MillProfile (continued from page 25) The trim saw optimizer project included redesigning the infeed system to make it faster and get more boards through quicker. NWH staff handled the design and fabrication of a new infeed, lug loader and fence modifications. The new A&E geometric optimizer has aided both throughput and recovery. In addition, the automated process – the optimizer sets the trim decision instead of a person – reduced the number of employees at the machine center from two to one. “The optimizer makes all the trim decisions,” noted Ed McGehee, manager of the mill. “It looks at the boards and makes the trim decision. It’s faster than an operator can make accurate decisions.” A scanner examines the geometry (shape) of a board, and the optimizer makes trim decisions accordingly. Scanning the shape of the board reveals defects like wane and split. The system can be programmed for split and wane allowances, and the optimizer makes decisions based on the board shape and the parameters. “We’re always trying for constant improvement in throughput and cost,” said Darren Gellerson, director of operations– west region.
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The project not only saves labor, it makes the work station safer. “There’s less touching of lumber,” said Ryan Cosens, director of projects. “The lug loader is a lot safer. The person who is there is not putting their hands in a high-speed line.” Although it did not result in a dramatic increase in production, it streamlined a little bit of a bottleneck. It also helped the company increase yield. “In the past there was a tendency to over-trim,” said Ed McGehee, mill manager. “Now we’re recovering more valuable grade. We’re throwing less in the chipper. It’s made a big difference.” “When we spend money it’s to enhance efficiency and improve safety,” added Todd Walker, director of marketing. “That’s where we want to spend our money.” McGehee characterized the company’s decisions related to capital improvement projects as “lots of singles and doubles adding up to home run numbers as opposed to big, sweeping projects.” The company also replaced the carriage of the USNR green lumber stacker last year. USNR “implemented some impressive design upgrades to improve the consistency and speed and longevity of the equipment,” said McGehee. A&E had handled a similar project at the
TimberWest Magazine — May/June 2025 — www.forestnet.com
mill in 2022: optimizing the USNR edger, another project that also relied on JoeScan scanning equipment. The result helped the company to maximize yield and also increased throughput – probably by three boards per minute, McGehee estimated. A&E is a global leader in industrial automation, software development, and control solutions. It specializes in designing, manufacturing, and integrating customized control systems for wood processing and other industries. It was acquired by Ontario-based TS Manufacturing in 2019. TS Manufacturing designs and manufactures equipment for the sawmill, mining and aggregate, and biomass and pelletization industries. JoeScan, based in Vancouver, Washington, and named for its founder, Joey Nelson, manufactures scanning systems for sawmill optimizers. The company offers scanners for every mill machine center, from the log yard, primary breakdown, secondary breakdown, and transverse applications. NWH launched a program to provide alder seedlings in 2024. In two years it has distributed 70,000 seedlings to be planted in the Pacific Northwest to help counter the decline in alder populations and boost species diversity. Working with PRT Growing