Automation in the timber industry

Hardly any other sector demands as much flexibility and robustness as wood processing. Using specific application examples, we will show you how modern control technology optimises the material flow and measurably ensures quality - even with changing batch sizes.

Transport trolley example

Transport trolleys connect production systems, machines, buffers and storage areas. They transport material reliably, quickly and in the correct sequence - often between many sources and destinations.

Challenges:

• Large, heavy or sensitive products

• Production systems working in parallel

• Order-dependent priorities and time specifications

• Optimisation of routes and energy use

• Buffering and data handling for material and carrier media

Solution

The control system works based on events and priorities. Orders are adapted dynamically, several trolleys can be used in parallel. Data tracking via interfaces, barcode or RFID provides an overview of material, origin, destination and priority.

Simulations help to recognise bottlenecks and optimally configure the system, e.g. by:

• Several trolleys on one rail

• Trolleys with several transport locations

• Adjustment of travelling speed and layout

This avoids unnecessary costs and subsequent changes.