Development of a computer method for predicting lumber cutting yields.

Abstract

A system of locating defects in a board by intersecting coordinate points was developed and a computer program devised that used these points to locate all possible clear areas in the board. The computer determined the yields by placing any given size or sizes of cuttings in these clear areas, and furthermore stated the type, location, and number of saw cuts. The computer improved on the manual act of extracting cuttings from a board. This was demonstrated conclusively in the yields obtained from a representative sample of 4/4 hard maple lumber in the FAS, Select, and No. 1 Common lumber grades. Thus, a plant manager can obtain an accurate estimate of cutting yields from any grades of hard maple lumber.

Citation

Dunmire, Daniel E.; Englerth, George H. 1967. Development of a computer method for predicting lumber cutting yields. Research Paper NC-15. St. Paul, MN: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service, North Central Forest Experiment Station