H. G. TOLER & SON, continued...
H. G. TOLER & SON, continued...
“ BioVision allows us to maximize both volume and value. If it’ s a higher value piece we can cut for value, but if it’ s lower value we can cut for volume.”
scan frame or added to an existing transverse scan frame via a bolt-on housing that accommodates the vision sensors. With BioVision, USNR has combined the proven Linear High Grader( LHG) classification system developed for planer mills with the high resolution BioLuma 2900 color sensors for transverse scanning of lumber.
Scanned images are fed to the defect classification engine where characteristics are extracted based on visual properties and defect shape data. These characteristics are typeclassified according to proprietary classification rules, then overlaid on the geometric profile model. Optimization software selects the most valuable solution available according to the product parameters, grade rules and prices entered. BioVision benefits include the following.
John Grigsby was pleased with the way the startup progressed.“ It started up well right out of the box. It’ s probably one of the smoothest electronic start-ups I’ ve ever been through.” John is also more than pleased with the results he is seeing from the system.“ We’ re noticing an uplift in the amount of C and D( grade) lumber. It really excels when we cut wides, we can cut 70-80 % C and D. That’ s a real good judge because we cut for grade only( cut to order), so the BioVision has to sort out what is grade and what isn’ t, and when to make wides.” He went on to say,“ In terms of knot size classification it’ s doing real well. It allows us to cut for specific lengths and specific grades, of specific widths. It can pinpoint exactly what we want to produce. If all we need to make is 1x12, C & better 16’ long, and if we set that as priority it won’ t cut anything but.”
John explained further,“ Each grade class has a different wane class, so as knot defects drop the piece down in appearance grade it can stand more wane. That is how we gain in volume, by edging for the grade that is in the flitch. We used to saw for a medium grade, and it ended up being over sawn for low grade and under sawn for higher grades. Now we’ re more on-grade. BioVision allows us to maximize both volume and value. If it’ s a higher value piece we can cut for value, but if it’ s lower value we can cut for volume. By producing lumber at the mill that is on-grade, the final grading process is streamlined, requiring less trim. The graders can often simply verify grade instead of having to trim to get it.”
We are particularly appreciative of those processors, like H. G. Toler & Son, who through their confidence and trust helped USNR to take the next evolutionary step forward.
►►Maximize volume for lower grade flitches
►►Maximize value by cutting around defects to produce clearer, higher grade boards
►►Smart reman decisions based on defects and geometric shape
►►Fiber classification based on grade( combined vision and geometric data) vs geometry only
►►Confidence algorithms compare solutions with and without grade input
BioVision’ s user interface features both a camera image of the board as well as a computer-generated image that displays the defects and the optimizer’ s solution. This feature aids in tuning and troubleshooting, as well as off-line rerun simulation.
14 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3- 2013