To make the wood perfect
Natural materials such as wood need constant moisture to ensure perfect processing. If the wood does not have enough moisture, the wood may start to crack. A constant, optimum humidity prevents damage to the wood structure, which is ensured by a humidifying device Too wet wood swells, dried wood tightens. The dimensional changes, however, are not uniform in all directions: the wood will expand or contract more tangentially than radially. These uneven dimensional changes lead to changes in water content and to warping and cracking.
Why humidification is important
- If the air is too dry, giving the wood its own humidity, especially during the heating season by reducing the humidity to less than 40% relative humidity, there is an acute danger of damage to the wood, both in storage and at every stage of processing.
- The use of water soluble paints requires a sufficiently constant ambient humidity to avoid adhesion problems.
- If the wood does not receive direct moisture (e.g. rain) its moisture content corresponds to the ambient air. For machining purposes, the ideal moisture content of wood is between 9 and 12%. These values correspond to a moisture content between 50 and 60% relative humidity, thus creating a balance between the humidity of the air, and that of the wood.
- Areas where dried wood is stored or handled should also be humidified – at least in winter to prevent moisture fluctuations and to prevent damage to the wood.
- Uneven humidity can cause dimensional changes and greater distortion of the wood, which can cause warping and, if the water content changes, cracking.
- Reducing dust is one of the main reasons why humidification is so popular in the timber industry. Another big advantage is that a humidifier that uses atomized water can be operated at a fraction of the cost compared to other humidifiers.
Important information about humidification
Wood is a natural resource and contains water, so its shape, colour and weight are always closely related to the environment. In a humid forest, wood is exposed to ideal conditions – in carpentry or sawmill operations, very “unnatural” climatic conditions often prevail. If the air is too dry, the wood will warp, just as if moisture is added irregularly. If optimum storage conditions are not ensured, veneers can distort or even break. Only at a constant humidity of 50 to 60%RH does the wood receive its positive properties, remain in its shape and be easily worked. With a professionally installed humidifying device, cracking, warping of the wood can be effectively prevented, which reduces unnecessary material consumption and thus also reduces processing difficulties. By adjusting the humidity, you can actively improve your production, reduce costs and thus ensure the competitiveness of your company. Quick payback of humidification equipment.