This is the most important problem of the LVL when it will be transported after a long time on the container. The high moisture content will make the LVL moldy after a longship, especially in many tropical countries. The most favored moisture content is under 18%, it’s will keep the LVL dry and decrease the moldy rate.
Qualified Moisture Content Test (Source: FOMEX Quality Control Team)
Why does it have this problem? LVL is making from multiple thin layers of veneers, and the veneer is oriented in the same direction that makes it different from plywood. In the plywood production process, adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. Because all the veneer layer is oriented in the same direction, it makes the LVL difficult to venting during the hot-press process.
Un-Qualified Moisture Content Test (Source: FOMEX QC Team)
Delamination makes the LVL weak, and it can be break when using as framing or pallets. Control the delamination rate is one of the most important things in 1 shipment. 3. PACKAGING
The poor packaging will make the bundle break after a longship. In addition, the pallet block should be high and strong enough to be loaded and discharge by forklift.
To avoiding these problems, first of all, the importer should understand that these problems may arise in the shipment of LVL and you make it clear with the supplier when negotiating and show in the specification of the product on the sales contract. Choosing the right partner is the most important. #Moisture Content
The moisture content should be strict control during the production: from raw material, in production, and before loading. Raw material: control the moisture content of the veneer at less than 20%, it’s better to dry the veneer by force drying method, to make sure that the moisture content of all the veneers is uniform and at the standard.
Input Veneer Moisture Content Test (Source: Fomex Quality Control Team)
In production: Strictly control the moisture content of the core board after the hot press process and after the cutting process. The standard should be less than 18%, if any board is high moisture content, the producer should bring it to dry immediately.
Pre-cutting LVL board Moisture Content Test (Source: FOMEX Quality Control Team)
In the packaging process: before packing the LVL into the pallets, strictly control the moisture of the finished plank, assured that all the plank is at the standard. In case any plank is not qualified, the factory should bring it to dry by sun-dry or drying machine.
Moisture Content Test During Packaging Process (Source: FOMEX Quality Control Team)
High Moisture Content LVL Sun-Drying (Source: FOMEX Quality Control Team)
# Quality The quantity and the delamination rate must be controlled by the factory, thus the worker should be well training to detect the defect early in the production process. #Packaging The bundle should be strapped by the strong metal strap or plastic strap, extra strap with the high bundle. The height of the pallet block could be at the standard 90mm to lift by forklift and strong enough not to break after a longship. To minimize all these problems effectively, have a QC team in the factory is the key to have a qualified shipment. QC service is available at all FOMEX factories, in addition, the QC service will be free when customers purchase from us. For each shipment, our QC team will strictly control the quality from raw material to finished production and loading into the container, and issue the Report at the customer’s request. Plywood Inspection Service. The above are 3 popular problems when importing LVL and the experience to minimize it, especially for the first time importing this wood material. Wish you will have a satisfactory shipment after this sharing. Daniel, FOMEX GROUP