Calculating and Projecting Veneer Matches
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Calculating and Projecting Veneer MatchesVeneer takes on a new flavor of meaning, as Eurosoft, Inc. adds “Veneer” to its OnCORE software line. The standalone software addresses wood project planning challenges unique to production of veneered panels from narrow strips of precuts.

Veneered rectangular panels are widely used to produce fixtures, cabinetry and many other products. Their production challenges makers and manufacturers alike to select the best combination of narrow strips of wood veneer (precuts) for each rectangular part to be produced.

OnCore Veneer computer program facilitates and automates this task. The software will manage parts and inventory: It offers a Windows 7-style user interface for entering, deleting, or editing parts and pre-cuts manually, or importing from external sources such as text files.

The optimization algorithm supports calculation based on cost of each precut, specie and grade, and grain orientation. It can even be set to preferentially use precuts logged in inventory for an extended period.

Split Hearts

Examples of features useful in planning or producing a veneer project include match making of “Split Hearts” (described below) and user definable minimal yield thresholds — to automate the process of determining how far to push toward matching perfection. Here are some of the key features:

Optimize costs: Each precut has costs assigned to it. The software selects the least expensive combination.

Take grain into account: The user can define the orientation of the precuts for each part – vertically or horizontally

Consider specie and grade: each precut is defined by its specie (maple, cherry, etc.) and its grade (AA, B, etc.)

Advantages in substitution: Higher grade precuts can be used for lower grade precuts, if necessary.

Enforce uniformity if desired: A user setting enforces the same width of all precuts for a panel or allows a mix

Apply depreciation factors (e.g., age, small quantities): Precuts in inventory for a long time or small quantities can be “depreciated,” so they will get used sooner.

Factor in the required oversize: The precuts need to exceed the size of the panel in length and width.

Allow for material losses at the joints between precuts: Where precut strips are joined the material loss that occurs reduces the useable width of combined precuts.

Make sure that the yield does not drop below a user-defined threshold: To prevent wasting long (or wide) precuts for small parts because no better fitting precuts are available, a minimum yield value for each precut can be defined.

Match up “Split Hearts:” Precuts showing a heart-shaped grain figure can be singled out in pairs for higher quality panels.

The software features an integrated database to store and manage parts and inventory so woodworkers, furniture designers, etc. can quickly add, delete and edit parts.

OnCORE will show it at IWF 2012 at Booth 4335.

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