In truss manufacturing, productivity depends on more than cutting lumber quickly — it depends on delivering the right material to the right table in the right sequence. Enventek’s SpeedStack software brings order to this critical handoff, helping plants combine the efficiency of batch cutting with the organized flow of a truss-by-truss process. SpeedStack can enhance any saw’s throughout. The following example shows how SpeedStack coordinates lumber picking, cutting, catching, and cart staging to keep production moving.
To a trained eye, the mix of boards on the live deck shown here appears to be a cut-by-truss batch: chords and webs for complete truss sets running through a single saw. [For all photos, See PDF or View in Full Issue.] Most truss plants would avoid this batching scheme because it can overwhelm forklift lumber pickers. Instead, they might cut each unique truss in a mini-batch on a linear saw using lumber optimization and stretching, or cut the chords on a component saw and the webs on a linear saw. Either approach introduces inefficiencies at the truss tables, where crews must re-sort the cut pieces or combine material from separate saws.
Likewise, most plants would not attempt to catch and stack cut lumber behind the saw in an organized left, right, and middle sequence for every truss set. Coordinating that process on the fly is nearly impossible for a lumber catcher.
With Enventek SpeedStack behind the saw, the rear display guides the catcher as each piece comes off the saw. In the example shown here, the boards outlined in red are currently being ejected, while the green boards have already been cut and stacked on the cart as shown. Here, the catcher is being directed to stack lumber for the left and right sides of the truss.
In front of the tables, the lumber is clearly organized for the left, right, and middle sections of each truss. Enventek’s innovative SpeedStack software directs catchers to place every board on the correct cart. The result is a highly efficient, productive cutting operation: the saw effectively batch-cuts while also cutting by truss. Because the lumber is collated across multiple carts in front of the tables, it arrives organized and stacked as though the batch had been cut by truss.
The process begins with a detailed yet straightforward paper pick list (and/or WiFi tablet). The list specifies the lumber required, including 4 pieces of 8-foot 2x6 MSR1650, 4 pieces of 5-foot 2x4 #2, 4 pieces of 5-foot 2x4 Stud, 4 pieces of 12-foot 2x6 MSR1650, 4 pieces of 16-foot 2x8 M23 SP, 4 pieces of 10-foot 2x4 MSR1650, 12 pieces of 10-foot 2x4 #2, 8 pieces of 8-foot 2x4 MSR1650, 1 piece of 10-foot 2x4 MSR1650, and 3 pieces of 10-foot 2x4 #2, as shown on this picklist.
Following the pick list, the lumber is built up against the forklift mast in a standard sequence and count. The first column contains 4 pieces of 8-foot 2x6 MSR1650, 4 pieces of 5-foot 2x4 #2, and 4 pieces of 5-foot 2x4 Stud. The second column contains 4 pieces of 12-foot 2x6 MSR1650 and 4 pieces of 16-foot 2x8 M23 SP as shown in the partial pick. Continuing with the remaining columns assembled according to the pick list, the completed pick consists of 10 columns stacked 12 pieces high as shown. The same finished configuration is shown on the paper pick list.
Enventek SpeedStack turns what is traditionally a difficult, labor-intensive handoff into a coordinated, repeatable system. By combining efficient batch cutting with truss-by-truss organization, it keeps lumber flowing from the saw to the tables in the correct sequence, reducing sorting, material handling, and delays. The result is a standardized cutting operation that improves sawing productivity and boosts table output by delivering collated lumber organized for the left, right, and middle sections of each truss setup.
Inside and out, LimTek Process Organization Technology will help you squeeze out more truss production and deliver quality trusses with shorter lead times to better service your customers by organizing your truss fabrication processes to maximize your investment in automation. When you’re ready to Feed Your Beast and see these efficient and effective systems for yourself, let us know! https://limteksolutions.com/#solutions