UNI-T UT377C for Timber Storage and Incoming Material Inspection Malaysia
Timber can absorb moisture during transport and storage, especially when packaging is damaged or materials are kept near damp floors and walls.
The UNI-T UT377C Pinless Moisture Meter allows warehouses, furniture factories and woodworking businesses to check timber without inserting probes. It can support incoming inspection, stock comparison and storage-condition monitoring in Malaysia.
Why Check Incoming Timber?
Timber that arrives with an unsuitable moisture condition may create production and quality problems later.
Possible issues include:
Warping during storage
Cracking after processing
Dimensional changes
Mould growth
Poor coating adhesion
Loose furniture joints
Uneven machining
Flooring expansion
Delayed production
Customer complaints
Checking the material when it arrives provides a reference before it enters production.
Non-Destructive Batch Inspection
A pin-type moisture meter leaves small holes where the probes enter the wood.
The UT377C uses a pinless induction sensor, making it suitable for checking:
Finished wooden boards
Furniture components
Decorative timber
Flooring materials
Laminated panels
Visible product surfaces
Items that should not be punctured
The sensor covers an area of approximately 50mm × 50mm and should be placed flat against the timber.
Softwood and Hardwood Modes
The UT377C provides separate modes for:
Softwood
Hardwood
Select the correct mode based on the timber species or supplier information.
Examples of softwoods may include pine, fir and spruce. Hardwoods may include rubberwood, oak, teak and other denser timber species.
Incorrect mode selection can affect the interpretation of the result.
Wood Measurement Range
The UT377C provides:
Range: 4%–32%
Resolution: 0.1%
Specified value error: ±4%
Recommended target thickness: 6mm–30mm
The reading may also be affected by species, density, coatings, temperature and layered construction.
Use the results to compare materials and identify unusual pieces within the same delivery.
How to Sample an Incoming Delivery
Do not measure only the top board.
For a more representative inspection:
Select boards from different packs.
Check the top, middle and lower sections.
Measure materials near the container or truck door.
Inspect boards beside damaged packaging.
Check timber stored directly against the floor.
Take readings at both ends and the centre.
Record the highest, lowest and typical readings.
A wider sample provides better information about the condition of the delivery.
Check for Moisture Variation Within Each Board
Moisture may not be distributed evenly.
Measure:
Both ends
The centre
Areas near visible stains
Sections below damaged wrapping
Different faces where accessible
Boards from the inside of the pack
Large differences within the same board or batch may justify additional inspection before processing.
Create an Incoming Inspection Record
A simple timber record can include:
Supplier name
Delivery date
Purchase order or batch number
Timber species
Selected UT377C mode
Sample location
Individual readings
Packaging condition
Visible defects
Ambient temperature
Acceptance or isolation decision
Photographs can also be attached when packaging damage, stains or unusual readings are found.
Inspect Storage Conditions
Even acceptable timber can absorb moisture during storage.
Pay attention to materials kept:
Near external walls
Directly on concrete floors
Below leaking roofs
Beside open loading bays
Near wet-production areas
In poorly ventilated corners
Close to air-conditioning condensation
Under damaged tarpaulins
Use pallets or suitable racking to separate timber from potentially damp surfaces.
Repeat Measurements During Storage
For longer storage periods:
Select several representative boards
Mark the measurement locations
Use the same meter mode
Record readings periodically
Compare different storage zones
Inspect again after heavy rain or roof leakage
Check stock before releasing it to production
Changes over time may reveal a storage problem before visible damage becomes severe.
Be Careful with Thin or Layered Materials
The UT377C is designed for materials approximately 6mm–30mm thick.
For thin panels, the reading may be influenced by whatever is behind the material.
Avoid measuring timber while it is placed directly on:
Metal tables
Damp concrete
Wet wood
Foil-backed materials
Steel racking surfaces
Move the sample to a dry, non-metallic surface when possible.
For plywood, laminate and engineered boards, adhesive layers and different core materials may affect the reading.
When to Isolate a Batch
Consider separating materials for further inspection when:
Several boards show unusually high readings
Packaging is visibly wet
Timber has mould or strong odour
Boards show swelling or distortion
Readings vary greatly across the batch
Water stains are present
The delivery was exposed to rain
The results differ significantly from previous deliveries
The final acceptance limit should follow the company’s quality procedure, product specification or timber supplier’s recommendation.
Who Should Use the UT377C?
The UNI-T UT377C Pinless Moisture Meter is suitable for:
Furniture factories
Timber suppliers
Woodworking workshops
Flooring distributors
Warehouse quality-control teams
Packaging manufacturers
Renovation contractors
Incoming-material inspectors
Its non-destructive design supports faster batch screening without leaving pinholes on saleable material.
Contact MTM Precision for the UNI-T UT377C or assistance choosing a moisture meter for timber storage, incoming inspection and woodworking applications in Malaysia.
MTM Precision Sdn Bhd
Showroom & Service Centre: No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: 03-8080 7172
WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346
Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com
Website: www.mtmpre.com.my
30 Sep 2026
