Grade projectors
Left: The check grader views the LHG’s grade and trim solutions which are projected onto the boards by the Grade Projectors, mounted above the flow. The grader can let each board pass with the LHG’s solutions, or he can upgrade, downgrade or change the trim locations. Above: Grades and trim locations are clearly visible, and track along with the board as it moves on the transfer.
We have removed one grader from each line at both mills, and that is a cost saving in labor.
Several years ago the company installed lineal grade scanners in both mills. At the time these systems were popular, but ongoing support for these systems proved to be a substantial issue at WKO and Mt. Hood. The vendor for these systems had a lack of upgrade path in technology as well as time zone differential, and continued technical service that were all factors that eventually caused the company to look elsewhere for automated grading solutions. Mike Engel, Vice President for the company, noted, “Supportability was a big issue with the old systems, and they were not up to par with what is available today. We looked at all the major suppliers of lineal grading systems but USNR’s LHG was the only one that provided the functionality we wanted.” He related that the company had confidence in USNR having done many previous projects together, and determined that the Lineal High Grader (LHG ®) would accomplish their goals.
The new systems The predominant species the LHG is required to grade at these mills is Douglas fir, making up 65% of the production at
Supportability was a big issue with the old systems, and they were not up to par with what is available today.
Carson and 100% at Mt. Hood. At Mt. Hood the products are planed and graded green. Total production averages 480 mbf/day at Carson and 390 mbf/day at Mt. Hood on a one-shift basis. A unique aspect of these installations was the utilization of the existing feedworks. Mike explained that the feedworks were already in place and working, and they wanted to save the added cost of replacing that portion of the systems. The mills received new LHG sensor frames on slidebases, then new and old components were aligned to integrate together. A new ID printer, ID readers, Grade Projectors and Grade Mark Readers were also supplied. Both mills received complete trimmer/ sorter PLC upgrades, and both sites
www.usnr.com | ISSUE 35 | Millwide Insider
5