The discussion therefore went well beyond machinery, focusing on how technical know-how can be preserved and transferred to a new generation of operators at a time when the shortage of specialised skills is becoming increasingly evident across the industry.<\/p>\n
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One of the main topics was the growing gap between increasingly advanced equipment and the skills available to operate it. Michele Bigon<\/strong> of BigOnDry<\/strong> explained that manufacturers can no longer limit their role to supplying technology: they increasingly need to support customers in understanding the process, setting drying cycles correctly and making full use of the capabilities of the equipment.<\/p>\n At the same time, automation and digitalisation have profoundly changed the way kilns are operated. As recalled by Bruno Bigon<\/strong>, founder of BigOnDry, many operations that were once carried out manually are now managed automatically. Remote connectivity has also changed the relationship between manufacturer and machine, allowing specialists to assist customers not only in solving technical problems, but also in adjusting cycles and improving the final result.<\/p>\n Energy efficiency<\/strong> was another central issue. Drying is an energy-intensive process, and the focus is increasingly shifting towards monitoring actual consumption, improving machine efficiency and selecting the most suitable energy source for each application. Gas, biomass, heat pumps and electricity can all play a role, while hybrid systems offer greater flexibility.<\/p>\n Research is also looking at energy recovery, storage and renewable sources. As Giacomo Goli<\/strong>, professor of wood technology at the University of Florence, pointed out, the environmental and economic impact of a drying kiln depends above all on the energy consumed throughout its operating life.<\/p>\n The discussion also moved beyond conventional drying. Thermal modification<\/strong>, advanced steaming and high-temperature treatments can improve wood stability, modify its appearance and extend the possible uses of species with lower commercial value. Sensors and predictive models are also making it possible to adjust temperature and humidity according to the behaviour of the material during the process, reducing defects and improving consistency.<\/p>\n In this sense, drying is becoming more than simply removing moisture from wood. It is increasingly a process capable of modifying the technical and aesthetic characteristics of the material.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.xylon.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/legno-1.png\")
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