Comact launches carriage optimizer to upgrade existing sawmill carriages

Canadian sawmill equipment maker Comact has launched a carriage optimizer that brings new scanning, optimization and control technology to existing carriage systems and has completed the first installation at Scierie Carrière, a hardwood sawmill in Quebec, the company said.

The system combines high-density geometric scanning, optimization software and automated carriage positioning to determine and execute the opening cuts, and can recommend the optimal sawing speed. It is designed to work with all types of carriage systems.

"Many mills have carriage systems that continue to perform well mechanically, but the optimization technology supporting them is aging or no longer supported," said Simon Potvin, chief executive of Comact, in a statement. The optimizer lets mills modernize without replacing a carriage that still has years of productive life ahead, he said.

Scierie Carrière returned to its normal production pace after two production shifts and has seen productivity rise by up to 5% since the installation. "We immediately saw faster optimization and positioning, along with improved accuracy in both opening faces and sawing execution," said Michel Ferron, president of Scierie Carrière.