(CT-Washington) CT Log: Transforming Cascade Hardwood and the Industry

Cascade Hardwood’s decision to invest in the CT Log scanner was a bold move, one that Fitzgerald described as “almost 90% discretionary.” Unlike most essential projects that mills undertake, this investment was based largely on the potential for increased profitability, technological advancement and sustainability benefits. In his testimonial, Fitzgerald explained, “As with any discretionary project, you want a least a 30% rate of return. With this installation, this capital project has exceeded our expectations.”

CT Log analyzes the internal characteristics of each log, using CT technology and AI-powered deep learning to detect defects such as knots, rot, and splits. This in-depth knowledge allows the mill to make more informed decisions about how to process each log, maximizing both the value of usable lumber and its volume.

The concept of "sawing from the inside out" lies at the heart of the CT Log’s impact. By scanning a log before it is cut, mills can virtually grade the lumber and develop the best sawing strategy for maximizing value.

This revolutionary approach to sawing has fundamentally changed how Cascade Hardwood operates. According to Fitzgerald, the CT Log's implementation allows for optimized decision-making during the breakdown process: “The CT recognizes geometric, metal, knots, split, rot, and holes... and maximizes value through millions of decisions considering downriver manufacturing.” This precise knowledge, combined with real-time processing, gives the mill a distinct advantage in recovering the highest value from every log.

One of the most impressive outcomes of the CT Log installation is the clear, measurable impact on Cascade Hardwood’s operations. “Within four months, we were sawing within stated paybacks,” said Fitzgerald. Two years into using the CT Log, the mill continues to see improvements in grade yield and overall value. The technology has allowed Cascade Hardwood to maximize the value of each block, reduce the time needed to train new sawyers, and optimize the efficiency of its operations.

The results speak for themselves. According to Fitzgerald, “The uplifts to traditional/manual sawing are significant,” with the CT Log helping to balance the time spent on each log to maximize profitability. He added, "If it takes 7 seconds to make a dime, we try to avoid that. If it’s 15 seconds to make dollars, we do that.”