Simulation Software Validation Using Real Data

The optimal cutting of lumber into dimension parts for products like furniture, windows, and mouldings is a challenging problem due to the almost infinite number of possible cutting patterns. Yet, finding the optimal pattern that utilizes the available lumber most efficiently is of paramount importance, as lumber costs are a major expense of producers of solid wood parts. This study used data derived from an actual state-of-the-art rough mill to validate the USDA Forest Service’s ROMI-RIP simulation program. Results show that the simulation program outperformed the actual operation by more than 7 percent yield (71.1 percent versus 64.0 percent) Based on the results found in this study, solid wood products producers can expect significant yield gains when using the ROMI RIP rough mill simulation software to determine the cutting patterns for the cut-up of lumber boards. This would allow producers to decrease production costs and to save significant amounts of scarce lumber.