For efficient calculation of both similarity search values and boundaries of digest blocks in data deduplication, input data is partitioned into chunks, and for each chunk a set of rolling hash values is calculated. Orientation information is extracted for materials and processing is performed on the orientation information along with other ancillary data that accompanies each piece of orientation information and a hybrid descriptor of orientation is formed. A core plate having upper and lower edges is held between the upper rail and lower rail in the center section of the channels.