Structural Plywood & Veneer-Based Composites Workshop

Structural Plywood and Veneer-Based Composites

A Wood-Based Composites I/UCRC Short Course

In collaboration with the Oregon Wood Innovation Center (OWIC)

March 27^th-28^th, 2019

Information here is for the 2019 course; next offering TBD

What you will learn:

What is the state-of-the art in today’s structural plywood and laminated veneer lumber (LVL) plant? How can today’s technology help me produce a quality product that meets my customer’s needs? Can basic wood science knowledge help me better understand my manufacturing process and product performance? Why is it so important to pay attention to water in wood throughout the manufacturing process? The North American structural plywood industry was started by a group of hard-working, fearless entrepreneurs in 1905, and has evolved to include LVL and related engineered products; staples of today’s residential construction industry. This course will mix basic wood material and adhesive science with a practical look at how veneer-based wood products are manufactured. Included are hands-on activities, and an introduction to lean manufacturing and its use in the industry. Rounding out the agenda will be daily panel discussions, allowing participants to have their questions answered by industry pioneers, suppliers and academic instructors.

During the course, you will learn about the:

• History and current state of the industry and its products,
• Basic structure and properties of wood, including anatomy and mechanical properties,
• Production of veneer from roundwood,
• Interaction of wood and water throughout the manufacturing process, including veneer drying,
• Adhesives used to produce today’s veneer-based wood composites,
• Lay-up and pressing, quality control, and testing of plywood and LVL products,
• Implementation of lean manufacturing processes in your plant,
• Alignment of product standards to regulations and performance-in-use, and
• Quality considerations throughout the manufacturing process.

This two-day event will provide a comprehensive look at the basics of producing high-quality structural plywood and LVL. Industry professionals will introduce processes, equipment and technology used in manufacturing. University instructors will build upon this information with relatable knowledge about wood material science, adhesives, the basics of mechanical testing, and lean manufacturing. Upon completion of the course, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of key manufacturing processes and be better prepared to analyze problems through improved knowledge and troubleshooting skills. Hands-on activities and an evening reception will give participants an opportunity to connect with other industry professionals and instructors.

Who Should Attend:

• Persons who wish to learn about the manufacture of structural plywood and veneer-based products.
• Manufacturing team members who would benefit from basic knowledge of wood material science, adhesive science and product testing in their professional roles.
• Suppliers who wish to broaden their knowledge of the overall industry, including manufacturing processes and associated quality implications.
• Individuals who wish to sharpen their knowledge of the state-of-the art in processing equipment and continuous improvement practices.

There are no prerequisites. Target audience includes producers and suppliers that are new to the industry. Experienced professionals will also benefit through networking and exposure to state-of-the-art in equipment and practices.

Agenda:

March 27^th

March 28^th

About the Instructors:

Richard (Dick) Baldwin, a native of Oregon, draws upon five decades and more of plywood experience as an hourly worker, industrial engineer, supervisor, and senior operating officer within the global plywood industry. Dr. Baldwin holds a B.S in Operations Management from the University of Oregon, an M.S. in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin State University, and a PhD in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Bruce Broline has a PhD in physical organic chemistry and over 20 years’ experience in the development of formaldehyde-based resins for the construction industry. He is a courtesy professor in the Department of Wood Science and Engineering at Oregon State University where he developed a distance-learning course entitled Practical Wood Adhesives Technology.

Urs Buehlmann is Professor in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials at Virginia Tech, specializing in manufacturing systems engineering with a focus on continuous improvement (Lean). He has worked with numerous clients implementing Lean, including engineered wood products manufacturers.

Mike Crondahl is Owner/President of WESTMILL INDUSTRIES, a 44-year old company specializing in veneer drying technology. During 29 years with WESTMILL, Mike has helped secure multiple dryer-related patents, and is a recognized leader among North America’s most knowledgeable and experienced veneer drying specialists.

Corey Farrens is Business Development Manager for Spartek Industries in Portland, Oregon. With 30 years’ experience in engineering and business development, he helps wood products manufacturers throughout the world meet their business goals with operational problem solving and solutions.

Fred Kamke is Professor and JELD-WEN Chair of Wood-based Composites Science in the Department of Wood Science and Engineering at Oregon State University. He is the Co-Director of the Wood-Based Composites Center. Dr. Kamke specializes in composite manufacture, resin penetration and distribution, and wood and water relationships.

Todd Kurle is Vice President of Sales for Metriguard Technologies, a Raute Group company located in Pullman, WA. Todd has been with Metriguard for 13 years, representing its complete line of production line equipment and off-line QC products for lumber and panel-based products worldwide.

Scott Leavengood is Associate Professor and Director of the Oregon Wood Innovation Center (OWIC) in the Department of Wood Science and Engineering at Oregon State University. Dr. Leavengood specializes in wood science, quality and process control, and hardwood plywood manufacturing.

Anna McCann is President of Merritt Machinery, LLC in Lockport, NY. She has over 30 years of experience as a supplier to the veneer and plywood industry, and is the U.S. representative of Meinan Machinery in Nagoya, Japan.

Steve Raye is National Sales Manager of PRE-TEC, a division of Willamette Valley Company in Eugene, Oregon. He has over 25 years’ experience designing and implementing automated manufacturing systems for the metals and wood products industries. Mr. Raye’s specialty is helping manufacturers successfully align their business objectives with automation solutions.

Ari Sinha is Associate Professor in the Department of Wood Science & Engineering at Oregon State University. He specializes in timber mechanics and structural engineering. 

Steve Zylkowski received his MS degree in Wood Science from OSU. He is the Director of Quality Services at APA and has been involved in testing, standards development, certification and regulatory issues impacting the wood industry.

Cost:
The cost for the two-day short course is $750.00 per person. Members of the Wood-Based Composites I/UCRC are eligible for a reduced fee of $600.00 (contact Shannon Murray at shannon.murray@oregonstate.edu for the discount code). The registration fee includes workshop materials consisting of a color notebook and hand lens, as well as lunch and refreshments during the class. An evening reception on Wednesday, March 27 is also included. Participants are strongly encouraged to add a signed copy of Dick Baldwin’s 2016 book, Plywood and Veneer-Based Products to their registration for the reduced price of $38.00 (softcover) or $60.00 (hardcover). Books will also be available for purchase on-site, though the discount may not apply.

Travel Information and Lodging:
You are responsible for making your own lodging reservations. A block of rooms has been reserved at the new Courtyard Corvallis, 400 SW 1st Street, Corvallis, Oregon (https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/eugco-courtyard-corvallis/) at a discounted rate of $149.00 per night, single or double occupancy. Reservations can be made by calling 541-753-0199 or toll-free at 888-236-2427. Be sure to ask for the “The Structural Plywood & Veneer-Based Composites” room block. Reservations must be made on or before Tuesday, March 5, 2019. Rooms will be released to the public at this time and the special rate will no longer be offered.

Use the Portland (PDX) or Eugene (EUG), Oregon airport if air travel is required. If you prefer not to rent a car, shuttle service is available between PDX and Corvallis from the Oregon Express Shuttle. The cost for a round-trip ticket is approximately $60 per person. From EUG, shuttle service is available from Omni Shuttle, and offers discounts for multiple travelers. Both services will bring you directly to the Courtyard Corvallis. Hotel parking and internet access are free to registered guests. Van transportation to and from the short course, as well as walking directions, will be provided.

Short course participants driving to Corvallis for the event are invited to park in the hotel parking garage (complimentary) and use the shuttle to get to/from campus. Alternately, campus parking passes can be purchased online, in advance, through the OSU Parking Office Visitor’s page, at a cost of $10 per day for the lot adjacent to Richardson Hall (Zone B). To purchase a parking pass the day of the event, use on-campus pay stations located throughout campus.

An evening reception, hosted by the course’s vendor-speakers, will be held at the Courtyard Corvallis on Tuesday evening, March 27. Again, garage parking at the hotel is free for all participants.

For More Information:
Contact Linda Caudill, Managing Director, Wood-Based Composites Center, at 540-231-7092 or by email at lcaudill@vt.edu

To Register:
Registration is available until space is sold out or until Tuesday, March 5, 2019. Register on-line through the WBC website (http://www.wbc.vt.edu) or OWIC website (http://owic.oregonstate.edu). Direct registration is also available using this link. Direct any questions to Shannon Murray, Program Coordinator for the College of Forestry Continuing and Professional Education at shannon.murray@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-3740.