Valmatics 4.0 is continuously evolving and upgraded with new functions over time. When launched in 2019, it introduced the revolutionary capability to optimize lumber drying based on capacity, quality and energy consumption – simultaneously.

Since then, new functions have been added – including integration with boiler systems and adaptation to real-time spot prices on the electricity market.

Built on Valutec’s conviction

Better lumber drying leads to greater competitiveness for wood products – and thereby increased use of wood. This is Valutec’s core driving force and the very reason we exist. By making our customers profitable, we earn our place in the value chain and are inspired to constantly develop new, forward-looking solutions.

Lumber drying is one of the most quality-critical processes in sawmill production. Valmatics 4.0 is our latest control system, developed for Industry 4.0, enabling sawmills worldwide to automate and optimize drying in all types of kilns. High process quality is ensured by simulators loaded with knowledge from hundreds of thousands of measurements, allowing unparalleled accuracy in calculating drying processes from start to finish.

Valmatics 4.0 remains the only control system on the market that combines simulation technology with adaptive control, enabling optimization based on capacity, quality, and energy consumption – all at once.

Operator monitoring Valutec’s kiln control system on a computer, displaying real-time data.

Automated precision in every drying process

With Valmatics 4.0, the full potential of the modern TC continuous kiln can be utilized. As a kiln operator, you only need to know the incoming and target moisture content – the system takes care of everything else. This frees up valuable time for more important tasks such as saw planning, quality control, and sampling.

Why upgrade to Valmatics 4.0?

One of the most effective ways to boost the performance of an older kiln is to upgrade its control system to Valmatics 4.0.

The advantage is that all kilns – regardless of manufacturer – can be upgraded with Valmatics 4.0. Simply put: the older the control system, the greater the performance gains from the upgrade.

Built for Industry 4.0 with integrated simulator technology for all kiln models
The market’s only simulator for continuous and TC kilns
Modern and intuitive user interface
Based on the latest Siemens PLC technology
Backward compatible to reduce upgrade costs
Enhanced property control

Valusim

Valutec’s simulator technology, Valusim, provides optimal guidance to quickly define the most time-efficient drying process for each new dimension.

As sawmills increasingly produce a wider range of dimensions and qualities, the demand for reliable system support grows. Valusim meets this need by ensuring precision and efficiency in every drying schedule.

Man looking at a computer screen displaying kiln data.

Simulated process

Valusim optimizes new drying programs with a focus on capacity, quality and electricity consumption, helping sawmills avoid costly trial runs. Through a user-friendly interface, operators enter the desired final moisture content along with all known input data to simulate a process that closely reflects reality.

Valusim, today developed into a unique and world-leading tool for lumber drying, began as a research project at VTT, the Technical Research Centre of Finland. Early versions of the simulator were used sparingly alongside the kiln control systems available at the time, with sawmills still relying heavily on the experience-based knowledge of their operators.

A major step came nearly 20 years ago when Valutec acquired the rights and calculation models for the simulator and began developing it together with its control system, with the ambition of full integration. Today, Valusim is an integral function in every delivery of the Valmatics control system.

With the launch of Valmatics 4.0, a new simulation engine was introduced. This engine treats each kiln as a zone – whether it is a batch kiln, a traditional continuous kiln, or a TC continuous kiln. While earlier versions of Valusim were primarily suited for batch kilns, the new engine enables effective simulation-based control across all kiln types.

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Valmatics 4.0 [pdf]

Valmatics 4.0