OVERHEAD SCRAG OPTIMIZATION

Cooper Machine provides an option for mills interested in exploring the benefits of a fully optimized end-dogging system complete with the 3-D laser scanning technology.

The prototype, which was installed at Bill Hanks Lumber in Danbury, VA started up in late December 2004. Since then, Cooper Machine has made steady progress towards achieving a fast, flexible system that a mid-sized hardwood or softwood operator can afford.

The 3-D laser scanning system scans the log with opposing rows of Dynavision scan heads. This system is able to accommodate dual sided scanning and solutions that account for optimum yield as well as optimum orientation angle.

End-dogging small log mills have been a Cooper Machine specialty for years. Using a standard machine for a starting point, the company worked with the customer to design and build a fully optimized model which included additions such as an off-line scan zone with turning rolls and charger, dog mechanisms capable of infinite rotation, Twin Band mills in place of the traditional Cooper scrag circle saw arrangements and extra strengthening in the frame and drive to allow for high speed automated operations.

Like many manufacturers, Cooper fabricates, plumbs, wires and thoroughly tests each system prior to shipment. However, this test process is taken one step further than most. The system is completely assembled in house and actually saw logs.

Cooper Machine managers believe that this product will prove over time to be an excellent alternative to the larger, more expensive and complex systems traditionally offered to the industry.