Principles of wood processing

Wood processing technology encompasses basic techniques such as wood cutting, wood drying, wood gluing, and wood surface decoration, as well as functional processing technologies such as wood protection and wood modification. Cutting methods include sawing, planing, milling, drilling, and sanding. Cutting methods differ from those for other materials due to factors such as wood texture and grain. Wood moisture content also influences cutting processes. For example, veneer production and wood chip production require wet cutting, while most processed parts require dry cutting. Drying generally refers specifically to the drying of finished wood. Drying of other wood materials, such as veneer, wood shavings, and wood fiber, is an integral part of the manufacturing process for plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard, respectively. The emergence and development of wood adhesives and gluing technology has not only been a major factor in advancing wood processing technology but also a prerequisite for the production of reconstituted and modified wood products, such as various laminated and glulam products. Wood surface finishing initially served a protective purpose, such as traditional tung oil and lacquer applications. This has since evolved to focus primarily on decorative purposes. In fact, any surface decoration also serves a protective function. Surface decoration of man-made boards can be performed during the slab manufacturing process. Wood protection includes wood preservation, woodworm prevention, and wood flame retardancy. These treatments involve applying, spraying, or impregnating wood with appropriate agents to prevent fungi, insects, marine borers, and other organisms from attacking the wood, or to slow down fire damage. Wood modification is a technical process performed to enhance or improve certain physical, mechanical, or chemical properties of wood. When using these various processing techniques, different wood species react differently, exhibiting different characteristics, known as their processing properties or processing characteristics.