Moisture Testing Quality Control for Wood Products Manufacturers

Eighty percent of wood products manufacturing failures are due to incorrect moisture content. Redoing work during the manufacturing process because of incorrect moisture levels and the associated waste of resources and labor is expensive.

Fact is, up until finished products are shipped to customers, you should know and keep a record of the moisture content (MC) of the wood at every step along the way.

Moisture checking throughout the manufacturing process is critical

Here’s why:

Moisture-related manufacturing failures and the associated poor lumber yield are costly. An inadequate moisture quality control program will lead to manufacturing problems of various types and less-than-desirable lumber yield. Additionally, finished products could leave the plant with improper moisture content and become a problem at the final customer location.

Basically, the time and money put into products that fail are wasted because now the work has to be redone, costing more time and money. And on top of all that, your reputation as a manufacturer is tainted.

So, if this sounds like something you’d like to avoid, then you need these three tips.

3 tips to prevent moisture-related disasters

Store wood in a dry indoor environment, and be sure to check the MC regularly. Wood is hygroscopic, so it will readily absorb or release moisture based on the relative humidity of its environment. So, tip number one?

1. Control and monitor your plant environment

As much as possible, plants need good humidity control anywhere wood is stored. This is especially important if you’re not always checking for equilibrium moisture content (EMC).

The EMC is the point at which the wood is neither gaining nor losing moisture. This happens when the wood is at equilibrium with the environment’s relative humidity (RH) and temperature.

But it’s not always realistic for plants to monitor EMC because products can be shipped all over the world with varying target EMCs.

Instead, an ideal solution would be to pass along plant environment conditions with the products so wherever the products go next, workers know how to best treat the wood and allow for proper acclimation times.

2. Spot-check incoming lumber

When you order lumber from primary manufacturers or sawmills, you specify what type and what condition of lumber you’re looking for. The hope is that you receive the wood you asked for. But you should test the MC anyway.

In fact, taking your handheld moisture meter to the unloading site is a good way to protect your business.

You’ll ensure you’re getting the quality of wood you requested, or you’ll be able to manage the problem up-front if the wood isn’t up to par. Ultimately, spot-checking the load helps you avoid being stuck with lumber that decreases your yield.

3. Continue to test for moisture throughout the whole process

When you test at every step in the production process, not only are you able to make better decisions with your wood, but you’re also safeguarding your manufacturing quality control process. That way, if something does go wrong in the future, you’ve done everything in your power to ensure the product’s success.

Testing with both in-line moisture measurement systems and pinless wood moisture meters and keeping a thorough record of your findings is the best insurance you can have in this business.

All you need are the right tools.

What tools are needed for quality moisture testing?

Start with these two:

• Pinless wood moisture meter
• In-line moisture measurement system (if you have a chain deck)

But not just any old pinless meter will work. You need a reliable, accurate, and durable moisture meter. Reliability and accuracy are pretty understandable—you need to be able to trust your readings. But why durable?

You know as well as anyone that wood product manufacturing environments are harsh. If you have a fragile moisture meter, it might not even last a day! So save yourself the disappointment and frustration of a broken meter by investing in a durable one.

You might also need to scan each board for quality control during the manufacturing process, and the most efficient way to do that is with an in-line system. With an accurate in-line moisture measurement system, you keep moisture problems far away from your wood.

At the end of the day, your best bet for success is this:

Do not skimp on moisture testing.

When you use an accurate and high-quality moisture measurement system, you’re saving yourself from the headache of moisture-related problems. And you’re also saving your business from the slippery slope of losing customers because of a plummeting reputation.

If you want the best for your business, then it’s time to invest in moisture measurement solutions you can trust. Visit wagnermeters.com to learn more about which tools are right for you.