Lucidyne Technologies, Inc. introduced its first scanning optimizer to the secondary manufacturing industry in 1995.  During the several years since that installation in a northern California millwork plant, our technology of using single sensor scanning has grown into the massed technologies of four individual sensors, each contributing data to Lucidyne’s unique fiber classification processes.  Lucidyne optimizes the lumber crosscut solutions so that each board is cut to generate the highest possible value.

The system that accomplishes these tasks is called ChopScan^®.   This system combines state-of-the-art board fiber feature and dimension scanning with high-speed three-dimensional grade optimization.  During this process, the scanner components search for knots, pitch, stain, splits, cracks, season check, pith, bark, rot and wane, among others, at feed speeds beyond 1000 lineal feet per minute.  The four primary sensors—Video, Geometric, Tracheid and Density—gather information about the fiber and submit it for analysis.  The result of such is a fiber data map that includes the internal and external board features and geometric wane profile.  The fiber data map is used during optimization to determine the crosscut decision.  Passing that decision to the saw control system completes the process.

ChopScan’s value lies in its ability to make better cutting decisions faster than humans.  A scanner that can find lots of defects is one thing; being able to classify defects (round knot, edge knot, spike knot, live knot, dead knot, etc.) is a capability that pushes your operation even farther beyond manual chopping.   ChopScan generates innovative cutting solutions to utilize high-value fiber, incorporates specified defects into cut stock parts in usable locations, and reduces waste.   Productivity is improved by using less manpower and operating consistently at the highest practical operating speeds.  These benefits can significantly increase the profitability of your crosscut operation.