Custom solution created for Weyerhaeuser

VANCOUVER, WASH – JoeScan, Inc. worked with Weyerhaeuser’s Grande Prairie mill to increase operator efficiency by automating dunnage sorting. Under the old procedure, one of the two operators had to leave the station to manually sort dunnage before the placer set it. Now, cracked and broken pieces are automatically identified and discarded without distracting the operator.

“The system JoeScan designed for us allows us to do all our stacking with one person instead of two, and that’s on a per-shift basis,” said Guy Gaultier at Weyerhaeuser Grande Prairie.

The system uses four JS20-SR profiling scanners to map defects found in each piece. The software, running on a standard Windows PC, grades the dunnage according to Weyerhaeuser’s criteria. The decision is sent to a PLC that controls a gate arm to save or reject the piece.

“I’d say things are working very well,” Gaultier said. “Including benefits and related costs, the system is saving us about $180,000 a year.”

About JoeScan

JoeScan has been making scanners for the sawmill industry since 1999. The company has four popular JS-20 models, all backed by a five-year warranty and 10-year support guarantee. Renowned for their simple operation and durability, JoeScan scanners are easy to install, calibrate and set up.