Drying
Veneer sheet drying is the fourth stage of the beech veneer production process at Alesta UA. Since wet veneer sheets coming out of the peeling process have a high moisture content, they are passed through controlled drying tunnels at this stage to reduce their moisture content to levels compliant with international standards.
Why is Drying Necessary?
Beech veneer sheets obtained after the peeling process carry the natural moisture content of the wood tissue. This moisture level prevents the sheets from being used or stored directly. Sheets with high moisture content can over time lead to problems such as deformation, cracking, and mould formation. The drying process eliminates these risks and ensures the sheets become long-lasting and ready for use.
How Does the Drying Process Work?
At Alesta UA, wet veneer sheets are placed in drying tunnels where temperature and airflow are precisely controlled. As the sheets advance through the tunnel, they are exposed to hot air currents and moisture is evaporated and removed. Drying time and temperature are adjusted according to sheet thickness and initial moisture content. The target moisture content is generally kept between 6% and 12%, although different moisture values can also be achieved according to customer requirements.
Quality Control
During the veneer sheet drying stage, moisture measurements are taken at regular intervals. Sheets that have not reached the target moisture value continue through the drying process. Since over-dried sheets may show brittleness, the process is carefully monitored in both directions. This careful management is an integral part of Alesta UA’s consistent quality philosophy.
Preparation for the Next Stage
Beech veneer sheets that have completed the drying process are ready to move on to the sizing and grading stage. Sheets with the correct moisture balance do not crack during cutting and maintain their dimensional stability. This ensures that the final product reaching our customers meets quality standards.
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Wet veneer sheets are processed in controlled drying tunnels until they reach optimal moisture content.
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Drying time and temperature are precisely adjusted according to sheet thickness and initial moisture content.
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Target moisture content is generally kept between 6% and 12%; different values can also be achieved per customer requirements.
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Each veneer batch is monitored within quality control through regular moisture measurements.
F.A.Q
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Why are veneer sheets dried?
Wet veneer sheets coming out of the peeling process contain high moisture. If this moisture is not removed, the sheets can lead to problems such as deformation, cracking, and mould formation. The drying process eliminates these risks.
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What is the target moisture content?
At Alesta UA, the target moisture content of veneer sheets is generally kept between 6% and 12%. Different moisture values can also be achieved according to customer requirements and application areas.
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How long does the drying process take?
Drying time varies according to sheet thickness and initial moisture content. At Alesta UA, the optimum duration is calculated and applied separately for each batch.
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Does over-drying affect veneer quality?
Yes. Over-dried veneer sheets can show brittleness and lead to cracking during the cutting stage. For this reason, the drying process at Alesta UA is carefully monitored in both directions.
