Custom Industrial Automation | Material Handling | Wood Component Manufacturing
Double Decker Fetcher: Automated Lumber Storage and Retrieval System
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Wood Component Manufacturing
14 Bunk Storage
Automated Retrieval
Integrated Saw Feed
Automation Project Overview
Industry: Wood Component Manufacturing
Project Overview
SCADAware designed and built the Double Decker Fetcher, a custom automated lumber storage and retrieval system developed for the building components manufacturing industry.
The system accommodates up to 14 bunks of lumber in a two-tier arrangement, automatically retrieving selected boards and delivering them to an integrated Alpine saw.
SCADAware provided the complete machine solution, including mechanical design and engineering, fabrication, machine assembly, electrical controls, programming, and system integration.
The entire machine was fabricated and assembled at SCADAware’s facility, demonstrating our ability to take a complex automation concept from initial engineering through construction and functional integration.
Complete Mechanical Design, Fabrication & Machine Assembly From Concept to a Fully Built Industrial Machine
The Double Decker Fetcher was more than a controls integration project. SCADAware was responsible for the complete mechanical design and construction of the custom automation system.
Our engineering team developed the mechanical design for the two-tier storage and retrieval system, incorporating the structural framework, material handling mechanisms, gantry system, and conveyor equipment necessary to transport lumber from storage to the Alpine saw.
Following the engineering phase, SCADAware coordinated fabrication and completed machine construction and assembly in our own shop.
Building the machine at our facility allowed our mechanical and controls teams to work together throughout the construction process, coordinating equipment assembly with electrical installation, automation programming, and system integration.
This project demonstrates SCADAware’s capabilities as a custom machine builder, combining mechanical engineering, fabrication, electrical design, and industrial automation into one integrated solution.
The SCADAware Automation Solution
High-Capacity, Two-Tier Automated Lumber Retrieval
SCADAware developed a custom machine that combines two-tier lumber storage with an automated retrieval and conveying system.
The Fetcher provides access to as many as 14 lumber bunks, allowing material to be selected from different storage positions and delivered to the Alpine saw.
The automation coordinates material retrieval, positioning, and transfer to support the saw’s production process.
The design incorporates a gantry-based mechanical system, conveyors, sensors, and integrated machine controls to manage the movement of material through the equipment.
By combining multiple storage positions with automated retrieval, the system reduces dependence on manual board selection and supports a more integrated lumber processing operation.
Engineering and AutomationIntegrated Mechanical, Electrical, and Controls Engineering
he Double Decker Fetcher demonstrates SCADAware’s ability to develop and integrate large-scale custom industrial machinery.
Key areas of engineering include:
Custom Machine Design: Mechanical equipment designed around two-tier lumber storage and material retrieval.
Motion Control: Coordinated movement of material handling equipment throughout the retrieval process.
PLC and HMI Programming: Automated operating sequences, equipment monitoring, and operator controls.
Conveyor Integration: Controlled movement of lumber from the retrieval system toward downstream processing.
Machine Safety: Integration of safety devices and protective systems into the automated equipment.
Equipment Communication: Coordination between the Fetcher and the Alpine saw.
Equipment & Controls Integration
Detail verified control panel work and equipment connections; include vision, robotics, or motion control only if documented for this project.
Technology & System Architecture
Mechanical Engineering & Design
Complete mechanical design of the custom storage, retrieval, structural, and material handling systems.
Gantry & Motion Systems
Engineering and integration of automated positioning and lumber retrieval mechanisms.
PLC & HMI Programming
Programming of automated sequences, operator interfaces, and equipment coordination.
Electrical & Control Systems
Integration of electrical equipment, industrial controls, sensors, and machine automation.
Machine Fabrication & Assembly
Fabrication and construction of the complete machine at SCADAware’s facility.
Machine Safety
ntegration of protective devices and safety controls for automated equipment.
Conveyor & Material Handling
Custom equipment for transporting lumber between storage positions and downstream processing.
Custom Equipment Integration
Coordinated operation between the custom-built Fetcher and an Alpine saw.
Project Results & Customer Benefits
Streamlining Lumber Retrieval and Saw Feeding
The Double Decker Fetcher provides an automated means of accessing lumber from up to 14 storage locations and delivering selected boards to an integrated saw.
The system is designed to support several important manufacturing objectives:
Automated Material Retrieval
Reduce the need for manual selection and movement of individual boards between storage and processing equipment.
Organized Lumber Storage
Utilize a two-tier storage arrangement to accommodate multiple bunks of lumber within a consolidated system.
Integrated Production Flow
Coordinate material retrieval with downstream saw operations.
Reduced Manual Material Handling
Automate repetitive lumber transfer operations that would otherwise require operator intervention.
Number of Bunk Positions
Storage Levels
Automated Retrieval
Integrated Saw Feeding
Production Equipment, Controls, and Operator Interfaces
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Industrial Automation Expertise for Manufacturers
Ready to Improve Your Production Process?
Whether you manage a plant, oversee operations, or engineer manufacturing systems, SCADAware can help you assess your automation challenges and plan the next steps. Contact the team to discuss your production goals and project requirements.