| Authors: |
Mohammed F. Kabir, Daniel L. Schmoldt, Mark E. Schafer, Philip A. Araman |
| Year: |
2000 |
| Type: |
Miscellaneous Publication |
| Station: |
Southern Research Station |
| Source: |
Proceedings, 28th Annual Hardwood Symposium. 151-159. |
Abstract
Sorting and grading of wooden pallet parts are key factors for pallet manufacturing quality and pallet durability. The feasibility of ultrasonic scanning for defect detection in pallet manufacturing is examined in this report. Scanning was conducted by two pressure-contact rolling transducers in a pitch-catch arrangement. Pallet part deckboards were fed through the transducers and data were collected, stored, and processed with software written in the LabViewTM environment. Defects were characterized on the basis of time of flight, pulse energy, and pulse duration of the received ultrasonic signals. Values of the ultrasonic parameters changed rapidly in the region of defects. This relative change of parameter values with respect to values for clear wood can be used to locate, identify, and quantify various pallet part degrades. Results demonstrate that real-time, on-line inspection of wooden pallet parts is possible by ultrasonic scanning.
Citation
Kabir, Mohammed F.; Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Schafer, Mark E.; Araman, Philip A. 2000. Ultrasonic scanning for pallet part grading. Proceedings, 28th Annual Hardwood Symposium. 151-159.
