Timber & Wood Processing

Sawmill Automation: Going Where Direct-Stop and Hydraulic Technologies “Cant”

Modernization is gaining ground in sawmills. As a result, machine and system builders are increasingly turning to variable frequency drives (VFD) and other electric components and systems to replace traditional pneumatic, hydraulic, and direct-stop systems.

Download our white paper to learn more about the productivity and efficiency gains of outfitting a sawmill’s resaw line with VFDs, Ethernet, and other automated electromechanical systems.

Download Whitepaper

Recanting, repositioning or rerouting cants for additional processing, is a critical step in sawmill operations. It requires precise, repeatable motion and durable components to handle heavy, uneven loads under demanding conditions. SEW-EURODRIVE delivers proven drive solutions that ensure reliability, safety, and efficiency throughout the recanting process.

Parallel Shaft and Helical-Bevel Gearmotors High-torque, compact gear units with reinforced housings for rugged operation. Ideal for reversing and indexing conveyors that handle cant redirection.	CMSM Electric Cylinders A clean, energy-efficient alternative to hydraulics—delivering precise, repeatable linear motion with no leaks or maintenance.	DRL Asynchronous Servomotors High-dynamic motors support precise positioning for diverting or aligning cants on the line. Built to handle rapid starts/stops under load.	MOVITRAC® B & MOVIDRIVE® B VFDs Provide accurate speed and torque control for conveyors, pushers, and transfer arms. Built-in motion functions enable soft-start/stop and positioning logic.
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X-Series Industrial Gear Units Built for extreme torque and high-impact loads. Rugged housings, large bearing spans, and superior thermal capacity ensure long-lasting performance in heavy-duty applications.	P-Series Planetary Gear Units deliver high torque in a compact, robust design—ideal for conveying and log handling. Engineered for heavy loads, shock resistance, and continuous-duty performance.
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Log conveying and sorting systems are the backbone of timber processing, handling heavy, irregular loads in harsh environments. SEW-EURODRIVE offers proven conveying and sorting solutions tailored to timber and wood operations. From load transport to log classification, our systems are engineered to deliver uptime, efficiency, and safety.

Helical, Parallel Shaft, and Helical-Bevel Gearmotors Designed for high torque and continuous-duty applications. Built to withstand shock loads and resist dust, moisture, and corrosion.	MOVIMOT® Gearmotors with Integrated VFDs Decentralized drive solution that simplifies wiring and installation. Allows for local or remote speed control directly at the motor.	MOVIFIT® Standard Inverters Ideal for conveying lines with multiple drive zones. Provides modular, plug-and-play control for efficient sorting and distribution.	MOVI-C® Automation Platform Scalable control architecture for coordinating complex conveying systems, from individual drives to networked operations.
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X-Series Industrial Gear Units Built for extreme torque and high-impact loads. Rugged housings, large bearing spans, and superior thermal capacity ensure long-lasting performance in heavy-duty applications.	P-Series Planetary Gear Units deliver high torque in a compact, robust design—ideal for conveying and log handling. Engineered for heavy loads, shock resistance, and continuous-duty performance.
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Timber processing equipment faces some of the toughest demands in timber processing, high shock loads, continuous duty, and harsh environmental conditions. SEW-EURODRIVE provides heavy-duty drive solutions designed for performance, reliability, and long service life in these critical front-end operations.

Industrial Gear Units Built for extreme torque and high-impact loads. Rugged housings, large bearing spans, and superior thermal capacity ensure long-lasting performance in heavy-duty applications.	Parallel Shaft and Helical-Bevel Gearmotors Compact, high-efficiency gear units with high torque density and quiet operation. Coated for corrosion resistance in dirty, wet environments.	MOVIMOT® Integrated Gearmotors with VFDs Decentralized drive solution for flexible control and reduced cabinet space. Supports variable speed operation for chipping efficiency and energy savings.	MOVI-C® Automation Platform Advanced diagnostics, coordinated drive control, and remote monitoring capabilities for optimized process uptime and maintenance planning.
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Stacking, destacking, and palletizing systems require precise motion, synchronized control, and rugged reliability—especially in high-speed, repetitive tasks. From dimensional lumber to bundled pallets, SEW-EURODRIVE equips your systems with the speed, precision, and reliability required to keep production flowing.

Geared Servomotors Combine dynamic performance and high torque density in a compact footprint. Available with low-backlash gearing for accurate, repeatable motion.	Decentralized Drive Systems Simplify wiring and installation on conveyors, lifts, and transfers. Modular designs offer flexibility for system expansion or reconfiguration.	MOVIAXIS® Multi-Axis Servo Drive System Coordinates multiple axes for high-speed, synchronized motion in stacking and palletizing systems. Ideal for precision load placement and smooth handling.	MOVI-PLC® Motion and Logic Controller Integrates motion and machine control into one platform. Enables real-time sequencing, alignment, and cycle optimization.
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Dryer and press lines are essential for conditioning and forming wood products like OSB, MDF, and plywood. SEW-EURODRIVE equips dryer and press lines with intelligent drive technology that improves energy efficiency, process reliability, and product quality. Whether you're upgrading a zone drive or automating a full line, our solutions keep your wood processing operation moving—efficiently.

Parallel Shaft and Helical-Bevel Gearmotors High-torque, compact gear units with reinforced housings for rugged operation. Ideal for reversing and indexing conveyors that handle cant redirection.	MOVITRAC® B & MOVIDRIVE® B VFDs Provide precise speed control, energy savings, and smooth motor acceleration—ideal for optimizing drying and pressing throughput.	MOVIMOT® Integrated Gearmotors with VFDs Decentralized drive solution for flexible control and reduced cabinet space. Supports variable speed operation for chipping efficiency and energy savings.	MOVI-C® Automation Platform Advanced diagnostics, coordinated drive control, and remote monitoring capabilities for optimized process uptime and maintenance planning.
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SEW-EURODRIVE’s Power and Energy Solutions, part of the MOVI-C^® automation platform, use MOVIDRIVE^® inverters to deliver efficient, reliable power management for modern systems and machinery.

Controlled Shutdown: Ensure safe and proper power-off sequences during power outages
Reduce Power Peaks: Minimize energy demand and grid strain
Optimize Energy Use: Reuse braking energy for cost and efficiency gains
Streamline Infrastructure: Smaller components reduce installation and operational costs
Enhance Reliability: Ensure uninterrupted operation during power failures
Energy Monitoring: Support ISO 50001 compliance with precise energy data

Recanting & Resaw Lines

Log Handling, Conveying, & Sorting

Processing Equipment

Stacking & Palletizing Systems

Dryer and Press Line Drives

Power and Energy Management

Upcoming 2025 Trade Shows

Forest Products Expo

NASHVILLE, TN

August 6-8, 2025
Booth# 1638

Discover SEW's rugged drive solutions for timber processing: precision, durability, and optimized operations.

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Bluefield Coal and Mining Show

BLUEFIELD, WV

September 9-12, 2025

Discover SEW's rugged drive solutions for mining, aggregates, and other heavy industries: precision, durability, and optimized operations.

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IBIE

LAS VEGAS, NV

September 14-17, 2025
West Hall, Booth# 4165

Discover SEW’s bakery automation solutions: hygienic, efficient, and production-optimized technologies.

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SPS Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA

September 16-18, 2025
Booth# 1118

Discover SEW's rugged drive solutions for timber processing: precision, durability, and optimized operations.

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PACK Expo Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NV

Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2025
Upper South Hall, Booth# 34041

Discover SEW’s packaging solutions at PACK Expo: MOVI-C^®, energy-efficient drives, and optimized automation.

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White Papers and Case Studies

Sawmill Automation: Going Where Direct-Stop & Hydraulic Technologies “Cant”

Exploring the productivity and efficiency gains of outfitting a sawmill’s resaw line with VFDs, Ethernet and other automated electromechanical systems.

Download White Paper

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Drive Modernization at a Cement Facility

Running an archaic chain-and-sprocket drive on four bucket elevators, a leading cement producer was struggling with inefficiency and downtime, costing thousands of dollars in lost production.

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Reducing Waste in Wastewater Treatment

A municipal wastewater facility faced persistent maintenance issues with its screw-lift drive system, resulting in frequent breakdowns and continuous repair expenses.

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Maximize Gearmotor Speed Range

Learn why to operate gearmotors above 60Hz. Through a common example, we will show you how to select the proper gearmotor that will significantly enhance performance.

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Power and Energy Systems for the Evolving Factory

Explore industrial drives, power supplies, and energy solutions to reduce peak power usage and installation costs, and to promote overall system efficiency.

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Modernized PET transport line achieves energy savings of up to 75%

Coca-Cola HBC Austria faced growing challenges with their aging transport line. High energy consumption and escalating CO2 emissions necessitated a pressing upgrade to meet sustainability targets and operational efficiencies.

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Modular, Scalable Kinematics

Learn about functionally scaled robotics solutions consisting of individually customizable packages that fit nearly any automation robotics application.

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