Classification and use of wood moisture meters
Selection: Needle less moisture meter
Testing for moisture in uneven surfaces and loose filling materials
The needle less hygrometer needs to be in full contact with the solid surface to provide accurate readings. If the scanning board cannot be completely placed flat on the tested material, the accuracy of the needle free hygrometer will be affected. In addition, if the scanned material is loosely packaged (such as for insulation or hay), the instrument may ultimately test the moisture content of the air between the material fibers.
On the other hand, needle hygrometers can be easily used to test materials that are loosely packed or have uneven surfaces. The important thing is the current in the tested material - as long as there is a path for the current to flow from one pin to another, the test can be completed. However, in order to test for moisture in fiberglass insulation materials, hay bales, etc., specialized electrodes may be required.
Selection: Needle moisture meter
Test for moisture in materials you do not want to damage
Needle less hygrometers are sometimes referred to as "non-invasive" or "non-destructive" hygrometers because they do not need to penetrate the surface of the tested material to obtain accurate moisture content measurements. That's why many flooring professionals use needle less hygrometers to test the humidity of their hardwood flooring. By using a needle free instrument, the moisture content can be evaluated without damaging the hardwood floor.
On the other hand, needle hygrometers need to penetrate the surface of the material for appropriate testing. In applications that require protection of the surface condition of the final product, leaving pinholes, even small pinholes that are easily filled or filled with epoxy resin, is usually not satisfactory.
Selection: Needle less moisture meter
Determine the moisture distribution of the entire plate
When the needle free moisture meter scans the moisture in the material, it can provide the average reading of all moisture in the scanning area. This means that if a moisture bag is detected, you will not know how deep it is. Alternatively, if the shell and moisture content of the material sample are different, you will not be able to understand their differences.
Needle moisture meters - especially those that use insulated needles - perform excellently in determining the distribution of moisture in circuit boards. Using insulated pins, it is easy to push the pins a few tenths of an inch, read the data, push them another inch, read again, and continue this process until the pins are fully inserted. The distribution of moisture in the board may be invaluable information for wood dealers, as it can help them determine the curing method of the wood and adjust the kiln condition accordingly.
Selection: Needle moisture meter
Other considerations when selecting a moisture measuring instrument
Of course, choosing a hygrometer is not just about using a set of pins or scanning boards (or both) to test the moisture content in the material. You also need to consider:
