Avoid shrinkage, splitting and other quality problems in
timber and furniture industries

As any company involved in furniture manufacture will be well aware, timber is highly moisture sensitive and will absorb, or lose, moisture until it is in equilibrium with the conditions to which it is exposed. As wood absorbs moisture, it can swell, and as it loses moisture, it can shrink, warp or twist. Ideally, for stable, predictable and efficient production, timber should be stored and processed in an environment maintained at approximately 50%rh, which ensures the ideal equilibrium moisture content of wood, at around 10%.

When timber components are stored, machined or assembled in factory areas where dry air prevails, or changes in relative humidity occur, these conditions can have an adverse effect on reject rate and product quality, even where previously dried or treated timber is used.  Dry air can also mean higher levels of wood dust in these environments; raising and controlling the humidity to around 50% can help to minimize airborne dust.