Solutions for small to medium-size log processing in Australasia

Adding a small to medium log line can give Australasian sawmills the edge they need to make the most of their resources, ramp up productivity, and bolster their bottom line.

In this day and age, Australasian sawmills need smart solutions to stay productive and profitable. Adding a small to medium log line to the mill can provide the flexibility needed to transform challenges into opportunities.

Most Australasian sawmillers are well acquainted with the significant challenges the industry faces. Log supply is a major hurdle; limited forest area in Australia and New Zealand intensifies competition for resources, and a trend of smaller, younger logs impacts overall yield. The Australasian lumber market also continues to face volatility post-COVID. Adding to these pressures, many sawmills are located in remote areas. This can make it difficult for mills to attract and retain skilled workers, and impact lead times and costs for spare parts. Many mills, especially older family-owned operations, may also struggle to meet stringent OH&S requirements. These issues make it more important than ever for mills to efficiently and economically process the valuable forest resource.

Australasian sawmillers can overcome these challenges with the help of a small to medium log line. Investing in a small to medium log line not only gives the mill the ability to process a greater variety of log sizes, but modern equipment typically leverages advanced scanning and optimization solutions, ensuring that even less-than-perfect logs yield the highest possible value. 

Additionally, adding a highly automated small to medium log line can drastically reduce the number of operators required, while simultaneously improving safety for mill employees. Modern equipment is built to meet OH&S standards and incorporates features like extensive safety guarding, enclosures, and interlocks. 

When Dongwha Timbers Pty was looking for a turnkey small to medium log solution for its greenfield project in Bombala, New South Wales, Finnish supplier HewSaw was a natural fit. The mill had challenging logs to contend with and required a scan-n-set operation. Dongwha Timber was already familiar with HewSaw’s capabilities as they had an older model HewSaw R200 at their mill in Geelong, and knew the value of a local after-sales service.

The delivery included the log yard and sorting systems, sawmill infeed, debarker, residuals handling, automation, plus, of course, the HewSaw SL250 3.3. Unsorted Radiata Pine logs enter at the mill’s Nordautomation Oy Combi sawmill infeed and sorting line, where they are singulated, scanned by a Prologic+ scanner, and graded. Logs are then directed to a 10-pocket sorting line or the mill’s Valon Kone debarker. Previously sorted logs can also be fed into the line here via a second infeed deck, also by Nordautomation. Logs are scanned again to ensure the best solution, before being chipped on four sides in the HewSaw chipper canter. The resulting cant then undergoes another scan before the first set of sideboards is removed by the HewSaw cantsaw. It’s then turned and transported to the ripsaw, where any additional sideboards are removed and the centre cant is ripped into boards.

Finally, boards are transported to the sorting deck, singulated, scanned, and trimmed to length. They are then sorted into 30 bins and stacked in preparation for kiln drying. The mill’s automation was provided by New Zealand company, Tui Technology Ltd.

HewSaw is recognized globally as a leader in small to medium-size log lines and

produces equipment for logs ranging from a 75mm small end diameter to a 550mm large end diameter. HewSaw is also very familiar with the needs of Australasian sawmillers, and has operated an office in the region since 2007. Today, HewSaw’s Australasian subsidiary is centrally located in Geelong, Australia, and offers spare parts, service, and sales. No other major sawline manufacturer maintains a warehouse stocked with spare parts in Australasia. 

HewSaw offers two types of machines – the R series and the SL lines. Both are well-suited for use in Australasia. The R series machines, which take up less real estate in the mill and are more cost-effective, handle the entire process in one machine. Logs are delivered to a v-flight scanning conveyor equipped with a 3D or true shape scanner. After scanning, logs are oriented by a rotary log positioner for the best recovery. The log is then chipped on all four sides, and the resulting cant is processed through a ripsaw, and the bottom boards are edged within the machine. Depending on the model, the R series machines can handle logs from 7.5 to 50 centimeters in diameter. 

SL stands for sawline, and these larger multi-unit lines, like the SL250 3.3 at Dongwha Timbers, offer greater versatility and can be configured to achieve the mill’s goals. The units are typically connected by conveyors, and in some cases, the cant is turned between processing units. The SL lines can process logs up to 55 centimeters in diameter. 

While it’s undeniable that Australasian sawmillers face numerous challenges, none of them are insurmountable. By investing in a small to medium log line, mills can improve their productivity, profitability, and secure their future.

Find your sawmill solution at www.hewsaw.com