feuchtest

Feuchtest, in German technical usage, denotes a moisture test or moisture tester—the process and the instrument used to determine the moisture content of a material. Moisture content is typically expressed as a percentage of the material’s dry mass or as a proportion of total mass. The test is important for assessing material performance, stability, and quality, since too much or too little moisture can cause swelling, decay, cracking, or other defects.

There are several methods for performing a feuchtest. The gravimetric or oven-drying method is a reference standard: a sample is weighed, dried to constant mass, and re-weighed, with moisture calculated from weight loss. Portable moisture meters use electrical resistance or dielectric measurements to estimate moisture content in wood, drywall, concrete, and some foods. Pin-type meters require insertion into the material, while pinless (dielectric) meters probe without penetration. Non-destructive techniques such as infrared methods provide quick screening but usually require calibration for accuracy.

Applications of feuchtest span construction and timber industries, furniture manufacturing, agriculture and food storage, and quality control in manufacturing. The choice of method depends on material type, required accuracy, speed, and whether a destructive test is acceptable. Standards and calibration practices vary by country and material; common references include DIN, ISO, and ASTM documents that specify sampling, drying conditions, and interpretation of results.