INSIDER
Millwide
THE MAGAZINE FROM USNR | ISSUE 3 - 2011
NEW KILN COMBINATION
Morgan Lumber’s Counter-Flow Kiln, Green Burner, Kiln Boss controls
PERFORMANCE AND FLEXIBILITY
DiPrizio Pine Sales’ MillExpert/LASAR carriage combination
USNR’S LUMBER-HANDLING EXPERTISE
Best built solutions for industry’s toughest challenges
Millwide
INSIDER
iSSUE 3 - 2011
Subscriptions
Tel.: 250.833.3028
[email protected]
Editor
Colleen Schonheiter
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Sonia Perrine
[email protected]
USNR participates at SFPA Expo
USNR has maintained a strong presence at tradeshows and regional
USNR Parts & Service
7/24 Service: 800.BUY.USNR
Tel.: 360.225.8267
Fax: 360.225.7146
Mon. - Fri. 5:00 am - 5:00 pm PDT
www.usnr.com
meetings, even through difficult economic times. I guess what it
USNR Locations
comes down to is, we have lots to talk about. We’ve always had
successful projects that we want to discuss, as well as several new
Woodland, WA
Headquar ters
360.225.8267
ideas in the works that we want to share. And industry events like
shows and regional gatherings offer a venue for meeting with a large
number of customers in a shor t period of time.
USNR has always been a strong suppor ter and proponent of the
SFPA Expo that is coming to Atlanta, Georgia in August 2011. Its
locale is the hub of southeast US wood fiber manufacturing activity.
This year, USNR’s booth #424 will feature equipment designed for
Parksville, BC
250.954.1566
Eugene, OR
541.485.7127
Plessisville, QC
819.362.8768
Jacksonville, FL
904.354.2301
Salmon Arm, BC
250.832.7116
Painesville, OH
440.352.9381
the back end of the sawmill and planer mill, including a new Model 11
Trimmer design, our much-in-demand Multi-Track Fence, and our team
of planer mill automated grading machines: Lineal and Transverse
High Graders. (See page 17 for more information.)
As a vendor, we recognize the value that tradeshows and meetings
offer for facilitating strong business relationships. We appreciate
the time you take out of the day-to-day demands of your busy
operations to attend these events. We’re planning several in-booth
demonstrations to share our latest successes, and hope it helps
make your visit to SFPA Expo a wor thwhile journey of discovery.
Sincerely,
Colleen Schonheiter
Editor
© 2011, U.S. Natural Resources, Inc.
All rights reserved.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
1981 Schurman Way,
Woodland, WA 98674.
Canada Post: Return Undeliverable
Canadian Addresses to: USNR
c/o Colleen Schonheiter,
3550 - 45th Street Southeast,
Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2
Morgan Lumber
turns up the heat!
IMPROVED QUALITY, EFFICIENCY WITH COUNTER-FLOW KILN
Progress is a good thing, but it can also become an
effort that is cyclical. As Morgan Lumber discovered
after doubling its sawmill capacity over the last
couple of years, once one area is improved it often
uncovers weaknesses in other areas. In response to
a discovered bottleneck at its dry kilns, the company
recently invested in USNR’s Counter-Flow Dry Kiln,
Green Fuel Burner and Kiln Boss controls.
Morgan Lumber is located at Red Oak, Virginia and
manufactures southern yellow pine lumber through
its sawmill, dry kilns and planer mill. In 2009 the
company completed a major addition to the sawmill
with a USNR extended length infeed (ELI), quad
bandmill, and melded new with used components
purchased at a sale under USNR’s direction. Don
Bright, manager, said, “I worked with USNR to
develop the line that we have now.” Morgan Lumber
also has USNR equipment throughout much of its
planer mill, and is currently bringing on the DynaStar
maintenance management system. The new CounterFlow kiln system adds much needed capacity to the
mill’s existing (1994) Irvington Moore traditional
steam-powered batch kiln.
Don Bright explained the thought process
behind the selection of the new direct-fired kiln.
“The continuous process seemed like the most
cost-effective way to get the increase in production
we required. It’s a noticeable improvement in the
quality of drying, and it’s a significant increase in
the efficiency of drying.”
Don did have some trepidation when it came
to the Green Fuel Burner, however. “I was really
concerned about going from steam to directfired, because a lot of the lumber coming out of
direct-fired kilns I’ve seen over the years had a
lot of ash on it. We have a shavings business. We
bag shavings for the equestrian market and I knew
it would be a real problem if we had ash in those
shavings. When we went to the direct-fired kiln I
really spent a lot of time researching it, finding out
what was available, and what we could do to reduce
the amount of ash on the lumber.”
Ultra-clean burn
To make sure ash would never be an issue, USNR
engineers recommended some changes to the
system’s design that are proving positive to produce
an ultra-clean burn. Don explains, “USNR nailed it.
We made some changes in the burner and we have
zero ash problem. We over-sized the burner a little
bit from what was required so we didn’t have to pull
so hard on the burner box. We also lengthened the
pipe in the combustion area above the burner, and
we made the after-choke pipe a little longer to give
the fuel more time to burn. It was a home run!”
The kiln has a 70’ main chamber, with two 48’
end chambers and a size 5 grate burner. The supply
also included Kiln Boss computerized controls,
a control room and pusher trams. To ensure the
cleanest possible outcome from the drying system,
the burner was oversized to a size 5 grate rather
than the standard size 4 grate, and an extended
after-choke section was added. The system features
a large blower that pulls some air from the kiln and
“I’m extremely satisfied with
the system’s performance.
We’re using 40% less sawdust
per 1,000 board feet to dry
our lumber. We’re using 14%
less electricity. We get a better
grade yield, and it’s produced
noticeably less drying defect.”
Don Bright, Morgan Lumber
ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER
3
mixes it with air from the burner before blowing it
back into the kiln. The more air that is pulled from
the burner the more ash is sucked in, so the larger
grate design achieves optimum air flow with less
ash. The percentage of the mix can also be finetuned to the exact recipe desired for the cleanest,
most cost-effective burn.
Easy, effective operation
Don appreciates the ease and effectiveness
of operating the continuous kiln design. “The
continuous process allows us to make small changes
that have a quicker effect on drying the lumber.
In the old kilns we would shut the doors and dry
the lumber for 20 hours, then open the kiln up,
determine the issues, and make adjustments for the
next kiln charge. Meanwhile it’s affected a LOT of
lumber. With the continuous kiln we can make small
adjustments as we go, so it is easier to fine-tune the
drying process.”
With the new system, fine adjustments can be
made to the tram speed, kiln temperature, and
after only a few hours the lumber can be checked
and further adjustments can be made to attain the
optimal balance of quality and efficiency. Don also
noted that with the Kiln Boss control system it is
easy to change the drying recipe, even from home.
Better grade yield; fewer drying defects
From USNR’s perspective, customer satisfaction is
the ultimate goal. Don said, “I’m extremely satisfied
with the system’s performance. We’re using 40%
less sawdust per 1,000 board feet to dry our lumber.
We’re using 14% less electricity. And speaking of
quality, our standard deviation with the old batch kiln
was 3.2 average per year, this year we’re averaging
right at 2. That is huge. We get a better grade yield,
and it’s produced noticeably less drying defect.”
Mill management appreciates the ongoing
support it has received from USNR over the years.
Don commented, “USNR has stood by us to make
sure that the system performs the way they said
it would perform. They genuinely have taken an
interest in assisting us to integrate machinery in the
operation that helps our bottom line.”
In addition to Don Bright, kiln manager Terry
Hylton was also involved in the project. The new kiln
system operates with only one main operator, with
forklift drivers assisting to load and unload the kiln.
A calculated risk
Morgan Lumber’s philosophy reflects its emphasis
first on its people and safety, then on quality and
production. Don said, “We’re only as good as our
people. While we can replace equipment, it’s hard to
find good people.” He also commented that Morgan
Robert Wagner (USNR account manager), left, with Ken Morgan and his race car.
4
Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011
Lumber believes in taking calculated risks with
proven vendors to increase its efficiency and the
quality of its products.
The mill’s next improvement will be a new USNR
Multi-Track Fence in the sawmill, and an upgrade
to its trimmer system to incorporate MillExpert
optimization with its existing M6 scanning system.
Moving on
Morgan Lumber is owned by Ken Morgan, recently
retired, with son John Morgan currently at the helm
as president. Now that Ken is retired he has more
time to devote to his other passion, auto racing.
John Morgan and Don Bright are also keen racing
enthusiasts. Don, who spots for Ken, commented,
“We’re a team on and off the track. Ken has been a
very successful road racer in NASA (National Auto
Sport Association). This year he’s made his debut
at our local circle track, NASCAR’S South Boston
Speedway.”
Just as Ken Morgan is moving on to a new phase,
Don Bright has purchased a hardwood mill just
down the road from Morgan Lumber, and has left to
pursue his new venture. As is typical in this closeknit sawmilling community, he says he will still be
working closely with the folks at Morgan Lumber.
And there’s no doubt that will also extend to the
racing circuit.
Kiln Boss
control
system
eXPERT CONTROL for YOUR
LUMBER DRYING process
When it comes to quality drying, you have to be able to depend on your kiln to
work properly. For over 100 years USNR has worked with companies just like
yours to help you get the most out of your investment. The Kiln Boss computer
control system is one way you can easily improve the efficiency and production
of your lumber drying process.
Kiln Boss systems offer you the capabilities and functions of a much larger
and more complex control system, but at a fraction of the cost. Most mills
achieve payback in less than one year. Kiln Boss tracks your custom drying
schedules, alerts you to trouble or system changes, and reports batch and
historical statistics for your review.
The Kiln Boss system is proven to reduce energy usage by more precisely
controlling the process and drying schedule time. It accepts any drying
schedule and works equally well with any kiln configuration. You can choose to
run on full automatic mode to let Kiln Boss optimize the fan control, or set it to
manual mode.
You or your operator can examine and change the parameters for each kiln that
is controlled by Kiln Boss, with the click of a mouse. The system is menu-driven,
so no special computer skills are required. The Kiln Boss monitor provides a
simple, graphical view of kiln operation so you can see at a glance what’s going
on in your kiln.
Call us at 1.800.BUY.USNR to discuss your kiln control needs. Let us provide
you with an evaluation of how Kiln Boss can improve the performance of your
lumber drying process.
Track in-kiln conditions over time to optimize your drying schedules.
Softwood application.
Hardwood application.
ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER
5
PLANER GRADING
Transverse or Lineal.
The most advanced grading systems, in any direction.
THG’s flat transport easily installs in your mill
LHG is the most accurate grading system available

Laser profile, color vision, GrainMap™, DataFusion™

Laser profile, vision, X-Ray, GrainMap™, DataFusion™

Single sensor design

The only system with MSR/MEL grading capability

Unique angled four-sided scanning

Works with any planer at any speed

No elevation changes or hills to climb

Easily installs behind existing planer

Graderless operation

Graderless operation
800.buy.usnr
LHG platform in transverse package
Millwide. Worldwide.
www.usnr.com
Industry’s most accurate grading system
[email protected]
Everything you need in a single sensor
Best defect detection with DataFusion™
New carriage
scanning package at
DiPrizio Pine Sales
millexpert/lasar combination: performance and flexibility
By today’s standards, vintage 1970 sawmill log
breakdown equipment is likely at the point of no
return. So decided the team at DiPrizio Pine Sales
when they recently installed two sawmill carriage
systems, and chose the combination of MillExpert™
optimization with LASAR™ scanning as the nerve
center for the process.
DiPrizio Pine Sales, located at Middleton, New
Hampshire, processes Eastern White Pine products
following N E LMA (Northeast Lumber Manufacturers
Association) grading specifications. The company
serves customers throughout the US and Canada,
and custom-cuts a wide variety of high quality pine
products from timbers, common and structural
grades and thickness, through MSR, finger-joint,
moulding, paneling, flooring, furniture grade lumber,
and more. The company’s products are retailed
through both Middleton Building Supply and LaValley
Building Supply outlets in New Hampshire and
Vermont. DiPrizio Pine finished products are also
used in LaValley Building Supply’s truss and panel
shop, and its door and window shop.
Besides the sawmill, the Middleton site has a
biomass wood-fired boiler and turbine that services
600,000 board feet of dry kilns (four are from USNR,
with Kiln Boss controls), a scaling station, and
planer mill. The Middleton team invested in a used
4-knee, 42” Cleereman carriage with servo hydraulic
cylinders for the bandmill side, and a new HMC
carriage for the circle saw side with a state-of-theart servo electric positioning system. The largest
logs (approximately 85%) are cut on the bandmill
side, and smaller ones are cut on the circle saw
side. Once the initial optimized cuts are made, the
boards go to the edger while cants go to a 5-head
Stenner horizontal resaw. Further downstream are
grading stations, trim saw, and automatic bin sorter.
Stick placing at the stacker is a manual process for
now, with plans to move to an automated stick placer
in the near future. Once the stacks exit the green
mill, they may be dipped during warmer weather
to prevent staining before they are transported to
the kiln staging area. Once finished, the products
are housed in a drive-through warehouse, ready
“The stability of the USNR
company, its knowledgeable
support team and the forward
vision of its technology all
factored into our decision.”
Marcie Perry, DiPrizio Pine Sales
ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER
7
for shipment or staged for customer orders where
DiPrizio’s promise to customers is ‘just-in-time,
accurate and complete customer satisfaction’.
Choosing a vendor
LASAR scanner: The size of the scan zone can vary
according to log size, as well as pre-scanning the
stop-n-loader to preset the carriage for the next log
to be loaded (backside scanning option only).
The old carriage equipment was becoming a major
factor for downtime, and the Silvatech Universal Set
Controller that the operator used to make the sets
was obsolete and no longer supported. The time was
ripe to update the front end of the mill. Middleton
team members involved in the planning, construction
and installation consisted of President Larry Huot,
General Manager Marcie Perry, Foreman David
Mansfield and Assistant Charlie Hooper, Sawyers
Mike Labrecque and Dwight Feyler. Also contributing
was the maintenance team of Millwright Jim Damon,
Welder D.J. Mill, and Electrician Chris Johnson.
When considering vendors for the optimization
and controls package, the team looked at other
systems that Eastern White Pine mills in that region
were using, and decided to consider the USNR
system. Marcie Perry commented, “We have a very
good relationship with USNR for our kilns, and
the service over the years has been stellar. After
listening to presentations on all systems we felt
that we would continue to get the same excellent
service that we were accustomed to, with a system
that offered vast flexibility, and reporting features
that we set as a requirement for consideration. The
stability of the USNR company, its knowledgeable
support team and the forward vision of its
technology all factored into our decision.”
Ultimate control over the process
Above and below: 85% of the larger logs are processed on the Cleereman carriage.
8
Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011
Once the project was let, the engineers at
USNR began their task to design the specific
optimization and controls features that would meld
communication between the two carriages, and meet
all the mill’s requirements for product entry.
Dale Bradicich, USNR Account Manager, was
intimately involved in the project far beyond the
contractual aspect. He commented, “The specific
challenges were to provide a system that could
manage all the products that the mill makes,
and have both carriage optimization systems
communicate with each other to balance order
entries for that multitude of products.” MillWide™
order entry allows the mill to update production
orders/schedules ‘on the fly’. The system must be
able to set and update production priorities to ensure
the right products are made at the right time. This
flexibility is one of the features the company set out
as a ‘must have’ in their requirements.
The MillExpert carriage optimization software was
designed with commonality and mill wide continuity.
Three powerful sawing modes, MOF+, Whole Log
Breakdown, and Optimized Grade Sawing, control the
process to maximize the value from every log.
The LASAR 3D scanning systems were chosen
to work with the MillExpert platform to gather the
scan data for the optimizer. Since the LASAR sensor
has multiple scan zones, the log is scanned both at
the stop-n-loader and the carriage (available with
backside scanning only). The pre-scan allows the
system to set the carriage knees for the next log to
be loaded. These rugged, reliable sensors are totally
immune even to bright light levels, and provide
dense, accurate 3D scan data on the entire visible
surface of the log.
MillWideWeb™ is also provided as part of the
package. This system expands MillExpert’s capability
to the entire facility and across the organization.
Data can be collected from all optimizers, PLCs,
sorter systems, and other databases into a common
database. Reports can be created that provide a
global view of the operation, or a detailed view
that can drill down into the finer details, and
utilize MillWide Analyzer™ to manage the future
manufacturing process.
USNR also provided a separate PLC control
system that takes instruction from both carriage
optimization systems while managing the
downstream routing. This system routes cuttings to
the chipper, edger, resaw or trimmer, by raising and
lowering belts while monitoring over-thick material.
Easy changes
Results are the true test of any investment. Start-up
took place in August 2010, and Marcie noted that
daily production volume has increased from 60,000
to more than 90,000bf. Fiber gain has improved
and grade recovery is improving. While much of
the improved performance can be attributed to the
mechanical equipment, the ease and consistency of
the decision process for the sawyer is a significant
factor. She especially pointed out, “having the
ability and ease to make quick changes in the
program such as percentage of sizes and grades
to take advantage of changes in market pricing,
and having control over what is in our inventory
and what needs to be replenished is a huge
advantage today.”
Training and follow up
For an operation like DePrizio Sales where
mill personnel are not familiar with a specific
optimization platform, and where the machine center
has not been optimized prior to the new investment,
training is an essential component for maximizing
the performance of the system. Marcie commented
on USNR’s handling of the training aspect of the
project. “As always, we have been able to count on
being just a phone call away on a daily basis. The
initial training was considerable and demanding for
our people because we have many new pieces of
equipment to learn, and a totally new and unfamiliar
technology. USNR personnel were dedicated to being
here with us until we felt comfortable with making
changes on our own.” She also noted that after initial
training was performed and USNR technicians had
Above: MillExpert’s interface shows the log breakdown solution for one of the logs on the HMC carriage.
left the site, regular phone calls the first few weeks
ensured the mill staff were comfortable with how the
equipment was running.
She said that USNR personnel have been back four
times for follow-up training sessions to gradually
familiarize mill staff with the more advanced
features of the system. “USNR has a large technical
support network and knowledgeable staff. From the
planning stage to the installation and then to the
implementation, this was a success story.”
“USNR has continued to live up to
expectations in its commitment and followthrough, and we couldn’t be more pleased,”
says owner, Larry Huot.
Producing the very best quality product and
service available in the market is one of DiPrizio
Pine Sales’ abiding philosophies, along with a
strong adherence to respect for individuals and the
company’s goals. The company plans to spend some
time maximizing its investments that have been made
over the past few years. At the same time the team
has already begun to develop its 5-year plan for the
next phase of improvements.
ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER
9
Experts in
Lumber-handling
BEST BUILT for YOUR TOUGHEST CHALLENGES
USNR has a wealth of history developing handling systems that transport, turn, unscramble, sort,
singulate, stack, unstack and keep a tally on a wide array of timber products, both green and dry.
From rugged, long-lasting mechanical designs to precision automation controls, our sophisticated
systems offer quick and efficient, yet gentle transport and handling of your valuable commodities.
Our experience includes hundreds of installations worldwide. Here is a sampling of both recent and
time-tested solutions.
Continuous Tilt Hoist
USNR’s Continuous Tilt Hoist provides the highest
possible feed rates. The main high speed beam hoist
is capable of working alone, and the addition of a
secondary hoist can virtually eliminate gap time
between packages.
High speed hydraulic circuits move the main
hoist at maximum rates. Linear positioners control
the position of the hoist throughout the cycle and
maximize index speeds. The main hoist can spill at
22 tiers per minute, with less than a 30 second gap
between packs. The addition of a secondary hoist can
reduce the gap to 5 seconds between packages.
Features
► ►Continuous
lumber flow – 5 second gap
positioning control throughout cycle
and for indexing main and secondary hoists
► ►Adjustable leveling control of main hoist
► ►Accommodates single packs or stacked
packs with dunnage
► ►Integrated spill tables or lugged let-down
chains provide smoothest dischage
► ►Integrated stick/dunnage collection systems
► ►Optional overhead thumper to de-shingle
frozen or sticky packages
► ►Linear
10 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011
Quad Cam Board Feeder
The high speed Quad Cam Board Feeder is just
plain fast. It tests at 200+ lugs per minute, with a
guaranteed 98% lug fill. If you’re looking for a way
to really boost production, the patented Quad Cam
deserves a spot at the top of your list.
The Quad Cam reliably feeds random width,
thickness and length material, and is virtually jamfree leaving little need for an operator. The Quad
Cam mechanism smoothly and gently feeds boards
into lugs – low impact handling means less damage
to the lumber and less wear and tear on machinery.
That means less maintenance and higher profits!
View an animation of the quad cam at:
www.usnr.com/prod/model.asp?model_id=641.
Features
► ►Fiber optic sensing
► ►Chan-Ex runners
► ►AC / VF drive optional
► ►Split cam wheel design
► ►Anti-skew pawls
► ►Single / dual cylinder
Revolver Lug Loader
Revolver is engineered to accommodate a wide
range of products for sawmills, planer mills and
reman plants.
Revolver uses no hydraulics. The design is disc
style, requiring pneumatic cylinder actuation only to
engage or disengage board feeding, thus reducing
wear components. Overhead infeed belts are easily
adjusted for wood thickness and easily lifted for
access. An optional variable thickness attachment
positively accelerates thin boards when the Revolver
is set for 4” material. It can be easily disengaged
when not required.
Electronics are very simple. A dedicated microcontroller based system operates the lug loader,
table and backlog table, and up to two additional
storage tables.
An encoder on the Revolver provides the trimmer/
sorter speed reference sued to dynamically control
and scale the speeds of the infeed transfers to
maximize material throughput.
The many successful installations and satisfied
customers attest to the Revolver’s performance.
The Revolver’s simplicity ensures low impact
installation, start-up, ease of operator training and
keeps maintenance requirements lower than any
other lug loader on the market.
Features
► ►Speeds of 200+ LPM
► ►Deal/stop ducker system for reliable singulation to
suit your application
► ►Accommodates sawmill products from 1x3” to
4x12”, and any planer mill product mix
► ►Available in 10’, 16’ and 20’ models
► ►Optional overhead feeding assist for dealing 1”
View the video of random thickness board feeding:
www.usnr.com/prod/model.asp?model_id=872.
and 4” thick products in a random mix
ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 11
MULTI-TRACK FENCE
High-speed precision fencing.
24 systems sold!
Multi-Track Fence is the industry’s top solution
USNR’s Multi-Track Fence allows for wider lug spacing at higher
speeds, with less critical timing than other rotary fence models.
And because it operates with all electric actuation (using no air
or hydraulics) the system is incredibly easy to maintain. It is
designed for retrofit into existing 3-stage fence locations.
Flexible features, proven performance
 Push or pull back configurations, 12” (30.5cm) and 24”
(61cm) setbacks
 Bumper accuracy +/- 0.1” (0.25cm)
 Speeds to 250 LPM (even in dimension applications)
 Non-critical timing; no air cylinder cushions to tune
 Simple PLC control
 Electric design reduces operating costs
 No fussy brakes internal to moving board bumpers
 Easy access to all components for maintenance
 Retrofit existing 3-stage fence locations (9’-0” / 2.74m
min. roll)
800.buy.usnr
Electric design reduces operating costs
Push or pull back bumper configurations
Millwide. Worldwide.
12 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011
www.usnr.com
Tracks guide bumpers to designated locations
[email protected]
Retrofits existing 3-stage fence locations
Model 11 Trimmer
NEW DESIGN
Floors pivot open for operation, or closed for
maintenance.
Extended holddown shoes for processing thick or
curved boards.
HIGH SPEED, ACCURATE PERFORMANCE WITH IMPROVED ACCESS
USNR’s new Model 11 Trimmer builds on the
success of our standard Lineshaft Trimmer design
that has over 300 installations. The latest design
features a top that opens clamshell-style enhancing
the time-tested high speed, accurate and reliable
performance of our standard model.
The new Model 11 Trimmer uses the same
standard components as the Lineshaft Trimmer, and
the universal design allows it to easily be installed
into existing lines.
Improved maintenance access
Model 11 Trimmer’s full length hinged top
provides exceptional access for saw changes and
maintenance. The ergonomic design of this trimmer
ensures all maintenance can be accomplished from
the floor level and up. The clamshell lift cylinders
on each end of the trimmer do not protrude below
floor level. One spare belt mounted per lineshaft
segment, and quick change couplers facilitate
speedy belt changes.
Unique pivoting floors are made of grip strut
safety grating and provide a stable, safe platform
to perform maintenance and saw changes. When
the trimmer is operating and the floors are open,
sheeting prevents trim blocks from hanging up.
During maintenance, locking rods allow the pivoting
floors to be locked out with no hydraulics required to
remain securely closed. When closed, the pivoting
floors create a continuous surface with no openings
for tools to fall through. The entire machine can be
locked out from the operator/lumberline side.
Options
► ►Side-shifting p recision end trim saw (zero saw) for
infinite trim lengths
► ►Length sensing photo-eyes mounted overhead in
Features
► ►Infinitely adjustable saw positioning (12”/300mm
saw spacing) maximizes trim accuracy, flexibility
► ►Saw spacing also allows shorter transfers and
reduced floor space
► ►Operates at up to 240 lugs per minute
► ►Trims products up to 6” thick
► ►Accuracy: -0, +½ mm
► ►Single high speed cylinders (dual available)
► ►Dual banded 5V belts (triple available)
► ►Quick belt changes with quick-change couplings
and pre-mounted spare belts
► ►Easily adjusts to allow changes in saw diameter
► ►Saw arbor assembly is designed for quick
replacement
► ►Valves are visible and easy to access
► ►Low noise/dust enclosure improves working
conditions
protective enclosure
► ►E xtended
holddown shoes for processing thick
or curved boards
Model 11 Trimmer only
► ►Full length hinged top for exceptional access
► ►Pivoting floors provide a stable, safe platform for
maintenance
► ►Entire machine can be locked out from operator/
lumberline side
ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 13
Customized Controls Innovations
USNR delivers some of the most unique,
customized solutions to our customers. With our
integrated human-machine interface (HMI) and
PLC, a central server allows each client computer
to seamlessly switch between any of the machine
centers on the floor. This allows easy software
changes, and viewing production from any mill
floor computer or the mill manager’s office. This
powerful networking configuration works with
systems of all sizes, and puts decision-making
back in the hands of mill management.
With smart consoles, the panelview panel
display shows the status of all the drives that are
controlled from that console. If a drive is in an alarm
state the display shows the cause of the problem,
making it easier to correct.
Auto bin dumping (above right) frees up the
stacker operator to queue up specific bins to dump
in a specific order, or set up full automatic mode
whereby bins are dumped automatically as they fill.
This eliminates the need for a bin chaser.
A package tracking screen (shown at right)
allows packaging operators to view details about
each package and see where it is in the flow.
When the operator clicks on a package, the system
displays the load number, package description,
number of pieces and their length.
WinTally
WinTally is USNR’s solution for sorter management,
with a user-friendly interface for setting up sorts and
managing bins, configuring alarms and messages.
WinTally is an advanced sorter management
system that captures real-time production
information as boards enter the sorter, and data is
arranged into an organized and logical database. All
sorting is done in the tally instead of the PLC. This
maximizes sort flexibility while reducing system
complexity.
Information can be viewed in real-time on the
WinTally computer or from a remote location. Setting
up sorts and managing bins, alarms and messages is
easy with its user-friendly interface.
Key features in version 7.0:
► ►WinTally offers full integration with the Lineal
High Grader (LHG); products can be set up in the
LHG and sent to the WinTally. Products can also
be manipulated in the LHG to meet WinTally grade
mixing rules.
► ►Improved support with more standardization
► ►Ethernet IP is standard
► ►Now with Wireless Bin Attendant you can manage
your sorting process from anywhere!
14 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011
Graphical interface screen makes it easy to understand your sorter status at a glance.
Lunden Stacker
The USNR Lunden stacker (shown above) delivers
packages of great uniformity with near perfect sticker
alignment, with just one operator. It is capable of
achieving speeds of up to 18 cycles per minute,
depending on package width, and offers a host of
other capabilities and options, including coursegapping, random-width pullback, sticker unloading
(in case of a bowed sticker), and more.
► ►Faster cycle times while operating the sticker
system at a slower speed
► ►Forgiving loading and timing requirements make
the system immune to chain stretch and wearrelated issues
► ►Accurate placement of stickers, every time
► ►Ability to unload sticks from trays in the event of a
bent, broken, bowed, or misplaced stick
High-Speed Stacker
USNR’s High-Speed Stacker has earned its reputation
for durability and reliability based on performance
in hundreds of installations. It pre-stages the
lumber tiers, separating the tier dividing action from
the stacking fork movement and allowing smooth
operation at high speeds. The High-Speed Stacker
can be installed into most existing production lines
and is fully compatible with a variety of sticker and
lath placer designs.
► ►Power assisted tier width adjustment for a variety
of products
► ►Electronic control of infeed backlog and package
outfeed for continuous, efficient material flow
► ►Low profile design can be supported on common
sub-structure with infeed transfer
► ►Options include secondary hoist for continuous
stacking, boxing mechanisms eliminate need for
endpress, tier skewing when no stickers or lath
are used, cherry pack feature to improve package
appearance, and more.
The low profile design of USNR’s High-Speed Stacker allows it to be supported on a common sub-structure
with the infeed transfer.
ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 15
Slant Hopper Stick Placer
The Slant Hopper Stick Placer is a fully automated
stick placing mechanism that eliminates many
health and safety issues associated with manual
stick placing, while reducing the cross-up issues
associated with traditional automated stick placers.
The system includes stick bunks, stick
unscrambler, infeed section, stick allocator, and
hopper filler. Positive placement of sticks ensures
well aligned, stable kiln loads. A control system
creates gaps for unused sticks to be recirculated
ensuring constant stick delivery to the hoppers at
very high speeds. All components are tuned for
consistently high performance.
The innovative, open design of this stick placer
gives operators and maintenance personnel
unprecedented access to the vital areas of the
machine. The entire system can be built to operate
with no hydraulic components.
► ►Improved speed and throughput
► ►Replaces manually fed systems, reduces potential
for worker injuries
► ►Open hopper design simplifies maintenance
► ►Simple stick placement prevents sticks standing
on edge and reduces potential product damage
► ►Eliminates bad sticks, increasing uptime
► ►Accurately places 1½” sticks on 2’-0” centers
allowing higher kiln recovery, less deformation,
less staining, less stick breakage
► ►Utilizes small, energy efficient air components; no
hydraulics required
IMPROVE YOUR mill’s performance THROUGH TRAINING
In July USNR was pleased to welcome personnel
from the Interfor, Grand Forks, BC mill, for training
on the Lineal High Grader (LHG) automated planer
mill grading system. This was one of two groups
from the Grand Forks mill that took the training.
Ongoing training is one way mills can take
advantage of all the ‘bells and whistles’ their
advanced technology equipment has to offer. If your
personnel do not know how to adequately operate,
tune and maintain your equipment assets, it’s likely
you are not getting the return on your investment you
need to be competitive.
When you make the investment to upgrade your
systems, make sure you also invest in your people.
You’ll both be glad you did. Call 800.BUY.USNR
for information about our many training courses
available either on site, or at one of our training
facilities in the US or Canada.
Pictured from left to right: Aaron McFarland, “Junior”
Eugene Da Silva, Allan Jmayoff, Vern Todoruk, Bill
Zarubin, Paul Kazakoff (all from Interfor), and Mark
Allert, USNR trainer.
16 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011
USNR AT SFPA EXPO
Where the action is!
Lineal High Grader fits in line
directly behind the planer.
The last time the SFPA show was in Atlanta (2007),
USNR built a deck made of premium Southern Yellow
Pine. And it made quite a splash, allowing for a
bird’s eye view of our primary breakdown equipment.
This year the action will be at the back end of
the mill and the planer mill, specifically trimming,
fencing and planing. USNR is exhibiting its new
Model 11 Trimmer, the popular Multi-Track Fence,
and our team of planer mill graders: our proven
Lineal High Grader, and our new Transverse High
Grader featuring advanced BioLuma sensors. Visit
booth #424 to investigate these innovations up
close, see them operate, and learn how they can
improve your yield and grade out.
With the most extensive line of wood processing
equipment of any supplier, USNR provides fully
integrated systems to manufacture dimensional
lumber, plywood, panels, finger-jointed components
and engineered wood products – all from a single
supplier with a long history of serving this industry.
Committed to superior customer service,
USNR offers 24/7 support and training across all
time zones around the globe. From design and
manufacture, through final installation and start-up,
USNR works closely with you to keep your project on
budget and on time.
Visit both #424 at the SFPA show in Atlanta, GA
Aug. 11–12, or contact us today at 800.BUY.USNR,
+1.360.225.8267, or [email protected].
Flat transpor t design of the
Transverse High Grader easily fits
into the traditional lumber flow.
Equipment on display
► ►Model 11 Trimmer – delivers high-speed,
► ►Transverse High Grader – brings all the
accurate and reliable performance, and a hinged
top design features exceptional access for saw
changes and maintenance.
►► Multi-Track Fence – a cost effective solution for
mills that require high-speed precision fencing in
demanding applications. The system allows for
wider lug spacing at higher speeds, with less critical
timing than other models. All electric actuation
reduces operating costs and simplifies maintenance.
advancements and years of experience from our
renowned Linear High Grader into a transverse
package. THG uses the new BioLuma sensors for
even greater accuracy and efficiency.
► ►Lineal High Grader - the proven solution for
automated grading in the planer mill, offering
continuous advancements in the quest for higher
value, higher recovery and consistent adherence
to grade.
ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 17
New Projects
Ball Lumber - Edger optimization upgrade
The mill at Millers Tavern, Virginia is upgrading its
Geo 2 edger optimization system to the MillExpert
platform. The existing GeoII scanners will be
maintained, and paired with the latest MillExpert
hardware and software.
Battle Lumber - Trimmer optimization upgrade
Battle Lumber of Wadley, Georgia has ordered Smart
TriCam sensors to replace its existing V6 scanning
system for its trimmer optimizer.
Boise Cascade - M6 edger system upgrade to
MillExpert, with ControlLogix
The Boise Cascade Kinzua Lumber mill at Pilot
Rock, Oregon will update its edger optimization
system with existing M6 scanning system to the
latest MillExpert platform. This upgrade includes
replacement of all hardware except the transverse
scan frame, sensors and cabling. As well, the mill
will upgrade its PLC5 controls system on the edger
line to the ControlLogix platform, and reuse its
existing consoles and field devices.
Boise Cascade - Coe M-72 dryer retrofit
The Boise Cascade plant at Oakdale, Louisiana is
retrofitting its Coe M-72 veneer dryer with new
controls and features that will improve efficiency.
The 16-section dryer will receive a complete new
ControlLogix control system. The wet end seal
system will see modifications to its ADEC system,
including new full size duct for better access/
maintenance, new stainless backwardly inclined
centrifugal wet end seal fan and eclipse burner
assembly. The existing ADEC system fan and motor
located adjacent to the wet end seal section will be
reused. Cooler pressure balance control and veneer
temperature compensation are part of the package
of supply.
Coe lathe
Freres Lumber - Coe M-1380-48 core drive
Freres Lumber at Lyons, Oregon is installing a new
core drive on its existing Coe lathe. The model
1380-48 core drive will minimize deflection of the
block in the lathe as the block is peeled to very
small diameters. By peeling to a smaller diameter
more usable veneer is produced, thus improving
recovery from each block. The hydraulically powered
core drive imparts a turning force to the block that
substantially reduces spin-outs at the chucks due to
splits or soft ends in the veneer block.
Hood Industries - Small Log log rotation and log
optimization system
Hood Industries at Metcalfe, Georgia is installing a
new small log processor that will be outfitted with
MillExpert log rotation and log optimization software.
The log rotation scanner features SmartTriCam
sensors in a single scan zone. Once turned, the
dual scan zone log optimization system (also with
SmartTriCam sensors) takes over and the log is
rescanned after rotation and prior to entering the
machine centers.
Humboldt Redwood - Lineal Edger Optimizer
This mill in Scotia, California has ordered a lineal
edger optimizer system comprising a lineal scanner
outfitted with Newnes LPL sensors in combination
with the MillExpert optimization platform. The new
system will improve the resolution and accuracy over
the existing lineal optimization solution.
Idaho Forest Group - LHG computer and
WinTally upgrades
The Athol, Idaho planer mill is upgrading its Lineal
High Grader (LHG) system to version 6.0 software
and new computer hardware. The upgrade utilizes
the existing laser profile, X-ray and vision scanning
technologies that enable the LHG to fully grade
lumber for the following defects:
► ►wane, shallow face / edge wane
► ►face and edge skip
► ►hole measurement – face and edge
► ►slough knots and tear outs
► ►planed bark and cambium – graded as wane
► ►warp - crook and twist
► ►splits and shakes: 1, 2 & 3 face shakes and
end splits
Coe dryer
► ►sap stain (i.e. blue stain in bug kill)
► ►heart stain
► ►knots: sound/unsound, bark encased,
decayed, slough, holes
► ►grain distortion
► ►slope of grain: average (i.e. 1 in 8)
► ►full on rot and white speck, and
► ►pitch pockets.
At the same time the mill will upgrade its WinTally
sorter management system to version 7.0 software.
18 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 3 - 2011
Lakeland Mills - Gang & Edger top reman heads
Lakeland Mills at Prince George, British Columbia
has ordered top chip head assemblies to retrofit its
Schurman McGehee gang and Newnes board edger.
Scierie West-Brome - Carriage optimizer
The mill at Ville-du-Lac-Brome, Quebec has ordered
a carriage optimizer equipped with 3-D LASAR
scanning system and MillExpert optimization. The
upgrade will also include improvements to the
control system.
Sierra Pacific - Revolver lug loader
The mill at Anderson, California has ordered a new
Revolver lug loader and backlog table for its sawmill.
Spanish Trail - planer mill improvements
The Spanish Trail Lumber mill at Cypress, Florida
will receive a new Revolver Lug Loader as well as
other lumber handling improvements.
Stimson Lumber - Primary breakdown line
Stimson Lumber’s Tillamook, Oregon mill is
installing a new primary breakdown line to process
maximum 26” diameter x 10’ long logs. The supply
will feature a reciprocating quad roll log turner
and centering sharp chain system. Optimization
will include SmartTriCam scanning system and the
MillExpert operating platform.
Tolko Industries - transverse edger and trimmer
optimizer upgrades
Tolko’s mill at Lavington, British Columbia will
upgrade both its edger and trimmer optimizers with
the latest (V7.1) Newnes optimization. The upgrades
will include new computer hardware, and new GenII
sensors will replace the GenI planview sensors.
Tolleson Lumber - Carriage and edger optimizer
upgrades to MillExpert platform
The Tolleson Lumber mill at Preston, Georgia is
upgrading its YMSS carriage optimization system
to the MillExpert platform to improve its whole-log
breakdown. This project incorporates an entirely
new optimization and control system that reuses the
existing scanners and operator’s control console.
The mill is also upgrading its GeoII transverse
edger optimizer to the MillExpert platform. The
TimberGrafx platform and VAX computer hardware
will be replaced with the latest MillExpert hardware
and software. The new computers offer a full
3-year warranty and are based on dual, quad-core
Xeon processors yielding a dramatic increase in
processing power. The existing GeoII sensor heads
will be retained.
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ISSUE 3 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 19
PO Box 310
Woodland, WA 98674
Millwide INSIDER is printed on recycled paper.
PROFILE
Bob Pope is an Account
Manager for USNR in the
Northeast region of the US.
UPCOMING
EVENTS
From his roots grading hardwood
lumber, Bob Pope has had a
long career in this industry. He
received a BS in Wood Science
and Technology before joining
the Irvington-Moore division in
Jacksonville, Florida in 1979.
For a time he worked in
sales, then engineering and
manufacturing, and at the same
time continued his studies to
receive a Master of Business
Administration degree.
He accepted the role as
Account Manager when he
moved to his current location
at Montpelier, Vermont. From
his home base he services
customers in the US Northeast
region.
During his tenure, Bob says
he has worked with customers
processing Eastern White Pine,
hardwoods and SPF dimension.
He says, “Each project is
important, whether it is for a
single kiln or a complete sawmill
line. I enjoy helping mills achieve
their best and improve their
bottom line.”
Bob and wife, Karen, raised
three daughters and have been
blessed with a grandson. The
couple is actively involved in
their church and enjoy volunteer
work there. Bob also enjoys
woodworking as a hobby.
AUG. 11-12
SFPA Expo
SEPT. 9-10
Wood Week
SEPT. 21-24
NHLA
Atlanta, Georgia
Quebec, Canada
Nashville, Tennessee
SEPT. 5-7
NZ Forest Industries Expo
SEPT. 15-16
COFI
OCT. 22-24
EWTA Info Fair
Rotorua, New Zealand
Prince George, BC, Canada
New Orleans, Louisiana