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Predicting Pallet Part Yields from Hardwood Cants |
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Abstract. Pallet cant quality directly impacts
pallet part processing and material costs. By knowing the quality of the
cants being processed, pallet manufacturers can predict costs to attain
better value from their raw materials and more accurately price their
pallets. The study objectives were 1) to develop a procedure for accurately
predicting hardwood pallet part yield as a function of raw material geometry
and grade, processing equipment, and pallet part geometry, 2) to develop a
model for accurately predicting raw material costs for hardwood pallet parts
as a function of yield, and 3) to develop and evaluate hardwood cant grading
rules for use in the pallet industry.
Thirty-one yield studies were conducted throughout the Eastern United States at pallet mills producing pallet parts from hardwood cants. The total cant volume sampled was 47,258 board feet. Hardwood pallet cants were graded using the proposed hardwood cant grade rules. The usable pallet part yields and yield losses were determined for each cant grade. Yield losses were separated into three types: kerf loss, dimension loss, and defect loss. Part yield and cost prediction equations were developed and tested. A potential single pallet cant grade has been developed from this research. Plans are being forumlated for the FS to evaluate the proposed rule and others at sawmills and pallet mills during the second half of 1999. Marshall S. White (VA Tech), Hal L. Mitchell (VA Tech), Philip A. Araman, and Cynthia West (NERS-RWU-4803)
Current and Future Work
Technology Transfer Efforts
William H. Sardo, Jr. Pallet And Container Research Laboratory
Last Modified:
06/13/07
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