News & Events

Coe Newnes McGehee adds visual defect scanning to industry's most accurate geometric optimizer

Salmon Arm, BC, Canada - May 1, 2006
Coe Newnes McGehee (CNM) today announced the addition of visual defect scanning to its geometric trimmer and edger optimization products. Named Sawmill BioScan™, it visually detects, classifies and evaluates knots, bark pockets, stain, splits and shake on a wide range of species. The trimmer or edger optimizer with BioScan makes value-enhancing cutting decisions based on precise geometric measurements, visually detected and classified natural and manufacturing defects, and user-specified rules. For example, a 2x8 that is low grade due to knots may be worth more as two 2x4s, one of them being high grade.

“Today’s demand for increased recovery and higher value requires more than geometric-based decisions. Natural and manufacturing defects combined with value parameters must also be considered,” stated Shawn Casey, Chairman and CEO. “The addition of Sawmill BioScan will provide our customers with immediate value and a high rate of return on their investment.”

Customer data from processing two species with this new technology shows increased board value from grade uplift ranging from 6 to 15% when comparing BioScan optimization to geometric-only optimization. Trimmer grade extraction lets you cut-in-two, allowing a shorter, high grade piece without trim loss. Edger grade extraction increases recovered value through re-manufacture. Candidate stock can be targeted, sorted and routed differently for unique action downstream in the process. Some applications also see benefit in increased machine up-time though the removal of waste fiber (cracks) as detected by the BioScan.

The CNM geometric optimizers use True Differential Thickness Measurement™ (TDTM) laser technology for highly accurate profiles. The Sawmill BioScan digital cameras and defect analysis software offers the fastest defect extraction speed, highest image resolution, and the most comprehensive defect recognition capability in the industry.

2-sided visual defect scanning is available now. 4-sided scanning is planned for later release. Optimizer and BioScan frames are available from 8’ to 28’ long.

Customers have several ways of implementing this new capability. A bolt-on upgrade module is available to upgrade existing CNM trimmer/edger optimizers. Sawmills can order a trimmer or edger optimizer with a BioScan-ready BioFrame™. The BioFrame will accommodate upgrade to current and foreseeable sensor improvements and designs. This extends the productive life of the system enabling customers to benefit from the latest technologies through upgrades instead of complete system replacements. Alternatively, mills can gain the added benefits of the fully configured system right from the start by installing the optimizer with BioScan. Customers can send a representative sample of their lumber to CNM’s R&D test facility in Salmon Arm for evaluation of the benefits they can realize through implementation of this technology at their operations.
The CNM Aftermarket team has three parts centers in North America, and regionalized optimization service technicians available for routine, preventative, and emergency maintenance. Technical training programs are available including a 3-day intensive BioScan course.

A live demo of the Sawmill BioScan was featured in the company’s booth at the Wood Technology Clinic and Show in Portland, OR in March.

About Coe Newnes McGehee
Coe Newnes McGehee combines the resources and experience of two of the most respected industry leaders; Coe Manufacturing and Newnes/McGehee. Building on a reputation for quality, innovation and customer support, Coe Newnes McGehee offers the broadest range of machinery products and services for the lumber and veneer/plywood markets.

For more information, please contact:

Miki Tokola
Director of Marketing
503.268.4009
E-Mail: mtokoka@coenm.com

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