Two ZSA automatic stackers sort the finished workpieces.
The Latvian timber processing company OSUKALNS Ltd is expanding its production capacity and once again relying on state-of-the-art machine technology from PAUL Maschinenfabrik in Dürmentingen (Germany). Right at the start of the collaboration, PAUL impressed with its Q-805 rip saw and RAPID cross-cut system, including scanner and sorting system, thanks to precision, reliability and ease of use. The next step now follows with a highly automated production line that combines state-of-the-art scanner, feeding, ripping and stacking technology.
With an annual cutting volume of about 100,000 m³ of round timber, OSUKALNS is one of the leading timber processing companies in Latvia. The company produces planed profiled timber boards made of aspen and alder, which are mainly used in sauna construction.
At the heart of the new system is the Rip Scanning System, which uses high-resolution cameras and sensors to analyse the top and bottom face of each workpiece in detail. “With the support of artificial intelligence, the system recognises wood characteristics such as knots, shakes, discolouration or quality zones with high precision. The AI-supported optimisation not only takes into account the geometric twist of the boards, but also re-rip pieces and desired cut lengths," explains Manfred Buck, Sales Director at Paul. “On this basis, the best possible cutting positions and product dimensions are calculated – for maximum material utilisation with minimum waste.”
The AB920_SPOT infeed system ensures precise transfer of the scanned workpieces by aligning the boards accurately using an integrated camera system. Two independently operating servo drives position each workpiece with millimetre precision before it is transferred to the ripsaw. This combination of optical detection and servoelectric control ensures maximum cutting accuracy and process reliability – even with irregular workpieces with bark residues or natural edges. Subsequent processing is carried out on a CGL ripsaw, whose saw shaft is driven with a motor power of up to 160 kW. The powerful drive and robust feed rollers, controlled via cardan joints, enable a consistently high feed speed and reliable performance with both softwood and hardwood. The modular design and maintenance-friendly construction also ensure low downtime and maximum plant availability. After ripping, the workpieces are fed into the ZSA automatic stackers and the sorted packs are removed by the forklift driver.
“Thanks to the combination of AI-supported timber detection, intelligent mechanisation and powerful sawing technology, OSUKALNS will benefit from significantly increased timber yield, higher product quality and optimised material flow in the future,” Buck is convinced. “The renewed decision in favour of PAUL underlines the long-standing partnership between our companies and our shared commitment to implementing technologically advanced and economically efficient solutions for modern timber processing.”
