In a stack of boards, the top surface of the upper-most board is exposed to atmosphere while the bottom surface is air tight. When the board is subjected to such asymmetrical climatic conditions, the top surface will either release moisture or pick moisture. This may cause warping in the board. To prevent this, the stacks will have to be protected with suitable covering.
The swelling due to continuous soaking will be upto a maximum of 2% of the thickness of the board. The swelling percentage remains the same for any thickness.
Warping occurs on account of change in moisture in the board. It does not depend on the thickness. Painting with oil bound primer helps in reducing warpage. All in all, thinner boards tend to warp faster.
LAMINATIONS & PAINTING
Yes, these are sold under the brand name, "Bison Lam."
Yes, it causes an imbalance. To prevent this from occuring, it is advisable to seal off the other side also with a cheaper laminated or paint. Such moisture imbalances are common to all particle boards.
Bison Panel can be used for cold pressing or low temperature laminating. The surface of the board can take wood veneer, PVC, foils, melamine laminate and paper over lay etc. Prior to lamination, the board should be acclimatised for at least 48 hours before providing decorative laminates. It should always be balanced by applying a compensating laminate on the other side. To control absorption of adhesive, the surface of the board may need to be primed with a dilution of the adhesive.
The board can take any kind of paint. But an alkaline resistant primer is to be given as a base coat; commercially available cement primer can be used with advantage.
It depends on the application & the requirement. It is suggested that at least a primer coat be given for protection in exterior applications.
Paint & colour is the choice of the customer. Further, painting comes only after converting the sheets to end use. So, it is considered prudent to leave the choice to customers.
When the board is dry & when the moisture content is less than 12%, painting can be done.
Bison boards can be painted with acrylic resins, emulsions, epoxy systems, polyurethanes, & most other alkali compatible paint types including NCL Alltek.
For general internal applications, quality emulsion paint can be applied directly. When gloss finish is required, the applied primer should be alkali-resisting copolymer resin type. For external applications, one coat of alkali resistant primer to all surfaces followed by two coats of quality emulsion paint. Primer coat will help in extending life of coating & give better coverage rates.
BISON PARTITIONS
Bison Panel 10 & 12 mm thick is recommended for partitions.
As the board expands or shrinks either due to change in temperature or in moisture content, a gap of 1.5 to 2 mm has to be provided in the joint. The joints can be made flush with Alltek flux & flexfine as per the procedure indicated in the brochures & given below. The brochures can be downloaded from our website -
The board should be fixed with a ‘gap’ of 1-2 mm and in any case not exceeding 3 mm. Edges of the Bison Panel should be recessed to a width of 70 mm and a depth of 1.5 mm - 2.0 mm.
Ensure the moisture content of Bison Panel is within the stated specification of 9% + 3% before jointing commences. Use only the Alltek jointing/scrim materials and proceed as follows :
- Lightly sand cut edges of boards to remove wood flakes and other irregularities. Apply an oil based alkaline resistant primer to the recess and immediate surrounding, say 2- 3” either side ofsurfaces ofboards which are to be joined. -Allow to dry.
- Apply a thin layer of ‘Alltek flex’ to joint areas and embed a layer of the 65 mm wide ‘Jointing scrim’ by covering with a further layer of ‘Alltek flex’. Allow to dry for 24 hours. For better results leave it for 4 or 5 days.
- Apply a full coat of ‘Alltek flex Fine’ to joint and level off in a manner to leave slightly ‘Proud’. Allow to dry for 24 hours and sand down to a flat smooth surface level with boards.
- Nail and screw heads should be ‘spotted’ i.e. the impression over the heads should be filled flush with the boards surface. This is done with one or two application ofthe ‘Alltek Flex Fine’ filler. Alternatively, polysulfide sealents available in the market can be used.
The fire rating of the partitions depend on the system adopted for the partitions. For example, fire rating differs from single skin to double skin, thinner to thicker board, timber frames to steel frames, insulated to non-insulated. According to tests conducted at NBRC, the fire rating of a double cladded 12 mm thick boards on wooden framework & rock wool insulation is 1 hour & 28 minutes.
No. Bison Panels have to be properly supported by a frame work. For wall panels, 12 mm boards, single skin or double skin, will be normally sufficient with proper frame supports. NCL Group also manufacture the required steel profiles for supports which are very cost-effective.
BISON FLOORING, CEILING, & ROOFING
Yes. Bison Panel, 16 mm & 10 mm can be used for flooring. The panel has to be properly fixed on supports placed at 610 mm (2 feet). The loading table is given in the product guide which is downloadable from the Brochures section on this website. The supports have to be designed to suit load conditions.
It is not necessary to provide gaps in floor joints for expansion. The board joints can be made flush, but uniform gap of 10 mm is to be given along the periphery, i.e. at the wall line. This gap will take care of the expansion taking place in the entire area of the floor. The gaps can be closed by providing skirting on the walls with 12 mm board. But while fixing the board to flooring, loose holes for the screw holes in the board & staggering of joints are recommended.
Occasional washing in dry weather condition would not matter at all. Basically however, the boards are recommended for dry floor applications.
For better thermal efficiency, 8 mm minimum is recommended. If the false ceiling is for decorative purposes only, 6 mm can also be used.
As the board expands & contracts due to temperature changes, a gap of 1.5 to 2 mm is recommended for the joints. Flush joints can be made up with Alltek flex & flex fine as detailed in the product guide brochure downloadable from our website.
Bison board requires continuous support at 2 feet (610 mm) intervals. Support frames can be either with hat profiles or Tee profiles fixed at the required level. The board is fixed with screws in case of hat profiles & spread loose in case of Tee profiles.
When the board is painted both sides & on edges, it will not warp. Painting should be done when the board is dry.
Bison Panel is not a very good sound absorbent material. Although it can muffle noise, please consult an acoustics expert.
PANEL HOUSES
Bison Panel came into production in the West about 35 to 40 years back & has been applied to prefab housing for the last 30 years. On the basis of evidence so far, the life of Bison houses is expected to exceed 25 years. Normally, no guarantees are given for buildings. Only specfications are given for different materials used & guarantees are given for adherence to such specifications. Similarly, a guarantee can be given for individual components used.
NCL can arrange to execute all ancillary works related to prefab houses provided the number of houses is substantial & they are in one place. In such cases, a separate quotation will be submitted for execution of ancillary works based on local rates. However, NCL prefers to confine the deal to supply only prefab shelters to customers.
Bison Panels do not transmit water or moisture. But the panels slightly swell on the effect of water by changing its thickness upto 2%. But this does not cause decay or decrease in strength. The effect can be reduced to considerable extent by protecting the structure with suitable alkaline resistant primers like commercially available cement primers. Alltek spray plaster manufactured by NCL cover most of the requirements of Prefab houses.
The depth of foundation depends on site conditions. The weight transmitted by the wall panels of prefab system will less than 15% (per foot run of the plinth) of the weight transmitted by a conventional building of simple low cost type. So, prefab housing requires much lesser depth of foundation than conventional houses. In many cases, a level platform with nominal depth of foundation will be sufficient.
Virtually, 100% of the shell components can be recovered provided due care is taken. Modestly, the percentage of recoverable components is put at 90%.
All the steel profiles are specially designed & manufactured by NCL in our factory. Some of these profiles are patented. Anyone can obtain these profiles from NCL & make shelters of Bison Panel.
NCL will not only supply boards & profiles, but would also furnish the required technical know-how.
Yes, this charge is applicable for both interior & exterior of the panel.
Bison Panel can withstand temperatures from minus 40 deg. C to plus 90 deg. C. Only precaution to be taken is that whenever painting is done on the board, the temperature should not be less than 5 deg. C.
Normally, panel houses are designed to withstand storms with wind velocity of 100 km/hr with pressures of 50 to 70 kg/sq.m Higher strengths can be designed on specific request.
Bison Panel is classified as a non-combustible material. It is a good fire resistor. Its thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.22 wmk. The board does not spread fire, so the panel houses would not catch or spread fire.
Comparison should be made with prefab houses supplied by other agencies. Cost wise, NCL is economical compared with other prefab houses. Quality wise also, NCL is superior to other suppliers as we also manufacture the right materials required for prefab houses. In addition, the customer is welcome to have their shelter requirement met from another agency if they are able to find a better price while procuring the material from NCL. In such cases, NCL is happy to offer technical guidance.
MISCELLANEOUS BISON APPLICATIONS
Boards of 16 mm to 40 mm thickness, depending upon the width of the trench, can be used for covering cable trenches. If the span is more than 2 feet, frame supports are required. Trolley movement & dragging of weights should be avoided on the panel covers.
Bison is not a refractory material, so it cannot be used for lining of furnaces where temperature goes above 102 deg. C.
Yes, the panel (20 mm thick) supported in frame work will have the great advantage of durability & strength.
TERMITE PROOF
FIRE RESISTANT
WEATHER RESISTANT
STRONG & DURABLE
SOUND INSULATION
