Above: Around 30% of the sawn goods produced are sorted using the layer sorting system – the cross-section at Ransford ranges up to 200x200mm
technology, we were able to handle the signing process exclusively online via Team meetings,” he said.
A CONFIDENT, LONG-STANDING PARTNER
Upstream of the post-pointing plant, is Kallfass’s new sorting system, in operation since October 2022. This system is specially designed for thicker cross-sections, measuring up to 200x200mm and lengths of 1.8x4.8m for gate posts or wooden sleepers. “Until now, we have been implementing the stacking of these systems by hand, requiring an enormous effort,” said Mr Leitch. “When the new Kallfass level sorter line is installed, we’ll have taken another important step towards increasing productivity.”
NEW LEVEL SORTER
The saw line made by EWD GmbH separates the squared timber and transfers the parts to the Kallfass roller conveyor at a speed of 120m/min. Workpieces longer than 5m or unsuitable can be discharged into a green chain. Subsequently, a curved conveyor transports the good parts to the new sorting system. After aligning the timber, an employee assesses the quality of the workpieces and rejects those pieces displaying unsuitable qualities. The measurement is carried out in a crosswise pass. Based on the measurement data, pivoting conveyors are used to place the timber on one of the four levels.
Immediately after emptying of the workpieces, the Kallfass automated system creates the layers. These layers enter the multiple cross-cut saw, equipped with zero- cut and two variable saws. The subsequent stacking uses five magazines where the sticks are placed automatically. Next, the system forms bundles with a cross-section measuring up to 1.2x1.2m. The bundles then leave the hoisting unit, and a roller conveyor transports the bundles to the strapping unit. Here, a stacker picks them up and moves them to the post-pointing unit.
Previously, several employees were required to do the work; now, the post-pointing line takes over this process. “Today, however, only one operator is needed to complete the task“, explained Alex Cooper, the responsible engineer at Ransford. The post-pointing line processes wood cross-sections of up to 200x200mm and post lengths ranging from 1.5x3m.
SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED MANUAL HANDLING
Inside the new system, the packages are first destacked in layers, and the sticks are automatically stripped. Next, the operator assesses the lumber’s quality and uses a piece of chalk to mark any piece of timber that does not meet the required qualities. The identified parts can be automatically ejected later in the process. In the longitudinal pass, the squared timber enters the incisor (for scoring the wood, ensuring better penetration of the preservative treatment). Subsequently, automatic zero-point alignment takes place upstream of the post-pointing station.
Finally, in the cross-cutting station, circular saws with a maximum cutting depth of 200mm point the posts on all four sides while the timber rotates 90° automatically between saws.
Alternatively, the squared timber can also be processed using a radius milling cutting station instead of the circular saws. The squared timber is aligned beforehand and fixed in place using clamps. Two profiling units mill the rounding in synchronous and counter-rotation and thus ensure uniform processing without fraying of the posts. “The milling station has a capacity of up to six pieces per minute,” said Mr Link. The downstream Kallfass stacking system stacks sawn posts in single or multiple lengths, and places the sticks automatically. According to Link, the system has an output of up to five layers per minute. For Ransford, the clean packages, in particular, are also a definite benefit compared to the past. “The beautiful appearance of the uniform stacks makes a much better impression on the customer,” said Mr Leitch. ■
Above: The tried-and-tested multiple cross-cut saw from Kallfass cuts the timber to the required length before it is stacked
www.ttjonline.com | May/June 2023 | TTJ
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