Leading timber play equipment producer TP Toys says it is no longer at the mercy of timber suppliers regarding moisture content of its wood after installing a Calorex dehumidifier at its Stourport-on-Severn factory.
TP Toys, whose products include climbing frames and playhouses, chose Calorex DH33BH(M) to maintain ideal storage conditions in its drying chamber for supplies of European pine.
Previously, the company had to spend a lot of time sorting materials according to moisture levels prior to processing, as well as to hold back packaging or dispatch of products until sufficiently low moisture levels were achieved.
“Timber that is too wet will not machine cleanly, creating rough edges, splinters and a poor quality appearance,” said production manager David Harris.
He also said if roundwood was too dry it might split which could lead to reduced strength as well as an aesthetic problem.
Mr Harris said the drying room and Calorex unit had resulted in time and cost savings.
TP previously used electric fans to air-dry timber but found this process slow and resulted in variable moisture levels.
TP’s products are available through Tesco and the Early Learning Centre.
