Got biofiber?

2009 is the U.N. International Year of Natural Fibers. And, as another year of living dangerously got off to a start for the forest industry, natural fibers were the focus of the International Wood Composites Symposium and Technical Workshop in Seattle. 

Here are summaries of a few of the excellent presentations.

When the 2010 Olympic Speed Skating Championships take place in Richmond, B.C.’s Olympic Oval, one of the stars is likely to be the facility’s innovative wood ceiling. 

Ward Williams interviewed “Mr. MDF” for SWJ.

When employees arrive for their shift at Ainsworth Lumber’s OSB plant in Barwick, Ontario, they walk by a photo-laden bulletin board featuring many of their children’s smiling faces.  

Frameless lightweight panel production pioneers 

A core group of innovators are advancing lightweight board. 

Has the time come to lighten up in North America?

 

Microwaves and x-rays should make way because there is a new technology in town. 

A plywood mill in the Southern United States will soon be using Westmill's LightSORT Green Veneer Moisture Measuring System.

Earl McCarthy’s career has covered 62 years of service to the science and production of composite panels. Ward Williams, SWJ contributing editor, asked him about the highlights of his eclectic career.

"Hardboard is one of those products that is found—or has been found—just about everywhere. In recent years, it’s been overshadowed by MDF and thin particleboard—or even stiff, industrial-type paperboard. 

LP Houlton was faced with some aging equipment when they were getting ready to convert their OSB line to an LSL production line. 

The finishing line at the Houlton facility is supplied by Globe Machine Manufacturing.  

The Teaford Company was selected by Louisiana Pacific to supply the heat energy system for their Houlton, Maine OSL expansion project. 

Watch video of Structurlam timbers in the Art Gallery of Ontario designed by Frank Gehry