SAWLINES – AUTOLOG
LUMBER PROCESSING
Upgrades to sawline optimization
The log optimisation system has a scan density of half-an-inch at industry best speeds
Autolog has introduced new technology to improve log optimisation and gap management
Autolog has unveiled its new log optimizer . The design of the manufacturer ’ s latest solution includes many new features that respond to the growing demands within the industry . A few key examples include :
• Scan density of ½ in at 650 ft / minute
• Can replicate any curve sawing from downstream machine
• Live simulation that compares side to side solutions from the production optimizer and from the simulator using the same live production logs but different parameters
• Easy comparison tool to analyze multiple simulation results
• Can save as much as 20,000 logs per simulation lot
• Optimization advanced analysis tool , allowing user to test alternate solutions by forcing a sawing pattern or adding a sideboard . Going hand-in-hand with this new system is a further upgrade to Autolog ’ s gap management technology . The focus of this system is the primary breakdown , where proper gap management has a direct impact on production and bottom-line profits .
When the gap between logs is too small , the line must stop to position the cutting tools . When the gap is too long , throughput is reduced . Therefore , it is important to maintain a constant gab between the logs , which is easier said than done .
This is where Autolog ’ s solution comes in . The camera for gap management is located at the log infeed of a sawing line . By adding the camera , it will detect with precision both the beginning of the log in the feeder , or the absence of the log , as well as the end of the log on the conveyor , maximizing the use of the sawing line while maintaining a constant gap between each log .
The system also eliminates virtually all log crossings . For example , a log that is too small to be detected by the other type of sensors may result in two logs crossing over one another in the chain , triggering a production stoppage in order to separate these two logs .
Without this solution , operators must use several types of sensors to detect these two logs – for
Gap management is crucial to ensuring best-possible uptime
example , photocells such as analog or single point – to achieve only average results .
Autolog and the early adopters of this technology into their sawlines are delivering excellent results , while reducing downtime and production costs .
International Forest Industries | JUNE / JULY 2018 29