Basis weight measurement systems increase efficiency in the wood-based materials industry

01.September 2025

In the wood-based materials industry, every gram counts. Anyone who does not keep a precise eye on the basis weight of their wood-based panel (e.g., particleboard or MDF board) quickly loses track – of quality, material consumption, and ultimately their cost structure. This was exactly the problem a European particleboard manufacturer approached us with: Production was running steadily, but there was no precise insight into what was actually happening between forming and pressing.
 

Challenge:

Quality without visual inspection

Up to this point, the plant relied exclusively on laboratory samples to monitor basis weight – a common but slow procedure. The consequence: long reaction times and material overdosing. The customer’s goal was to control the forming process in a data-driven and automated way.

Our solution:

Triple measurement – optimization of the distribution of each of the three layers of a particleboard

Initially, the customer planned to optimize the mat forming of the particleboard with a single measurement system. However, to optimize the distribution of each layer of a particleboard, it is important to also know the distribution of each individual layer. Logical! It is therefore not sufficient to measure only the entire mat of the particleboard (2x surface layer and 1x core layer).

Together with our partner Siempelkamp, who supplies and controls the forming stations, we developed a new concept:
This concept uses three traversing basis weight measurement systems (X-ray technology). The first system is installed behind the first surface layer forming station, the second system behind the two core layer forming stations, and the third system behind the second surface layer forming station. The measurement results can be subtracted from each other so that the distribution of each individual layer of the particleboard can be displayed and ultimately optimized.

And: The travel paths of all three measuring systems are synchronized so that they scan the particle mat exactly on the same measuring track.

The unique concept for distribution control in particleboard lines impresses with very high transparency, precise controllability, and significant savings potential of the precious raw materials wood and glue. Installation took place during a scheduled two-week shutdown. Despite tight time windows and complex interfaces, the project ran smoothly thanks to close coordination with the customer and Siempelkamp. The measurement systems were fully integrated into the control system. Since then, the plant has been measuring and controlling fully automatically – layer by layer.

Result:

More efficiency. Less material consumption. Better quality.

The advantages speak for themselves:
[]Reduced wood and glue consumption through precise dosing
[]Improved surface quality through optimized surface layers

Quick amortization: The investment pays off in under two years

Consulting, technology, and trust – this is how progress is created

This project shows that real solutions don’t come off the shelf. They are created in dialogue – with an open ear for the process, a clear eye for what is feasible, and a common goal: more efficiency through better data.

Are you facing a similar challenge? Let’s talk about it.

We’ll show you how precise measurement technology can sustainably transform your production.