Tech Update

BUCKING & MERCHANDIZING SYSTEMS Tech Update Editor: Diane Mettler

Porter Engineering
Porter Engineering’s RT3 optimized log bucking, scanning and optimization systems utilize high definition profile scanners and the latest in VMEbus Intel computer processors to extract the highest value products out of tree length stems. Optimized bucking solutions are based on downstream equipment along with current lumber prices, market priorities and inventory levels. Configurable parameters such as product mix algorithms allow skewing of production to meet specific market conditions. Systems have the flexibility so that lumber sizes and log lengths can be entered in metric or imperial, or a combination of both. Configurations for lineal and transverse are supported depending on customer preference. Accurate length control allows trim at leading end, trailing end or at mid-stem fibre. In addition, RT3 provides full diagnostic, back-up capability, down time and mill management reports and graphical user interface PC terminal with texture mapping 3D graphics. Porter’s optimized log bucking systems can be fully integrated with all primary and secondary manufacturing. Third party metal detectors are supported allowing the metal to be automatically bucked out of the stem. www.portereng.com  Reader Service Card #6050

Comact
The Comact system provides the opportunity to increase recovery at the bucking stage with its full in-depth log optimization. Comact offers a wide range of measuring devices from basic light curtains to full true shape scanners, linearly or transversally. The systems scan on barked or debarked wood. The accuracy range is from 0.060” to 0.080” on diameters for every 2” to 6” along the stems, depending on the application. Software is fully configurable for up to five different machine centre destinations simultaneously: DLI, SLI, DDM, Chip ‘N Saw. It features complete optimization for each individual log segment including: opto-rotation, curve and/or straight sawing algorithms, skewed side boards, cut-in-two and others. It also features log shape decisions for peeler logs, poles, knotty sections and more. All segment decisions are tagged for sorting. www.comact.com  Reader Service Card #6051

Coe Newnes/McGehee
The Coe Newnes/McGehee bucking optimizer is built on the same platform as the company’s leading curve sawing systems. Sophisticated logic evaluates each solution to predict the products that will result from bucking to trimming. The company’s bucking optimization system uses complete optimization algorithms rather than look-up tables to ensure optimum recovery. Curved logs can be bucked to longer lengths within the allowable amounts of curve and other parameters for downstream equipment. The Windows-based interface allows ease of setup and system monitoring, with complete reporting features. The Coe Newnes/McGehee bucking optimizer utilizes advanced linear scanning sensors to completely scan the log at high resolution in real-time. Powerful processors handle the scan data and transmit it to the optimization computer over a high-speed mill network. The company has built additional features into their optimization software to further enhance the recovery of valuable wood fibre. These include a sweep table to limit the amount of sweep tolerated for each log length, length bias configuration to allow the operator to bias decisions away from or towards specified bucking lengths, and a peeler control table to configure log solutions suitable for plywood peeler blocks. www.coemfg.com  Reader Service Card #6052

Kinghorn Systems Engineering
Kinghorn Systems Engineering performs independent studies to analyze payback on bucking and canter optimization systems and to provide lumber yield projections for log allocation and product mix analysis software. Statistically significant samples of logs (by species and diameter class) are scanned either in an existing conveyor or off-line with the scanning equipment running on the mill’s kiln or railway tracks. Scanning is done every 2” along the length of the log using true-shape LPS-2016 scanning heads from Hermary Opto Electronics, which collect approximately 120 points around the circumference of a 10” log. Log length is not restricted and may be full tree length if required. The scanned logs are run through the mill and the actual bucking and resulting lumber out-turns are used to calibrate sawing simulation software to the actual mill equipment (which may include auto-rotation, slew, skew and tilt, sideboards, various kerfs, cant optimization or curve sawing) to do the analysis. Simulations are done on the true-shape images the way that the logs were run through the mill, and then again with full optimization. The results are compared and weighted to match the mill’s log diameter profile to provide the expected annual payback for installation of true-shape bucking optimization and/or canter optimization. www.kinghornsystems.com. Reader Service Card #6053

Linden
Linden offers a high performance log merchandizing system, using a combination of its proven log handling equipment and MPM’s scanning and optimization equipment. With the Linden/MPM system, single logs that have been scanned for defect, diameter, sweep and length are discharged into a Linden log ladder and positioned for optimum recovery. The log is held in the cut-cradle step of the log ladder and the overhead travelling merchandizer saws position for the cut. Linden’s overhead travelling saws are designed to move at speeds up to 80” per second with a two-second saw cycle in the cut. The outfeed step of the log ladder is designed to feed cut stems into the conveyor at speeds up to 20 cycles per minute. The system can cut and feed stems in less than four seconds (processing more than 15 tree-length stems/minute). The travelling saw log merchandizing system is designed for high speed merchandizing with either lineal or transverse scanning methods. The travelling merchandizer saws use a linear guidance system that runs the length of the travelling merchandiser system. The four saws will effectively merchandize most logs. MPM’s NextGen bucking optimizer is a new generation of software based on an extensive product fitting process to determine the most valuable bucking decision. www.linfab.com  Reader Service Card #6054

Valon Kone Brunette Ltd
VKB offers the Brunette Flare Butt Reducer. Production and recovery increases are realized throughout the mill due to the reduction or removal of flare butts. Mills can see improved positioning, scanning and cutting accuracy on headrigs, canters and curve sawing systems. Chipping heads will cut more evenly and with less distortions or unnecessary multiple passes. Removing the flare butt prior to debarking means lower maintenance costs since debarking is easier. This also allows for a smaller debarker or larger log (dbh) through the existing debarker. The irregular shaped slabs and boards that are difficult to convey and are a cause of downtime, are virtually eliminated, according to the company. The Butt Reducer will efficiently process logs up to a 40” diameter. Production increases of up to 8.5 per cent have been reported. VKB also offers the Brunette Drum Chipper 6040. The high inertia 60” diameter and 40” width drum will process up to 26” diameter log ends and lily pads. The simple design and heavy-duty construction result in high uptime and minimal maintenance costs. An ergonomically designed clamshell opening operated by the on-board HPU and two hydraulic cylinders ensures quick, safe knife access. Self-relieving knife clamps for easy knife changes, set screws for knife length adjustment, counter knives for replacement of wear surfaces in knife pocket, reversible anvil and optional bottom screen are some of the many additional features of the Brunette Drum Chipper. www.vkb.com  Reader Service Card #6055

PSI Sales Inc
The company is one of the leaders in high-speed/high-recovery optimized merchandizing systems, and has manufactured more than 15 merchandizing systems in the last five years. Its merchandizing system installations range from high production dimension mills to high production plywood facilities. PSI has completed systems for corporations such as Weyerhaeuser, Louisiana-Pacific and Gulf States Paper, and large independents such as Tolleson Lumber Company and Sierra Pacific. Its merchandizer systems are custom designed and built for each customer application. It offers transverse scan systems as well as lineal scan systems with fixed saw modules or infinite cut sliding saw modules. Recovery gains can be as high as eight per cent mill wide, merchandizing speeds can be up to 15 stems per minute based on an average length of 45’ and transverse systems can be run with only one operator. PSI uses patented proven technology to effectively singulate, scan, position and merchandize stem length material to the highest value solution based on current market values. The design of its equipment is focused on maintaining the highest uptime possible by incorporating low maintenance designs and extremely robust fabrication and components. PSI Sales Inc can put together a comprehensive merchandizing package to meet mill budgets, speed and recovery needs. www.psisales.com  Reader Service Card #6056

USNR
USNR’s high-speed log merchandizing system is among the most versatile solutions on the market. The complete system consists of machinery, scanning and optimization, and each of these components can be integrated into an existing system individually. USNR’s solutions are highly customizable, giving mills the ability to adjust production on the fly to accommodate changing market demands. 3D LASAR sensors capture the exact shape of each log, providing optimizers with extremely accurate data to base decisions upon. USNR’s high-speed merchandizer processes today’s highly optimized solutions. It uses infinitely moving saw modules that can handle logs up to 65’ long and cut them to sizes of any length, making it one of the most versatile merchandizing systems available. The MillWide merchandizing optimizer provides full 3D modeling capabilities for all downstream machine centres including auto rotation, curve sawing, wane rules on boards, and cost of edging, with downstream routing information capable of running a 100-bin sort operation. USNR optimizers are fully customizable with user-programmable parameters like in-depth log product descriptions and stem locations, variable-length waste pieces, user selectable sweep models and over 20 different types of defects giving mills the ability to process every stem effectively. www.usnr.com  Reader Service Card #6057

ScanMeg
ScanMeg offers both longitudinal and transverse scanning options for log bucking. For longitudinal bucking, the conventional D Type diameter scanner can be installed in single-axis for simple length and diameter determination or in X-Y configuration to also pick up sweep and crook. This light-curtain scanner has a scanning precision of +/-0.0625”. Special surface treatments on the lens reduce the problem with direct sunlight when installed outside. The new TS Full-Profile or 3-D scanner provides more detailed information about the stem. Typically the stem would be conveyed on a V-flite chain to stabilize the stem as well as lift it off the conveyor for better scanning underneath. The Full-Profile scanner can scan the stem on a wide belt, but it is better to scan on a V-flite chain as well in order to ensure stability of the stem. The model TL transverse scanner is installed in four-foot, interconnected modules across an inclined transfer or slasher deck. The stem is transported through an array of LEDs spaced one inch apart. These LEDs, together with an encoder, scan each slice of the stem. If two of these curtain scanners are installed at a 90-degree angle to each other, sweep and crook can be determined as well. The scan data is transferred to the scanning computer via a single cable, thus eliminating the need for hundreds of individual photocells, cables and junction boxes as in the older types of scanning technology. www.scanmeg.com  Reader Service Card #6058

SOFTAC
SOFTAC scanner heads use all solid-state components, including solid lasers, wane up and wane down scanning. Scanner systems can provide either 1”, 2” or 4” scan density giving thickness profiles across the board, along the entire board length. They are also able to read thickness and width profiles at operating speeds to suit maximum edger and trimmer processing capabilities. Pentium personal computer systems and Windows user interface allow mill personnel to change target lumber sizes, wane parameters and lumber prices easily and quickly. Off-line optimization rerun of actual scan data using the PC system provides “what if” analysis of optimization results using alternate wane rules, dimension tolerances or price tables. The system provides management reports with detailed and summary shift reports. Also included is a fast exchange program on easy to install scanner heads, user-friendly Windows software with “off line” rerun program and extensive diagnostics and troubleshooting aids. A complete mechanical package is available including trimmer sorter, edger and edger infeed as well as single scanner, and dual edger feeding systems. The system can process 1” and 2” boards together with 4” and 6” timbers or slabs on a common transfer, with 2” scan density scanning. Recovery is said to be 98 per cent and overtrim and undertrim less than one per cent. An average of five to 10 per cent trim savings with a SOFTAC Optimizer over manual trimming can achieve a payback in three to nine months (depending on board footage produced). www.softacsys.com  Reader Service Card #6059

MPM Engineering
MPM Engineering and Linden Fabricating have jointly designed a new state-of-the-art merchandizing system. The new design brings together excellent piece counts coupled with MPM’s “Next Gen” software to give the end user superior recovery while allowing for responsive and adaptable software to meet the needs of all sawmills. The transverse moving saw section, with two to six saws, allows for all trim lengths (imperial or metric) with accuracies less than one quarter of an inch. Stud mills can allow a combination of stud lengths and plywood block lengths to be cut and separated from the same stem based on diameter and/or grade. The MPM software allows random length mills to borrow 1” to 2” from one log within the full-length stem to gain two feet on another log within the same stem. Log lengths are very accurate and will dramatically decrease the amount of trim back in the sawmill. www.mpm-eng.com  Reader Service Card #6060

Flare/Charger Engineering
Flare/Charger Engineering offers flexibility for their customers. It builds customer bucking systems for clients, producing cradle style bucking up to about 30” diameter. For the average system, the piece count is 10 saw cycles per minute, 40’ logs up to 50 blocks per minute and 10’ logs up to 20 blocks per minute. The incline deck through scanner is 16’ x 8’ 8” x 45’ and weighs approximately 35,000 lbs. It is full sheeted between c-runs and has removable sheeting over the headshaft. It also features 5/8” side past at head and tail for idler and brg mount and 10 hp Baldor VFD. The saw gallery and support frame is 55’ x 7’ and is built from heavy structural components. It acts as a rub rail for carriages and is open to let debris fall through. The carriage is driven by a 10 hp vector drive motor. The merchandizer landing belt is 24” wide and 60’ in length. It comes equipped with a 24” log handler belt and a 20 hp electric drive unit and SM-Cyclo reducer. www.chargerengineering.com  Reader Service Card #6061

Murray-Pacific
The Murray-Pacific lineal log merchandizer has a number of positive features—the company’s affordable existing lineal systems can be modified, and it has faster saw cycle times and higher piece counts. It also interfaces easily with scanning systems for full automatic bucking and has no mechanical log stops. Murray-Pacific recently introduced the new 2000 series lineal log merchandizer system. In the systems installed prior to the 2000 series, hydraulics and vector drive systems were utilized to feed and position the logs, cycle and move the saws. The new 2000 series systems are 100 per cent electric; all of the hydraulics have been eliminated. The use of an all-electric system has increased the reliability and throughput capabilities of the Murray-Pacific Lineal Log Merchandizer. Another feature of the 2000 series is the ability to buck logs to infinite lengths. This allows operators simply and easily to buck long to market and customers’ requirements. The operation only has to change the cut list of the merchandizer system. Reader Service Card #6062

Hermary Opto Electronics Inc
Hermary Opto offers several scanners. The dual profile log scanner DPS-4024 is designed for a harsh sawmill environment. It includes a large scan envelope that easily accommodates scanning of full length stems for bucking applications. It delivers two independent profiles at a rate of 100 scans per second and is ideal for high-speed scanning of logs and cants in high production environments. Integrated Ethernet and TCP/IP allow simplified installation and maintenance. Encoder and scan zone synchronization signals are simultaneously distributed to all heads in a scan zone. And the design permits unshielded installation in most environments. The laser profile scanner LPS-216 is a fully integrated, co-planar scanning system designed to scan logs and cants in sawmill optimization applications. All optics and processing electronics are housed in a sealed, machined aluminum head. A single environmentally sealed connector and a 10 pair cable carry all DC power and signals. With DC power applied, a two-dimensional profile (list of X,Y coordinates) of a surface intersect is available on the communication profile. Two or more heads mounted around the log transport system give the log shape. The HDS-050 is an infrared high definition scanner packaged in a machined aluminum housing. It’s designed for log and board measurement in sawmills. As an object passes between the scan heads, a measure of the object size is obtained where it intersects with the light. Measurement resolution is 0.050”. The HDS-500 has a proven track record in hundreds of sawmills around the world, says the company. www.hermaryopto.com    Reader Service Card #6063

---

For more information on the above products, please fill in the contact information and check off the boxes that apply.   When finished, please click on the Submit Form Button.

Name
Title
Organization
Type of Business
Address
City
Country
Postal Code
Work Phone
FAX
E-mail

Check any of the following for more information:

Porter Engineering  #6050
Comact  #6051
Coe Newnes/McGehee   #6052
Kinghorn Systems Engineering   #6053
Linden   #6054
Valon Kone Brunette Ltd   #6055
PSI Sales Inc  #6056
USNR  #6057
ScanMeg  #6058
SOFTAC  #6059
MPM Engineering  #6060
Flare/Charger Engineering   #6061
Murray-Pacific   #6062
Hermary Opto Electronics Inc  #6063

 

 Back to the Top

 

This service is temporarily unavailable