Automatic Color Sorting System for Hardwood Edge-Glued Panel Parts

Richard W. Conners; D.Earl Kline; Philip Araman

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Automatic Color Sorting System for Hardwood Edge-Glued Panel Parts

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Richard W. Conners, D.Earl Kline, Philip Araman

Year:

1996

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Southern Research Station

Source:

Proceedings, CIFAC '96 International Symposium. 115-120.

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Abstract

The color sorting of edge-glued panel parts is becoming more important in the manufacture of hardwood products. Consumers, while admiring the natural appearance of hardwoods, do not like excessive color variation across product surfaces. Color uniformity is particularly important today because of the popularity of lightly stained products. Unfortunately, color sorting of edge-glued panel parts is labor intensive and it is very difficult to obtain consistent sorts given the fact that different people have different perceptions of color. This paper describes an automatic color and grain sorting system that has been developed at Virginia Tech working in cooperation with NOVA Technologies. In its current configuration, the system examines both faces of a panel part and then determines which face has the "best" color given specified color priorities defined by management. The resulting system has undergone extensive plant testing capable of sorting red oak panel parts into a number of part classes. The system is currently being marketed by Sutton Woodworking Machinery Company.

Citation

Conners, Richard W.; Kline, D.Earl; Araman, Philip A. 1996. Automatic Color Sorting System for Hardwood Edge-Glued Panel Parts. Proceedings, CIFAC ''96 International Symposium. 115-120.