Wheeland’s upgraded system runs DynaVision Croma + Scan 3155 heads with laser spacing at one-third of an inch, compared to every three inches on the DynaVision M6 heads. This is ten times the data for higher recovery solutions.
“We had the first optimization in 2000, and we had it for 11 years,” Wheeland explained. “To put things in perspective as for the improvements this new equipment has made, we are now scanning every 32nd of an inch, instead of every three to four inches. Another advantage of the A&E equipment is that we can purchase it locally right off the shelf. So if you have problems you can be back up and running quicker.”
The set-works hardware utilized Allen Bradley CompactLogix for PLC controls and Delta RMC M4 for motion control. All of the PLC and motion controls are off-the- shelf components, which give Wheeland the security and freedom of purchasing any control parts from their local supplier. This differs from most providers that use proprietary components or PC based controls, forcing the customer to buy all replacement parts from the original source. A&E USA IRIS software includes functions like: wane crush, push/pull solutions, and re-optimization of processed boards. Simple changes to the setup parameters are obtained by selecting the current parameter and adding or subtracting percentages or dollar values. “You can run as many species and cutting plans as desired,” A&E’s Sawmill Consultant and President, Tracy Goss said.
“The information is stored online and on offline files; this is particularly beneficial because our engineers are able to access the information and make changes from anywhere using VPN web access, if the system were to encounter problems. An additional feature of our system is the ability to apply grade rules to different thicknesses as well as different grades.”
A&E USA supplied Wheeland a new operator console that was designed around the old console with additional options for servo control and in-feed and out-feed roller timing within the operator HMI. “We were also able to create a more consistent lumber line on the boards being delivered from the headrig. As well as additional improvements on operating functions, such as a reverse function on the in-feed chains helping the overall safety of the machine along with more consistent timber processing,” Goss continued.
Wheeland’s previous edger had a manual solution for reprocessing boards that may have a grade rip within the board. This was retained and the operating process was improved on speeding up the operator time. A second operator console was installed with a Sure Grip hand control, enabling the operator to look at the board and operate the grade override by using one hand control, increasing the quality of the decision with a faster process.
A&E USA customizes controls around the existing I/O of the project. This enables additional functions like VFD and additional operating functions to be added by PLC programming. If systems are run through PC based systems then your options are limited to the supplier’s product.
The edger is a close coupled scanning to in-feed application, the system before the upgrading was causing non-solution on many boards on a daily basis. The new changes have solved these constraints, which has not only increased recovery and reliability but also increased the edger throughput by obtaining solutions for every board that is processed. Overall Goss said A&E USA is very happy with the installation. “Over time more small changes will make the system smarter and more efficient,” he explained. “Working with Ray, Derek and the team at Wheeland Lumber has been a pleasurable experience. A big thanks goes to Jeff Wood and Mark Dibble for their help on this project, you guys helped make this a big success for A&E USA. A&E has been in the controls business for over 25 years. “In the last three years we have broken into the U.S. market by purchasing the exclusive rights to the Silvatech Corporation,” Goss said. A&E USA opened an office in Ruston, Louisiana to service their U.S. customer base. “We specialize in completing projects from servicing the smallest electronic devices to complete turnkey projects, including the management of sub-contractors. A&E has over 600 systems working around the world and growing every year.” For more information visit www.elecautomationusa.com.
Wheeland Lumber Company, Inc. is a fourth generation family-owned business.
The firm offers Ash, Basswood, Cherry, Hard and Soft Maple, Red and White Oak, Poplar and Walnut Hardwood lumber. Specialized services include: kiln-dried lumber; clear strips; surfacing two sides; gang ripping/parallel sawing; straight line ripping; optimized cross cut; moulding and millwork; edged and face glued products; end matching; cabinet parts and flooring.
For more information visit www.wheelandlumber.com.
