Proud of the new USNR saw line: Tommy Halldin, production manager, together with CEO Anders Wiberg and Tobias Hammerström, Maintenance Manager at Ingarps Trävaror (from left) © Raphael Kerschbaumer
“Here at this site, the world’s first electronically controlled bandsaw was built in the 1960s. This formed the basis for a close relationship with Söderhamn Eriksson, which is now part of USNR. When we decided to update our log line, it was clear from the start that we would choose machines from the same manufacturer again, i.e. from USNR,” Anders Wiberg, CEO of Ingarps Trävaror, says during a visit by the Holzkurier in Ingarps in southern Sweden.
The new USNR bandsaw line has been in operation since the turn of the year. In addition, Ingarps Trävaror also has a line for thin log wood with diameters of 10 to 18 cm. The combined annual output, with the USNR line accounting for the majority, is estimated at around 140,000 m³ of lumber.
Further processing is also one of the strong suits of the family business. In addition to two finger-jointing systems and one joinery machine, it also has a high-performance planing mill with a recent output of over 90,000 m³ a year.
The products, which are primarily made of spruce, find buyers in various markets. “We have a very broad distribution network. We supply the Scandinavian construction industry as well as DIY stores and packaging producers, and international lumber trading companies are also among our long-standing customers,” Wiberg tells us. In average years, Ingarps exports around 50% of its products.
“At the moment, we are trying to slightly increase this share since the domestic markets are weakening. Looking back, we couldn’t have chosen a better time than last fall to launch the new saw line,” Wiberg comments on the comparatively weak market situation in recent months.
Perfectly positioned
Precise log rotation and correction through the automatic control tool PGLR © Raphael Kerschbaumer
The installation of the new saw line was a relatively complex task, as it also required major structural modifications to the production hall. “Nevertheless, we were able to complete all construction measures and the installation of the new saw line within just ten weeks,” Wiberg tells us.
In front of the updated sawmill hall, the unsorted logs, with diameters of 18 to 55 cm, pass through a USNR debarker. Inside the sawmill, the logs are first measured by a scanner and then rotated precisely. Ingarps Trävaror is, in fact, the first Swedish sawmill whose rotating device is equipped with the PGLR system (Precision Geometric Log Rotation). For the company, this is a major upgrade, as the system developed by USNR not only identifies the optimal log rotation angle but also corrects it in real time even at the slightest deviations. By immediately optimizing the automatic log rotation, Ingarps Trävaror achieves the highest possible yield from the logs already at the start of the line. “The scanner combined with the log rotation and the PGLR system is possibly the most important section of the entire 110-meter-long saw line, as it determines cutting and yield. USNR installed really great machines that enable us to maximize added value,” Wiberg says, who is impressed by the technology installed.
Real-time quality control
In one flow: Four sideboards can be produced in each of the first two machine groups, before they are conveyed on towards the edge-trimming line, which was also delivered by USNR © Raphael Kerschbaumer
The first two machine groups of the new saw line each consist of two chippers and one turning device. Behind them, the first of a total of three bandsaw groups is installed. The last one in the row was completely overhauled by USNR and equipped with several new components. Parts of the old saw line were reused as well, which had a positive effect on the investment volume. In the first two bandsaw groups, up to four sideboards can be produced depending on the cutting pattern. The third saw unit then rip-cuts the log into a maximum of five pieces.
Optimization at the highest level: The new bandsaw line ensures maximum possible yield from the Swedish logs © Raphael Kerschbaumer
Behind each bandsaw group, USNR also installed a frame scanner, which is equipped with precise Bioluma sensors. With the associated program SawSight, each board is measured precisely after the sawing process and compared with the target data from production planning. This way, even the smallest deviations are reliably detected and corrected at an early stage. “Together with the two control systems SawSight and PGLR, we ensure continuous quality control during the production process,” Eric Blomstrand, Optimization and Controls Manager at USNR, says. “For us, the value of the products we manufacture is paramount. Thanks to the new bandsaw line, we can combine value with the highest possible yield. All machines were built here in Söderhamn. At Ingarps, we have been convinced by this technology for many decades,” Wiberg summarizes.
