Value of Defect Information in Automated Hardwood Edger and Trimmer Systems

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the lumber value obtainable from edging and trimming optimization using varying levels of defect information as input. In an earlier study, a computer-based procedure for estimating optimum edging and trimming solutions was developed. The same procedure was used in the optimization experiments in this study. A combination of selected defect types was used for each optimization experiment. The sample consisted of 120 unedged/untrimmed red oak boards collected from three hardwood mills.