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MPM's Lumber Sorting System is programmable logic controller (PLC) based with a Microsoft® Windows NT interface that makes it very user-friendly and easy for the operator to set up. The design operating speed is 200+ lugs per minute.

Bin assignments can be fixed or self-seeking. The system can set any combination of parameters (lengths, widths, thicknesses, grades, species, and moisture) within a sorting pattern. Each sort can be assigned to a particular zone in the sorter. This can all be simply and easily programmed by the user.

The sorting capability typically provides up to 32 lengths, 16 widths, 16 thicknesses, 16 grades, 16 species and 16 moisture levels. The user can assign a 10-character text description (such as "Grade A") to each category that acts as a "tag specifier." The tags are used to specify sort patterns and generate reports. Each sort pattern contains a primary sort and provision for secondary and tertiary sorts, along with a corresponding maximum piece count per package.

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Features

• Automatic bin seeking in tertiary, secondary, primary, and then by empty bin order.

• Assigning up to 9 zones in the sorter system.

• Set-up and fine-tuning is handled easily via the computer interface, and system timing is dynamically adjusted according to sorter speed.

• Diagnostics are available for troubleshooting and system monitoring.

• System reports can be generated on an extensive range of factors. The user can modify these reports or create custom reports with Crystal Reports™ for Windows.

• Monitors diverter failures using a photocell at the recirculation point.

• Bin faults to detect overfilling of bins.

• Length limit switch (photocell) faults to monitor and advises the operator on limit switch/photocell failures.

• Skewed board detection.

• Broken hook detection to disable dealing a board for that lug and to advise the operator.

• Long-range photocells to detect lumber tangled up in a bin.

• Indicators in sequence to advise the operator that: only one bin is empty, that no empty bins are available, that all bins are full and lumber is going into recirculation.

• Hot backup of sorter data to the master computer hard disk every 30 seconds in case of a PLC crash.

• Operator display provides the bin chaser with real-time bin status along with pop-up error messages for sorter problems.

• Management report package for defining and modifying sort specifications, monitoring system status, diagnosing problems, and reporting production information.

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