Educational Programs at the Expo Richmond
Two programs are offered
There will be two programs at the 2024 Expo Richmond on April 11. A morning program on Pallet Design and Performance and an afternoon program on Lumber Drying. Individuals can register for one or both.
Basics of pallet design and performance
April 11
8 a.m. - noon
The course will cover the basic concepts for the proper design of wooden pallets. Using The Pallet Design Software, the most commonly used software in the pallet industry, attendees will learn how to design a pallet and optimize its structure to reach their goals. The course will cover how different material and fastener choices will impact pallet performance and how different load support conditions impact how much load a pallet can carry as well as how pallets, packaging and material handling equipment interact in the supply chain.
The Instructor:
Packaging Systems and Design
Department of Sustainable Biomaterials
Virginia Tech
Lumber Drying for Small Operators
April 11
1 - 4:30 p.m.
In this course you will learn about what you need to consider as a small operator getting into lumber drying. How do you determine the market potential? How long does it take to dry lumber? What should you consider when looking into different kiln types? Should you air-dry first or go straight into the kiln? We’ll cover the lumber drying basics, different types of kilns and their capabilities/limitations, avoiding defects and the basics of controlling the drying process.
The instructor:
Professor and Extension Specialist
Department of Sustainable Biomaterials
Virginia Tech
Frederik Laleicke
Department Extension Leader and Specialist
Wood Products Extension
Forest Biomaterials
North Carolina Univiersity