Automated Panel Manufacturing Optimization with Stora Enso

CLT is an environmentally friendly construction material made of at least three crosswise glued single-layer boards using raw timber materials with different widths, surface qualities, and thicknesses. The master panel consisting of single layers is then cut into elements. However, in the cutting process, some of the master panels are wasted. This is currently minimized by a manual planning process called nesting, which has to be done twice for offers and production planning. The current process begins with a customer using computer-aided design software for the building design, which then is broken down into panel designs and manufacturing data using computer-aided manufacturing software. Finally, the load and delivery are optimized to minimize logistics costs and environmental impact. The software optimizing this process should be able to consider the various panel types and combinations in three dimensions: machinery control restrictions and load planning. Experts will still use the solution, but it should allow access to several stakeholders. As the complexity of CLT production will most likely only increase in the future, the answer should also be flexible enough to include new objectives and constraints.

The Wood Products division is Europe’s largest sawn wood producer and a leading provider of sustainable wood-based solutions for the construction industry. Our growing Building Solutions business offers building concepts to support low-carbon construction and eco-friendly designs. We develop digital tools to simplify the designing of building projects with wood. We also offer applications for windows, doors, and packaging industries, and our pellets provide a sustainable heating solution.”