Scanning
Since 1997, MPM offers a variety of log and board scanning systems for both linear and transverse situations. In conjunction with our scanner hardware partners, MPM can provide Diameter (Shadow) scanning, True-Shape (Profile) scanning, or a combination of the two in up to three linked zones depending on the customer’s needs.
MPM has created scanning systems with the following scanner hardware companies.
Optimizers
Starting in 1997 with a Primary Breakdown Optimizer, MPM optimization has grown to include almost all areas of a sawmill’s product cycle.
A key component of the MPM optimization is the ability to do either the Product (board) Fitting or Pattern Fitting methods.
- Product Fitting: Candidate boards are fit into a scanned image based on machine restrictions.
- Pattern Fitting: Candidate boards are fit into a scanned image based on candidate patterns and machine restrictions.
Another advantage of MPM optimization is its multi-threaded performance. With the advent of multiple-core CPUs, MPM optimizers have been created to be able to spread the optimization task across these multiple-cores causing a dramatic decrease in the time needed to determine a solution.
Created with individual machine centres in mind, MPM optimization can be installed as a single machine centre or as multiples of centres that are interlinked depending on the customer’s needs.
In addition to being independent from each other, all MPM optimizers are independent of the type of scanning used so different scanning hardware and accuracy can be implemented with the same optimizer program. Giving flexibility for future upgrades as both the scanning and optimizer need not be upgraded at the same time.
To help with an accurate solution, each optimizer contains details of what the downstream machinery can or cannot do. Using this information, an accurate solution can be determined. Many combinations of these machine centres are already available though custom ones can be created to define a customer’s particular sawmill.
Below are small descriptions of currently available optimizers. For details, click on an optimizer’s link.
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Log Sorter:
The MPM log sort optimizer is capable of sorting logs by solution or diameter. It is able to incorporate 3D scanner data along with any other measurable quality of the log and sorting it to appropriate bins. It is fully capable to adapting to changes in scanning technology.
Bucking / Merchandiser Optimizer:
The first optimizer in the product cycle, this optimizer determines a stem solution by looking at a variety of user defined block types and detected physical defects in the stem. These block types can include Sawmill Blocks, Plywood Peeler Blocks, and Pole Blocks to name a few. For the defects, Sweep, Flare, Pistol Grip, Catface, and Nodal Swell are a few of the ones that can be detected.
Turner Optimizer:
The Turner Optimizer analyzes a scanned log to see which angle to turn it to so that the most recovery is realized. It does this by either exhaustively finding a value of the log at each angle and taking the most valuable, or finding an angle based on geometry (Ex: Horns).
Breakdown Optimizer:
The Breakdown Optimizer finds the optimal cutting solution of a scanned log by moving the various breakdown machinery and fitting boards until the most valuable solution is found. Depending on the machinery installed, solutions can be dynamically skewed, slewed or chipped.
Cant Optimizer:
Dedicated to the gang machine centre, the Cant Optimizer will analyze a scanned cant and fit boards until the best recovery is found. Defined gangs can be evenly or variably spaced so that a mix of board thicknesses can be optimized for.
Trimmer Optimizer:
One of the newer optimizers, the Trimmer Optimizer analyzes the scanned flitch and determines the trim solution for it. This could be either trimming one or more boards out of it, or sending the flitch back to the Edger for edging / splitting. The Trimmer Optimizer considers flitch Bow, Crook, and Twist in addition to the normal Wane parameters.
Edger Optimizer:
The latest in the family of MPM optimizers, the Edger Optimizer looks for the best solution of a scanned flitch by considering boards at different angles and offsets. If a downstream Trimmer exists, the optimizer will also consider trim solutions in addition to edge solutions. Like the Trimmer Optimizer, the Edger Optimizer considers flitch Bow, Crook, and Twist in addition to the normal Wane parameters.
Other Software Programs
MPM provides more than Scanning & Optimization products. There are a variety of programs that are available for other areas of a sawmill. Some can be hooked to the MPM Scanning and Optimization products while others are stand-alone.
Below are small descriptions of currently available programs. For details, click on a program’s link.
Lumber Sorter:
MPM engineering’s lumber sorting system is programmable logic controller (PLC) based with a Microsoft Windows interface software that makes it user friendly and easy to operate and troubleshoot.
Message Software:
MPM message display software is generic software that can be configured to communicate with various brands of PLC’s and controls display of alarm conditions on various displays such as: Newnes large 8 character display, Vorne M1000 display and a large multi-line display such as an Alphavision FS series display.
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