Conditioning (Heat Treatment)
Conditioning is the first and most critical stage of the veneer production process. At this stage, logs are subjected to heat treatment to prepare them for the peeling process. The conditioning process softens the internal structure of the log, allowing the veneer sheet to be obtained smoothly and continuously without breaking during peeling.
Why Is Conditioning Necessary?
When raw logs are fed directly into the peeling machine, the veneer sheet breaks due to the hard and dry nature of the wood, the surface becomes rough, and the waste rate increases. Through conditioning, the internal temperature of the log is raised uniformly; wood fibers soften and become plasticized. This enables thin, smooth, and high-quality veneer sheets to be obtained during peeling.
Conditioning at Our Ukraine Facility: Hot Water Pools
At our production facility in Ukraine, the conditioning process is carried out using hot water pools. Logs are placed in large-capacity hot water pools and kept at a specific temperature for a set period of time. Since water transfers heat evenly to every point of the wood, uniform conditioning is achieved. This method offers high efficiency, especially in processing large-diameter logs.
Conditioning at Our Turkey Factory: Steam Pools
At our Turkey factory in Sakarya Akyazı, the conditioning process is carried out using steam pools. Logs are placed in steam pools and exposed to high-temperature steam. The steam method provides fast and effective heat transfer from the outer surface of the log to its inner core. This shortens the conditioning time and increases energy efficiency. The goal is to soften lignin, make the fibers elastic, and ensure smooth peeling.
The Effect of Conditioning on Veneer Quality
When properly applied, the conditioning process has a directly decisive effect on veneer quality. Veneer sheets obtained from well-conditioned logs have a thinner and more uniform thickness; surface smoothness and gloss are improved; the rate of breakage and cracking is minimized; waste is reduced and yield increases.
As Alesta Naturel, we manage the conditioning processes at both our Ukraine and Turkey facilities in accordance with European quality standards. Both methods guarantee that the final veneer product has excellent surface quality and durability characteristics.
For detailed information about conditioning and our other production processes, you can contact our team.
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Logs are kept in a hot water or steam pool to uniformly heat their internal structure.
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Thanks to heat treatment, the lignin in the wood softens and the veneer sheet does not break during peeling.
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With conditioning, wood fibers become elastic, enabling thin and continuous veneer sheets to be produced.
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Proper conditioning increases surface smoothness and minimizes the waste rate.
F.A.Q
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What is the difference between the hot water and steam methods?
The hot water pool method is ideal for large-diameter logs and ensures uniform heat distribution. The steam method, on the other hand, provides faster heat transfer and is more energy efficient.
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Can conditioning be performed in every season?
Yes, conditioning can be applied in every season. However, during winter months, the conditioning period may be extended since the initial temperature of the logs is lower. Since our hot water and steam pools operate at a constant temperature throughout the year, consistent quality is maintained regardless of the season.
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Does conditioning have an effect on plywood quality?
Yes, it has a direct and decisive effect. Veneer sheets obtained from logs that have not been conditioned are broken, rough, and uneven in thickness. This negatively affects the surface quality, adhesion strength, and durability of the plywood panel. Plywood produced from well-conditioned logs is more uniform, more durable, and far superior in terms of surface quality.
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Does every type of wood require conditioning?
Yes, but the conditioning duration and temperature vary for each wood species. Hardwoods such as beech require longer conditioning at higher temperatures, while softwoods such as poplar can be conditioned in a shorter time. Correct parameter settings are critical for achieving optimum veneer quality from each species.
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What should a good conditioning process look like?
In a good conditioning process, uniform temperature distribution from the outer surface to the inner core of the log must be achieved. Temperature must be set correctly according to wood species and log diameter, and the conditioning duration must be kept sufficiently long. Over-conditioning reduces veneer quality, while excessive conditioning can damage wood fibers. As Alesta Naturel, we ensure optimum conditioning by meticulously monitoring temperature and duration in every batch.
