Automatic Color Sorting of Hardwood Edge-glued Panel Parts

This paper describes an automatic color sorting system for red oak edge-glued panel parts. The color sorting system simultaneously examines both faces of a panel part and then determines which face has the “best” color, and sorts the part into one of a number of color classes at plant production speeds. Initial test results show that the system generated over 91 percent acceptable panels from automatically sorted red oak panel parts, which exceeded target plant production goals. The color sorting system was developed in cooperation with NOVA Technologies and is now commercially available under the name of CESYS by Group Seven Systems.