New certificates for strength grading of T classes according to EN 14081

03 2017

In order to establish uniform rules for the visual and machine strength grading of European larch, Douglas fir and Scots pine boards, the Association of Austrian Wood Processing (WKO) launched the sorting project LäDouKi (Lärche, Douglasie, Kiefer) in December 2012.  For this purpose, the project leaders brought Microtec company on board. The project was established in cooperation with the German Studiengemeinschaft Holzleimbau e.V. (Glued Laminated Timber Research Association).

Boards from Belgium, Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy and Czech Republic have been scientifically evaluated. Grading machine data have been collected to elaborate corresponding machine settings. 

 

In the course of this project, the following machine settings for strength sorting boards to T classes with Microtec grading systems have been elaborated and approved in March 2017:

          • T classes: European larch from Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein;
            • T classes: Douglas fir from Belgium and Germany;

Already approved strength sorting T classes since October 2014:

            • T classes: Scots pine from Germany, Finland, Poland and Sweden;


Furthermore in March 2017 Microtec sorting systems have been approved for the following C classes:

            • C classes: Douglas fir from Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy and Luxembourg with a minimum thickness of 18 mm;
            • C classes: Spruce and fir from Austria, Czech Republic and Germany; small sizes, only for Goldeneye scanners, developed to grade roof battens.