News & Events

Coe Manufacturing Announces High Resolution Lathe Charger Scanner

Tigard, Oregon USA - January 2006
Coe Manufacturing today announced the BlockPLUS Profile and Lathe Charger Control System to the veneer/plywood industry. Using a new generation of laser technology and image processing, BlockPLUS accurately measures every surface detail with a precision finer than 1/8th of an inch, resulting in the most precise block scan in the industry. This definitive profile is then used by the lathe system to reduce peeling cycle time and increase recovery.

Instead of projecting a single laser beam on the block, as was done with previous generation scanners, BlockPLUS uses new lasers that project a two foot long fan of light along the length of the block. Each fan of light is measured as 512 distinct data points resulting in over 100 data points per square inch. With this resolution, surface features such as knots, holes, butt flares and pistol grips can be accurately modeled.

Initial projections estimate this higher resolution translates into a reduction in peeling cycle time of 5-7% and an increase in recovery of 2-3%. By knowing the exact dimension of any block protrusion, the knife carriage can be accurately positioned to just clear it prior to cutting. This reduces wasted carriage motion. The highly accurate block profile also enables better block centering, reduced randoms, and more thorough optimization.

BlockPLUS uses less hardware, i.e. fewer lasers and less electronic circuitry, than previous generation scanners providing greater reliability. It will begin shipping in Q1, 2006. BlockPLUS will be available on new lathe systems as well as an upgrade to existing Coe lathe chargers.

A conference session, ID #21, has been set for the Portland Wood Technology Clinic & Show, March 22 – 24, 2006. The new BlockPLUS technology will be presented by lead engineer, Gary Ely, and is scheduled for Friday, March 24, at 11:00 a.m.

Coe Manufacturing Company and Coe Newnes/McGehee combine the latest technology, innovative design and over two hundred years of forest products industry participation and experience to develop high-performance, quality rich solutions for the solid wood and engineered wood products industries.

For more information about BlockPLUS, please contact:

Frank Scheidel
Product Line Manager – Lathes / Veneer
503.268.4024
E-Mail: fscheidel@coemfg.com

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