New wide-laser-fan configuration allows simplified transverse scanning and delivers real data for all sides and ends of boards and cants

JoeScan, Inc. has introduced the JS-20WA, an innovative scan head that uses a wide laser fan to make transverse scanning simpler and more effective, providing dramatically improved edge accuracy and total surface coverage. The JS-20WA was first designed for Konkolville Lumber, which needed a wide-scanning solution for its transverse trimmer.

An efficient solution to an industry-wide challenge
Transverse scanning has posed an operational challenge for lumber mills, often requiring a number of devices to perform one task.

“Typically, mills using transverse scanning needed laser scan heads to get a thickness profile, and a light curtain to get width and length,” said Rod Nelson of Nelson Brothers Engineering, an optimization systems integrator. “But even that combination provided too little data on the edges, where you need it the most. And the bottom scanner needed a plenum with a blower and a filter, which regularly clogged. Plus the top scanner blocked the operator’s view downstream.”

Faced with these challenges, JoeScan developed the JS-20WA. It provides real data on all sides and ends of boards and cants using one scan head type, requiring fewer components. The JS-20WA provides bottom scanning without any add-on devices, and top scan heads don’t block the operator’s view. The result is data that reflects total surface coverage, allowing more efficient cutting decisions and increased yield.

Superior design and guaranteed reliability
The JS-20WA is based on the reliable and proven JS-20 scanning platform, developed to make scanning systems easier to install and maintain. It uses industry-standard Ethernet, allowing the use of off-the-shelf networking cables and components. Similarly, TCP/IP communications and built in Web-based diagnostics and calibration tools enable fast and easy integration. JoeScan’s highly reliable QuickPulse laser technology keeps all scan heads synchronized while maximizing laser life, resulting in the industry’s only five-year laser warranty, in addition to a standard one-year limited product warranty.

Customized systems to meet customer needs
JoeScan will work with a mill’s preferred optimization vendor to help put together a scanning and optimization system to meet specific needs, or refer optimization vendors who have specific experience using JS-20 scan heads.

JS-20WA scanners available now
The new JS-20WA scanners are available for installation now. For more information, a demonstration, or to order any JS-20 scanning product, contact Joey Nelson at JoeScan: 360-993-0069 or joey@joescan.com.