AS NZS 4266.0-2004 PDF

Full title and description

AS/NZS 4266.0:2004 — Reconstituted wood-based panels — Methods of test, Part 0: General introduction and list of methods. This part provides the general introduction to the AS/NZS 4266 series and lists the specific test methods referenced by the series for evaluating reconstituted wood-based panels (particleboard, fibreboard and similar products).

Abstract

This standard gives a general introduction to the AS/NZS 4266 series of methods of test for reconstituted wood‑based panels and provides a consolidated list and brief description of the individual method parts (for example, tests for swelling in thickness, wet bending strength, moisture resistance, resistance to dry heat, cyclic moisture conditioning and others). It is intended to be used alongside the numbered method parts which define detailed test procedures and acceptance criteria.

General information

• Status: Current (remains the operative Part 0 within the AS/NZS 4266 series; individual method parts may have been updated or superseded separately).
• Publication date: 26 March 2004 (2004 edition).
• Publisher: Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (joint AS/NZS publication).
• ICS / categories: 79.060.01 — Wood-based panels in general (methods of test).
• Edition / version: 2004 edition (AS/NZS 4266.0:2004). Some series parts have later Australian updates (see Related standards).
• Number of pages: Approx. 8 pages (publisher page counts vary by distributor; consult the issuing body for the official PDF).

Scope

Part 0 sets out the scope and purpose of the AS/NZS 4266 series, defines terminology and general testing principles, and lists the individual method parts that provide detailed procedures for assessing physical and performance properties of reconstituted wood‑based panels (e.g., dimensional stability, mechanical strength after conditioning/immersion, moisture resistance and durability-related tests). It is a companion/introduction document intended to be read together with the specific method parts referenced in the list.

Key topics and requirements

• General introduction to the AS/NZS 4266 series and intent of the test methods.
• Definitions and general test principles applicable across the series (conditioning, sampling, specimen preparation, reporting of results).
• Consolidated list of individual test method parts (examples: swelling in thickness after immersion, wet bending strength after hot-water immersion, moisture resistance under cyclic conditions, resistance to dry heat, etc.).
• Cross-references to related standards and normative references used by the method parts.
• Guidance on which method parts apply to different product types (particleboard, fibreboard, laminated panels and decorative surfaces).

Typical use and users

Used by standards committees, product manufacturers, testing laboratories, quality assurance teams, specification writers, certifiers and researchers working with reconstituted wood‑based panels. It serves as the gateway document to identify which specific test methods in the 4266 series apply when assessing a panel product’s properties and compliance.

Related standards

AS/NZS 4266 is a multipart series. Notable related parts include AS/NZS 4266.1 (Base panels — methods of testing; note a later Australian update AS/NZS 4266.1:2017 exists), and numerous 2004-series method parts such as 4266.2, 4266.3. . 4266.35 (individual method parts cover swelling, wet bending, moisture resistance, resistance to dry heat, cyclic exposure, etc.). Users should check the current status of each individual part before relying on a procedure.

Keywords

reconstituted wood-based panels, particleboard, fibreboard, test methods, methods of test, dimensional stability, swelling, wet bending strength, moisture resistance, AS/NZS 4266, standards, material testing.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS/NZS 4266.0:2004 is Part 0 of the AS/NZS 4266 series and provides the general introduction, terminology and a consolidated list of the individual test method parts for reconstituted wood‑based panels.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the scope and purpose of the test-method series, general principles (sampling, conditioning, specimen preparation and reporting) and lists the specific method parts that detail test procedures for properties such as swelling, moisture resistance, wet bending strength and heat resistance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, product specifiers, certification bodies, standards committees and researchers dealing with particleboard, medium-density fibreboard, oriented strand board and other reconstituted wood panels.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Part 0 (2004) is listed as the operative introductory document for the AS/NZS 4266 series; however, individual method parts have been revised at different times (for example AS/NZS 4266.1 has a 2017 edition). Users should verify the status of each individual part for the most recent Australian and New Zealand editions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — AS/NZS 4266 is a multipart series of test methods (4266.0 is the general introduction and index; the numbered parts each specify a particular test method). Consult the list in Part 0 to identify which numbered part applies to a given property or product.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Reconstituted wood-based panels; methods of test; particleboard; fibreboard; dimensional stability; moisture resistance; wet bending; swelling; AS/NZS 4266.