Rattan Core is also called center-cane. (Scientifically it is the pith of the Calamus plant family)
Rattan core is mostly used in baskets and wicker furniture. They can be cut/produced from many different species of rattan, but only a handful is suitable for commercial application.
Quality grading – The main determining factor in rattan core is the choice of right material. Good rattan core should be pliable (flexible and strong) that would bend smoothly without a kink. Unlike wood, rattan should not crack, split, or snap when bent. It should have a firm smooth texture. Well-cut rattan core is uniform in size & shape along the full length of the core. In addition to the choice of rattan,
First quality (AB grade) R.Core should have light uniform color. The popular 1-B quality (B grade) would have uniform color shade of natural tan-white. Second- 2nd quality (BC grade) rattan core would consists R.Core that has several color shades, including, gray, brown, and small black spots. 3rd quality (CD grade) R. core (for paint covered products) would be dark in color.
Bleach quality, is made by bleaching 2nd(BC) quality rattan core into a paper white or yellowish-white color. Bleaching process soften rattan and lighten its weight (comparatively, you get 8% more rattan in bleach quality than natural of the same unit weight). The bleaching process whiten the surface of rattan core, up to 1 millimeter in depth. Bleaching would not affect the strength of rattan for thickness over 4mm.
Round Rattan Core We use only the best rattan known for production. Despite color grading, the basic qualities mentioned above are essential. Diameter 1.75mm, up to 6mm are cut from one of the most valuable rattan (LCH cane). For diameter 7mm up to 22mm other selected pliable rattan are used