Sipo

banner

TRADE NAME : Sipo

SCIENTIFIC NAME : Entandrophragma utile Sprague 
  • BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION :  The tree grows to a height of more than 50 m, with trunk diameter above up to 200 cm. The bole is straight, cylindrical and clear to 32 m, occasionally fluted. Log is banned for international trading.(Cameroon)
  • NATURAL HABITAT : Entandrophragma utile grows in moist deciduous primary forests, dry subtypes and transitional formations. There are protected populations and felling limits in various countries. National conservation status in Cote d"Ivoire V, Liberia E.
  • NATURAL DISTRIBUTION :West and Central Africa.
  • PLANTATIONS AVAILABLE : It is a long rotation species for plantation. Best results are obtained in evergreen dense forests in comparison with plantations in semi-deciduous forest.

WOOD DESCRIPTION

  • Color : The sapwood is pinkish white, it has a thickness of 2 to 6 cm. The heartwood is red brown, slightly purplish, it is clearly demarcated. The silver figure is medium.
COLOR INDEX (1=BLACK,7=LIGHT YELLOW,WHITE)4
  • GRAIN : The grain is slightly but systematically interlocked; special care is needed when drying because of frequent risks of distortion.
  • TEXTURE :Texture is reported to be fine to medium.

  • LUSTER : It is reported to be moderate in luster.

  • NATURAL DURABILITY : Because of its variable resistance it is considered as moderately durable to decay. Without treatment, it can be used when risks of occasional re-humidification;it is not suited for uses with risks of permanent or long-lasting humidification. Moderately

  • NATURAL DURABILITY INDEX (1= VERY HIGH DURABILITY,7=VEY LOW DURABILITY)4

  • INTERNAL GROWTH STRESSES :  Residual growth stresses are absent..
  • SILICA CONTENT : Silica Content: Silica Content: Negligible contents of silica are found in timber of this species. Amounts over 0.050/ may affect the wood processing. Silica Value: 0.02
  • RESISTANCE TO IMPREGNATION : Nearly impossible to treat with a too much low penetration of the preservative substances.

WOOD PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

BASIC DENSITY OR SPECIFIC GRAVITY (O.D. WEIGHT/VOL. GREEN) (G/CM°) 0.56 AIR-DRY DENSITY (WEIGHT AND VOLUME AT 120/oM ) (G/CM°)0.62
TOTAL SHRINKAGE TANGENTIAL (SATURATED TO 00/oM ) (0/o)6.4 TOTAL SHRINKAGE RADIAL (SATURATED TO 00/oM ) (0/o)4.6

DRYING DEFECTS : Ease of Drying: Ease of Drying: Drying is moderately easy; some particular care is needed. Drying Defects: No particular risks of drying defects, subject to normal drying conditions.
Kiln Schedules: The kiln schedule has been tested.
RECOMMENDED DRY KILN SCHEDULE FR-6
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY RATIO (TOTAL TANGENTIAL SHRINKAGE 0/o/TOTAL RADIAL SHRINKAGE 0/o)1.4

WOOD MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

BENDING STRENGTH (MOR),120/oM (KGF/CM 2) 930 STIFFNESS (MOE) 120/oM (KGF/CM 2)134984 COMPRESSION PARALLEL TO FIBER 120/oM (KGF/CM 2)568
COMPRESSION PERPENDICULAR TO FIBER 120/oM (KGF/ CM2)74 SHEAR STRENGTH RADIAL 120/oM (KGF/ CM2)74 JANKAHARDNESS (SIDE) 120/oM (KGF)469
JANKAHARDNESS (END GRAIN) 120/oM (KGF)573

WORKABILITY

  • SAWING : It is easy to saw.
  • ROTARY VENEER CUTTING : Suitable for slicing, also suitable for peeling if treated.
  • SLICED VENEER :Suitable for slicing, also suitable for peeling if treated.
  • BLUNTING EFFECT :  Slight blunting effect; ordinary tools can be used for sawing and machining.
  • MACHINING:  Machining of this species is reportedly easy.
  • PLANING: Moderately easy; tools must be cautiously sharpened.
  • MOULDING: Rather difficult; special tools are needed.
  • TURNING 30
  • BORING:  Rather difficult; special tools are needed.
  • MORTISING: Rather difficult; special tools are needed.
  • NAILING :No particular problem..
  • GLUING : Difficult to glue because of the extracts content.
  • SANDING: Easy to perform; it gives good results.
  • POLISHING : Can be polished without surface preparation.
  • STEAM BENDING: Steam bending is difficult.
  • RESPONSE TO HAND TOOLS:No particular problems.

END USES:

HOUSING GENERAL, beams, joists, boards, flooring, parquet, frames, steps, panelling, fittings, FURNITURE AND CABINETS, luxury furniture, cabinets, PLYWOOD AND VENEER, faces, Decorative veneer, TURNING, ornaments, turned furniture, NAVAL CONSTRUCTION, boats, boat hulls, boat deck, port storage, OTHER AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, moldings