Metal Detection in Forestry & Wood processing sector: Enhancing Safety, Protecting Equipment and Maximizing Efficiency
Upgrading to Metal Shark
Metal contamination in wood logs can lead to serious injury and costs—both in personal direct damage and operational downtime. As one technical manager at a major sawmill put it:
“One hour of downtime costs around $5,000 to $25,000.”
In worst-case scenarios, repairing damaged critical capital equipment such as saws, debarkers, planers, etc. by hidden metal can take several hours if not days—resulting in significant production losses. Even when machines aren’t brought to a complete halt, metal contamination still causes wear and tear. Nails or embedded metal parts can dull saw, and planer blades, driving up costs for blade sharpening and reducing cutting efficiency.
The Real Cost of Undetected Metal
While rejecting contaminated logs preserves machinery, it also means losing valuable material. However, this trade-off can be dramatically improved with a highly tuned, industrial-grade metal detector, built specifically for the challenges in forestry and wood processing operations.
Not all metal parts pose a threat—small, non-damaging pieces can often pass through without issue. That’s why precision matters. The better the system can detect and differentiate between critical and non-critical metal sizes—inside or outside the product—the more accurate and cost-effective the sorting process becomes.
Why Leading Mills Choose CASSEL METAL SHARK® BIG
One of our longtime sawmill customers put it best:
“We cannot run our sawmill without the CASSEL METAL SHARK® at all.”
The CASSEL METAL SHARK® BIG offers:
- Reliable detection of embedded and external metals
- Customizable sensitivity settings to suit material size and flow
- Rugged design built for harsh industrial environments
Optimize Yield, Minimize Downtime, Protect Your Equipment and people
Whether it’s safeguarding personnel, avoiding costly repairs or making smarter material rejection decisions, metal detection is a crucial step in modern wood processing. CASSEL-Metal Shark’s supported by Connexus, industry-specific systems help you stay productive, efficient, and protected—every step of the way.
Why Connexus Recommends Upgrading from RENS to the CASSEL Metal Shark
Pictures RENS and Cassel side by side
The transition from RENS to CASSEL METAL SHARK® metal detectors marks a critical advancement for sawmills and forestry operations. With state-of-the-art digital technology from CASSEL Inspection and the deep industry expertise of Connexus, facilities benefit from a more reliable, precise, and cost-effective solution for metal contamination detection.
This upgrade not only enhances protection for equipment and personnel but also reduces false rejects, minimizes downtime, and improves overall operational efficiency—delivering lasting value across the entire production line.
RENS – Legacy System Limitations
Spare Parts Unavailable
Risk of extended downtime due to obsolete components.
Lower Detection Accuracy
Increases the risk of metal contaminants damaging machines.
Higher Operational Costs
Inaccurate detection leads to excessive rejection of usable logs.
Outdated Maintenance
Requires complex manual adjustments; lacks modern diagnostic capabilities.
Limited Support
No longer supported with spare parts or trained technicians—cannot be properly serviced or optimized.
CASSEL METAL SHARK®– Advanced Detection You Can Rely On
Enhanced Detection = Better Protection
Leveraging advanced digital technology significantly enhances sensitivity and accuracy, helping prevent machine damage. This includes multi-channel signal processing and real-time automatic calibration for optimal performance and protection.
Minimized Downtime
Modular design, remote diagnostics and readily available remote diagnostics with CASSEL Inspection’s proprietary SharkNet software, designed specifically for busy facilities that cannot risk downtime.
Cost Savings Through Precision
Accurate detection reduces waste and preserves valuable raw materials.
Efficient & User-Friendly
Intuitive interface, fewer false trips, and scalable integration into modern production lines.
The Bottom Line:
RENS features outdated technology, and service support is no longer available.
CASSEL METAL SHARK® is the smart, future-ready solution.
Backed by Connexus’ technical expertise and regional support, the transition ensures long-term reliability, productivity, and peace of mind.
RENS vs. CASSEL METAL SHARK®
Why Connexus Recommends Upgrading
| Feature/Aspect | RENS (Legacy System) | CASSEL METAL SHARK® BIG (Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Spare Parts Availability | ❌ Obsolete – Parts no longer available | ✅ Full spare parts availability – ensures minimal downtime |
| Detection Accuracy | ❌ Limited sensitivity – Higher risk of undetected metal | ✅ High precision – Superior detection of contaminants such as hex nuts ¼” or M6. |
| Operational Costs | ❌ Inaccurate limits cause unnecessary rejection of usable logs | ✅ Precise detection minimizes waste, saving valuable material |
| Maintenance Requirements | ❌ Manual, complex adjustments – No remote diagnostics | ✅ Modular design – Easy servicing, plus SHARKNET remote support |
| Technical Support | ❌ No factory-trained support or performance optimization available | ✅ Access to factory-trained technicians across North America |
| False Trips & Uptime | ❌ Aging systems – Frequent false alarms cause avoidable production stoppages | ✅ Fewer false trips – Increased uptime and smoother operations |
| Interface & Usability | ❌ Outdated and non-intuitive | ✅ Modern, user-friendly HMI |
| Scalability & Integration | ❌ Difficult to integrate into modern production lines | ✅ Easy integration with most existing and future systems |
| Future Viability | ❌ End-of-life system – No longer serviceable | ✅ Future-ready – Continuously supported and evolving technology |
Conclusion:
RENS features outdated technology, and service support is no longer available.
CASSEL Inspection METAL SHARK®, supported by Connexus, offers a smart, scalable, and future-proof solution that improves safety, efficiency, and ROI.
Advantages of CASSEL Metal Detectors – Connexus Perspective
Connexus Industries has worked closely with CASSEL Inspection since the mid-2000s to bring next-generation or leading-edge, microprocessor-controlled metal detection systems to market. This collaboration, which began under Tectronix (acquired by Connexus Industries in 2015), underscores our long-term commitment to delivering the most advanced and reliable metal detection solutions in the industry.
The CASSEL Metal Shark series, powered by the SHARK 2A digital controller, offers major advantages over legacy systems such as RENS—redefining detection accuracy, operational efficiency, and long-term value.
1. Superior Digital Technology
- Microprocessor-based control system offers greater reliability and is less susceptible to electrical interference than analog alternatives.
- Adaptive filtering algorithms minimize false alarms by distinguishing real contaminants from background noise.
- 4-quadrant technology enhances material differentiation for higher sensitivity across a variety of wood or bulk product types.
2. Enhanced Detection Capabilities
- Higher detection sensitivity than traditional RENS systems enables precise identification of metal contaminants.
- Auto-adaptation to material characteristics minimizes false rejects without sacrificing performance.
- Signal trend analysis allows for proactive maintenance and performance monitoring—reducing the risk of unexpected downtime.
3. Improved Maintenance & Support
- Modular design allows for quick maintenance, reducing system downtime.
- Readily available spare parts ensure long-term system reliability and serviceability.
- Remote diagnostics via CASSEL’s proprietary software SHARKNET: 80% of issues can be resolved remotely, saving time and service costs.
- Factory-trained technicians in North America deliver fast on-site service when needed.
4. Operational Efficiency & Cost Savings
- User-friendly control interface simplifies operation and troubleshooting.
- Fewer false trips = fewer unnecessary shutdowns.
- Increased uptime leads to higher throughput and reduced operating costs.
- Scalable system integration supports evolving production needs—future-proofing your investment.
Conclusion: Trusted Technology, Proven Performance
Backed by decades of collaboration, Connexus and CASSEL continue to deliver trusted, forward-looking inspection technology that improves productivity, protects machinery, and ensures consistent product quality.
Let us help you upgrade your detection capabilities—reliably, efficiently, and intelligently.