Barrel Shape Bent Plywood Shell
A closed barrel section that resists the hoop load a flat panel would simply bulge.
A barrel is a hoop-loaded shape. A flat panel pressed into a barrel profile has no stiffness in the hoop direction, so it bulges as soon as it is loaded. A closed shell section resolves that because the ends tie the two sides together and turn the hoop load into compression in the section.
Quick Specifications
| Material | Birch plywood or mixed-core laminated plywood |
|---|---|
| Lay-up | 9 to 15 plies |
| Shell thickness | 9 – 15 mm |
| Barrel diameter | 300 – 900 mm |
| Length | 400 – 1200 mm |
| Form | Press-moulded closed section or split shell |
| Hoop stiffness | Section geometry carries the load, not the panel face |
| Overall tolerance | ±0.5 mm on joint faces |
Why a closed section behaves differently
Load a flat panel into a barrel and it has almost no stiffness across the hoop, so it bulges. Close the ends and the two sides restrain each other, which converts the load into compression through the section thickness. That is the difference between a decorative curve and a structural barrel.
Pressing a closed section
A closed shell has to come off the tool without springing, so the tool geometry and the release geometry are designed together. We press compound barrels with a controlled return so the shape recovers rather than springs.
Applications
Barrel shells are used for stools, storage, seating pods and display units. Send the diameter and length and we will confirm whether a closed or split shell suits your application.
Request a quote
Send your drawing, sample or dimensions and we will confirm feasibility, tooling, MOQ and lead time. Prototypes typically run 7-15 days and production orders 15-30 days.
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