Key issues impacting on Australian wood processing businesses

The benefits of new technologies enabling measurement and fixing machine problems on the fly. New technology to scan at each step of the process. Comparing what goes into a machine to what comes out and then automatically making adjustments to keep the machine performing at its best.

Optimal location and placement of sensors within the mill

Understanding scanner resolution and the impacts this has on board width, thickness and length measurements

Log loading, turning, dogging, scanning, sawing, carriage drive and unloading

Short presentations on new product innovations

How Augmented Reality is being employed as an essential maintenance tool

- Developing a safer technology for scanning timber
- Minimising operator risk
- Improving auditability – record images as well as barcode scan
- Eliminating the impact of vertical scan height

Thermal and alternative wood modification technologies

How Nordic countries are tackling imported treated timber being offered from inside and outside the common EU market. Lessons for Australasia

Predictive analysis using live operational saw temperature

Real time saw performance monitoring through SawSense and Smart Guides.
- Oil savings up to 40% in mill cutting applications.
- Real Time Saw Performance to the palm of your hand (Your cell phone)
- IIOT throughout the filing room and the entire mill
- Predictive maintenance through IIOT / Industry 4.0
- Increase mill speeds through saw performance tracking
- Saw Guide and Saw Guide pad design (Tear Drop pad design) resulting in further increased oil savings
- CNC Guide Dresser and improved saw guide performance

- Maintaining machine alignment. What is a realistic alignment schedule, what needs to be done prior to the alignment and who should be involved?
- Techniques used by mills operating at very high reliability record. What key factors enable them to achieve such high numbers?
- Which alignment method is best for your machine application?
- Training for your mechanics. What type and depth of training should be employed?

1) Quality Control Basics - Size Control Objectives, Value and Recovery, Understanding Variation, Understanding Target Size, Size Control Process
2) Quality Control on Specific Machines - Primary Breakdown: Width, Thickness, Saw Deflection and Opening Face Analysis, Board Edger: Width and Wane analysis, Gang: Thickness and Wane analysis, Trimmer: Fence Performance, Length Verification and Storyboard Process, Planer: Infeed and outfeed width/thickness, impacts of drying
3) Quality Control People and Program - Mill Staff: Operators, Supervisors, QC and Management all need be involved appropriately, Mill Specific Opportunities: understanding the opportunities, Economic Analysis: How to calculate payback, Specific Examples: Highlight several mill QC program examples

Maintaining uptime and reducing downtime in the mill

Getting the most out of your saws through careful guide selection, installation, operation and maintenance. Working in-mill case studies

Short presentations on new product innovations

Recent technology advancements changing just how the saw shop is being run and managed.
Lights out operations
- Industry 4.0 in your filing room
- Robotics automation and the future of tool room production
- Machine remote monitoring IIOT
- Integrating your sawmill to the cloud

Global trends from Europe, USA /Canada, /Australia/NZ.
- Benefits of CNC v cam machines, oil v dry and water-based coolants, CBN
- Attracting quality new entrants into the industry
- Differences and benefits of 3 axis vs 2 axis
- Cost reductions by using new equipment

Be your own “auditor”. Guidelines for performing an objective review of your: filing room practices, equipment maintenance condition, preventative maintenance schedules and saw blade tracking.

How to ensure your teams in the mill are productive and motivated – each and every day