Maxi Mill Inc. based in Albany, Ore. services the sawmill industry with a number of different products, including computerized sawing systems, carriage drives and log-charging systems. The company pioneered improvements in saw technology and its founders led the industry in the study of log positioning on lumber recovery.

Years of research culminated in the discovery that correct positioning of a log prior to the sawing process directly correlated to a dramatic increase in lumber recovery and hence, the Maxi Mill Sawing System was born. The system possesses the unique ability to clamp a log after it has been fully scanned and optimally positioned for processing to achieve the maximum lumber yield possible.

Through the years, the system has seen many improvements and in 1997, pantograph arms and cord trolleys were replaced with igus® Energy Chain Systems®, a combination of cables and a cable carrier to protect them. These Chainflex® continuous-flex cables enable overhead carriages to receive power. The carriages, with the help of a unique end-dogging feature, facilitate the log-clamping process.

Maxi Mill uses System E4 Energy Chain® and Chainflex CF6 cable on 18 different log-sawing machines. Each installation has a travel length of 25 to 30 feet and endures return speeds of more than 650 feet per minute. Using Energy Chain enables Maxi Mill to position control valves away from the carriage so they are easy to adjust and at the same time, lighten the load the carriage has to bear.

Bob Presley, project engineer for Maxi Mill, trusted igus products even before being employed with Maxi Mill.

“I worked with Energy Chain at my previous j ob and have always been impressed with its durability,” said Presley. “With Energy Chain, Maxi Mill is able to receive a preassembled carrier, which allows for easy installation. Our customers are able to reduce the maintenance performed on the machine a nd have never had to replace an entire assembly.”

During their long life on the Maxi Mill machines, E4 Energy Chain and CF6 cables face a number of environmental challenges. CF6 is exposed to hydraulic fluid, but due to its oil-resistant feature, does not fail. Competitor cables formerly used in the Maxi Mill machines were not designed specifically for continuous-flexing and sometimes corkscrewed, causing an immediate need for replacement. With CF6, Maxi Mill is able to eliminate this problem completely. System E4 Energy Chain withstands excessive dirt and wood chips from the sawmilling process.

Maxi Mill has been an igus customer for almost 10 years, and has remained a staunch supporter of its products. The company currently has three orders pending.