Kadant Carmanah maintains and operates a testing laboratory that conducts research and development and provides services to customers.
The lab can produce OSB strands using lab-scale stranding equipment to simulate strands produced from production machines. The laboratory is equipped with a 12/68 laboratory Disc strander, 12/48 laboratory Ring strander, a conditioning tank, drying chamber, screening equipment and measurement tools for strand quality.
Log Preparation and Conditioning
Debarking
- Capability to debark all species
Conditioning
- 72 cubic foot (2 cubic meters) conditioning tank, with maximum temperature of 140° F (60° C)
- 2 x 20 cubic foot (0.6 cubic meters) cold chamber, with minimum temperature of -4° F (-20° C)
Stranding
12/68 Laboratory Disc Strander
- Strand length up to 12" (300mm)
- Strand width variable
- Strand thickness up to 0.050" (1.3mm)
- Disc speed: variable between 300 rpm and 1000 rpm
- Long single log - multi-log and plank feed system
- A complete range of counter-knives and reactor bars are available to simulate industry standards or unique pocket geometries
12/48 Laboratory Ring Strander
- Strand length up to 12" (300mm)
- Strand width target variable
- Strand thickness up to 0.050" (1.3mm)
- Ring speed: variable between 350 rpm and 1000 rpm
- Long single log – multi-log and plank feed system
- A complete range of counter-knives and reactor bars are available to simulate industry standards or unique pocket geometries
Screening and Analysis
Strand Screening and Classifying
Gilson Sieve Screener
- 2”, 1 ½”, 1 ¼”, 1”, ¾”, 5/8”, ½”, 3/8”, ¼”, 1/8” imperial screen sizes
- #14 (1.4mm), #6 (3.35mm), 20mm, 4.75mm, 1mm metric screen sizes
Strand Quality Analysis
- Digital caliper and micrometer with PC interface for length, width
- Digital gauge for strand thickness measurement to BSEN 325:2012 standard
- Strand width template used for weighted average width determination
