Did you know that wood moisture is one of the most important physical properties for the forest products industry? In this article, we explain why wood moisture should be measured and how it affects not only the quality of raw materials but also that of final products such as sawn timber, panels and furniture.

Wood moisture as a key variable

Wood moisture does not only affect the quality of inputs in forest-based industries: it is also directly linked to other properties of the material, such as bulk density, mechanical strength and resistance to biodegrading agents. Understanding and controlling this variable is essential to guarantee quality at every stage of the process.

The hygroscopic nature of wood

Wood is a hygroscopic material: it absorbs and releases water as it seeks equilibrium with the relative humidity of the air. That is why accurate moisture measurement is vital, since moisture affects how water moves and is stored in the material. Which raises the question: when and how should moisture be measured?

Measuring moisture in logs: the first step

In the early stages of forest-based industries, while the wood is still in log form, moisture plays a decisive role in its commercial value. Because logs are usually bought by mass (per tonne), the price paid depends directly on how much water they contain. This is where tools such as Marrari Automação’s M65 Umilog meter become indispensable.

Umilog M65: accurate readings right in the log

The M65 Umilog measures moisture directly in logs. The receiving operator drills into samples while they are still on the truck, checks the moisture with the sensor and runs the calculations. These measurements make it possible to correct the load price based on its water content and also provide valuable information, such as inventory forecasts and the need to buy more raw material.

Technology serving the wood industry

The wood industry advances hand in hand with technology, instrumentation and automation. Solutions such as these moisture meters are essential to guarantee wood quality and avoid wear, rework and waste.

Marrari’s commitment: quality and efficiency

Marrari’s commitment goes beyond offering products: it aims to combine continuous improvement in wood quality with solutions that make industrial processes faster. Measuring wood moisture is an essential practice for efficiency and quality across the whole production chain.

Conclusion

Measuring wood moisture is critical for the forest products industry. With the right tools, such as the M65 Umilog, quality can be guaranteed from the earliest stages, processes optimized and final products improved. Technology and automation are key allies for a more efficient and sustainable wood industry.

See how Marrari moisture meters work

Full details on the instruments mentioned are in the portable moisture meters section of this site.

Author: Elisa Pizzaia Goltz, Industrial Wood Engineer (UFPR, 2014), MSc in Forest Engineering (UFPR, 2018), quality and technical manager at Marrari Automação’s Umilab laboratory

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