Scientific name

Entadrophagma utile Sprague

Other names

English: Sipo, Assie

Geographic origin

Africa

Description

&;8226; Sapwood: pink white.
&;8226; Heartwood: reddish brown with light purple shades.
&;8226; Fiber: Straight, Slightly intertwined fibers are very frequent.
&;8226; Grain: Thin to medium size

Capacity of being impregnated

&;8226; Sapwood: Medium capacity of being impregnated
&;8226; Heartwood: No capable of being impregnated

Mechanization

&;8226; Sawing process: No difficulties.
&;8226; Drying process: Speed can vary from medium to high speed. Little risk of deformation and crack formation.
&;8226; Planing process: No difficulties appart from risk of repelling produced by the intertwined fibers.
&;8226; Gluing process: No difficulties.
&;8226; Nailing and screwing process: No difficulties.
&;8226; Finish: No difficulties

Physical properties

&;8226; Apparent density at 12% humidity 610 kg/m3 semi-heavy wood
&;8226; Dimensional stability
- Volumetric contraction coefficient 0.40 % stable wood.
- Relation between contractions 1.45% no tendency to deformity
&;8226; Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 3.7 semi-hardwood

Mechanical properties

&;8226; Resistance to static flexion 1,150 kg/cm2 &;8226; Elasticity module 110,000 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to compression 550 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to parallel traction 1,050 kg/cm2

Observations

The name Utile is no longer used. Notwithstanding, in certain areas of Spain is called Abebay