Smart Control Systems for Plywood Manufacturing: A Proven Innovation Since 1993
With over three decades of expertise in the plywood manufacturing industry, we have continuously pioneered intelligent solutions that integrate precision engineering with advanced automation. Our mission has always been to improve production efficiency, product quality, and operational reliability through innovation.
Backed by a strong foundation in manufacturing IT and industrial automation —myself holding a Master’s degree (MSc.) in IT for Manufacturing from Warwick University (UK), and my partner holding a Bachelor’s Degree (Hons) in Industrial Automation —we have developed and successfully deployed a suite of smart control systems tailored for the plywood sector since 1993.
Together, these systems exemplify our deep commitment to digitizing and optimizing plywood production. By blending field-proven engineering with cutting-edge technology, we help plywood manufacturers transition toward Industry 4.0 standards, improve competitiveness, and build a foundation for long-term sustainable growth.
Solution Overview
1. EN-301 Fully Auto Rotary Synchroniser
This system ensures seamless synchronization between the speed of spindle rotary lathe and the output conveyor speed. By applying advanced feedback control algorithms and real-time speed synchronisation, our system maintains a continuous perfect speed balance result and reduces veneer splits throughout the entire peeling process, even at extremely high conveyor speed of 250m/min! This translates to higher yield, minimized veneer loss due to splits, and consistent peeling even with varying peeling speed.
2. EN-303 Smart Inline Veneer Moisture Content Control System and GENUS 306i Roller Dryer Veneer MC MAC System
Drying is a critical process in plywood manufacturing, where inconsistent moisture levels can compromise plywood bonding strength, final product quality and on-grade ration. Our dryer moisture contents control system combines non-contact moisture content sensor, a series of in-house developed control hardware and smart controllers, together with sophisticated and intelligent control software. The moisture content sensors are placed at the infeed and outfeed of the dryer, enabling the entire system to capture veneers’ MC value even before entering the dryer! The entire veneer drying rate is monitored, analyzed and controlled by the smart control system. This means the entire dryer speed is fully controlled by the system! The result is uniform drying, reduced energy consumption, and improved dryer throughput with fewer overdried or underdried sheets.
3. VMA-312 Moisture Content Analyser
Complementing the drying system is our high-precision veneer moisture analyser. Using non-contact, dual-head, capacitive type veneer moisture content sensors, this system provides instantaneous and continuous moisture readings across the full width of each veneer sheet. The analyser can be installed as an inline quality checkpoint at peeling line and dryer output line, or as a standalone inspection unit, providing accurate veneer moisture content classification for sorting, stacking, or re-drying. Data is logged and visualized for trend analysis, enabling predictive maintenance and process improvement.
4. iPAWS-3 Smart Surface Quality Scanning System
Our latest innovation is an AI-powered smart veneer surface scanning system capable of detecting defects such as holes, knots, edge splits and cracks, pitch pockets, worm-holes and etc. Using an innovative break-through and one-of-the-kind photo-array technology, with highly smart image processing algorithms, the system classifies surface defects in real-time and can be configured for automated grading or rejection. This reduces human error, enhances grading consistency, and provides valuable production data for root-cause analysis and continuous improvement. This solution provides a second option for more economical, fit-the-purpose surface quality scanning system to the market.
Core Features
1. Real-Time Data Acquisition and Feedback Control
Smart closed loop control system that continuous monitoring of parameters such as veneer position at high peeling speed, moisture content, and cutting precision, enabling instant corrective action and achieving precision controls.
2. Adaptive Process Optimization
Automatic adjustment of output conveyor speed, veneer drying rate, and veneer clipping accuracy based on material variation and equipment operating conditions.
3. Non-Contact Sensing Technology
Advanced sensors (capacitive moisture content sensors and photo-array line-scanning sensor) ensure accurate, non-invasive measurements of moisture and surface quality.
4. High-Speed Control Systems
Integrated cutting edge industrial fanless PC ensure high speed and precision control with consistent repeatability in operations like veneer clipping, veneer drying rate control and veneer grades segregation.
5. AI-Based Defect Detection and Grading
Smart innovative imaging algorithms and deep learning models detect, classify, and grade surface defects in real-time.
6. Integrated Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI)
Touchscreen HMIs allow intuitive operation, system status monitoring, fault diagnosis, and recipe management.
7. Edge Computing and Cloud Connectivity
Cutting edge industrial fanless PC ensures fast control response, while cloud integration enables remote data analytics and system health monitoring.
8. Modular Architecture for Easy Upgrade and Expansion
Systems are designed with modular components and open protocols for seamless integration and scalability.
Key Benefits
Enhanced Production Efficiency
Reduced downtime and waste through automated process control and predictive maintenance alerts.
Consistent Product Quality
Stable veneer output position at high peeling speed, uniform moisture levels, and accurate clipping ensure reliable veneer output results for downstream processing.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Historical and real-time data logging supports quality audits, productivity analysis, and process optimization.
Labor Cost Reduction
Automation reduces reliance on manual inspection and adjustment, lowering operational labor costs.
Energy Optimization
Intelligent drying and automated and smart control systems reduce power and fuel consumption without compromising performance.
Technology Integration
IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things)
All control modules are IIoT-ready, enabling machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and cloud-based analytics.
Industry 4.0 Compatibility
Systems support interoperability, decentralization, and real-time data exchange in a smart factory setup.
SCADA Integration
Full compatibility with SCADA platforms for plant-wide monitoring, centralized control, and alarm management.
Cloud & Edge Computing
Combined edge-cloud architecture ensures local process reliability and global access to real-time plant performance data.
Cybersecurity Measures
Secure protocols (e.g., MQTT, OPC UA, SSL) ensure data integrity and system protection in connected environments.
Use Cases / Industry Applications
Our smart control systems are widely used in:
●Fully automated veneer synchronisation at Rotary lathe peeling machine (for high precision speed synchronisation results)
●Fully automated veneer drying rate control at Roller Dryer and Continuous dryer (for high precision automatic veneer drying rate control in achieving desired output veneer moisture content results)
●Veneer moisture content analyzing and auto segregation at Peeling Line and Drying Line (for fully automatic veneer moisture contents detection, analyzing and grade segregation, that integrates with high speed auto stacker)
●Veneer defects analyzing and auto segregation at Peeling Line and Drying Line (for highly smart veneer defects scanning and veneer grades segregation, that integrates with high speed auto stacker)
Why Choose Us
1. 30 Years of Proven Industry Experience
We combine deep domain expertise with practical shop-floor knowledge to deliver reliable, field-tested and performance-proven solutions.
2. Dual Expertise in Manufacturing IT and Industrial Automation
Our leadership combines academic and technical strengths, bridging the gap between operational needs and products innovation.
3. Fully Customizable and Scalable Systems
Each system is tailored to specific customer requirements and easily expandable as production needs evolve.
4. Focus on Precision and Quality Control
Our systems emphasize accuracy, consistency, and traceability across the production chain.
5. Seamless Integration Across Production Lines
All modules communicate seamlessly, ensuring end-to-end digital control from peeling to final grading.
6. Commitment to Industry 4.0 Transformation
We don’t just sell equipment—we empower plywood factories to transition into smart, connected, future-ready operations.
