The project ran between November 2020 and December 2023.
In this project, academic partners, supported by industry, developed a new optimization tool for virtual sawing of CT-scanned logs, based on integer programming. By allowing greater flexibility than traditional methods, value increases of 5–8 percentage points were demonstrated when considering the log’s outer shape. Additional benefits include increased carbon storage as more solid wood is produced instead of chips. The tool is prepared to also account for internal features like knots, which could further raise value. The software progressed from TRL 3 to 4 during the project. The goal of optimizing sawing at the timber stock level was not fully met, partly due to key staff changes. The method requires new sawing machinery and adjustments in logistics and production. A follow-up project is needed to raise the TRL level further and move toward practical application.
Participants
Sveaskog, Norra, Setra, SCA, Uppsala University, Luleå University of Technology, Skogforsk and RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB.
Budget
The project’s budget vas 10 MSEK.
Read about Improved sawing – step 1.