Process Control and Grading in Primary Wood Processing

Round timber and wood products are measured, sorted, and graded at different stages in the wood-value chain starting already at the stem level in the forest. This chapter gives an overview of grading methodologies and techniques for the measurement and grading of round timber, sawn timber, veneer, and wood-panel products. The section concerning round timber focuses on the grading and sorting of logs for sawmill and veneer production. For sawn timber, visual and strength grading are discussed, for both the European and the North American markets. Techniques for measurement and process control in the wood-panel industry are finally discussed, where the different industrial methods used today are in focus rather than the specific grading rules used in the industry. The technologies presented have a broader application outside the field of the wood-panel industry, and can be of interest for the measurement of wood composites in general.