USNR’s AddVantage Chop and Rip Saw Optimizers are designed to add value for the rough mill. USNR offers an extensive line of integrated systems to manufacture lumber, plywood, panels, engineered wood products, finger-jointed components, and shop and moulding components.                                    

Its Chop Saw Optimizer can detect tight vs. loose knots, cracks, shake, stain, grain angle and color, by utilizing an infrared laser geometric profile and optional x-ray density. Also provided are high-resolution scanning at speeds up to 600 feet per minute.

The company says it completely replaces marking by crayons, offers optimization of fixed and random lengths, and increases value for the rough mill by offering more precise measuring and grading. 

The Rip Saw Optimizer is a laser and vision-based scanning system that classifies most wood characteristics – again optimizing for a higher value cut solution. By identifying and classifying grading characteristics, AddVantage determines the cuts that will result in the highest value recovery.

Both scanners can equally process both hardwoods and softwoods, and use a common database for product and machine set-up.

USNR also offers hardwood edger optimizers called MillExpert. MillExpert offers 3D data and features wane-free clear-cutting evaluations, independent wane controls for each edge, and upgradable sensors. This allows clients to model production value based on raw material statistics.

In addition to its integrated systems, USNR offers machinery, drying systems, control systems, and automation for sawmills, planer mills, plywood, veneer, OSB, LVL, and other engineered wood manufacturing plants.