Millwide

INSIDERTHE MAGAZINE FROM USNR | ISSUE 2 - 2011

SHIFTING TO OVERDRIVE Murray Timber accelerates its primary line to broaden its market

GOING GRADERLESS DOWN UNDER Australia’s WESPINE stakes its reputation on LHG’s vision technology

KEEPING UP WITH NEW DEVELOPMENTS A quick update on new products and enhancements at USNR Millwide INSIDER iSSUE 2 - 2011

Subscriptions Tel.: 250.833.3028 [email protected]

Editor Colleen Schonheiter [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sonia Perrine [email protected]

USNR Parts & Service 7/24 Service: 800.BUY.USNR Ready to prosper Tel.: 360.225.8267 Fax: 360.225.7146 There are signs we are emerging from the global recession, and the Mon. - Fri. 5:00 am - 5:00 pm PDT industry is eagerly poised for a resurgence in demand. While it may www.usnr.com feel like we have been ‘through the mill’, one thing about surviving tough times is that many successful businesses can actually come USNR Locations out in a stronger position. While we hunker down into survival mode Woodland, WA we begin to look for innovative ways to make headway, or search Headquarters out niche markets we likely didn’t have time to pursue while we were 360.225.8267 busily filling orders during more prosperous times. In this issue we bring you stories of customers whose foresight and Parksville, BC Eugene, OR 250.954.1566 541.485.7127 smart business practices have positioned them to weather difficult

times. Their good decisions made prior to and during the crisis have Plessisville, QC Jacksonville, FL afforded them resilience, and as financial pressures ease they’re ready to 819.362.8768 904.354.2301 take advantage of more affluent markets. They’ve put their faith in USNR to help them succeed, and we’ve been pleased to be a partner they can Salmon Arm, BC Painesville, OH 250.832.7116 440.352.9381 trust in both good times, and bad. USNR has made good use of this time as well, investing in our broad portfolio of products. Our offering features products from well-known brand names like Newnes-McGehee, Coe © 2011, U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. Manufacturing, Perceptron, Forano, Log Boss, HEMCO, Irvington- All rights reserved. Moore, Kockums, Schurman and Lunden; all are part of USNR. With POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 1981 Schurman Way, Woodland, WA 98674. several manufacturing plants in the US and Canada, USNR also Canada Post: Return Undeliverable Canadian maintains sales representation in Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Addresses to: USNR c/o Colleen Schonheiter, Japan and Russia. 3550 - 45th Street Southeast, As a global leader, we’re ready to meet your needs with top quality Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2 products backed by a strong, talented, and committed team. We’re here for the long haul, and we hope you’ll consider USNR a partner you can count on all the time.

Sincerely, Colleen Schonheiter Editor Murray Timber shifts into overdrive more efficient: PUMPING UP THE VOLUME OF OUTPUT

It’s been several years since the USNR primary 1 cm, so the mill can run continuous batches of Four years in operation, this breakdown line was installed at Murray Timber, homogenous material with very short gaps between Ballygar, Ireland. The line was installed and pieces. “We presort our logs by diameter or pattern hybrid primary line still gets full commissioned over the latter part of 2006 and into 15-20 sorts depending on length, which are then early 2007. Though completely satisfied with the batched for production runs up to three hours long. marks for performance. “100% performance of the equipment, John Murray, the In these runs we hold a centerpiece pattern and vary company’s production director, determined the the sideboard products to achieve the best fit per satisfied with both the equipment operation would be more efficient if the line was log,” John Murray explained. sped up. With recent tweaks by USNR the line now and level of support.” runs faster and more efficiently than ever. Hybrid processing blend Working with its customers to develop solutions The USNR primary breakdown line is equipped John Murray, Murray Timber to difficult challenges is a benchmark by which with 3D Smart TriCam scanning and MillExpert USNR measures its success. Case in point is this Integrated Processing Line (IPL) optimizer. USNR’s line at Murray Timber. It has been challenging times first pattern-specific optimizer, the IPL (Integrated in Ireland for the wood processing industry with the Processing Line) allows the mill to combine the global recession and raw material shortages. Murray high throughput of pattern processing with the Timber Group (MTG) realized one way to expand increased recovery of sets optimized for each A profiled cant enters the sawbox. the company’s market was to speed up the primary individual log’s 3D shape. line to achieve the economies of scale necessary to The IPL allows the basic sawing pattern to stay broaden its market reach. With a solid investment the same throughout a batch of logs, maintaining already made in the primary end, the next step was to a consistent center cant, but allowing variations contact USNR to accelerate the line. in the widths and thicknesses of the profiled MTG owns two mills in Ireland, the one in Ballygar sideboards, and also allowing sideboards to be and another in County Carlow. It is a full-service symmetrically sacrificed (first outer pairs, and operation with state-of-the-art sawmills, dry kilns, then if necessary inner pairs) as needed to achieve planing and specialty processing facilities. MTG has acceptable finished material. No edger is required. the capacity to process over 900,000m3 of round John Reed, senior account manager with USNR, logs each year and supplies high quality value-added worked with John Murray and his team on this products to the construction, garden, fencing, and project. Reed explains the concept. “The whole line packaging markets in Ireland, and beyond. is 343’ (110 m) long with just one operator. The logs Murray Timber operates at speeds slower than are turned three times on a straight profiling line, North American mills, but is able to achieve to manipulate the size of the piece. Once you have comparable production. The raw material is achieved a 4-sided cant, there is usually a bit of plantation Sitka spruce. At the Ballygar site the fiber missing from the top side once the final turn is top end log diameters range from 4 to 14 inches, made. When the cant is then sawn horizontally into and are precut in the forest to lengths of 8, 10, 12, boards there is only the one top board that needs to 14 and 16 feet. All logs are pre-sorted to within be trimmed, and no edger is required.”

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 3 Turn, turn, and turn again on the way to the canter infeed. That scanned image the splitting saw module that makes the final cut The log line features three cant turners, three is sent to the cant optimizer computer to develop before boards exit to the mill’s second sorter. profiling modules and four scan zones. The scan data the solution. The two-sided cant is then fed into a Andre LaPierre, a senior PLC programmer at images and resulting optimizer solutions are relayed second chipper with a skewing infeed that creates a USNR, was lead controls programmer when the line from station to station successively down the line, four-sided cant. The four-sided cant is scanned and was initially installed. He commented, “It’s one of enabling just one operator to run the entire line from turned again before proceeding to double profilers. the largest log lines USNR has installed to date and logs to boards. (See diagram above.) The profiled cant makes its way to a guided saw is a hybrid design encompassing both European and Logs are initially scanned by 3D Smart TriCam Quad Arbor Saw Box to produce sideboards. The North American processing concepts.” Andre says, sensors then move through a quad roll log turner profiled sideboards exit to a sideboard dispatch table “A challenge with this project was the extremely where they are automatically rotated for optimum and transfer to one of the mill’s two existing sorters. short log gap; it ranges from 1 meter to 2.1 meters. recovery, and down a single length infeed to a The remaining center cant is turned a third time Not all logs can be fed with 1 meter gap because horizontal chipper, creating a two-sided cant. and flows through another profiler, a versa gang also this hybrid design offers the capability to change The two-sided cant is then scanned and turned with guided saws, and an outfeed module. The center the pattern on a single log basis. The larger gap 90 degrees by a ring turner and lands on a rollcase stack continues on with the option of being split at accommodates the time required to change the position of the cutting tools.” Ring turners are used at various stages in the line to rotate the cants 90 degrees. Shifting gears Andre was subsequently assigned to speed up the line which he accomplished in the course of one week in July 2010. He explains the process. “The first step was to use trends and graphs to verify that all the complex components were in good repair and functioning correctly. The ease of this process highlighted the good maintenance practices at this mill. Next, the scales and limits in the feed drives and main PLC were increased to allow for faster speeds. Lastly, I began the process of incrementally speeding up the machine and verifying that all the components remained functioning correctly. As the machine runs faster and faster it is doing things it has never done before, so it is necessary to just watch to make sure everything is still timed right.”

AR CONVEYOR SINGLE LENGTH INFEED CANTER CANT TURNER CANTER CANT TURNER PROFILER BOARD SEPARATOR CANT TURNER VERSA GANG BOARD SEPARATOR SPLITTER SAW DROP LANDING TABLE FLOW TUNNEL

SCANNER LOG TURNER SCANNER SCANNER SCANNER PROFILER SAWBOX PROFILER

4 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 This image depicts the log at each stage in the process; rotation, stations 1, 2 and 3.

Andre went on to explain that the complicating factor The line just runs, and runs, and runs.” is that it is a pattern-fed machine, so it is necessary When the line was commissioned, John Murray to see every pattern go through the machine to spoke very positively about the equipment’s verify it is running correctly. He noted the result. performance and USNR’s handling of the project. “We corrected some issues the mill had identified, “I absolutely recommend this system, and USNR, and increased the feed speed from 103 meters per to other mills. This USNR equipment is extremely minute (mpm) to 115 mpm. That’s more than a 10% strong and resilient. We get good accuracy, increase. At the end of my trip the system ran just throughput and recovery as well as efficient shy of 22 logs per minute.” manpower utilization.” He went on to explain, “We John Murray comments, “Andre LaPierre was key are incredibly satisfied with the USNR system. Other in accomplishing the increase in speed. Without vendors could not, in our view, offer a package that Andre it would not have been completed in a week would achieve all the benefits we get with USNR.“ Profiled sideboards exit to a sideboard dispatch table. and as successfully. His skills and attitude are a And after several years of operation John says he is credit to USNR.” still, “100% satisfied with both the equipment and level of support provided by USNR. “ 100% satisfaction Looking to the future John says, “We have When asked about his experience working with the invested heavily over the last number of years people at Murray Timber, Andre commented, “They’re which means that any future projects that we great sawmillers. They taught us a lot about European foresee would be in secondary and ancillary processing.” He went on to explain, “Two impressive production. We are always keeping in touch with things about this project was its scale and the ability technology improvements and new ways of doing to draw such a short log gap. Thirdly, these guys make things better.” it run with 98% uptime, and even more impressive is they count the time to change patterns as downtime. A single operator runs the entire line.

AR CONVEYOR SINGLE LENGTH INFEED CANTER CANT TURNER CANTER CANT TURNER PROFILER BOARD SEPARATOR CANT TURNER VERSA GANG BOARD SEPARATOR SPLITTER SAW DROP LANDING TABLE FLOW TUNNEL

SCANNER LOG TURNER SCANNER SCANNER SCANNER PROFILER SAWBOX PROFILER

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 5 MI_5-11_Complete-Facilities.pdf 1 4/22/2011 4:30:22 PM

C

M Complete wood processing facilities

Y

CM from a single supplier.

MY

CY  Lumber, Plywood, Panels  Largest product line in the world

CMY  Fingerjoint, GluLam, OSB, MDF  European & North American style systems

K

+ 1.360.225.8267 www.usnr.com [email protected]

Millwide. Worldwide. LHG: the choice of experts EXPERTS IN STRENGTH GRADING, AUSTRALIA’S WESPINE EMBRACES LHG’S VISION, GOES GRADERLESS

In the March 2009 Millwide Insider we told you chose to wait to implement the full vision scanning LHG’s vision module continues about the unique reciprocating primary breakdown package. “WESPINE had contemplated retrofitting its line at WESPINE Industries’ Dardanup facility, LHG system with laser vision from the outset. When to spell auto grading success. located near Bunbury, Western Australia. More we made the initial investment in 2005, laser vision recently WESPINE took its planer mill grading technology was in the early stages of deployment “Value recovery has increased system, the Lineal High Grader (LHG), to the next (beta-testing), so we decided to await the results evolutionary level installing vision scanning and of that evolutionary process. Also, computer notably – and this was the project updated software to fully automate its grading hardware presented a bit of a limitation at the time.” process. This allows it to extract a whole lot more As Richard further noted, rapid developments in target identified at the outset.” value from its timber resources and reduce the information technology and computing power has requirement for human intervention in the process. since progressed to accommodate more robust The bonus for WESPINE is in its bottom line, with processing of the vision data. increased throughput and value recovery numbers. In 2004-2005 WESPINE’s team looked at a For its customers the result is seamless; continued range of auto grading systems before selecting consistency in the appearance and strength of the the LHG. Schaffner explained some of the reasons HCLT machine, enabling the mill to take an product in its timber packs. behind their choice. The mill had been using HCLT incremental step forward. He said, “The LHG team technology for about 20 years for strength grading, was willing to work with WESPINE’s electronic The journey begins! but required four graders on each shift to grade systems people to integrate data from the HCLT WESPINE began its journey toward automated for knots. The team shipped some sample packs with the X-ray and laser profile data, and to grading in June 2005 when it implemented a of timber to USNR’s facility at Salmon Arm, BC accommodate all of this in the trim solution.” machine grading assist in the form of the LHG, Canada, for testing. “The X-ray system proved to Using Schaffner’s words, the implementation outfitted with laser profile and X-ray scanning be very reliable at detecting the presence of knots. of the LHG at WESPINE was, “evolution, not capability. At that time, vision scanning technology Trials on WESPINE wood run through the LHG revolution”. Working together, the two teams (mill and the ability to process and classify the data for showed that the system could be tuned to produce a and vendor) worked to gradually rely more and automated grading was still maturing. The company very reasonable estimate of the knots utilizing X-ray more on the LHG’s knot sizing capability as the opted to apply laser profile and X-ray technologies technology. The only system available on the market tuning process progressed. This played nicely into as an interim solution. This yielded the capability at the time employing X-ray was the LHG.” The team WESPINE’s comfort level. “This would not have to grade for geometric characteristics, to size knots also liked the modular design of the LHG in that it been possible by pulling out the old system and utilizing X-ray density data, and to interface to the would readily accept retrofits and upgrades as the totally replacing it. We never do ‘scorched earth’ mill’s existing HCLT strength evaluation system. technology progressed. projects on mission-critical systems like our main WESPINE’s Business Development Manager The LHG also offered the opportunity for planer mill line! Other suppliers were not willing to Richard Schaffner, explains why the company integration with WESPINE’s existing Metriguard partner with WESPINE in the way that we were able

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 7 to achieve on this project. This was a key decider for us.” Using X-ray alone for knot sizing and laser profile scanning for geometric measurements, the mill reduced the number of graders from four down to one. And since implementing and tuning the vision system, the need for human grading has been completely eliminated. He went on, “In 2006 and 2007, we did a number of trials in conjunction with the team at Salmon Arm, and by mid-2007 we were convinced of the merits of laser vision capability. Then came the global financial crisis with tightening of credit and uncertainty about markets and activity levels. With the passing of the worst of this in Australia through 2009, the time was right to go ahead with implementing laser vision, which is what we did in 2010.”

Effecting the change With a highly knowledgeable staff and a ‘can-do’ attitude, WESPINE extracts the utmost value from all of its equipment. It is WESPINE’s practice to carefully plan out its capital investments, weighing The technical teams from WESPINE and USNR worked closely during implementation of the LHG’s vision the pros and cons in great detail, but once the die upgrade. Pictured above and below are WESPINE’s Mark Stubbs (yellow hard hat), quality control supervisor, is cast it quickly takes ownership. The scope of and USNR’s Mark Allert (white hard hat), service technician and LHG specialist. the vision upgrade project included completely new computer hardware, the latest software version release (V6.07 at the time), four vision sensors for 4-sided scanning, and LED lighting. Key players in the retrofit were Electronic Systems Manager James Szabadics leading the WESPINE team, and USNR’s project manager Devon Sarauer working with the LHG engineering team. Preparation at the mill started a few weeks prior to the cutover. James Szabadics explains the process. “We analyzed the drawings and system upgrade components, and did a detailed inventory check of all the parts received.” This afforded an opportunity to ensure all parts were available on site before USNR’s Devon Sarauer arrived. The mill’s preparations also included the set-up of all computers in the computer room rack, installation of UPS systems and power cabling, and the installation of all additional fiber optic communications cables between the LHG frame and the computer rack. Mill technical personnel were also assigned to assist for the entire cutover process. James explained further, “The actual cutover procedure occurred in stages over three weeks to bring full vision processing online. During that time production rates were not affected. The planer subsystems onto our backup file server (BFS) to run data accurately before the final cutover. Once they mill continued to run at typical production levels in parallel to the X-ray and laser profile systems, were confident in the grade limits they had set through the entire process with changes introduced which were online on the network file server up for the expanded range of defects, full vision in stages during scheduled breaks. We began by (NFS) and continuing to make grade decisions grading was brought online in the NFS. moving the existing software version onto the for the mill. Running in parallel on the BFS we new computer hardware on the first weekend. By could add in additional defect types the system Proof positive the following mid-week we had moved to the new was previously incapable to grade, and gradually Schaffner explains the benefit WESPINE is version 6 software, utilizing X-ray and laser profile adjust vision grade parameters to suit the new achieving with this investment. “Prior to the vision scanning only, and still using our existing grading sizing capabilities.” The team examined run-by-run implementation the LHG system was not able to parameters (based on geometric measurements with comparisons between the online system versus detect and classify resin pockets and streaks, or splits X-ray knot sizing).” the BFS system to gain assurance that the new and checks. A single grader had only one option when James went on, “Next we introduced the vision technologies were collecting and classifying the dealing with center faults of this type – downgrade the

8 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 piece in its full length. This typically affected between etc.) performed concurrently. Value recovery has What’s next for WESPINE? 5 and 7% of pieces, and was resulting in significant increased notably – and this was the project target When asked if WESPINE had contemplated another loss of value. The upgrade to the LHG incorporating identified at the outset.” upgrade to the LHG to incorporate its strength laser vision has enabled automatic detection and James Szabadics also weighed in on the evaluation module (E-Valuator), Richard said, “We classification of these defects, and value recovery has technical side. “The version 6 software has proven have considered this. We intend spending a deal of improved significantly.” to be even more stable than the previous one. We effort researching the effectiveness of the strength He continued, “A further benefit accruing to have resolved a few minor bugs in the upgrade grading capability compared with what we are doing WESPINE has been a significant improvement in relating to optimizer no-decisions, and have a much now with interfacing to the HCLT. This will be a very knot sizing and positioning accuracy. These issues more comprehensive reporting capability covering interesting project.” He estimates that will likely were previously handled by X-ray alone. Laser vision detailed no-decision reasons. This enables us to occur in the next year or so, and the mill will also has improved the situation to around 1 mm accuracy more easily identify and resolve issues to minimize be focusing attention on its sawmill systems to on knot dimensions, and has enabled a reduction the number of boards in our error bin, and has improve throughput and recovery. in conservatism in grade boundaries resulting in a reduced the number of boards needing to be rerun.” further increase in grade recoveries.” Choosing partners He went on to explain that within two to three Shadowing the specialists Schaffner made these final comments, about weeks of commissioning, and even before tuning While already very technically adept, WESPINE’s WESPINE’s policies, practices and selection of of all grading parameters was complete, WESPINE technical personnel maintained a continuous partners. “We take our obligation to comply with started to realize significant improvements in presence with the USNR technical team onsite the Australian grading standards very seriously, and grade and value recovery. “Now eight months after throughout the project and commissioning to learn believe that a cautious and thorough approach to start-up of the new system, tuning has progressed as much as possible about the new system. Key changing our grading technology is justified. Our well and grade recoveries have stabilized, with the mill QC and electrical maintenance personnel were customers have grown used to WESPINE’s product company realizing close to 4% improvement in trained while working closely with the USNR team quality and it would reflect negatively in the market value recovery in the planer mill. This represents a throughout the startup. This facilitated them taking if the quality was to suddenly drop. Our log resource huge step forward.” He also said that the equipment responsibility for the system’s operation before the has a different character to many others in that it has performed well since start-up, it appears stable USNR team left site. has a high frequency of big knots, and we therefore in operation, and the mill’s QC staff have adapted For ongoing support, USNR provides assistance need to be sure that we are reliably identifying the quickly to the new capabilities. via VPN and telephone, and e-mail. Schaffner ones that cause us problems. We have managed our Richard also noted, “Interestingly, recovery of explained, “Most issues are resolved very quickly. transition to graderless operation on our planer mill higher-grade material has increased, and in the The only time we have had an issue being on the line with no market disruption due to quality at all. process trim loss has increased a little also! This opposite side of the globe was fairly early on when We could not have achieved these things without the is logical in that poor-quality material is rejected we had to roll back to X-ray grading size limits benefit of the strong working relationship that we in favor of recovering higher-value material. for a week waiting for a spare vision sensor to be have developed with the USNR team.” WESPINE has realized an increase in its processing shipped. Make sure you order your spares when you rate as a result of the overall upgrade. Some of order your system is my advice, and the one thing I this is probably due to the LHG upgrade, but we would do differently!” think that the lion’s share arises from other work (eg: shorts handling, stack-out modifications,

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 9 MI_02-11_Planer-Mill-Grading-4.pdf 1 4/22/2011 4:24:37 PM PLANER GRADING Transverse or Lineal. The most advanced grading systems, in any direction.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY CMY THG’s flat transport easily installs in your mill LHG is the most accurate grading system available K  Laser profile, color vision, GrainMap™, DataFusion™  Laser profile, vision, X-Ray, GrainMap™, DataFusion™  Single sensor design  The only system with MSR/MEL grading capability  Unique angled four-sided scanning  Works with any planer at any speed  No elevation changes or hills to climb  Easily installs behind existing planer  Graderless operation  Graderless operation

800.buy.usnr www.usnr.com [email protected]

LHG platform in transverse package Industry’s most accurate grading system Everything you need in a single sensor Best defect detection with DataFusion™

Millwide. Worldwide. MI_02-11_Planer-Mill-Grading-4.pdf 1 4/22/2011 4:24:37 PM PLANER GRADING Transverse or Lineal. Growing The most advanced grading systems, in any direction. Great Products

Recently USNR has announced a host of new products and enhancements that are improving the process of transforming raw wood fiber into valuable products that are meeting the demand for high C quality, sustainable materials. In many cases we’ve

M partnered with our customers to evolve the process,

Y developing better solutions that are more efficient and economically attractive. At the same time we’re CM extracting higher recovery in both volume and value, MY and our customers are taking advantage of these

CY efforts and improving their fortunes along the way. Following is a brief recap of the latest developments. CMY THG’s flat transport easily installs in your mill LHG is the most accurate grading system available K  Laser profile, color vision, GrainMap™, DataFusion™  Laser profile, vision, X-Ray, GrainMap™, DataFusion™ New Products Boost Recovery And Reduce Operating Costs  Single sensor design  The only system with MSR/MEL grading capability  Unique angled four-sided scanning  Works with any planer at any speed Our recent new products in scanning and Lumber handling innovations include the fastest optimization include a new family of transverse board dealer ever – the Gatling, and a new high  No elevation changes or hills to climb  Easily installs behind existing planer sensors for both green and dry applications. USNR’s speed, precision positioning device at the trimmer  Graderless operation  Graderless operation BioLuma sensors are making waves with several called the Multi-Track Fence. new installations and increasing interest. Our The Coe line for plywood and panel processing BioVision sawmill grade scanner utilizes vision is making news with a new software release for capability from the BioLuma sensors, and combines its BlockPLUS lathe charger scanner, resulting in it with laser profile measurements and optional grain better recovery and throughput. Coe dryers have 800.buy.usnr www.usnr.com [email protected] angle mapping technology for the utmost in green some of the best design features available, while grading capability. Also in the sawmill, USNR has the proprietary jet tubes used in the dryers are released its Precision Geometric Log Rotation proven to improve drying efficiency and produce (PGLR) scanning system that ensures optimal log better quality veneer. turning for enhanced recovery and value. Our Lineal USNR’s latest disc chipper in its biomass line High Grader (LHG) and Transverse High Grader is equipped with new features to improve safety and (THG) offer the industry’s best dry mill auto grading longevity, while also improving chip quality. systems backed by proven technology. Process controls has kept pace with advanced LHG platform in transverse package Industry’s most accurate grading system Everything you need in a single sensor Best defect detection with DataFusion™ features, customized functionality, and seemingly infinite possibilities. MillTrak takes vision technology in a new direction for monitoring material flow, while WinTally works in cooperation with automated grade scanning to customize and refine lumber sorts and packs. Millwide. Worldwide. ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 11 SCANNING AND OPTIMIZATION

BioLuma transverse sensors USNR’s recently released family of BioLuma systems to the marketplace. With increasing sales ►►GrainMap™ laser grain angle mapping transverse sensors is stocked with today’s best activity and interest since their full release only a few ►►Sharp HD color images to 0.01” / 0.25 mm innovations to overcome tough challenges. The high months ago, these sensors promise a revolution in resolution density, extra-high resolution, precise measurement the way the industry processes wood fiber. ►►Ultra-accurate laser profile measurements every accuracy, and lightning fast scan rates these 0.3” / 8 mm products offer are not just buzz words. These are Applications: ►►2500 Hz - fastest scan rate some of the key features that will sustain your ►►BioLuma 2900L High speed HD laser profiling for process through the next market evolution. applications that don’t require grade classification. A great deal of time, effort, research and logic ►►BioLuma 2900LV Grade classification with has gone into the development of these proprietary integrated HD color vision and HD laser profiling. sensors to offer smarter, simpler and better scanning ►►BioLuma 2900V Add grade classification to NEW existing transverse scanning systems with HD color vision. ►►BioLuma 2900LVG Advanced sawmill grade scanning with integrated GrainMap, HD color vision and HD laser profiling. ►►BioLuma 2900LVG+ Advanced transverse planer mill grade scanning with integrated GrainMap, XHD color vision and HD laser profiling.

BioVisionTM improves grade in the As a bolt-on upgrade, BioVision combines color sawmill: new install or bolt-on upgrade vision with your current transverse geometric ►►Maximize volume for lower grade flitches scanning system to maximize the grade and value ►►Maximize value by cutting around defects to of every board. The BioVision scanner provides produce clearer, higher grade products information on visual defects such as knots and ►►Smart reman decisions based on defects and splits. Cut decisions are made based on configured geometric shape wane and grade allowances. This technology can be ►►Fiber classification based on grade (combined implemented with a bolt-on upgrade, or through a vision and geometric data) versus geometry only comprehensive new installation. ►►Confidence algorithms compare solutions with and Vision scanning is achieved with the BioLuma without grade input 2900V sensor in a bolt-on configuration, or with the BioLuma 2900LV or LVG sensor in a new scan frame.

NEW Lineal High Grader (LHG): advanced features mimic human grading ►►Marginal grade logic, per board ►►Hi/low grade, per pack ►►Split/shake merging, per grade ►►Interface with external moisture meter

Whether your target is to reduce labor costs, control below grade, reduce above grade in your packs, or target new markets by expanding your product line, USNR’s LHG offers the performance to let you hit your mark. USNR recently launched LHG’s latest software release, V6.1 with new features that more closely mimic human grading capability. While the LHG is very adept in establishing high value products, and making sure boards and packs meet the grade rule allowances, it can result in boards in a pack or grade classification not meeting the appearance expectations of the end user. These latest features The BioVision installation on this transverse edger system combines the new BioLuma 2900V vision sensors expand the mills’ flexibility for managing their in a bolt-on configuration. grading process.

12 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 USNR’s Transverse High Grader is in the final stages of outfitting NEW prior to shipping to site.

THG achieves full 4-face scanning with only 2 rows of sensors.

Transverse High Grader (THG) offers USNR’s recently released Transverse High Grader for advanced defect detection and classification. similar grading capabilities to LHG, but uses the proven technology from our LHG and THG is outfitted with USNR’s most sophisticated in a transverse package combines it with our latest extra-high resolution and powerful sensor, the BioLuma 2900LVG+. ►►Full 4-face scanning with only 2 rows of sensors BioLuma 2900LVG+ sensor, creating a system that is Off-axis, bright, white and cool LED lighting ►►Computer system utilizes proven LHG software to smarter, simpler and better than any other transverse illuminates the finest board details for ultra-precise process the data and optimize the solutions system available today. vision imaging. And with a high speed, flat lumber ►►BioLuma 2900LVG+ sensors: USNR’s latest THG’s unique configuration features full 4-face transport system, THG is unmatched in transverse ►►LED lighting modules for top, bottom and off-axis scanning using only 2 rows of sensors. It takes grade scanning capability. illumination of boards for vision scanning advantage of all the processing attributes that LHG ►►High speed lumber transport system has tested and proven in the global marketplace

Precision Geometric Log Rotation ensures the best turn on every log USNR’s precision geometric log rotation is a NEW real-time rotation verification and correction system that ensures you get the best turn on every log, significantly improving cutting accuracy and increasing uplift and recovery. Precision Geometric Log Rotation This new log rotation verification system works scans and corrects the log’s on dual, quad roll or donut log turners, enabling rotation while it is being turned. you to convert a manual system to a semi-automatic system or a semi-automatic system to a fully automated precision log turning system. It uses the same standard TriCam scan zone that the MillExpert log turner uses, situated upstream or downstream of the turning rolls to actively monitor and correct positioning during and after the turn. The precision geometric log rotation system simultaneously verifies the accuracy of your autorotation system and automatically makes any adds profit to your bottom line in the form of higher necessary correction turns, ensuring you get the recovery and increased production of more boards, best turn on every log. longer boards and more wane-free boards, all with This simple solution to an often hidden problem no extra mechanical hardware!

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 13 PROCESS CONTROLS

Customized controls innovations USNR delivers some of the most unique, customized solutions to our customers. With our integrated human-machine interface (HMI) and PLC, a central server allows each client computer to seamlessly switch between any of the machine centers on the mill floor. This allows easy software changes, and viewing production from any mill floor computer or the mill manager’s office. This powerful networking configuration is available for multi-system installations, and puts decision-making back in the hands of mill management. With smart consoles the panel display shows the status of all the drives that are controlled from that console. If a drive is in an alarm state the display shows the cause of the problem, making it bins are dumped automatically as they fill. This the operator clicks on a package, the system easier to correct. eliminates the need for a bin chaser. displays the load number, package description, Auto bin dumping frees up the stacker operator A package tracking screen (pictured above) number of pieces and their length, and where the to queue up specific bins to dump in a specific allows packaging operators to view details about package is in the flow. These are only a few of the order, or set up full automatic mode whereby each package and see where it is in the flow. When recent controls innovations USNR offers.

NEW WinTally V7.0 offers enhanced tally features and integration with LHG ►►Better integration with LHG: more product control to enhance product mixing; route certain boards to a bin and save board images for diagnostics ►►Sorting logic is improved ►►New hardware configuration minimizes downtime ►►Throttle boards to a bin; eg. direct 3 out of the next 4 boards to a specific bin

WinTally is USNR’s advanced solution for sorter management in the sawmill and planer mill. WinTally provides a user-friendly interface for setting up sorts and managing bins, configuring alarms and infomaster messages. New in V7.0 is a new backup configuraton with a separate harddrive from the one operating the WinTally system. In the event of a failure in the MillTrak outperforms conventional photo eyes and system harddrive, the backup is available with all of limit switches to monitor material flow. the data and can be used to temporarily operate the system. Downtime is nearly eliminated. MillTrak controls material flow with The MillTrak systems out-perform conventional photo WinTally integration with the LHG is better vision technology eyes and proximity sensors. Cost effective and easy than ever, with more product control to enhance ►►Cost effective and simple to install to install, MillTrak eliminates the expense of dozens product mixing. Products are automatically turned ►►Smooth operation with less operator intervention of photo eyes while optimizing material flow and off at the LHG when the sorter mixes have been ►►Maximizes efficiency minimizing maintenance. achieved. With built in board logging from the LHG, Recommended applications for the 2D system parameters can be set up to automatically save the USNR’s MillTrak 2D and 3D are vision based include planer infeed backlog, stacker layer board images and direct those boards to a specific material flow management systems that maximize sequencing, edger unscrambler feeding a lug chain, bin for later diagnostics. the efficiency of material conveyance through your trimmer board feeder backlog, cant hook deck mill during processing. Mounted above the transfer, sequencing, adaptive hook timing, and more. the 2D system recognizes the presence or absence of lumber as well as its width, length, and skew. The 3D system measures the diameter and length of logs.

14 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 lumber handling NEW

Gatling board feeder is too fast for human intervention ►►Designed for single-size board applications, such as planer mills, with lengths from stud to 24’-0” ►►Simple, reliable, low maintenance ►►Ultra-fast, operator-free lug loading ►►Competitive pricing

Our Gatling Feeder is indeed the fastest board feeder ever, consistently clocked at 320 lugs per minute during testing. This new patent-pending board feeder is designed for high speed stud mills, or many single-size batch board feeding applications. It’s design is simple, cost-effective, and with speeds like 320 lpm it is simply too fast for an operator! With today’s advancements in high speed fencing, sorting and stacking, the bottleneck in many operations becomes the board feeder. The Gatling Feeder alleviates that problem, allowing mills to streamline their flow and significantly improve throughput while reducing the operator component.

Multi-Track Fence is a proven winner NEW ►►Available in 12” (30.5 cm) and 24” (61 cm) board positioning solution accommodates very high setbacks; push or pull back configurations speeds with precise positioning to 0.1” (0.25 cm) ►►Fence bumper accuracy +/- 0.1” (0.25 cm) accuracy. It is designed for retrofit into existing ►►Speeds to 200 lpm on dimension applications 3-stage trimmer fence locations for sawmills or ►►Electric design; no air or hydraulics planer mills.

This new fence design is garnering much demand in the marketplace, with 24 sold since the product’s launch less than a year ago. This cost-effective

Multi-Track Fence in action at an early installation.

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 15 VENEER AND PANEL PROCESSING

BlockPLUS™ lathe charger optimizer; new software improves performance ►►Improved auto retract and flared butt logic increases throughput ►►Optimized block centering, precise measurements Green cross section line passes through recess. result in full ribbon veneer at optimal diameter ►►Block measurement with 500,000 data points

The BlockPLUS lathe charger optimizer delivers the most precise scan in the industry, providing Interior view of Recess detail customers with the greatest opportunity for recovery patchable recess. and throughput available. With BlockPLUS, four sensors collect data along the full length of the spinning block, using close to 500,000 data points to measure and create a model of the block, and generate an optimized solution for peeling. Competitive systems tout 36,000 data points. BlockPLUS is proven to achieve greater recovery and reduce peeling cycle time, in turn improving overall throughput. A recent software update The second generation BlockPLUS scanning and surface. This degree of resolution is essential for enhances the system’s performance, garnering even optimization system offers advanced functionality, recess filtering as the size of the resulting veneer greater value. Several customers have praised the beyond solving for the largest cylinder within a voids must be accurately determined to match improvement with BlockPLUS, noting that peeling block envelope, which has proven to significantly veneer grade and patch specifications. starts during the first revolution and there are no increase recovery. BlockPLUS accurately models all surface spinouts from insufficient retract. cross-section features and uses this new level of ►►Highest-density scanning of entire block surface information detail to accurately identify the presence Increasing recovery with recess filtering ►►Recess filtering and the ability to differentiate of fishtail and strip outside the optimum cylinder. As log diameters decrease it becomes important salvageable veneer from roundup trash The 3D BlockPLUS image below left illustrates to increase recovery from the outer surface of the ►►Ability to set knife entry point to yield the the surface of a block as a shell viewed from the block as it represents a larger percentage of the total maximum amount of strip inside. For reference, the blue rod is the axis of recoverable veneer. Since logs are irregularly shaped, ►►Precision timing of clipping trashgate to yield rotation for scan and the red rod is centerline of there can be useable fishtail and strip veneer outside first salvageable veneer from each block the optimum cylinder that is also red. The recesses of the largest cylinder. But until now, it has not been filtered or “filled” can be seen as intrusions into possible to accurately identify and efficiently recover One of the key BlockPLUS advancements bringing the red optimum cylinder. BlockPLUS positions the this veneer. new options to veneer production strategy is block to recover veneer with the largest plant- recess or hole filtering. acceptable voids, thus expanding the optimum Traditionally, solving the optimum cylinder recovery solution beyond the largest available meant mathematically expanding the diameter of a cylinder barrier. This represents an opportunity to cylinder within the scan data while simultaneously increase yield and recovery. moving the center of the cylinder away from High-density scanning, robust computer constraining data points until the maximum modeling and advanced control systems make cylinder diameter is reached. This solution method BlockPLUS uniquely suited to effectively capture works well for all blocks with a consistently profit-enhancing secondary recovery. smooth surface.

Real Blocks Have Recesses Surface recesses have many causes such as growth anomalies, debarker gouges, cat eye, etc. Frequently the recesses are small and the value of veneer produced can be significantly increased by allowing the optimum cylinder to grow beyond the constraining data points, mathematically “filling” recesses to a predetermined limit. Advances in laser scanning technology enable the BlockPLUS system to provide the solution computer with about 500,000 radius measurements, virtually a 3D image of the block

16 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 Coe dryer system installed at Thompson River Veneer Products in Kamloops, BC Canada.

Veneer Dryer’s superior design yields a smaller overall size of the dryer, reducing the real tubes for easy cleanout and handling. The stainless efficient drying, better quality veneer estate and energy costs. steel construction ensures durability. Maximum USNR (formerly Coe) veneer dryers consistently Energy efficiency is achieved with automatic exhaust thermal efficiency is achieved through refined produce high quality veneer with a uniform moisture controls that result in a more uniform application of insulation system design. content and aesthetic appearance that is supple enough thermal mass flow, a lower thermal energy requirement One of the most important aspects of the veneer to minimize damage during the stacking process. With and reduced volume of dryer exhaust. drying process is jet tubes. The heat, speed, even- the world’s best heat distribution and diffusion system, ►►Maximizes humidity ratio within the dryer distribution, and controllability of the jet tubes’ we can better control the thermal air mass in the dryer ►►Maximizes productivity per unit of dryer length “impinging” air flow defines the efficiency of the drying and increase the production of quality veneer in a cost ►►Minimizes oxygen within the dryer for the best process and the quality of the veneer that is produced. effective and environmentally friendly manner. veneer color Our jet tubes have been produced and refined for As the cost of energy continues to increase, USNR ►►Eliminates in-plant dryer fugitives over 40 years, the result of thousands of laboratory veneer dryers are becoming more energy efficient. By ►►Eliminates cooler discharge fugitives hours of research and development. The latest jet tube using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations ►►Minimizes exhaust volume per unit of production design is based on the strict management and sealing to evaluate the thermal flow in our jet veneer dryers, ►►Provides superior thermal efficiency per unit of of the airflow that goes into the nozzle, and a very well our engineers have been able to refine the design and production tested and researched hole configuration that not only optimize the drying process. ►►Provides a single enhaust discharge point for ease in speeds up the airflow but ensures a truly perpendicular CFD allows us to better control the thermal air mass piping to further processors impingement of the heated airflow onto the top and in the dryer, increasing production of quality veneer in bottom surfaces of the veneer. Customers have reported a cost effective and enfironmentally friendly manner. Veneer dryer plenums have been redesigned for significant improvement in all cases where older jet Subsequent design refinements have also resulted in maximum airflow, strength and safe access to jet tubes were replaced with this new jet tube technology.

CFD air velocity vectors are modeled around the dryer fans.

Air velocities modeled in a cross section of the dryer show dramatic changes near the fan and uniformity in the drying chamber.

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 17 Sign up today! Millwide THE MAGAZINE FROM USNR | ISSUE 1 - 2011 Complimentary Subscription INSIDER

Name

GOOD ROTATIONS

Title New primary lines at Carrier LumberOUTSIDE yield better THE rotation, CYLINDER recovery

BlockPLUS enhances performance at Rainier Veneer

Company Ramping up for a market turnaround WEST FRASER MOVES TO VISION ON LHG

Mailing Address

City State/Prov.

Country Zip/Post code Please (continue to) send me the Millwide Insider magazine by USNR.

Tel. Fax Date

E-mail Signature

Fax to 250.804.4028 or mail to Colleen Schonheiter, USNR, PO Box 8, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2. To unsubscribe, or to subscribe by e-mail, please send your request to [email protected].  BIOMASS Wastewood Chippers Rising Steel Prices: USNR has been manufacturing disc chippers for decades, and recent enhancements have made a great design even better. The latest disc chipper is equipped with a kick-out good and bad anvil system that complies with stringent mill safety standards. Should a piece of metal enter the chipper, the anvil will kick-out rather than break. The chipper also features a new fixed bearing design that reduces “end float”, helping maintain the required knife-to-anvil clearances to improve chip quality and also the longevity of the chipper. Mills are also very pleased with the quality of the chips; better quality chips produce better quality paper.

Steel prices impact lumber producers and as steel continues to grow more expensive, lumber Top executives and industry analysts have predicted a becomes an even better value. dramatic rise in steel prices by up to 66% by the end of The unfortunate bad news is that for companies like 2011. Just in the past two months, the price of basic steel USNR that manufacture equipment, spare parts and other has risen 33%, after big rises in iron ore and coking coal. machine components made of steel, they are feeling the What does it mean for wood products manufacturers? rise in material costs. This is inevitably reflected in higher The good news is steel framed construction is prices for equipment and spare parts. becoming more expensive compared to lumber as a building material. Lumber based construction becomes a more competitive option when competing against steel,

18 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 MI_USNR-Coe-Eng Wood_May-11.pdf 1 4/22/2011 3:50:37 PM VENEER & PANELS

Complete processing solutions Grading moves upstream. from a single supplier.

• Veneer, Plywood • OSB, MDF, Engineered Wood • Optimized Lathe Chargers • Veneer Dryers • Lay Up Lines C • Press Lines

M • Billet Stackers and Unstackers Y

CM • Rip Gangs and Bundle Cut-off Saws

MY • Panel Saws

CY We know today’s mill managers need CMY suppliers that understand their mills from end K to end – the complete process of converting raw material into finished products. That’s why choosing USNR for your next project is your best decision. Millwide. Worldwide.

800.buy.usnr 800.buy.usnrwww.usnr.com [email protected] [email protected]

KnuckleLathe Turner Systems Infeed LayVee-Chipper Up Lines MillExpertLVL Stackers Optimizer Vertical ShapePresses Saw

HALL 27 STAND C63 The modern face of hardwood edging

Hardwood sawmilling is a forte USNR is excessively USNR is the clear leader for optimized hardwood You can also easily add visual defect recognition familiar with, having over 100 years of experience in applications. Our MillExpert hardwood edger capability to your existing scanning system through machinery design and over 25 years in optimization optimizer systems are designed with your hardwood a bolt-on upgrade, or installation of a new scan solutions geared to hardwood processing. USNR still products in mind. frame. In either configuration, USNR’s BioVision holds patents that were used in the original hardwood ►►Wane-free clear cutting evaluations system does exactly that, and adds even more value optimization algorithms. We’ve since learned to ►►Considers true random or fixed widths, or to your cuttings analysis and your edging process. ‘speak the language’ of hardwood fluently, adding combinations the complex rules and parameters required to fully ►►Independent wane controls for each edge Hardwood Edgers optimize hardwood carriage, trimmer and edger ►►NHLA cuttings set-up allows for close adherence Reliable simplicity in operation and maintenance, solutions. This capability has been integrated into to grade rules and deadly accurate product processing are our MillExpert optimization platform, and is being ►►Largest, most experienced support staff in the industry attributes of USNR’s hardwood edger designs. USNR used extensively by our many hardwood customers. offers two sawbox designs that meet the simplicity USNR’s hardwood edger machines are simple and Our MillExpert hardwood edger optimizers can and flexibility that hardwood processors require. cost effective, offering the flexible sizing required be applied as new systems, or as upgrades from for processing a wide range of hardwood products. other platforms such as Inovec, Newnes or USNR ►►No flitch positioning required optimizers. They are compatible with most scanning ►►Belt feeding; no chain marking MillExpert: Edging for profit devices including M6, V6, B800, and more. These ►►Flexible designs; cost effective, easy to maintain The MillExpert hardwood edger optimizer has optimizers combine dense 3D scan data with the ►►Sizable saw configurations emerged as the preferred choice among hardwood power of today’s high speed computers and the most ►►Standard infeed; flexible outfeed configurations sawmillers with features such as wane-free clear experienced staff in the industry. You get the greatest ►►Hydraulic or electric actuation cutting evaluations, user-defined cutting unit sizes, value from every board you edge! ►►Works with any scanning / optimization package the ability to consider true random or fixed widths ►►Improves lumber value and recovery or a combination, and independent wane controls for each edge.

The critical difference Single computer optimization, commercial grade components, point-n-click setup, and the ability to interface with virtually every laser sensor available are hallmarks of all MillExpert optimization systems – but that’s only half the story. To maximize this powerful tool and recover the highest value from every flitch is where experience counts. USNR has more hardwood edger optimizer systems than all others, combined! Since its 2006 acquisition of Inovec, USNR has leveraged this extensive hardwood knowledge base with its own significant resources to create a team of hardwood focused support personnel with a deep appreciation for long term customer service.

20 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 Shifting carriage edger design ► The cost-effective design of the shifting carriage edger may be simple, yet it meets all the criteria our customers require for processing the widest range of hardwood products. Non-guided (collared) saws are mounted on motors, on moving carriages that shift back and forth as the flitch is being fed. At the same time the sawbox pivots, offering up to 10° of skew Shifting: angle. With so much flexibility in saw positioning The sawbox pivots while and scalable sizing (2 to 4 saws), a wide range the saws move back of hardwood products can be processed with the and forth, mounted on shifting carriage edger. the motors, on moving The simplicity and functionality of this design carriages. also makes maintenance a breeze. The sawbox outfeed slides back for easy saw changes. And with no arbors, no lube system, no water cooling required, this unit is very simple and cost effective to operate and maintain.

►►Accommodates up to 10° skew angle ►►Scalable sizing: 2 to 4 saws ►►Product sizes: 4/4 to 8/4 The sawbox outfeed slides back ►►Maximum flitch width: 48” for easy access for saw changes ►►Flitch length: 4’ to 16’ and maintenance. ►►Minimum product width: 2-1/2” ►►Product thickness: 1/2” to 4” ►►Standard saw deviation 0.025” ►►Average speed 20 pieces/min. ►►Hydraulic or electric actuation ◄ Pivoting edger design ►►Sawbox outfeed slides back for easy access The pivoting edger sawbox positions the saws for ►►No arbors, lube system or water cooling required processing with a combination of pivoting sawbox and shifting saw action. It is applicable to both softwood and hardwood applications. This edger is offered with a choice of either Pivoting: collared or guided saws. With collared saws a The saws can shift along the arbor while the sawbox shifting fork slides the saws back and forth on a pivots, thus no flitch positioning is required. keyed arbor; with guided saws the guides and saws slide along a splined arbor. At the same time the sawbox pivots on a virtual pivot point (no pivot pin) via curved profile rails that are mounted externally allowing easy access for debris removal and maintenance, and longer wear life. This design can be sized from two to five saws. Softwoods are processed at up to 1,200 feet per minute (fpm), averaging 40 to 45 pieces per minute (ppm). With hardwoods, processing speeds are in the range of 400 fpm, averaging 12 to 14 ppm. When processing softwoods at higher speeds, the skew angle can range from 3-5°; with hardwoods at slower speeds the skew angle ranges from 5-7°.

►►Feed speeds to 1,200 fpm (softwoods), and 400 fpm (hardwoods) ►►Piece counts to 45 ppm (softwoods) and 14 ppm The sawbox pivots (up to 7° (hardwoods) angle) via curved slideways that ►►Up to 7° skew angle, depending on processing speed are mounted externally to allow ►►Sizeable from 2 to 5 saws easy access for maintenance. For more information, please contact us at +800.BUY.USNR or [email protected].

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 21 Edger/Trimmer upgrades: bang for your buck!

You may be facing a dilemma when trying to decide ►►Dramatically faster solution times, 100,000+ But there are many myths about upgrading that may if a replacement or a retrofit to your edger or permutations per piece leave you guessing. We believe M6 is still a very trimmer scanning and optimization system is the ►►Overall better edger and trimmer solutions viable sensor, worthy of upgrading versus replacing. better choice. How do you achieve the greatest return ►►ALL the features of a new MillExpert optimizer, Here are some of the myths you may have heard, along on your investment? and lumber that’s better centered for less wane with our explanation for why we believe this could be USNR has developed a solution that has proven to ►►Better diagnostics for troubleshooting, off-line the best bang for your buck. be a good choice for some mills with an existing M6 simulation for ‘what if’ analysis scanning system. Our upgrade involves replacing ►►Total product control; product-by-product, grade- Myth #1: M6 is obsolete your outdated optimization system with USNR’s by-grade parameters It’s true the interface computer and interface cards MillExpert platform. You get a 100% completely new ►►New optimization hardware: only sensors, cables are unsupportable, but those are components that system – the only components that are reused are and frame retained will be replaced with USNR’s upgrade. USNR is the M6 sensors, the scan frame and cabling. You ►►Modern, familiar Windows-based software, committed to repairing and refurbishing M6 sensors achieve 80% of the benefits for about 1/3 the cost of commercial grade computers for many years to come. Contact only USNR or replacing your scanning system. ►►SERVICE - 24/7! The largest, most experienced the authorized repair center to receive factory support staff in the industry certified M6 sensor repairs.

Myth #2: M6 sensors inferior to replacement B800s M6 sensors have 4” scan density, B800’s have 3”. A Forintek study suggests no measureable benefits going from 4” to 3” density. With USNR’s MillExpert interface, calibration and imaging software results are often superior to others. The scan frame pictured at left has been upgraded to add USNR’s visual grading capability – BioVision – for sawmill edgers and trimmers. It uses existing M6 sensors for laser profiling. Would USNR combine its recently released BioVision product with an inferior sensor? No way!

Myth #3: M6 repair/replacement not as good as originals Myth #3 is not true by a long shot. USNR only provides fully refurbished M6 sensors, with warranty. When you call 1-800-BUY-USNR you always get factory authorized replacement sensors.

22 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 Satisfied customer: H.G. Toler & Sons Recently, John Grigsby of the H.G. Toler mill at Leola, Arkansas upgraded the mill’s 1995 HiTech trimmer optimization system to MillExpert. He is more than happy with the retrofit and has recommended it to several others he’s spoken to. “It’s doing exactly what we expected. It’s a good solid system.” He went on to explain that originally he thought the only option he had was to replace the entire system, including the scanner. “We didn’t want to have to invest in new sensors, new scan frame and everything that’s associated with it. Since we were able to upgrade and reuse our scan frame and our sensors, it made it very feasible and a whole lot quicker payback on the investment.” John went on to say, “We’re trimming better, and If it doesn’t have this sticker, it isn’t factory authorized. we’re trimming smarter. The lumber coming out of the mill is better quality than what we were getting before. We’re getting so much more information off Myth #4: If I’m replacing the optimizer, whole system. He ultimately chose to upgrade to of those laser heads, and we’re also getting better I might as well replace the scanner too MillExpert, retaining his M6 scanning system. He length and width detection.” Myth #4 might be true IF it will significantly doesn’t regret his choice. “The MillExpert platform In the near future he plans to install USNR’s improve your scan density (eg. 4” to 1”). But be does a great job for us, it gives us tighter WinTally sorter management system to interface sure to factor in all the equipment changeouts and control of wane on the boards, and also gives with the MillExpert trimmer optimizer. He is also associated downtime. The bottom line is that you us alternative options on how we edge lumber. analyzing the benefit to adding BioVision grade have an excellent scanning system connected to an It gives us alternatives our previous system scanning capability on the trimmer. obsolete interface and ancient optimization software. couldn’t offer.” The H.G. Toler mill installed a BioVision system We can upgrade the system to a fully modern When asked about his satisfaction with the on its edger about a year ago. That system uses optimization system that only retains the sensors support he has received from USNR, Thomas BioLuma 2900V sensors that are mounted on the and scan frame. An M6 upgrade to MillExpert reports, “We’re very satisfied. Whenever we’ve had outside of the scan frame to add vision scanning optimization typically only takes a long weekend. any issues USNR has always helped us get back on capability. BioVision can be added to an edger or You could get 80% benefit of a new system for 1/3 track as quickly as possible.” He also recommends trimmer scan frame in this fashion, or by changing the cost! this upgrade to other sawmillers. out the scan frame for a new one that would house Planning for longer term on his edger system, the new BioLuma 2900LV or LVG sensors (see Myth #5: Everyone who has M6 Thomas says he, “Would love to install a vision page 12 for more information on these sensors). sensors is getting rid of them system for grading hardwood, once USNR has Whichever route John chooses to go with his Myth #5 is not true! Thirteen (13) mills have already expanded its BioVision product to the hardwood trimmer system, his MillExpert optimization system taken advantage of this cost-effective upgrade path. market.” Thomas is well positioned to take is ready for the next step. They intend to upgrade their scanning to 0.5” or advantage of that capability once technology for better at a later date, but until then they are doing hardwood catches up. a lot better job of edging and trimming with the MillExpert edger optimizer solution. equipment they have today. They are not worried about support because they know USNR stands behind what it sells.

We’ve shown you why these myths are just that – myths! Don’t throw away what is still a valuable asset. Contact USNR to join the satisfied customers who have taken advantage of the value that still remains in their M6 sensors.

Satisfied customer: Battle Lumber A couple of years ago, Thomas Battle of Battle Lumber, Wadley, Georgia was pondering the best choice for his hardwood edger system. His current Inovec Wanemaster optimization system was about 16 years old. He knew he needed to make a decision about improving the yield he was getting, but didn’t want to spend the money at the time to replace the

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 23 Know what you’re buying! In difficult times some suppliers may try to sell you a cheap alternative and label it an ‘upgrade’. But remember the old adage - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! When USNR upgrades your M6 system, the entire optimization system is replaced. Everything is new! The only components that are reused are the M6 sensors, the scan frame and cabling. Your system will be 100% supportable, and it will cut better lumber running the latest optimization technology. It comes with a full 3-year warranty – USNR guarantees it! Then, when you are ready for the latest scanning technology you can swap out your 4” density M6 sensors for the new 0.3” density BioLuma 2900L sensors. Your optimization system will already be upgraded with the best solution engine on the market, and backed by the largest supplier with the broadest MillExpert trimmer optimizer solution. support network in the industry. Now the choice is yours. Contact USNR and let’s discuss the best Food for thought Easier to work with solution for your operation, and your money! There are some additional benefits that customers who MillExpert is a single application for trimmers, have upgraded their systems have told us about. Here edgers, sharp chains, curve sawing gangs, carriages, is more food for thought. etc. Once you are familiar with any MillExpert system you can easily work with all MillExpert Better edging with less overall wane optimizer systems. The new calibration procedure The old optimization systems use single processor is point-n-click easy, with graphical screens that computers, using up precious processing time just clearly show the results. transferring data. MillExpert uses a quad core, dual processor-based commercial grade computer. This Better modeling computer is 20-40 times more powerful than the old In the process of using the M6 scan data to build the solution computer, and is capable of evaluating tens 3D board model, the same image filtering techniques of thousands more possible solution permutations and modern algorithms are used on the M6 data as is to maximize both fiber recovery and improve overall used on our state-of-the-art scanning systems. This appearance. For example, instead of trying only 3 yields better images of the lumber, even though the skew angles with 0.25” offsets now you can evaluate data is coming from the same M6 scanning heads. 7-13 skew angles with 0.05” offsets. The result is better use of available fiber, and improved centering More control over products of the solution within the ‘good wood’. The old optimizer system is limited to defining many parameters (such as wane) only by width and No more ‘reboot, and hope’ thickness groups, using archaic tables. MillExpert Customers have complained that they will start does not have such limitations. You can set wane getting ‘no solutions’ and bad scans that seem (compound or simple, visible or board-in-board, to be related to data dropout. They stop and try end-wane, skip, etc.), pricing, priorities, cosmetic recalibrating but the problem remains. Replace it balancing, reman, etc. for every piece on a product- with USNR’s MillExpert optimization system. It’s by-product basis. Even though it may still make the modern and standard, and proven to be a reliable same 2x6-12’ as the old system, the board will be package in hundreds of installations. better centered in the good wood, with more control over how the wane is distributed. This improves Reduced troubleshooting related downtime the overall appearance of the lumber and reduces MillExpert’s entire scanner interface has been downgrade due to wane at the planer mill. reinvented. The updated diagnostics show raw data, board data, laser data and so on, in graphical format instead of a spreadsheet with endless, confusing numbers. Still have a problem? USNR can support you over the internet in real-time, while we talk through what we’re doing on the phone.

24 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 H.G. Toler & Son - LASAR Carriage optimization and MillWideWeb; WinTally and Grade Mark New Projects Reader The mill at Leola, Arkansas has ordered an upgrade to its carriage optimization system. The retrofit Arauco - MillExpert Trimmer Optimization with East Perry Lumber - MillExpert Edger Optimizer will incorporate a LASAR 3D scanning system and BioLuma 2900L scanning, True-Read GMR & East Perry Lumber is a hardwood lumber producer MillWideWeb enterprise system. MillWideWeb™ WinTally upgrades located at Frohna, Missouri. The mill has selected collects all of the solution data generated by the Arauco’s mills at Cholguan, Horcones I, and Valdivia MillExpert optimization for its new lineal edger line, MillExpert optimizers and stores the data in the in Chile are receiving some major technology and will utilize multiple zone SmartTriCam scanning. central database allowing process flow analysis retrofits. The three sites are upgrading their Trimmer This powerful combination of advanced wane through the entire mill. Optimization systems to MillExpert software and and appearance parameters along with the most It will also install USNR’s WinTally sorter switching out the Newnes LPS2 sensors with the advanced hardwood edging optimization software management system and Grade Mark Reader in its new BioLuma 2900L (laser profile) sensors in the in the industry, will yield an unprecedented level of planer mill. existing scanning frames. At the same time they will control over the hardwood edging process. be upgrading the trim/sort PLC systems, True-Read Idaho Forest Products - Small Log Line upgrade GMRs and the WinTally sorter management systems Glennon Brothers - Trimmer line upgrades The primary breakdown line processing small logs at will see software upgrades to V7.0. USNR’s trimmer line installed at the Glennon Idaho Forest’s Athol, Idaho mill is being retrofitted Brothers site at Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland will be to accommodate a 15” sawing envelope. This Arkansas sawmill - PGLR Log Rotation System upgraded with the latest Newnes software release, conversion will involve a knuckle turner infeed, quad A mill in Arkansas is updating its primary breakdown V7.1. This new version comes with a host of features. arbor sawbox and separator outfeed. line with USNR’s Precision Geometric Log Rotation A small sampling includes the following. (PGLR) system. This system monitors and corrects ►►PV Defect Depth Calculations - improved end Idaho Forest Products - MillTrak system the log rotation process in real time, increasing defect classification This mill located at Grangeville, Idaho is recovery by reducing log rotation error. Log rotation ►►Windows Decision Engine - higher speed implementing USNR’s MillTrak lumber flow error is typically reduced by 50% or more. The processing and capability for future enhancements management system at its board edger line to control PGLR system utilizes the same high-resolution ►►Percent Wane Setup - enter wane as a percentage lumber flow from the unscrambler to the scanner SmartTriCam 3D sensors as used at the primary ►►Enhanced Bow Evaluation - ensures highest value transfer chains. MillTrak effectively replaces photo- breakdown log scanner. from multi-board solutions eyes and proximity sensors for a cost-effective and ►►Snipe End Guard - improves planer ribbon-feeding maintenance friendly alternative that is applicable to Armstrong World Ind. - Fiberboard dryer rebuild capability and sawmill piece handling many areas of the mill. The plant at Macon, Georgia has contracted to The mill will also install a precision end trim saw rebuild its Clermont dryer. The scope includes in its trimmer, and is investing in a MillTrak lumber replacing 10 manifolds, insulated floor panels and flow management system to monitor the flow at the frame support, and an exhaust enclosure system on lug loader and trimmer infeed area. the wet end seal. Groupe NBG - Disc Chipper Canfor - 4 x Multi-Track Fences Groupe NBG at Rivière-Bleue, Quebec has ordered The Canfor mills at Vanderhoof and Houston, BC a 75” disc chipper with 22” spout. The chipper will have each ordered two Multi-Track Fences. be outfitted with a six pocket disc knife with USNR’s One Man Knife system that facilitates the changing of Chugoku Lumber - Vibrating Conveyor knives by a single person. The mill is located at Kanjou-Koujou, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. USNR’s agent in Japan, Hirota Hampton Affiliates - Chipping head upgrade Corporation of Shimada City, will handle the The Hampton Affiliates mill at Willamina, Oregon arrangements for this project. is adding a drum chipper module to its existing McGehee curve sawing gang. The chipping head will D.R. Johnson Lumber - Edger upgrade: be outfitted with USNR’s True Flow knife system. MillExpert software, BioLuma 2900L sensors D.R. Johnson at Riddle, Oregon is upgrading its transverse edger system with the MillExpert optimization platform. The mill is also replacing the sensors in its scan frame to USNR’s new BioLuma 2900L sensors. These new sensors offer exceptional data resolution and speed. This combination offers advanced data processing capability.

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 25 West Fraser - Multi-Track Fences The West Fraser mills at Chetwynd and Williams Lake, BC are receiving new Multi-Track Fences for their sawmill trimmer systems.

West Fraser - Trimmer Optimizer refurbish West Fraser’s Blue Ridge, Alberta site will refurbish its trimmer optimization system. The scope of the project includes new computer hardware and enclosure, upgrading to the Newnes LPS3 laser profile sensors on the scan frame, and upgrading the Newnes software system to V7.1. The new software offers a host of new features. The LPS3 sensors offer a higher sampling rate, steeper wane measurement angle and increased reliability.

West Fraser - LHG upgrade; Planer mill trim, Midway United - Optimized log merchandizing Tolko - LHG vision upgrade, WinTally sort and stack line Midway United, Ltd. of Sosnovoborsk, Russia has The Tolko mill at Lavington, BC installed its Lineal The Joyce, Louisiana mill will upgrade its Lineal ordered a MillExpert log merchandizing optimizer High Grader (LHG) for geometric scanning in 2004. High Grader system to V6.0 software, enhancing the system. The lineal scan frame will be outfitted with The system interfaces to the mill’s CLT system for system’s grading capabilities. SmartTriCam 3D digital laser sensors feeding data lumber strength evaluation. The LHG will soon be The mill will also be installing a new trim/sort to the MillExpert log optimizer. The merchandiser upgraded to add 4-face visual scanning capability, line featuring a Multi-Track Fence, clamshell multi- optimizer analyzes 3-D scanned stem images and and will also implement USNR’s WinTally sorter saw trimmer design and 70-bin pusher lug sorter. evaluates all possible combinations of cut log management system that will interface to the LHG. It will install a new stacker line (2nd) will feature lengths with the combinations of lumber, veneer a radius back unscrambler and electric bellcrank or pulp products that can be made from each log Tolko - 2 x Multi-Track Fences stacker with secondary hoist. The existing stacker length, taking into account the current market values Tolko’s High Level, Alberta mill has ordered two line will receive a radius back unscrambler and set for all products. sawmill Multi-Track Fences. other handling equipment.

Oregon mill - Multi-Track Fence West Fraser - Lathe line upgrade West Fraser - Edger, Trimmer & Sorter upgrades USNR’s hugely successful Multi-Track positioning West Fraser’s Quesnel Plywood, located at Quesnel, West Fraser’s mill at Riegelwood, North Carolina is fence will be installed upstream of the trimmer at a BC is retrofitting its lathe line with a refurbished upgrading its edger and trimmer optimizers to the mill in Oregon. direct drive pressure bar. latest MillExpert software platform and new state- of-the-art computers. Included will be the USNR Pacific Wood Preserving - Pole Kiln West Fraser - Transverse High Grader (THG) MillWide™ Analyzer Software, installed on an offline The Pacific Wood Preserving site at Sheridan, Oregon The mill at Henderson, Texas has ordered USNR’s computer for stem, log, cant, flitch and trimmer has ordered a new steel-framed, double-track pole THG for transverse grade scanning. The THG will rerun analysis throughout the mill. kiln. The new kiln will be 35’ wide and 165’ long, be outfitted with USNR’s new BioLuma 2900LVG+ At the same time, the Riegelwood mill will with a capacity to hold approximately 20,400 cubic sensors for exceptional data density and speed. implement USNR’s WinTally™ sorter management feet of class 4 poles. system. With WinTally, production information West Fraser - LHG auto grading system, is captured as lumber passes from the trimmer Southern BC mill - LHG and Planer Mill Controls WinTally sorter management optimizer system into the sorter. All product data is A mill in southern BC will be implementing a Lineal A new Lineal High Grader (LHG) system will be installed stored in an industry-standard SQL database, and High Grader (LHG) automated grading system. This at West Fraser’s mill at New Boston, Texas. The LHG is can be viewed in real-time on the WinTally computer system will be outfitted with all the ‘bells and whistles’ a proven winner, and the choice of many mills in the or from a remote location. Unlike other systems, all including vision, X-ray, laser profile and E-Valuator West Fraser group. This new system will feature the the sorting is done in the tally computer instead of (lumber strength evaluation) for producing MSR/MEL latest technologies with multi-channel vision, X-ray and the PLC. This reduces PLC scan times and memory lumber, and the latest software version release. laser profile scanning. The LHG will interface to the new freeing up the PLC to do what it is best suited for WinTally sorter management system. – running machinery. TM-Baikal - Dry Stacker line West Fraser is enrolled in USNR’s System The mill, located at Svirsk, Irkutsk region, Russia, has Maintenance Program, designed to provide ongoing purchased a dry stacker line. Included in the project access to software upgrades as they become is a backlog table, Newtronic lug loader, transverse available, to technical support and discounted rates moisture meter, and Bellcrank Stacker system. for training classes.

Temple Inland - Particleboard Press upgrade This particleboard plant at Hope, Arkansas has ordered two new support columns and bottom platen to refurbish its Washington Iron Works press.

26 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 2 - 2011 25 12 22 26 19 7 15 17 14 4 11 13 2 24 27 6 9 16

18 21

10

5

3 23

1 28 USNR GLOBAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLATIONS 1 ARGENTINA 8 CHILE 15 IRELAND 22 RUSSIA 20 2 AUSTRIA 9 CHINA 16 JAPAN 23 SOUTH AFRICA 8 3 AUSTRALIA 10 CONGO 17 LITHUANIA 24 SPAIN 4 BELGIUM 11 CZECH REPUBLIC 18 MEXICO 25 SWEDEN 5 BRAZIL 12 FINLAND 19 NETHERLANDS 26 UNITED KINGDOM 6 BULGARIA 13 FRANCE 20 NEW ZEALAND 27 UNITED STATES 7 CANADA 14 GERMANY 21 PUERTO RICO 28 URUGUAY USNR’s International Representation

Supplementing its well-trained, CHILE NEW ZEALAND RUSSIA professional sales team, USNR has Patricio Faundez y Cia. Ltda. Skookum Forest Technology Recognizing the importance of the developed sales associations with Contact: Patricio Faundez Contact: John McLachlan Russian forest products industry, agents located in several areas of Leo 9011 Vitacura 184 James Fletcher Drive USNR has established a permanent the globe. They are well versed in Casilla 19004 Stgo. 19 Otahuhu, New Zealand presence in Russia, as well as a the specific needs and challenges Santiago 6681609 Chile Telephone: +64.9.276.2402 Russian language website that face wood processors in their Telephone: +56.2.220.1517 Fax: +64.9.276.2414 www.usnr.ru. respective regions. With a wide Fax: +56.2.212.5948 E-mail: [email protected] global installation base, international E-mail: [email protected] Contact in Krasnoyarsk: Allan Czinger business associations help us serve our Southern Cross Engineering #110, Suite 21 customers near and far. Solecia Ltda. Contact: Paul Scott Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk Krai Contact: Enrique Villalon P O Box 24-114 660021 Russian Federation Parcela 11-A Lote-C Christchurch 8642 New Zealand Tel/Fax: +7.391.2.581.996 JAPAN P.O. Box 3197, Villa Italia Telephone: +64.3.384.2019 Krasnoyarsk cell: +7.963.266.82.66 Hirota Corporation Conception Chile Fax: +64.3.384.1563 Moscow cell: +7.919.995.10.31 Contact: Ryosuke Hirota Telephone: +56.41.391.444 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] 532 Ohyanagi-Minami Fax: +56.41.282.366 Shimada City, Shizouka-Pref 427-01 E-mail: [email protected] Contact in Moscow: Lydia Volkova Japan Telephone: +7.917.511.8679 Telephone: +0547.38.3211 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +0547.38.2122 E-mail: [email protected] Contact in St Petersburg: Oksana Filina Telephone: +7.981.746.0156 E-mail: [email protected]

ISSUE 2 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 27 PO Box 310 Woodland, WA 98674

Millwide INSIDER is printed on recycled paper.

With over 100 years of combined USNR offers the most complete all over the world. Toby Slagle, line of sawmill and planer mill International Sales Manager experience in the forest products equipment on the market. With said, “USNR is expanding its our line of Coe equipment for global reach, with a multitude of industry, USNR’s international engineered wood production, USNR success stories from international is the largest supplier of integrated customers facing unique sales team provides solutions to sawmill technology in the world, challenges and opportunities.” with an unmatched ability to Many regions are ramping up our customers around the globe. deliver comprehensive solutions to for an upswing in demand for high international customers. quality wood products. USNR’s A leading supplier with an international sales team will be on Pictured, left to right: Oksana Filina, impressive portfolio of products, hand at LIGNA to discuss ways we Toby Slagle, Allan Czinger, Vern Pittman, USNR has built sawmills and can help customers prosper with PROFILE John Reed and Lydia Volkova. plywood plants in many countries many new, innovative solutions.

UPCOMING The forest products industry from around the globe is Come see us at the show! preparing for LIGNA HANNOVER 2011. This bi-annual USNR is excited to be a part of this event. You’ll find event will take place at Hannover, Germany 30-May to us at stand C63 in Hall 27, where we will feature EVENTS 3-June, with 1,700 exhibitors from 50 nations. products and solutions from USNR’s many brands. MAY 30-JUNE 3 AUG. 11-12 Ligna SFPA Expo Hannover, Germany Atlanta, Georgia

JULY 7-10 SEPT. 9-10 MLMA Wood Week Biloxi, MS Quebec, Canada