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Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory, WMEL, is founded

The WMEL was an integral part of WSU’s materials science and engineering program and an early contributor to sustainable resource use from forests.  WMEL researchers developed nondestructive testing methods that revolutionized production of high quality engineered wood composites. Ultrasonic veneer grading technology was key in the development of the I-joist material that now claims about 30% of the market for floor supports in single-family homes.