Australian timber research takes industry to the cutting edge

摘要

NEVILLE SMITH TIMBER, the processing division of Integrated Tree Cropping Limited and Australia's largest hardwood timber processor, adapted ultrasonic void detection for use at its Heyfield sawmill in Victoria after the Ensis/FWPRDC project confirmed the technology could be used to detect internal faults in dried hardwood boards - a common and costly problem. The faults, known as internal checks, are hidden and occur in a small percentage of timber lengths where cells within the board structure collapse as the timber dries, creating a void. Ensis Deputy General Manager Wood Quality Dr Simon Potter says a thorough evaluation and understanding of non-contact ultrasound technology led Ensis scientists to the United States, where ultrasonic void detection had been successfully used in the nuclear power and aerospace industries.