MillTrak’s sensors accurately detect the log’s diameter and length and as well as its position. Two sensors are mounted in-line down the length of the step feeder. With the mounting configuration at Collum’s Lumber, each sensor gathers data from approximately 8’ down the length of the log. The MillTrak 3D system operates by measuring the distance from the surface of the sensor to all of the points in the sensor image. The accuracy of the system is dependent on the sensor’s position and distance from the log deck being monitored. The system allows the PLC to recognize the size and position of logs on the step feeder the same as a conventional proximity/range type detector. MillTrak 3D could also be used in an advanced log sorting application.
I chose MillTrak because of the support we get from USNR, and the simplicity of the MillTrak system.
The MillTrak 3D system operates by measuring the distance from the surface of the sensor to all of the points in the sensor image. The accuracy of the system is dependent on the sensor’s position and distance from the log deck being monitored.
Features and benefits of MillTrak 3D for log gap control include the following.
? ? nstallation requirements are reduced I
Closing the gap
to as little as mounting a few sensors and running one set of cables from each sensor to the MillTrak 3D computer system.
? ? iming for logs being fed into the T
conveyor can be adjusted based on the position of the log on the step feeder and the diameter of the log.
? ? The system simplifies PLC gap control
logic because logs are initially fed into the conveyor at the appropriate gap requiring less adjustment downstream by the PLC.
? ? The time required for cleaning of photo
sensors or proximity detectors is practically eliminated.
Gregg’s target for results was to increase the speed of the primary line and the overall throughput of the sawmill. “We’ve gained at least a log a minute through the process. I haven’t increased the speed of the DLI yet, this increase is just through more consistent log feeding. Now we are able to run a consistent log gap, and on shorter lumber it runs just as fast as with longer lumber.” He went on to explain that even one log/minute increase over the course of the mill’s daily 11-1/2 hour shift adds up to a very large number when calculated over time. He said, “It really is a monumental change.” He also relayed that the mill is processing 10% more logs through the DLI with the MillTrak 3D system. Gregg went on to compare the line before and after installation of the MillTrak 3D
That is close to 3,000 boards more than what we were doing before MillTrak. It really is a monumental change.
www.usnr.com | ISSUE 4 - 2013 | Millwide Insider 17