SPM Wood processing logo, representing SPM's presence in condition monitoring for wood processing.

Condition monitoring in wood processing

In one of the world’s oldest industrial sectors, safety, productivity, and maximum yield from raw materials are vital parameters. The use of timber in construction is increasing, and wood products are in high demand. Malfunctioning production equipment can directly affect throughput and the entire supply chain. Maintaining efficient operation is essential to keeping expensive and complex equipment running safely and with minimal disruption.

Increase safety and profitability with wood processing monitoring

With its exceptionally high production pace, process and quality improvements are the keys to higher profit in this industry. The production equipment in sawmills – with sharp blades, sawdust, and heat-generating machinery – creates a multi-hazard environment. Staying on top of maintenance needs to prevent unplanned downtime and personal injury is critical. Early warnings of machine problems help reduce the risk of breakdowns and increase plant and operator safety.

"Unplanned stops in the major drives in the process can take anything from one to several shifts to rectify, which results in major production loss, which is difficult to catch up on since more or less everything we produce are sold products. With the measurement system, we can maintain higher machine availability and better profitability.

The investment has already started to pay off as we have avoided replacing a large part of the production site in conjunction with a major breakdown. This was possible because extra control measurements could be performed via the measurement system. These measurements showed good values, giving us a decision basis to avoid unnecessary replacement of process parts."

Joakim Jonasson, Maintenance Manager Mechanics at Norra Timber

Reliable condition monitoring solutions for optimized wood processing

We offer patented technologies for condition monitoring of rotating machinery with proven exceptional pre-warning times. Our product range includes online systems, portable instrumentation, wireless solutions, and accessories specifically designed for detecting misalignment, gear and bearing problems, and balancing issues.

Vibration levels, temperature spikes, lubrication condition, and process-related signals, such as vibration relating to rotational speed rather than mechanical issues, are all efficiently monitored.

Data transfer possibilities enable integration into other systems and platforms.

Robust installations withstand dusty, hot, and humid environments. For use in potentially explosive atmospheres, ATEX-compliant equipment is also available.

Condition monitoring applications in wood processing

Targets are production-critical equipment and machines causing downtime if failing, such as:

  • Sawlines

  • Blowers

  • Debarkers

  • Trimmers

  • Edgers

  • Planers

  • Log reducers

  • Motors

  • Wood chippers

  • Fans

Process optimization for wood chippers

Our knife wear monitoring solution provides valuable insights into the condition of wood chipper knives. Through the Condmaster.NET dashboard, users can analyze performance data to manage knife replacement proactively. Graphs clearly indicate if a knife is damaged, dull, detached, or missing from the holder. The result? More consistent chip size and thickness, reduced reject rates, improved raw material yields, and increased throughput.


  Technical Solution: Wood chipper

  Customer case: Aspa Pulp

  Customer case: MM Follacell