JoeScan creates customized optimizer for Plum Creek Ksanka’s twin-band saw

JoeScan, a leading manufacturer of laser scan heads for sawmills and other wood-products applications, has announced development of an automated side slab sorter for Plum Creek Ksanka’s twin-band sharp-chain in Fortine, Montana.

The JoeScan slab sorter scans logs from each side using two JS20-SR line-profiling scan heads. The JS-20SR’s onboard Smart Sensor logic uses the profile data and current cant width to determine whether the slabs can be further processed into a board, and it controls the gates for saving or discarding slabs.

“We can modify the parameters in the scanner to meet current market conditions. If we decide that we want to chip a slab that has a six–foot 1x3 in it, and keep a slab that has an eight-foot 1x3, the JoeScan heads allow us to do that,” said Pat McCully, the maintenance superintendent at Plum Creek Ksanka.

McCully appreciates that the JoeScan slab sorter produces consistent, accurate output and allows operators to focus on creating higher-value cants.

“At nearly 1,000 blocks per hour, any decision we can take away from the operator will give them more time to load and turn the blocks. As the operators get fatigued, their ability to make accurate decision suffers. With the new Joe Scan heads this is no longer an issue,” said McCully.

About JoeScan
JoeScan has been making scanners for the sawmill industry since 1999. The company introduced its popular JS-20 model in 2002, followed by the JS-20XR and JS-20SR in 2003, the JS-20DL dual-laser model in 2005 and the JS-20WA in 2006. JoeScan scanners are renowned for their simple operation and rugged durability in challenging mill environments. They feature easy installation, with intuitive calibration and an uncomplicated set-up procedure. Because of their simple and reliable technology, they’re easily adapted to virtually any application or mill configuration.

For more information on JoeScan products, go to www.joescan.com for application examples and illustrations, user feedback, technical and support information and more.