The 40th East Coast Sawmill and Logging Equipment Exposition – commonly known as EXPO Richmond/The Richmond Show featured one of the country’s largest expos for live equipment demonstrations and physical equipment showcases of forest products and pallet machinery.
The following are some of the key innovations, news and supplier focuses that I saw as I talked with exhibitors at EXPO Richmond. Companies are listed in alphabetical order.
Alliance Automation shared a large booth with Pallet Machinery Group highlighting the two companies’ partnership. Alliance also spotlighted its M-2 Pallet Dismantler Arm and the PALLETMAX nailing system for over-sized pallets and crate applications. The M-2 does not require a foam attachment. Instead, it uses an end of arm tool that allows for easy pallet prep and component removal, such as stringers, lead boards, bottom deck boards. This tool eliminates the consumable foam attachment on the original Robotic Pallet Dismantler. The M-2 dismantler requires less maintenance and can fit in a smaller footprint. Alliance Automation has partnered with STAKMA, a Lithuanian producer of woodworking equipment, to offer the PALLETMAX in North America. The PALLETMAX features an inclined jig with removable and adjustable templates for holding the boards and stringers. A human operator loads the boards, while an automated nailing gantry nails the pallet. A robot can be added to flip or stack large pallets or crates.
AIT/Max Board Feet mostly had improvements to existing machines to talk about at EXPO Richmond. On the HY saw, the manufacturer has added random exit system, an arbor brake system to allow you to slow down a lot quicker, and better safety systems so you can release the guard quicker. On the ABSAMS, boards instead of coming out on edge and feeding into an HY at 400 feet per minute, it’s meant to more feed like 150 feet per minute with the boards being flat and then feed basically straight out the trim saw. This configuration reduces the space required for the machine. In development is a new trim saw that looks a lot like the KM-16 improving upon setup time and operational efficiency. The boards come in on a conveyor and drop down a throat, similar to a notch. You build up a layer of boards in there, release one at a time, grab the board on all four sides, and then the heads cycle through the board while you’re holding it in place. This trim saw should pair well with the HY saw.
Automated Machine Systems talked to customers about its new Pallet IQ™ inspection system. This quality control device can be seamlessly integrated with PalMate or other ERP systems. The average inspection cycle time is 4.5 seconds. It can inspect or sort for color and grade. AMS has installed sorting systems at both pallet recycler and pallet user locations. AMS has focused on cycle times and producing very fast, efficient sortation systems.
AVIAN debuted a major advancement in facility safety: a new smart alarm filter specifically engineered to distinguish between actual fire threats and the everyday movement of forklifts. For many in the pallet industry, the primary barrier to adopting advanced thermal monitoring has been the frustration of false alarms caused by busy warehouse traffic. By solving this technical hurdle, AVIAN is making reliable, early-detection thermal monitoring a practical reality for even the highest-traffic facilities. Attendees were able to see this in action via a live product demo featuring a real-time thermal stream. While many industry professionals are acutely aware of the fire risks inherent in pallet manufacturing and storage, many remain unaware that a high-precision, filter-enabled solution like AVIAN exists to mitigate those risks without operational disruption.
Baker Products sold a lot of equipment at the show. Pictured are the new happy owners of a Baker Blue Streak portable bandsaw, David and Kathy Hipkins. Baker also introduced the new M6-36 Double Notcher, designed to bridge the gap between a single and high-speed double notcher. It offers the versatility of a single notcher with the added production of a double notcher. Head width is easily changed with a hand crank. It comes with a built-in waste conveyor eliminating the need for a blower to remove chips. Easy access heads allow for quick tip changes and convenient maintenance reducing downtime.
Boulware Equipment focused on its turnkey grinding solutions and its top-notch service plans. Boulware is known for providing total solutions including system design, installation, training and even finding customers for waste streams. Boulware offers both new and refurbished grinders.
Cooper Machine spoke with new prospects about its Overhead Scragg System, the company’s work horse for making cants, ties, mats and lumber. Cooper offers a full line of pallet and sawmill equipment to fit your small and large log production needs.
Go Fast Manufacturing highlighted its UpSTAK board stacker and its 2NXP double head notcher. The UpSTAK can stack at speeds of up to 15 layers of boards per minute with board lengths of 30″ to 72″, widths of 1 ½” to 6 ½”, and thicknesses of 3/8″ to 2″. The touch-screen interface gives operators the ability to fine-tune these machines per the material being stacked. Tool-less adjustments allow board size changeovers to be completed within minutes. The 2NXP double head notcher delivers consistent, high-production pallet board notching. With cycle rates up to 6,000 notches per hour, stringers are indexed individually by an electric cam-driven push arm. Quick tool-less adjustments and easy control interface simplify setup and operation.
Kiln-direct had a good Richmond Expo visiting with existing customers and new ones. They showcased its full line of equipment: endload pallet kiln, sideload lumber kiln, MiniQuick firewood kiln, Eagle Dip cut stock dip tank and launching our new wood waste biomass heating system – LignaHeat.
Metal Detectors Inc. (MDI) highlighted its View-Link Remote Diagnostic Module. It allows MDI technicians to remotely connect to your MDI Metal Detector to monitor, diagnose, and calibrate your system. This allows the MDI staff to optimize your metal detector for maximum sensitivity and stability right in your own unique environment. It’s like having an MDI technician right there in your mill.
Midwest Machinery & Automation demonstrated its popular Woodpecker nailing machine and the Big Buddy block pallet nailing machine. The Big Buddy delivers an efficient, reliable and flexible solution for cost-effective block pallet production. It’s the ideal choice for operations that can’t justify the expense of high-volume European machines or that need more output than manual jigs can provide. When paired with the Little Buddy mat nailing machine, the Big Buddy gives manufacturers the tools to stay competitive in the fast-growing block pallet market.
Nyle Dry Kiln promoted its Heat Recovery Venting System. These systems feature dynamic heat exchangers that reclaim energy typically lost during the drying process, transferring the majority of the outgoing vented air’s energy back into the incoming air stream, saving up to 80% of the lost heat. It qualifies for carbon credits, reduces energy costs by up to 30% and accelerates drying times.
Pallet Chief ran its new Tomahawk nailer at the show. According to Pallet Chief, it features an industry-first innovation in North America, the ability to nail both sides of the pallet simultaneously. This dramatically increases production efficiency while requiring only one operator. Once the pallet is positioned in the jigs, the Tomahawk can complete the nailing process in under 12 seconds.
Pallet Machinery Group (PMG) shared a large booth with Alliance Automation to demonstrate the growing partnership between the two companies. Also in the PMG booth was West Plains Resaw, which has shared a long-term sales relationship with PMG. A hot topic was the next generation pallet nailing machine, following up on its popular Titan nailer. This new machine is currently in the development pipeline. It will feature a dual hopper design and other advances. Look for more information in the near future.
Pallet Track demonstrated its popular software with customers including its new AI capabilities using standard cameras to track production using AI vision for accurate counting.
PalMate promoted its NXLink product and service. It integrates directly with popular nailing machines and saws and connects the machines with the PalMate™ ERP. This allows for live counts and real time visibility to identify slowdowns and pace issues. It is designed to be plug and play with PalMate and popular equipment. NXLink provides for automatic tag printing. According to PalMate, customers are seeing 15-30% production improvement if operators can see visuals on real-time production. It can also be used on saws to identify poor blade conditions. NXLink is designed to provide a quick ROI.
Pendu Manufacturing runs one of the largest, most versatile machinery shops servicing the forest products and pallet industries. It has the capability to produce a wide variety of parts and custom designs all fabricated in-house.
Profile Technology continues to offer quality indexable cutters and inserts. The Lieber family connected with customers and continues to offer top-notch customer service.
PRS Group Inc. had available for purchase a number of pieces of used equipment from names such as Cresswood, Go Fast, PRS and others. Given the tight budgets right now in the pallet industry, used equipment is a smart move to cost effectively boost efficiency or eliminate bottlenecks. PRS offers a wide range of used pallet and lumber processing machinery at its website www.prsgroupinc.com.
Rotochopper introduced its new heavyweight, portable grinder the L II. From a high-wear infeed and thicker screens to its single pivot powerfeed, the L II is built for durability and throughput. With enhanced controls, smarter diagnostics and 18″ of ground clearance, your machine will stay productive in even the toughest conditions.
Sering Sawmill Machinery has developed a new portable gas-powered yard saw for cutting lumber packs. It features a 16″ heavy cast spoke wheels with dual cam lock brake and a 20HP Honda V-twin gas portable saw.
SII Dry Kilns showcased a broad range of kiln technologies including conventional and SII-design kilns for hardwoods, batch track and Dual Path Kilns (DPK) for softwoods, pallet heat-treating and firewood kilns. The company also shared information on its WDE Maspell’s line of thermal modification kilns.
Viking Engineering & Development had a large indoor booth promoting its partnership with Delta on block pallet machines and Joutech on board feeding systems. Viking also promoted its own stringer loading system designed to reduce labor and only require a minimal footprint. Also, Viking talked with customers about its new service plans for equipment audits, adjustments training and more.
Viper Industrial demonstrated its popular Woody nailing machine. It now features an integrated brander mounted directly on the stacker, allowing pallets to be branded on either side. Viper has improved the mechanism on the gantry, making tool adjustments side to side a lot easier. Viper also added an automatic blow off boom. When the gantry returns back up, it automatically blows the fixture out to keep sawdust from building up in the fixture. Viper has added a shim system on the new Woody nailer, reducing unnecessary wear and tear on the tool mount and machine.
West Plains Resaw Systems spoke with visitors about its bandsaw and sawmill equipment. Its most popular resaw is the 125 Series that uses a disposable 1-¼” wide band with interchangeable adjustable guides to provide accurate sawing tolerances. And the 200 Series band resaw was designed with a thin kerf (.075), 2″ wide resharpenable band and pressure saw guides to provide accurate cutting of material up to 16″ wide.
White & Company discussed its crate design module that is currently in development and should be ready in about a year or so. This module will come standard as part of the Best Load software and there is no need to buy an extra module to do crate calculations. Over the past year, the software company has introduced a stretch film containment force calculator. According to White & Company, it is the only packaging design software provider that offers this unique function in a CAD format. White & Co. is continuing to add features and is looking at adding AI analysis in the future.
Wood-Mizer offered live demonstrations of high-production hydraulic sawmills, entry-level sawmills, pallet recycling equipment and blade maintenance equipment. For the pallet industry, Wood-Mizer showcased its PN100 pallet notcher that can notch up to two stringers at a time. A compact design, it features an industry-leading carbide-tipped cutter head that can process up to 300 double-notched stringers per hour. Other features include: single or three-phase electric power, ergonomic clamping system, push feed and return table, safe user-friendly design, and more. The ergonomic clamping system reduces material re-alignment needs while the push feed and return table is safe and user-friendly for clamping or reloading material. The PN100 at the show was purchased by Richard Mullins of Mullins Pallet Recycling of Benson, North Carolina.
WoodRing (Bright Star Auctions) connected with visitors about its national marketplace for lumber, pallets and industrial wood. The service offers fast, 7-day payouts and is a convenient way to get rid of excess capacity or develop new business partners. Find out more at https://brightstarauctions.com/woodring/.
Zira recently launched a new program where customers can get started with just one camera, making the initial investment very small. Getting started is easy, and you can tailor your program to the area of your business that most needs attention. Zira is now being used to inspect pallet quality and can now detect 21 classifications on pallets, along with lumber features. It can see boards, shiners, protruding nails, cracks, and distances down to the sub-millimeter level, all from a standard 2D camera image. There is no scanning technology required. Zira also recently released a mobile capability that lets customers photograph a stack of pallets with a tablet or phone and receive an immediate AI analysis of pallet sizes, colors, source, mix, and overall condition.
