Supplier Magazine June/July 2021

JUN/JUL 2021

DESIGN + MATERIALS + TECHNOLOGY

MACHINERY | TOOLS + EQUIPMENT | SERVICE | FINANCE

GO BEYOND WITH

THE ONE PARTNER YOU NEED FOR STONE CDK Stone have sourced the finest equipment from around the globe. Tried, tested and trusted, these products will take your business to the next level.

Discover more at

www.cdkstone.com.au/supplier

NATURAL STONE | NEOLITH | TERRAZZO | STONE CARE

NEW!

MATRIX SLIMWALL DRAWER

ELEGANT & STREAMLINED Matrix Box Slim is a Häfele engineered drawer sytem. It offers a high-end designer look with slim, straight-edged sides and high performance at an economical price-point.

ELEGANT DESIGN

COMFORTABLE 4D-ADJUSTMENT

Side panels in slim, streamlined design in three drawer side heights (89/128/175 mm) with selected surfaces and optional push-to-open for handle-free furniture designs.

Access even in confined spaces thanks to height, depth and side adjustment underneath drawer and tilt adjustment inside the drawer.

GENEROUS USAGE

CONVINCING PERFORMANCE

More usable space in the drawer and easy fitting of inserts thanks to slim 90° inner drawer wall.

Smooth closing due to runner with integrated soft closing mechanism.

info@hafele.com.au

1300 659 728

www.hafele.com.au

Contents

Issue #210 | Volume 37 No 2

3

Editor’s Note

News 4

Welcome to the June / July 2021 issue of Supplier Magazine.

Inside this issue you will find our feature on stone and safety where we take a closer look at stone processing and the rise of silicosis in the building and construction industry.

Vale Anton Hettich

Manufacturing 18

Houfek – power in simple solutions

Feature

Our contributing editor, Philip Ashley, investigates the changing shape of the workplace. As we enter a new period in history characterised by the inevitable decline in jobs, the number of skilled tradespeople entering our industry are dwindling due to an increase in computerisation and automation. Read on to find out about the transformation of manufacturing as we know it.

22

Stone and Safety

Computerisation & Automation 42

The future of work

Software 46

Good enough isn’t good enough

Please feel free to contact me directly regarding any news, events or product information you would like us to publish at – michelle.cammiade@ elitepublishing.com.au

Service, Support & Solutions 50

All about service

Don’t forget to join our online community and visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Front Cover

Until next time,

CDK Stone www.cdkstone.com.au/supplier

Michelle Cammiade Editor

Find Supplier Magazine on: @suppliermagazine

Supplier June/July 2021

@suppliermagazine

@suppliermagazine

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

4

News

Vale Anton Hettich Anton Hettich, the long-standing managing partner, and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Hettich Group, passed away on 24 April at the age of 91 after a short serious illness.

Anton Hettich had been a co-partner in the family business in Schramberg since 1949.

After the early death of his father in 1956, he became a member of the management at the age of 27. In January 1959, he became Chairman of the Management Board of Paul Hettich GmbH & Co. KG in Herford. In 1991, he moved to the Advisory Board. It was

not until 2016 that he ended his tenure as Chairman of the Advisory Board.

Anton kept the common good in mind and was honoured many times for his social commitment. One of his most important goals was to promote the education, training and upbringing of children and young people.

Anton Hettich established the Anton Hettich Foundation in 1992 and together with his son Andreas, increased the foundation capital to 14 million euros in 2019 on the occasion of his 90th birthday. ❚

Big River Group expands with the acquisition of Timberwood Building industry leader, Big River Group, is continuing to expand its national network and increase its architectural product offering, with the acquisition of specialty manufacturer, Timberwood Group. The acquisition sees the combination of the strong and successful operating histories of both businesses to create a larger and more diversified business.

panel products was especially attractive to Big River. The purchase was consistent with Big River’s strategy for geographical and segment growth, transforming the Group into a major player in the plywood and architectural panels markets across both Australia and New Zealand.

While Big River Group is an expert in plywood and decorative panels, the opportunity to buy a quality player with niche manufacturing and distribution capability across a range of

As well as having a strong, diverse customer network and both local and overseas suppliers, Timberwood has operations across three sites in Victoria and the ACT, as well as customers across all states and territories.

Timberwood has operated in the market for 13 years and is particularly strong in the architectural product area as a specialty manufacturer and distributor of a range of panel products including veneers, veneered and coloured boards, plywood, particleboard and MDF.

Supplier June/July 2021

“I am excited to announce that Big River is embarking on a significant step in progressing its growth strategy in the specialty panels market, with a transaction that will transform us into a leading player in plywood and architectural panels markets. This is highly complementary with the expansion the Company undertook into New Zealand in 2019, together with the long history Big River has across a range of specialised panels products,” says Big River’s CEO, Jim Bindon.

With the acquisition of Timberwood, Big River Group now owns and manages 21 sales and distribution outlets around Australia and New Zealand, as well as manufacturing and fabrication facilities at Grafton and Wagga Wagga in NSW, Melbourne, Geelong, Adelaide Perth and Auckland New Zealand. ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

AUTO MA TION VERSATILE EFFICIENCY.

Easy use, optimisation of the production process, constant top machining quality on every type of material - even the most delicate.

Automated solutions for panel movement to reduce standby time and eliminate the risk of damage to the material.

Selco WN6 ROS

BIESSE.COM

6

News

The University of Tasmania - nurturing innovation Timber is an incredibly versatile and sustainable building material that is increasingly being used in large construction projects due to its distinctive environmental properties. As technology advancesthere has been a surge in demand for professionals with expertise in the design and manufacture of wood products.

The University of Tasmania has partnered with industry to develop Australia’s first professional course specialising in timber design and construction to help meet this demand. The Master of Professional Engineering (Timber Design) is offered for study from Semester 2, July 2021.

Pro-Vice Chancellor (Launceston) Dominic Geraghty said the course was developed as part of the University’s commitment to create regionally-distinctive and industryaligned study options under the Northern Transformation Program.

Below: A group of students participate in a timber design workshop held at the University of Tasmania’s School of Architecture and Design studio in Launceston.

Supplier June/July 2021

“As a natural and renewable building material, timber has excellent ecological attributes. It acts as a carbon sink and requires far less energy to produce compared to other building materials such as steel or concrete,” Professor Geraghty said.

“Tasmania has a proud history in the innovative use of timber and wood products, and we believe we are well-placed to lead in timber-rich design and construction nationally. This new course will help develop the skills needed to meet industry demand and continue to drive innovation into the future.”

Course coordinator Dr Assaad (Alex) Taoum said the program was aimed at engineers and other building design professionals who wanted to enhance their knowledge to specialise in timber design, manufacture and construction.

“This is a great opportunity for professionals to gain deep knowledge about the design and manufacture of a material that will form a significant part of sustainable construction approaches into the future,” Dr Taoum said.

“Timber design engineers are responsible for the structural design and manufacture of commercial and residential buildings, as well as optimising energy efficiency throughout the building lifecycle.”

Associate Professor in Timber Engineering Jon Shanks said the course was designed with student needs in mind and could be studied flexibly to balance work and other commitments.

“I am really excited to be part of developing and delivering this professionally-orientated course. Students will benefit from guest presentations by industry and academic leaders from around Australia,” Associate Professor Shanks said.

“There will also be opportunities to come on campus and participate in hands-on experiments, testing and learning by making in our Launceston workshops and studio.”

For further information or to enrol in the course visit: www.utas.edu.au/courses/ cse/courses/p7a-master-of-professionalengineering-specialisation. ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

www. leitz.com.au

More efficiency in panel processing Manufacturers are facing major challenges due to their customers demanding changing quantities as well as requesting a wide variety of carrier and decorative materials to be used in panel production.

The new DT Premium compact hogger is the solution for increasing productivity thanks to its long tool life – with perfect quality on the edge and cutting surface. Thanks to the new tooth shape, optimum machining results are achieved over the entire life cycle of the tool. The design enables efficient chip removal and the vibration-reducing tool body further increase the tool life and thus the economic efficiency.

Productivity & Efficiency ■ Long tool life even under difficult operating conditions thanks to new tooth shape ■ Reduction of set-up costs due to long tool life ■ Efficient chip removal due to innovative gullet geometry and integrated chipbreaker ■ Cost efficient processing of various materials ■ Ideal also for batch size 1 due to adapted cutting geometries ■ Resharpenable up to 15 times through larger resharpening area

Quality

Sustainability

■ Excellent edge quality and smooth cutting surfaces through adapted cutting geometries ■ Clean workpiece finishes due to efficient chip removal with DFC®-Technology ■ Constant cutting width over the entire life cycle

■ Reduced noise due to special tool design ■ Reduction of noise and vibration through damping elements ■ Longer tool life time through larger resharpening area

Contact our Sales Team sales@leitz.com.au

1300 135 127

10

News

XYLEXPO to run in Milan 12th – 15th October 2022 A new, big exhibition concept dedicated to manufacturing technology will be launched at FieraMilano-Rho from 12 to 15 October 2022, resulting from a partnership between the association of Italian manufacturers of machine tools, robots, and automation; and Acimall, the association of Italian woodworking machinery manufacturers.

visitors from the sectors of furniture, design, industrial plants, machinery for aluminum, composites, and next-generation materials, interested in both events, to make the most of their trip to Milan.

For Australian manufacturers, this twin fair is a more realistic date to be attending an International event. ❚

The twin shows will be presented as distinct but complementary events and will help the

for kitchen designers, interior designers and architects

NO TIME, NO RESOURCES OR EXPERTISE TO CREATE HIGH QUALITY 3D RENDERS? You’d be surprised!

With VORTEK Spaces you can turn your projects into 3D walkthroughs in minutes. www.au.planit.com/vortekspaces

1300 855 411

Get a virtual 3D walkthrough of your project

FREE

*

vortekspaces.com/suppliermag21

* Share your project and moodboard and you will see yourself with images and videos created exclusively for you.

COMPATIBLE WITH...

AND MORE!

11

Product Update

Cosentino’s sustainable impact Cosentino is committed to sustainability, continuous innovation and anticipating the wants and needs of the market. Taking strong measures to achieve this, Cosentino has developed HybriQ+ technology, exclusive to Silestone and has transitioned Dekton to be a Carbon Neutral product, resulting in both being more natural, more sustainable and having less environmental impact.

HybriQ+ HybriQ+ technology is an innovative evolution of Silestone. The result of more than three years of intense research and development, HybriQ+ introduces a new production process, new product composition and new possibilities in design.

composition maintains the performance features Silestone is renowned for – durability, resistance, low porosity – while the minerals and recycled raw materials introduce new colours and effects.

The HybriQ+ formula is made with a compound of minerals and reused raw materials, such as recycled glass, and a significant reduction of the presence of crystalline silica. The manufacturing process uses 100 per cent renewable energy and 98 per cent recycled water and reflects Cosentino’s commitment to a circular economy of production. This technology also provides greater safety in the workplace, both in the manufacturing and handling of the product.

This ground-breaking generation of Silestone is not only more sustainable and environmentally friendly, but it allows for a greater possibility of design. The material

Supplier June/July 2021

Some of these effects can already be seen in Silestone Loft, a brand-new collection of five colours inspired by industrial design.

The namesake for each colour represents an iconic neighbourhood with a distinctive history and industrial style: Camden, Poblenou, Seaport, Nolita and Corktown.

Dekton Carbon Neutral Boosting Cosentino’s sustainability credentials further, Dekton is now officially a carbon neutral product. This recognition has

been obtained through emission reduction and compensation projects certified by the United Nations.

Cosentino has achieved carbon neutrality for the entire life cycle of the product, (covering Scopes 1, 2 and 3), from the extraction of the raw material to the end of the product’s life, including the calculation of the direct and indirect emissions from its production cycle and those derived from its use. This optimisation of production processes and techniques has resulted in a seven per cent reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, with the remainder being offset through investment in GHG emission reduction projects.

Cosentino is a global company with a local outlook and commitment to sustainability.

Its innovative surface solutions perform beyond expectations, bringing aesthetics and functionality to the world’s most beautiful residential, commercial and hospitality environments. ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

12

Product Update

Impact Benchtops by HAFELE Customised benchtop solutions dispatched in 48 Hours.

Häfele now offers a customised benchtop solution of made to measure, cut to size benchtops in a variety of styles and finishes.

By eliminating manual quoting and ordering you can offer your clients a robust and accurate quotation, knowing that at the click of a button it will be ready for dispatch in 48 hours. Their online 24/7 configurator tool, accessed via the Häfele website, allows you to design your customised benchtop by selecting the type and finish, amend sizing and seen edges as well as imputing cut outs for Hafele sinks and cooktops.

If you are happy with the final design click submit and their manufacturing partner, Amorini Australia will fabricate and dispatch your finished product in 48 hours (2 business days).

Their Impact Benchtop offer focuses on four types, Dekton LITE, Mirostone, Duropal Quadra laminate and Duropal Compact laminate and a variety of colours and finishes within the benchtop styles.

Many kitchen companies and designers already know of Dekton from Spain with their superior product qualities and safe handling properties. Their latest product to hit our shores is Dekton LITE. An ultralight, innovative, compact surface offering durability, lightness and easy fitting. The benchtop is made using 4mm ceramic slab bonded to a lightweight core – 30mm thick.

The reverse side is balanced and sealed with a fibre glass coating.

While Mirostone modified acrylic, Duropal Quadra laminate and Duropal Compact laminate benchtops are not so new to the Australian market their complete offer of four benchtop types will give you many options to select for your kitchen, furniture or commercial fit out designs.

Apart from 24/7 quoting, ordering made to measure tops with cut outs and a variety of benchtop options, their key driver for this range is supported by their sustainable thinking and action.

Amongst their partners, the awareness of sustainability suitable for a healthy living environment is constantly growing. Their product range is sourced and manufactured with the utmost care within the framework of a certified environmental management system as well as being reliable, hygienic and safe for the fabricator and end customer from start to finish and for many years to come.

For added peace of mind all benchtops come with a 10 year limited warranty.

For more information please visit Hafele. com.au or talk to your nearest Häfele Account Manager. ❚

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

LAUNCHING J U LY 2 0 2 1 Häfele now offers cut to size and finished benchtops in Dekton LITETM, Mirostone®, Duropal® Quadra laminate and Compact Laminate, all through our easy to use Impact Benchtop configurator via the Häfele website. Visit hafele.com.au to find out more or check with your Häfele representative to see how easy it is to order online.

Our promise: • Online 24/7 quoting and ordering.

• Dispatched in 48 hours directly to you.

• Made to measure & cut to size including optional sink and cooktop cut-outs.

• Sustainably sourced and Safely manufactured.

• All benchtops come with a 10 year limited warranty.

14

Product Update

Surteco Australia’s new website Surteco Australia are pleased to announce the launch of their new Australian website. With its comprehensive information and enhanced user-friendly navigation and features, it now addresses a much wider audience and aligns with their international heritage and partnerships. The website now reflects their company ethos ‘German technology, Australian know-how’ and upholds their fundamental values ‘We create, we innovate’.

It’s a website they are very proud of.

As Australia’s only ABS edge band manufacturer, Surteco Australia are committed to creating the highest quality product through local design, materials, and manufacturing. But did you know that they also lead the market by crafting beautiful on-trend decors and surfaces? As experts in

creative design and technologically advanced surfaces, they develop new ideas and products that move people and make trends come alive. You can now keep up to date online with these ever-changing trends. Check out their Décor of the Month page for new designs every month.

With a clear structure, new content and significant layout updates, the new website is intuitively clear and reflects Surteco Australia’s position as Australia’s leading manufacturer of edge bands and decorative surfaces. With its new search facilities and clarity, it provides a more efficient way to quickly find the product you are looking for.

Surteco Australia’s vision is to continue to invest in new products, processes, and

technologies to maximise its suitability to the Australian market and to its customers.

In order to have a great manufacturing base and happy loyal customers, a user friendly, intuitive, modern website is crucial.

Through the new website you can learn about the wide variety of products that are available through Surteco Australia. Products such as decors to suit any room, through to glues and solvents available to ensure cabinet makers provide their customers with the best product possible. With a simple new design, clean look and easy navigation, visit www.surteco. com/au on your laptop, phone, or tablet today. ❚

Elegant and streamlined – Hafele Matrix Box Slim drawer system Matrix Box Slim is a Hafele engineered drawer system offering a high-end designer look with slim, straight edged sides and high performance at an economical price.

90° inner wall of the drawer. This is ideal for the many inserts available from Hafele preventing gaps between the side wall and drawer insert.

Elegantly designed slim side panels are available in three drawer side heights 89/128/175mm, in two colours, White and Anthracite and optional push to open functionality for handle free furniture designs.

Convenient and comfortable 4D adjustment even in confined spaces is achieved thanks to the height, depth, and side adjustment underneath the drawer and tilt adjustment inside the drawer.

Greater design flexibility is also achieved with matching internal drawer fonts to match the drawer sides.

The Matrix Box Slim drawer has a gentle closing action thanks to the integrated soft closing mechanism built into the full extension 30kg runners.

The drawers offer more usable internal space and easy fitting of inserts thanks to the

Supplier June/July 2021

For more information visit Hafele.com.au. ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

2 x 35L HAMPERS

TWO COLOUR OPTIONS

CONCELO LAUNDRY ®

OUR POPULAR CONCELO LAUNDRY RANGE HAS NOW EXPANDED TO INCLUDE TWO NEW 2 X 35L MODELS! The new 2 x 35L Concelo® Laundry Hamper offers a sophisticated storage solution for your home, with a design based on the same platform as the Red Dot award-winning Concelo® Waste Bin. Ergonomic and functional, the new CRL235 models are designed to fit into a 450mm cabinet whilst offering a generous 70L capacity.

All Concelo Laundry solutions boast the unique Clip ‘n’ Clean Trays and concealed over-extending synchronised soft closing runners - equal to other premium drawers.

Made from light-weight polypropylene, all hampers feature air vents to reduce moisture, moulded handles for easy grip and a solid base to prevent drips.

Further information and technical specifications are available on our website:

hideawaybins.com.au/concelo Available now from Nover, Häfele and Galvin Hardware.

16

Product Update

Concelo laundry range expands Hideaway Bins is excited to announce the addition of two new models to the Concelo range of Laundry Hampers. The new CRL235 models feature double 35L hampers, fitting into a 450mm cabinet.

With the expanded range, Concelo Laundry can be used in a wider range of projects. The CRL160 with one large 60L hamper can be used for projects that are designed for larger families or have more space. The CRL235 hampers can be used where two hampers are required but space or budget is limited.

The 35L hampers can be both white, or white and cinder to make separation of laundry more visual. Both models are packed with the same features that have made Concelo popular with the trade, designers and with homeowners.

All Concelo products are designed to complement other premium drawer systems, operating on high-quality German made Hafele Matrix runners. The smooth,

synchronised runners have fluid dampers for a seamless and very quiet closing action.

Concelo has been designed to provide quick and easy installation. To maximise efficiency in the factory, Concelo laundry has been designed to suit standard system 32 drilling patterns. To make installation easier on site, its advanced door bracket design gives true 6-way adjustment (+/- 2.5mm vertical and horizontal, +/- 0.75-degree pitch). In addition to this, the locking bolt system on the door brackets ensures there will be no requirement to return to the job for door adjustments.

Unique to the Concelo laundry hampers are moulded Clip n’ Clean trays, made from the same durable polypropylene as the laundry hamper. The Clip’n’Clean tray fits into a durable powder coated aluminum framework. This smart design makes cleaning a breeze, and virtually eliminates any issue with rusting.

Above: Concelo CRL235 Laundry Features (1) 35L Hamper (2) Clip’n’CleanTrays, (3) Door Bracket with 6-way adjustment (4) 45kg Soft Close Matrix Runners (5) Side mounting to suit System 32mm Drilling.

Concelo laundry hampers are available in Artic White and Cinder colour options and are backed by a 10-year residential warranty for peace of mind.

Concelo is available nationwide through Hideaway’s distribution partners – Nover, Häfele and Galvin Hardware. Or contact Hideaway directly at hideawaybins.com.au. ❚

Vertical panel saws: minimum space, maximum performance SCM re-confirms its presence in the beam saws sector with an even wider range of technological solutions suited to all market ranges and every panel processing requirement. The latest new entry is the result of a collaboration between SCM and an industry leader and comes in the range of gabbiani v – vs – vsi vertical panel saws.

The range offers numerous advantages • Reduction in space taken up on the factory floor: SCM's new vertical panel saws are functional and

Supplier June/July 2021

compact and can be easily placed into any workspace, even the narrowest ones, while still providing maximum cutting performance.

• Greater power and resistance over time: the new gabbiani range is powerful and sturdy and has a stressresistance capability far superior and longer than that of standard machines in its category. This is thanks to the special frame that is assembled with electro-welding.

• Several models across the range for a better price/performance ratio: you can pick the vertical panel saw that best suits your production needs. There are numerous options available. ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Specialising in the design and build of quality and affordable European Woodworking Machinery

Power in robust construction

Houfek proudly represented by Reliance Machinery

www.houfek.com.au

www.reliancemachinery.com.au

info@reliancemachinery.com.au

18

Manufacturing

Power in Simple Solutions Ross Wilson is Director of Albury Cabinet Coatings and said, “For our business, we invest in new machinery to make our processes more efficient. Our new Houfek denibbing and sanding machine is unique, and it will lessen our workload and maintain the consistency of our product.”

Albury Cabinet Coatings is a long-standing family operated company located in Albury, NSW. Ross Wilson and his wife Merron have established the company as a quality supplier of doors and cabinet components to the trade. Only this month, a Houfek ‘Final 1350mm DDBB’ brush denibbing/sanding machine was installed at Albury Cabinet Coatings’, where it will be used to prepare raw panels for undercoating, in most cases without the need for hand sanding, depending on the material and profile.

Houfek HOUFEK was founded by Jaroslav Houfek in 1991 and is renowned globally for their range of sanders, planers and thicknessers.

They are recognised for their technical precision, reliability, simple operation, and great workshop processing. Houfek use quality European components and manufacturing processes to meet the strictest of European safety and quality standards to deliver an extremely high-quality product that competes with the best worldwide.

Since their inception Houfek has gained a reputation for reliable, technically proficient industrial equipment that includes CNC processing centres, wide belt sanders, and denibbing sanders. Their machines are exported to 45 countries including Australia where Reliance Machinery is their Australian agent. Houfek are large enough to compete with the larger brands, but small enough to

have complete control over quality. Reliance Machinery’s Peter Cullen has seen their whole process in-house, all the way through to machines being tested ready for shipping.

Houfek is a premium product built in Europe. The machines are extremely easy to use, competitively priced and can be supplied in a range of sizes and configurations. They are perfect for the Australian market because of their reliability, hardiness and easy to use operating systems. The wide dispersion of customers across the country means that Houfek machines are popular, especially in regional areas where the machines need to be both capable and have low ongoing maintenance requirements.

Albury Cabinet Coatings Albury Cabinet Coatings are a family owned and operated business since 1997 and service a large area of northern Victoria and southern New South Wales. Albury Cabinet Coatings supply the cabinet making industry with quality product in a reliable turnaround time. They custom design & manufacture 2 pack polyurethane painted doors & panels; raw doors; kitchen carcasses and componentry & more. Ross has an incredible 36 years in the industry as a cabinet maker and knows what works and what doesn’t.

Ross said, “The machine is successfully sanding all our raw profile doors and has done that from the first day we put the machine in.

The product goes straight to the undercoat booth and from there, the Houfek will do a good percentage of those undercoated doors and will definitely lighten our workload.” Ross said, “Although it’s early days, we think that on present form, we can save at least 50% on our sanding costs with the Houfek machine and that will make me really happy.”

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

19

Manufacturing

the woodworking industry, yet the team have over 75 years of industry sales and service experience both in Australia and Europe.

In line with demand, Reliance Machinery’s focus has shifted in the last five years to machinery sales, specialising in sanders, edge banders and traditional woodwork machines and are proud to represent both the Houfek and Bosco brands of European machinery in Australia.

Peter spent many years working for various machinery manufacturers and retailers in Europe where he developed extensive knowledge and appreciation of manufacturing processes. He said, “We have been incredibly careful about what we supply because the best business is repeat business and we have really benefited from referrals and recommendations from our customers.”

Houfek Final 1350 DDBB The ‘Final 1350 DDBB’ machine installed at Albury Cabinet Coatings uses a combination of disc and brush sanding strips to sand/ denib both raw MDF and undercoated panels and doors. It can then cut back the undercoat material prior to top coating.

The majority of the product goes straight from the CNC machine to the Houfek Final, and is then undercoated without any hand sanding, with significant time saving.

program touch screen control unit. The machine can be used for routered doors and panels and solid timber furniture components; anything that needs to be sanded raw or between coats.

Reliance Machinery Based in Melbourne, Reliance Machinery is a relatively young and growing supplier in

The team’s excellent technical expertise combined with their understanding of the needs of their customers means that Houfek machines have found homes in various metro and regional locations from small joinery workshops to prisons, TAFE Institutes and large-scale operations who have found the high standard of safety and reliability very appealing. ❚

The machine consists of 2 sets of 11 counter rotating discs set up in an overlapping 6 & 5 configuration. These variable speed discs are fully controllable for oscillation stroke, speed, and pressure by the machine program. Following the discs are two, 1350mm wide x 300mm diameter brush units, again counter rotating to each other which finish the flat surfaces and lineal grooves.

Reliance Machinery equipped this machine with some extra technology which will enable the machine to be as flexible as possible and easy to use by a simple to use

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

20

Manufacturing

A New Age Caravan of Innovation New Age Caravans aren’t the biggest manufacturer of recreational vehicles but are amongst the best in terms of quality and customer service.

To manufacture a superior product, consistently meeting the expectations of customers while supporting continuous innovation, New Age Caravans turned to Biesse for a CNC processing centre with onboard edge banding.

All on the Same Page New Age Caravans operate out of two sites in the Northern Melbourne suburb of Epping in Victoria. Manufacturing caravans for a continually changing market ideally requires senior executives to work closely with production management to ensure the manufacturing equipment is not only able to keep up with demand but provides the company with scope to build a better, more functional, and appealing product with reduced operating costs. As New Age Caravans moves forward, their equipment needs to

Supplier June/July 2021

reflect their progressive values and so, early this year they installed a new Biesse Rover B 1684 edge CNC processing centre.

There was no hesitation when David Lawrence, New Age Caravans Site Manufacturing Manager recommended a new Biesse Rover B edge to his senior management; an endorsement based on many years working with Biesse equipment in Australia and New Zealand. David said, “For this technology we went straight to Biesse Group, we stuck with the people we know and trust.” New Age Caravans Caravan’s General Manager for Sales and Marketing, Darren Swenson said, “Manufacturing locally has allowed us to build solid relationships with companies like Biesse Group that understand Australia’s caravan industry.”

David said, “At the moment the caravan industry is exceedingly busy. Due to the recent pandemic, people are staying home, and a caravan is for many, the ideal way to travel in comfort and freedom. For us here at New Age Caravans, advance orders are extremely high, so we’re under some pressure to keep

our production moving and efficient. It’s not the best time to put a new machine into our production line, especially one as advanced as our Biesse Edge, but the people at Biesse Group understand our business and pulled out all stops to get us up and running as fast as possible. They were great.”

A New Age Caravan of Innovation Basic CNC equipment is used widely in the recreational vehicle industry but there is often work that still needs to be done by hand, particularly on parts with rounded corners.

Using basic equipment, these parts need to be edge banded by hand, a time-consuming and sometimes challenging process. The Rover B edge is an advanced technology double spindle 4-axis machine eliminating all hand edge banding on any radius down to 30mm. It has allowed David to re-design many of their cabinets with rounded, more fluid edges, and vastly improve the look and functionality of New Age Caravans interiors that is best described as ‘modern apartment style aesthetic.’

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

21

Manufacturing

Over the last two years at the New Age Caravans cabinet shop, David has reduced the number of Basic CNC machines from six to two. David works closely with New Age Caravans senior management to ensure that any new equipment is able to increase output, reduce hand work and provide the expertise to further improve an already superior product. New Age Caravans management recognise that the flexibility, ease of use and recognised performance of new equipment is key to achieving their ambitious goals.

David Says, “Up to 30% of our recreational vehicles are special order so our machinery needs to be easy and quick to set up. We make a lot of individual parts and the Biesse bSuite software reduces what looks like a complicated task, to a few mouse clicks. But probably the best part is that I can simulate the job before it goes to the machine so there are no mistakes, no crashes and our production is uninterrupted.”

One of the major needs for New Age Caravans was the ability to use PUR adhesive for their edge banding. David opted for an external PUR adhesive melter to simplify the use of moisturecure reactive polyurethane (PUR) hot melt adhesives. The melt-on-demand process uses only the adhesive needed, reduces thermal stress, and protects bonding characteristics of the unused PUR. David also opted for a blower to clean swarf from the trimming units on their large machine, capable of accommodating a 2.4 metre sheet on either end of the bed. To test the strength of the PUR, David took their very first edged panel and put it a week outside in all weather, a week in a freezer and a third week on his windowsill in the January heat. His verdict: perfect!

Supplier June/July 2021

The Experience The customer experience with a significant investment like an RV is especially important to New Age Caravans. Likewise, the experience of purchasing and installing such a pivotal machine as the Biesse Rover B edge was important to New Age Caravans. David said, “We have other machines from Biesse Group, and we are incredibly happy with them. We knew what we were getting but for a key machine such as a processing centre with on-board edge banding, we needed to partner with a company we knew we could rely on and Biesse Group did not let us down.”

“Biesse took samples of our product to demonstrate to us we were making the right choice of machine, and to give us the confidence we needed to put in such a decisive machine in one of our busiest times.

Biesse have a lot of experts who were able to match New Age Caravans’ needs with the right machine. To be honest, with our current volume I could use another machine, just like the Rover B edge,” said David. New Age Caravans now has the confidence with their new Biesse investment to explore the potential weight savings with advanced materials, something Biesse and Walkinshaw Automotive Group, the new owners of New Age Caravans, knows a lot about.

David broached the subject of a new, advanced CNC machine to meet future demands late 2019 and placed an order in July last year. Incredibly, their machine was built to order and delivered in less than six months! Arriving in two containers, it took several weeks to assemble the machine and with only a week of training, David, and James; the primary machine operator, were ‘off and running’ manufacturing parts, re-designing existing components, and developing new product. James had used CNC machines before but nothing like the Rover B edge. However, after only a month or so, he is able to handle the most complex work.

The Journey Continues Walkinshaw Automotive Group is renowned for their high-performance and luxury GMH vehicles. Walkinshaw; an Australian icon, have integrated their unprecedented automotive expertise in engineering, design, and manufacturing to introduce new levels of innovation and know-how in manufacturing chassis for the RV industry. The installation of the Rover B edge will enable David and his team to explore the same level of innovation with New Age Caravans RV cabinetry. New Age Caravans does not take half measures in their processes and their choice of Biesse production machinery reflects their progressive values.

Joseph Lucas, New Age Caravans Marketing Co-Ordinator said, “We are passionate about Research and Development. Every stage of our product’s building process has been planned and pre-determined to ensure the highest standard of quality and efficiency.”

David agrees, “Before we received our Biesse Rover edge, our production was like every other manufacturer of recreational vehicles.

We now have the opportunity to be different, to innovate and offer our customers a better, more functional, and appealing product.

Walkinshaw, New Age Caravans and Biesse; we’re all on the same page.” ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

22

Stone Industry Safety

Feature

Story by Philip Ashley

The building and construction industry uses many types of natural and engineered stone.

Stone has made a huge impact in the kitchen and bathroom industry, competing well against laminate, wood, bamboo, and steel benchtops. Recently, processing stone has become a major issue with the incidence of silicosis on the rise.

Processing stone presents many unique safety risks. Evidence suggests historic regulatory effort has focused on the visible, immediate, and acute safety risks, such as physical injury prevention. However, the greatest risk in the industry today is something workers may not even see; it is airborne silica dust, and this is the most topical and urgent safety issue in the stone industry, with repercussions for all manufacturers. In this article we will present some of the more relevant information and talking points on silicosis from around Australia. (Insert image silicosis if available) Supplier magazine urges manufacturers of stone products to thoroughly research this issue as there could be some major legislative changes to the industry coming over the next few months. There is a lot of information online. A great place to start is with the ‘workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants’ produced by Safe Work Australia. Another great resource is the Queensland publication, ‘Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in the stone benchtop industry, Code of Practice 2019.’

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

23

Feature

The materials Laminate benchtops with a square edge or postformed laminate tops with a profiled edge come in at around $250 per metre; timber is between $500 and $1,500 a square metre depending on the timber species.

Concrete and steel, found in the past mostly in commercial situations, will cost around $1,000 a square metre. Engineered stone comes in around $400 a metre and natural stone anywhere between $700 and $2,500 a square metre. Granite and Marble are the two most well-known natural stone benchtop materials and have of course been used for literally ages.

Engineered stone was first developed by Breton in Italy in the late 1980’s and was first used in Australia twenty years ago. One report suggests up to 75% of new kitchens on the East Coast of Australia are fitted with engineered stone benchtops, it is an immensely popular material. There are many brand names of engineered stone products. Engineered stone is made from a mixture of minerals and a binding agent and is extremely high in silica content. It is the material that presents the most risk. These risks can be mitigated by good working practices and machinery. Porcelain is an engineered stone product that compared to most other engineered products, presents a much lower silicosis risk.

Safety (Silicosis) In April this year, investigative reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald, Carrie Fellner wrote that a ban on popular artificial stone benchtops was being considered by the National Dust Disease Taskforce. This issue is so alarming that several reports have also aired on mainstream television. The industry is grappling with spiralling rates of deadly silicosis in tradies that last year in NSW alone stood at 107 cases. Some of those people have been told they have three to five years to live! The task force agreed a ban on artificial stone containing high quantities of silica may be necessary if other proposals, such as a licensing regime, fail.

Engineered stone contains up to 95% silica, compared to less than 40% silica in natural stone. The exception is porcelain with a reported silica content of between 10% and 25%. Silica is silicon dioxide, a naturally occurring and widely abundant mineral that forms the major component of most rocks and soils. Silica dust is generated in mechanical workplace processes such as crushing, cutting, drilling, grinding, sawing, or polishing of natural stone or man-made products that contain silica. Dry cutting bricks and concrete can also generate silica dust. Some dust particles are so small they are not visible, and these are commonly referred to as respirable, or breathable particles.

Safe Work Australia reports that if a worker breathes in silica dust, over even a short amount of time they could develop a number of ailments including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and acute silicosis.

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

24

Feature

Silicosis is lung fibrosis caused by the inhalation of dust containing silica. Safe Work Australia reports that if a worker breathes in silica dust, over even a short amount of time they could develop a number of ailments including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and acute silicosis. Longer periods of exposure could result in lung cancer, kidney damage, or scleroderma, a disease of the connective tissue of the body resulting in the formation of scar tissue in the skin, joints, and other organs of the body.

Dry cutting engineered stone was recently banned in NSW, Queensland, and Victoria and in NSW a compliance blitz has seen SafeWork NSW inspectors visit every engineered stone fabrication site in the state, issuing 703 improvement notices and 51 prohibition notices. It is thought that the high number of recent cases is the result of an increase in screening, and that the problem has actually existed for decades.

The National Dust Diseases Taskforce is due to produce its final report on 30th June.

Industry spokespersons have told the taskforce a ban would decimate the sector and result in widespread job losses, while the Australian Council of Trade Unions have already spoken of industry-funded compensation schemes. Larger operators have proved that with the right machinery and processes, airborne silica dust can be controlled but smaller operations and onsite stonemasons may struggle to effectively control the dust because of a lack of modern technology.

Hierarchy of Controls The hierarchy of controls is widely known in the manufacturing sector and is often expressed as a pyramid. From top to bottom the controls are elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering, administrative and personal protective equipment. You can remember the order with the saying,

Supplier June/July 2021

“Every Sunday I Eat Apple Pie.” The basis of these controls is first, eliminate (not process) the material and second, substitute the high-silica content material for something else. There are many substitute options available such as the Durezza surface by LI Surfaces.

Some industry feedback proposed elimination of the risks of exposure to dust through regulatory prohibition or restriction on the importation of engineered stone into Australia. It was noted that there are a range of engineered stone products, some with extremely high silica content. Selective restriction of the highest risk products is considered an option in the National Dust Disease Taskforce Interim Advice to Minister for Health, December 2019.

prevent breathing the dust. It is becoming evident that isolation and engineering controls will be the most likely control methods for manufacturers actually processing stone products. Housekeeping and PPE are totally inappropriate as controls for silicosis on their own but are important safeguards when combined with engineering controls on well-maintained machinery using engineered suppression of dust.

Machinery and Equipment Machinery used in the cutting (sawing) and profiling (shaping) of stone products include Bridge Saws for cutting large slabs; CNC milling centres for drilling, milling, and polishing; and water-jet cutters for cutting, and in the case of a 5-axis machine, profiling of stone elements. Most stone processing machinery (over 80%) originates from Europe and most of that is built in Italy. Major suppliers include Breton; CDK; Intermac; Innovync; Montresor; SCM Group and Wood Tech Group. Farnese is the only Australian manufacturer of stone processing machinery.

Most stone manufacturers will start at control number three; isolate the silica dust in an enclosed area separate from human activity. The fourth and arguably the most effective control is to use engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation and collection, water suppression (wet cutting) and using tools with dust collection attachments. A possible concern for manufacturers would be insurance costs associated with processing a product which could be regarded as dangerous to workers’ health.

Administrative controls include training, housekeeping (cleaning), workplace rules, air quality monitoring and annual health checks for employees. Lastly, use PPE to

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

25

Feature

Stone processing machines almost always control respirable crystalline silica (RCS) with water that captures the dust and removes it from the work area. Nazz Citera is co-director of Contemporary Finishes in Dandenong South, Victoria.

Nazz says, “Silicosis is the major issue facing our industry today. Our processes and procedures are critical in controlling airborne dust particles. Using the latest technology can greatly assist in controlling dust.”

While modern, wet-method stone processing equipment is largely effective in the suppression of airborne silica particles, there may still be RCS dust in the air.

Research done in Australia and overseas has found that respirable crystalline silica was not adequately controlled even when wet methods of fabrication were used. Rotating tools may cause RCS contaminated water mist to be generated.

These water droplets could disperse onto surfaces and tools, dry out and potentially become an inhalation risk. Controls to limit uncontrolled overspray are highly recommended.

PPE Depending on air monitoring, it may be necessary to supplement your employees protection with PPE. Silica is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand and so, your PPE should never be compromised. Seek out the best PPE you can find because if you are ever brought to task and have to answer questions about your response to silicosis, you will want to show that the equipment you supplied your employees was the absolute best. A paper mask bought at the local supermarket won’t impress a magistrate, should you ever be standing in front of one.

State regulations for the control of silica mandate breathing apparatus with a P2 filter so this is your minimum standard.

P2 filters 94% of particles smaller than 0.5 micrometer. P3 filters about 99.95% of particles smaller than 0.5 micrometer.

Filters need to be replaced after about 40 hours of use, and your supplier will be able to advise you about this. There are many styles of breathing apparatus available, but the ones more comfortable to wear will actually be worn by your employees, and not left hanging on a peg on the wall. Enforcing the wearing of PPE is also the responsibility of the employer so a comfortable mask is essential.

Cleanspace and S.E.A. Group are two of many companies that supply a range of solid breathing protection. Protection can

Supplier June/July 2021

be a mask where the user draws air through a filter, referred to as a negative-pressure respirator because during inhalation the pressure inside the mask is negative (lower than) the outside positive air pressure. A positive pressure respirator brings clean air to the mask from a cylinder or external source, both through an air-line. Basically, it is just another name for a powered air purifying respirator. Either way, masks should fit tightly, but in the case of beards or face stubble, a ‘head top’ full face mask is appropriate. Respirators must meet the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1716.

Training and SOP In any stone fabrication plant, it will be necessary to identify those persons who may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica.

These persons would be persons working at the machine, but may include truck drivers, office staff or even company management.

All these people need to be informed of RCS risks, and if PPE is required, trained on its use. Risk assessments must be carried out on all the processes and material safety data sheets (MSDS) should be obtained, studied, and kept in a readily accessible place for all products being processed. Safe Operating Procedures (SOP) should be maintained at all times, including control of noise.

Over half a million Australian workers are exposed to silica dust in the workplace every year and some of these will develop a lung cancer over the course of their life as a result of that exposure. Employers are required to ensure the health and safety of their workers and others at their workplace. Employers also have a duty to control the risks associated with work. But it’s not all up to the employer; workers must take reasonable care of their own health and safety, must not negatively affect the health and safety of other people, and follow any reasonable instruction and workplace health and safety policies. It’s a big issue and it demands a big response. ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

26

Feature

Silica: A health hazard set in stone Regular inhalation of silica dust – even the smallest amounts – can have serious health effects, not just now, but some 10 to 30 years from exposure.

Crystalline silica dust can easily be inhaled deep into the lung, where it can be deposited permanently and cause numerous serious health problems. Possible disease includes silicosis, fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer, as well as other medical conditions.

There is no cure for silicosis. The closest thing to a cure is prevention from exposure.

Work routines Silica dust is generated in a wide variety of applications, including stone cutting, grinding, trimming, sanding, polishing, and drilling. Uncontrolled or casual applications of this type are likely to cause the stone worker to inhale crystalline silica.

The first course of action is twofold: strict adherence to safe work practices, and strong and effective measures to engineer out the risk of exposure to silica dust before it can occur. Such engineering measures can entail a variety of methods, some of which include point extraction, dust suppression, largescale ventilation, and many others.

Only as a last resort should personal respiratory protection be relied upon to provide adequate protection for the stone worker.

Right: Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR)

Supplier June/July 2021

Above: Various PAPR head-tops Silica content Different materials have different amounts of crystalline silica contained within them: silica ready to be released as soon as the stone is subjected to dust-producing work.

While some types of stone (such as marble and limestone) have only small amounts of silica within them – perhaps 2%. Others, like granite and slate, might contain up to about half their weight in crystalline silica.

By far, the greatest proportion of hazardous silica is contained within so-called engineered stone, which often is home to at least 90% silica. Engineered stone is not a naturally occurring stone such as granite but is man-made from crushed stone (for instance quartz) along with binders such as resins and other additives. Engineered stone is particularly common in kitchen benchtops and similar artificial stone surfaces.

Personal respiratory protective equipment In many jurisdictions, personal respiratory protective equipment (RPE) should be worn at all times – even in workplaces where the risk of exposure to silica has been ‘engineered-out’.

In these cases, a positive-pressure solution is the preferred one, and a powered air-purifying

respirator (PAPR) is usually a viable choice. Such a device comprises a fan with filters that delivers safe, filtered breathing air to a mask, hood or other headpiece on or around the wearer’s head and face. These devices ensure that the user’s breathing environment is under positive pressure, and therefore, there is no reliance on skin-tight face seal.

Another possibility is a negative-pressure respirator, that is, a face mask (covering the entire face or just mouth and nose) fitted with a suitable particle filter that can separate all silica dust particles from the air.

Such a device always relies on effective skintight face seal, and no facial hair (beard, stubble, whiskers) must interfere with the tight seal. This type of mask must pass individual fit testing, both before first use and subsequent regular testing.

Below: The Sundstrom negative-pressure silica kit

Naturally, any personal RPE must be used together with other personal protection, such as overalls, gloves, goggles, boots.

The equipment must be checked before and cleaned after each use and kept in top condition through an effective cleaning and maintenance schedule. web www.sea.com.au ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

e $0

28

Feature

Digital templating for the stone and benchtop industries German manufactured Flexijet 3D, is an innovative laser measuring system that has made a huge impact on site measuring for the joinery and woodworking industries worldwide. Few realise however, that even with its advanced 3D features, it is also ideally suited at scribing and templating projects in the stone and benchtop industries. With an accuracy of under one millimetre, Flexijet 3D is an easy to use high precision measuring system that will produce consistent and accurate results.

Flexijet distributors worldwide have recognised the enormous advantages that Flexijet 3D can provide in the stone and benchtop industries and are now providing two versions of the Flexijet software with every system at no additional cost.

The new FlexijetSTONE software is specifically customised for scribing 2D templates in the stone and benchtop industries but still retaining some important 3D capabilities. Alternatively, the popular FlexiCAD software is a fully laden software application with all the innovative 3D

capabilities that Flexijet 3D is known for and used extensively throughout the joinery and shopfitting industries. With the click of a button, 2D measurements can also be viewed in 3D and we often say, “measure in 2D and see the results in 3D”. The final measurements can then of course be exported as 2D DXF files ready for production.

FlexijetSTONE software contains a comprehensive set of CAD tools required for preparing your templates directly to your CNC or waterjet cutter. This includes custom configuration of installation symbols such as cut outs for GPOs sinks and cooktops. In fact, you can create any symbol you desire that will make your workflow hassle free and more efficient.

Additional functionality includes the ability to accurately check the level of cabinets, walls, and other surfaces right from the Flexijet laser. Identify the high and low points of cabinets ahead of time, and therefore plan accordingly.

An acclaimed Flexijet user in Perth, European Ceramics have fully implemented Flexijet 3D in its workflow and are now reaping the benefits resulting in precise and time saving installations. In a recent re-fit of the Casa Nostra Cafe in Osborne Park, the results speak for themselves. Flexijet 3D was used to measure an entire feature wall comprising several arches. Using a combination of the extensive CAD drawing tools available in FlexijetSTONE, the wall perimeters, arches, GPO’s and other penetrations were measured with ease.

Using Flexijet 3D’s automatic measurement feature with userdefined measurement increments, the arches were accurately scribed resulting in perfect measurement data of each arch. The final custom made porcelain walls were installed with millimetre accuracy resulting in a cost saving installation.

In summary, Flexijet 3D provides a perfect solution for accurately templating and preparing digital measurements ready for CNC production. With users in over 30 countries, it is a tried and trusted technology that eliminates errors when compared to manual measurement methods and delivers a quick return on investment. Contact Flexijet Australia to arrange a demonstration and discuss how Flexijet’s laser technology can improve your site measuring for a more efficient workflow. web www.flexijetaustralia.com ❚

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

the

next generation digital templating system n Site measure with only one person. n Easily create digital templates and scribe uneven surfaces… no further need for physical templates! n Measure rooms or entire buildings with speed and precision. n Manufactured in Germany and used in the stone masonry, benchtop, joinery and shop fitting industries globally. n Measure in 2D and see in 3D. n 7” touch display. n Integrated camera captures photos of every measurement point. n Instant auto levelling. n Easily check the level of cabinets. n No missing dimensions or transmission errors.

incorporating

n Instant surface and space calculations. n Integrated online support tools. n Projection of CAD points on-site to aid in installation. n Interfaces to common CAD software and CNC equipment.

software

Easy and precise measurement of stone surfaces and benchtops.

Flexijet Smart Remote App available now!

Control Flexijet 3D with your smart phone.

1300 077 977

www.flexijetaustralia.com

30

Feature

Lapitec – next generation silica-free material A 100% natural material for the design world that complies with the recent provisions adopted by Safe Work Australia (SWA) regarding Work Health and Safety (WHS).

Safe Work Australia, a government statutory body that has been promoting national policies and protocols for the creation of healthy workplaces since 2008, recognises crystalline silica as a carcinogen. It has compiled a list of businesses most at risk and promotes campaigns for the adoption of silica-free materials.

“In light of the real risks to the health of operators in the (construction) sector and the complex system of rules and checks required, there is an urgent need to replace conventional building materials with innovative and non-harmful solutions,” explains Samuele Tosi, head of Lapitec Australia, the recently created division of Italian company Lapitec, known worldwide for creating the sintered stone of the same name.

free of crystalline silica in the colour Bianco Assoluto and in the whole recent Musa collection with minimal (less than 11%) in the other colours. In the near future Lapitec is going to produce all colours silica-free with the same technology.

Produced entirely in Italy, the sintered stone Lapitec is composed of a mixture of 100% natural minerals, free of resins, paints and petroleum derivatives. It has a pure and homogeneous mineral structure in thickness and does not have any digital prints on its surface, which some other materials use to imitate the effect of natural stone.

“Lapitec is a latest generation, safe, environmentally friendly and transversal material that can be used in architecture projects and interior and product design,” continues Tosi. “Its guaranteed safety and design flexibility has won over Australian architects, with whom we have established a continuous and productive dialogue, with the support of Lapitec Academy, the Lapitec’s training and after-sales service dedicated to fabricators.”

The novel manufacturing process, covered by 25 patents, gives rise to a full body material which is non-porous and therefore non-absorbent. Resistant and unalterable to sudden temperature changes, UV rays, shocks, moisture, chlorine, chemicals and solvents, Lapitec is easy to clean and is hygienic, as it is inhospitable to bacteria, fungi and mould.

This unique process allows Lapitec to have a high technical performance that is totally

Supplier June/July 2021

Thanks to its high performance and availability in different sizes up to XXL (1500 x 3365mm) and thicknesses of 12, 20 and 30 mm, Lapitec is adequate for indoor and outdoor applications including ventilated facades, paving, vertical surfaces and outdoor kitchens, as cladding in underwater structures such as swimming pools, or to create and customise furnishings or kitchens. web www.lapitec.com ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

31

Feature

Advanced water machinery for efficiency and safety Many businesses in the industry are processing more material types that require the use of water technology to advance their production processes. With this in mind, water filtration systems have become a key focus for fabricators. Water filtration systems are the forward solution to reducing hazardous dust when processing stone or engineered materials. These systems reduce workplace health risks and help create a dust free environment. CDK Stone have a range of premium, European crafted water clarification systems suitable for large or small production capacities, such as the Dal Prete Mini Compact L or the Dal Prete Super Compact.

ceramics, fibreglass, glass and composites.

Being able to cut a wide range of materials safely and accurately is a big advantage in streamlining the production process and a vast improvement on traditional methods of cutting and shaping.

Recently, GMM Techni released the Intec G2 i613 monobloc waterjet. This high-quality machine has a smaller footprint than the Intec i713G2 while retaining the same cutting dimensions as the Intec i713G2, saving valuable factory floor space. Coupled with the GMM Techni patented Quantum servo pump, PAC 60 cutting head, Touch Probe Terrain Mapping, as well as a Tech Vision on board camera for vein matching, CDK Stone’s GMM Techni Waterjet machines are a high-quality solution for all business types.

CDK Stone has been supplying high quality water filtration systems and machinery for over 35 years. Being at the forefront of the industry has made CDK Stone specialists in water processing machinery and water technology.

CDK Stone have sales branches and service technicians located in all states of Australia and New Zealand. web www.cdkstone.com.au ❚

Another key development in the stone industry is the increased use of waterjet cutting technology. Waterjet machines are extremely accurate and can cut a wide range of materials easily. A major benefit of waterjet machinery is the use of water to assist in the elimination of dust. With a high-quality waterjet such as the GMM Techni Intec G2 i713, businesses looking to process more material types can accurately and precisely cut metal, stone, porcelain/

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

32

Feature

A call to action CleanSpace Technology urges employers to double down on silicosis protection.

Sydney, Australia - Leading respiratory protection designer and manufacturer CleanSpace Technology is urging the industrial sector to double down on protecting their workers from silica dust.

Dangerous silica dust can be formed on site from concrete cutting, grinding or polishing and using power tools on stone. Breathing the silica dust can result in irreversible, untreatable diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer.

A report released last year from Monash University in conjunction with WorkSafe Victoria, found one in three stonemasons screened had an identified case of silicosis.[1] Whilst state regulators have made recommendations to address exposure to respirable crystalline silica in the workplace, the report findings highlighted the scale of the issue and reinforced the importance of employers proactively addressing employees’ health.

“This is a wake-up call not just to stonemasons but to anyone working with crystalline silica. Regardless of whether you see the dust or not, silica is a hazard you simply can’t afford to ignore,” said CleanSpace CEO Dr Alex Birrell.

“I implore all employers to review their current respiratory protection program to ensure the exposure to silica dust is minimised, and check employee training includes silica-specific information,” said Dr Birrell.

Since the release of the report, CleanSpace Technology has ramped up its commitment

Supplier June/July 2021

to educating the industrial sector on the occupational hazards of silica dust and is urging all employers and sub-contractors to review their current respiratory protection program.

“As Australia’s only respirator company, we are committed to supporting all those on the frontline in industry and healthcare to stay protected from airborne contaminants.”

CleanSpace is a Sydney-based designer and manufacturer of respiratory protection equipment for healthcare and industrial applications, founded by a team of biomedical engineers with experience in respiratory medicine devices. CleanSpace is passionate about continually improving health outcomes, workplace safety and standards of care.

CleanSpace technology incorporates miniaturisation, smart pressure driven algorithms, intuitive function and unique neck-mounted design to achieve the highest level of protection. CleanSpace Respirators are a true game changer, changing the way people on the front lines think about respiratory protection.

CleanSpace Respirators CleanSpace Respirators are unique in the area of respiratory protection because while they provide all the protection of a PAPR, they a free from belts, battery packs and hoses making them more comfortable and easier to deploy.

When used in hot or humid conditions, CleanSpace Respirators provide cool, clean air to the user and eliminate fogging and moisture. CleanSpace respirators are light, easy to put on, reliably safe and comfortable.

These smart powered devices are easily operated using a one-button smart system.

These unique features mean more workers wear these respirators for a full shift every time. CleanSpace assists their clients to be safe and compliant when working around silica dust.

CleanSpace Respirators are available in different models with a range of particulate and combination gas filters depending on the task requirements. CleanSpace EX is intrinsically safe approved and can be worn in potentially explosive environments.

CleanSpace Ultra is IP rated 66, making it water tolerant and the go-to for Stonemasons.

CleanSpace2 is the standard model suitable for those that do not require the aforementioned features. The newly launched CleanSpace HALO is designed specifically for the healthcare sector, laboratories and testing facilities.

CleanSpace Technology team of product specialists can assist with on-site product training, fit testing, trouble shooting and instructions on maintenance.

[1] 29 per cent (2020) Monash University, WorkSafe Victoria.

Silica-associated lung disease health screening research: Phase one final report

web www.cleanspacetechnology.com ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

A REVOLUTION IN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION n

High protection PAPR P3/TM3 99.95%

n

Reusable and cost-effective

n

No belts or hoses

n

Comfortable and lightweight 500g

n

IP Rated 66 water tolerant

n

AS/NZS 1716, NIOSH & CE approved

REQUEST A DEMONSTRATION sales@cleanspacetechnology.com WWW.CLEANSPACETECHNOLOGY.COM

34

Feature

Is a silicosis free stonework factory possible?

Pacific Stone proves the answer is yes.

“There is a really bad stigma in the industry that if you work with stone you will get silicosis. If you work with a bad factory, then yes, you will die eventually, but if you work with a factory that has great practices, then there is no issue,” says Daniel Zovko, Director of Pacific Stone.

Since 2016, the Canberra firm has been researching methods to improve workflow and minimise the risk of employees developing deadly silicosis. Through machinery, ingenuity, and regular health and air monitoring, they have come to build a state-of-the-art stone fabrication facility that is setting an example for workshops around The Great Southern Land.

“We have been leaders in the industry for silicosis prevention for years. We’ve got a dust-booth and have been testing our air quality since 2017. We’re trying to set a benchmark, following best practice here and internationally.”

Efficiency and safety are at the forefront of Daniels’ mind. Every element of Pacific Stone’s ACT facility is streamlined, with a view towards keeping things as lean and safe as possible. Sometimes, that entails having specialised solutions tailor-made to suit.

“We started customising machines and found there weren’t many companies that were customising. Then we met Pierre and Steve and bought our first waterjet from them.”

At the time, Pierre Sullivan was co-owner of Unimac machinery, which rebranded to Innovync in 2020. Pierre, now the sole owner and Managing Director of the innovative CNC supply firm, works with a team of experts dedicated to machine solutions and aftersales service excellence, which often results in collaborating with their Italian supplier, CMS SpA. Pacific Stone has had a number of customised machines ordered through and installed by Innovync, who are always willing to provide goal-oriented solutions and excellent after-sales service.

“They even painted the machines blue for me. The reason why we do that is so we can see that it’s clean. We’re trying to keep a very clean, tidy workshop. We want all our machines to be clean and dust-free at the end of the day.”

Along with dust detection, regular testing is done for all staff members, who undergo CT scans and full medical examinations. New recruits undertake this process before they begin work, so that the state of their lungs 36 can be monitored from day one.

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

36

Feature

Every investment is executed with purpose, for the protection of all workers. As Daniel knows well, finding highly skilled labour is not an easy task. He is always on the hunt for talented draughts men and stonemasons and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure hand-picked individuals stay healthy and in the industry for years to come.

“I can sleep at night-time saying we’re doing all the right stuff for our employees,” he says.

The reason for this is because during the initial rounds of testing, several stonemasons who had worked in the industry for twenty years or more were found to have the initial stages of chronic simple silicosis.

Identifying these cases early, before the disease had progressed, meant that the affected workers could be transitioned into roles which removed any further exposure to crystalline silica. In fact, one of these unfortunate stonemasons is about to embark on a life-changing procedure that could provide hope for others suffering just as he did.

“He’s the first to get it done in Australia under insurance funding. Hopefully that’s a positive step and more stonemasons will be able to get this done,” says Daniel.

thoughtfully constructed to eliminate sludge, using a custom-crafted water drainage system throughout the place. Floors are scrubbed at the end of every day, and plans are currently underway to add an epoxy layer onto them in order to facilitate the process.

The overall effect makes quite an impression on visitors. The unique setup and systems haven not gone unnoticed by officials, either.

“We won a safety award from the MBA in 2018 in the ACT. We’ve got an external safety consultant, Paul Hands, who audits us. We’ve got our own auditing system. We use our own safety consultant to do audits and do regular reviews in our business.”

With all the success that Pacific Stone has had, they set the bar high for the rest of the country. Their vision is for stonemasons across Australia to take on better prevention measures and eventually get rid of the dirty, dusty and dangerous stigma once and for all.

“We want to mandate baseline testing and air monitoring in industry, but we haven’t seen it yet. We’re pushing for a dust disease levy in the industry as well.”

Let us hope decision-makers listen. For now, it’s up to you to make a positive change and keep lungs clear on your own turf. web www.innovync.com.au ❚

While government-funded trials of the procedure in Queensland were extremely successful, time will tell what the future holds. As always, prevention is the best cure, and it begins with regular monitoring so that bad habits can be caught early.

Following Pacific Stone’s lead is a good place to start. There, employees wear power respirators whenever cutting or near silica dust. The factory design itself has been

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

PERFOR MANCE THE NEXT-GENERATION TECHNOLOGY. Master processing centres are designed to offer optimum finish quality on sheets and blocks of natural, sintered and synthetic materials, maximising efficiency, flexibility and productivity.

INTERMAC.COM

Master Series

MODERN AND COMPACT. The edge polishers from the faster series polish flat edges of marble, granite, quartz, sintered materials and ceramics to a mirror shine. Thanks to its compact dimensions, faster is the ideal solution for any workshop: from stonemasons with limited space to large processing companies.

Faster

MONTRESOR.NET

38

Feature

Superior machines for a superior product “With Intermac, we have been able to transition to the next level. Without their machinery, advice, and support, we would not be where we are today.

Knowing we had a viable partner by our side gave us the extra confidence to take the next steps to ensure our continued success,” Vito Citera, director, Contemporary Finishes.

Directors Vito and Nazz Citera have a deep understanding of the tile and stone industry.

Over 30 years they’ve earned a reputation as reliable, honest, and experienced professionals within the industry, which has led to forging strong relationships with some of the best players in the building, and design industries. In 2005, the two brothers combined their skills and talents to launch Contemporary Finishes in the Southeast Melbourne suburb of Dandenong South, evolving from floor & wall tiling contractors to natural stone installations & porcelain bench top solutions.

Previously they had to outsource all the cutting and machining work for their stone projects until 2017, when they made the strategic decision to perform this work themselves in their own brand-new facility.

Above: Vito and Nazz Citera Supplier June/July 2021

so soon, the momentum from the Donatoni coupled with their enthusiasm to develop their porcelain cutting capabilities, compelled the brothers to instal their second machine from Intermac, a Primus 402 waterjet cutting machine, just twelve months later.

In the same year, Nazz and Vito made the trip to Marmomac, which is the biggest trade fair for the stone industry, held in Verona, Italy. There they came across Biesse Group's specialised stone machinery business unit Intermac and met some of the people from Australia. They had a rudimentary idea what they needed and discussions with Intermac were positive from the very beginning, clearing the way for further discussions once they returned to Australia.

Vito recalls, “The guy’s at Intermac spent a lot of time advising us not only of the machinery we required, but of all the other things necessary to take on the stone processing ourselves. From that sound advice we were able to make a prudent decision to move to a larger building to provide the additional space for us to grow into.”

The Best on the Market And so, in 2018 Vito and Nazz installed their first Intermac machine, a Donatoni 5 Axis Bridge saw. Their vision was to spearhead the development of porcelain benchtops to the market and although the Donatoni was not the ideal machine for porcelain, it was versatile, the perfect machine for natural stone, along with porcelain, is still a big part of their business. While Vito and Nazz had not intended to purchase their second machine

Vito says, “The two Intermac machines are in our opinion the best on the market for their intended purpose. We love the added benefits of the Donatoni bridge saw, like the fast-cutting speeds, overhead camera, and vein-matching software that allows us to be more creative.”

Nazz adds, “Our Intermac Primus 402 waterjet cutting machine has been extremely efficient. Because it was the first of its kind to be installed in the southern hemisphere and like all new technologies, had some minor teething problems but these were resolved quickly with the team from Intermac. That’s the service and support we were looking for, the guy’s at Intermac were always there for us.”

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

39

Feature

natural stone means Contemporary Finishes are proficient in working with natural stones like marble, limestone, or granite, and more recently, large format porcelain panels and bench tops.

Vito elaborates, “This was never a hard sell, the guy’s at Intermac were professional and patient. They took the time to understand our vision, to understand what we wanted to achieve, and come up with a solution that was right for us, that was right for the materials and products we wanted to produce.

Sure, we looked at other brands, but the testimonials from other Intermac customers and more importantly, the local support, sold us on the Intermac product. We would always go with a supplier with local support, and this was key to our decision to go with Intermac. Cost wasn’t the primary concern for us, after sales support is! If you look at the last eighteen months here in Australia, you realise why local support is so critical.”

Service, Expertise and Safety Contemporary Finishes values professionalism, quality service and superior expertise above everything else.

They offer complete design, product, project management, and installation solutions to projects such as the Marriott Hotel, the iconic Casselden Place tower, Origin Energy, BMW, and Hermes, to name a few. Their extensive product knowledge and history producing everything from porcelain bench tops, statement wall cladding to stunning

Supplier June/July 2021

“With the Intermac Primus waterjet machine, we can cut porcelain more efficiently, accurately and cleanly.”

Another key factor in the decision to make the investment with Intermac was to support the introduction of the newly founded Slimtop Porcelain Panels brand to the Australian market, also owned and operated by Vito and Nazz under the same roof. Slimtop are importers of an impressive range of top-quality porcelain panels from both Italy and Spain. Slimtop’s range of largeformat panels offer a slimline thickness of 6mm and 12mm, and dimensions up to 3200x1500mm. Slimtop combines the high aesthetic appeal of marble, natural stone, and concrete, with the unrivalled performance of pressed porcelain. Thinner tops are at the forefront of kitchen and bathroom design in Europe and this minimalist design trend is very evident in Australia also.

A major issue with processing engineered stone products is silicosis. Fine airborne dust is dangerous and efficient machinery is essential in controlling the work environment. Intermac works with their customers to minimise dust in the workplace

with efficient control of all waste from their machinery. Contemporary Finishes preference for sustainably produced porcelain means a safer, cleaner workplace where they are able to process their own products in a controlled environment. Vito said, “With the Intermac Primus waterjet machine, we can cut porcelain more efficiently, accurately and cleanly.”

It’s been an exciting journey since Nazz and Vito were dragged ‘kicking and screaming’ into their dad’s work truck during their school holidays some 30 years ago. It was there that they learned the value of hard work and commitment. It was where they developed their work ethic, their passion for what they do, and their passion for the industry. Over the years they’ve constantly innovated, learned, and applied their unique skills for their many and varied clients.

Contemporary Finishes relationship with Intermac has been brief, but extremely beneficial. Nazz mentioned, “Going to work or being in business only for the money is not what drives us. Hard work, honesty, and a focus on delivering quality for our customers is! The money is a by-product and will take care of itself.”

Nazz says, “We work leaner than most, we build in efficiencies to our processes and our high-end project management skills mean we see issues that our customers are never aware of. Our aim is to present ourselves as a reputable company, professional, always acting with integrity, a company you can trust. It’s also the way we see Intermac.

They’ve been such a significant influence on our business that I would almost go so far as to say that had we continued down the path we were going prior to meeting the Intermac team, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today.” Vito adds, “Our Intermac machines have allowed us to improve our capabilities and offer more for challenging projects.

They’ve enabled us to re-invent ourselves.” web www.intermac.com.au ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

40

Feature

Durezza - premium kitchen and bathroom surfaces Durezza in English means toughness, and that is exactly what this new product brings to the Australian market. Recent advancements in technology have allowed for this manufactured decorative wood based product to become a market leader in design and functionality.

The Product Durezza’s core is composed of multiple layers of phenolic resin impregnated kraft paper, which is then colour matched to the base colour of the decorative paper that is applied to each face of the product.

The entire makeup of the product is then pressurised for an extended period of time which results in a virtually indestructible kitchen and bathroom surface that will enhance the end result of any project.

Safety First Emitting no VOC’s and ensuring the product is 100% Silica free is key to ensuring that the product is safe to manufacture and machine

without any underlying health concerns.

Our Durezza range of premium kitchen and bathroom surfaces are 100% silica free and safe to work with. The fact that Durezza is a wood based product also drives home the usability of the product, ensuring that you, the joiner, has control of your project from start to finish, which means you can finish on time and move on to the next one.

Applications Traditionally compact laminates have been used in science laboratories, toilet partitions and outdoor tables for many years, although recent advancements in the quality of the look of the decorative paper and the finish of the product mean there is a safe alternative to artificial stone.

The large sheet format also means you can finally have an island benchtop that is up to 4.2m long by 1.6 metres wide, which is a size that is unachievable without an unsightly join in artificial stone.

Durezza’s surface composition allows for a scratch-resistant, non-porous product that is capable of removing any risk of damage caused by water, chemicals, wines, oils, and steam. The product is UV inhibited, which means it is just as suitable outdoors as it is indoors. The Durezza range of products comes standard with the following characteristics: • Chemical resistant • Group 3 fire rated • Antibacterial • Graffiti resistant • Scratch resistant • Moisture resistant • UV inhibited Durezza gives you the flexibility to use this product internally or externally on exposed outdoor kitchens and comes with a supplier backed 15 year warranty.

LI Surfaces has supplied quality European products to the wood manufacturing industry since 2009, although the supplier of Durezza in Italy, Lamicolor, has been supplying quality products worldwide since 1967. Quality and design you can trust. web www.lisurfaces.com/durezza ❚

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Computerisation & Automation

42

The End of Work Story by Philip Ashley In the 1995 book ‘The End of Work’ Jeremy Rifkin argues, “We are entering a new period of history characterised by the inevitable decline of jobs.”

A look around the modern furniture industry somewhat bears his theory out, with skilled tradespeople replaced by automated manufacturing and more recently, robots.

In the past Australia’s manufacturing sector was built on skilled workers who came through traineeship and apprenticeship programs. Images of older factories shows lots of people working with hand tools and in some cases, static machines. Some people are trained onsite, outside of this system and are equally well-prepared to perform skilled work. But the number of people entering the wood and furniture industries is dwindling as positions become scarcer due to technological developments; in particular, ‘Industry 4.0’ that machinery suppliers have been riding for the last ten years.

The Experts Say ‘The Conversation Australia and New Zealand’ is a collaboration between academics and journalists that publishes research-based news and analysis. In that online forum, David Tuffley, Lecturer in Applied Ethics and Socio-Technical Studies, Griffith University recently wrote there, “Australia faces some tough policy decisions to reshape its economy and prepare for an uncertain future, with predictions that up to five million jobs are likely to be automated by 2030, according to Australia’s Future Workforce report released by the Committee for Economic Development of Australia (CEDA).”

The researchers found that nearly 40% of Australian jobs that exist today are at risk due to computerisation and automation.

They reported an even higher likelihood of job losses in parts of rural and regional Australia, with more than 60% at risk. They predict that within 20 years we are likely to see significant changes in industries that are currently considered safe, including those in the manufacturing industries. We

have already seen the end of the automotive industry in Australia, including all those industries supplying that production.

In November 2015 Andy Haldane, chief economist at the Bank of England predicted that half of the 30 million jobs in the UK were under threat from automation.

Previous UK Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn said in September 2017, “We need to urgently face the challenge of automation and robotics that could make so much of contemporary work redundant.” World Bank data predicts that the proportion of jobs threatened by automation in the World’s most populated countries of India is 69%, and 77% in China. Despite these predictions, the truth of the matter is no one has any real idea of the number of jobs at risk.

Rifkin contended that unemployment would increase as information technology eliminated jobs in the manufacturing, agricultural and service sectors. He predicted devastating impact of automation on blue-collar, retail and wholesale employees.

A small elite of corporate managers and knowledge workers would reap the benefits of the high-tech world economy. You only have to look at US politics to see how many people are extremely critical of capitalism, demanding ever more taxes from rich industrialists.

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

43

Computerisation & Automation

The Questions Historically, innovation that makes existing jobs and technologies obsolete has not created permanent unemployment but has instead opened jobs in new industries, such as industry and the service sector. This process is known as creative destruction. The question now is, “Where do we move jobs to in the next 20 years, when most industries are shedding work? And the service sector?

Think about this the next time you are checking out your own groceries or ordering fast food at an automated kiosk.”

Automation looks set to replace many jobs in the next few decades. The question could be asked, “What work will be left for humans to do? Will our future be a life of leisure, with machines taking the sweat? Will we be able to spend our time on more important things than simply feeding and housing ourselves?

Will voluntary and community-based service work be sufficient to keep the populace happy and content? Will we be satisfied with a social wage in place of welfare payments, paid for by taxing mega corporations?” And what about self-esteem, or the issue with people wanting to be master of their own destiny, with a career as the cornerstone of this?

Toby Walsh is Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of New South Wales, in Sydney. He wrote, “All (new) technologies create new jobs as well as destroy them. That’s been the case in the past, but it doesn’t have to be so in the future. In the Industrial Revolution, machines took over many of the physical tasks we used to do. But we humans were still left with all the cognitive tasks. This time, as (Industry 4.0) machines start to

take on many of the cognitive tasks too, there’s the worrying question: what is left for us humans?” It could be about rediscovering the things that make us human.

The Answers?

Before the industrial revolution, many worked 60 hours per week. After the industrial revolution, work reduced to around 40 hours per week and now it’s 38 hours a week. The same could happen with the unfolding industry 4.0 revolution. But staying home all the time and getting a ‘living wage’? During COVID with workers staying home, the incidence of home violence increased, suicides increased, and the incidence of depression have also gone up significantly. In this world, the only jobs could be that of police officer, or paramedic.

People need something to do, something constructive, something creative or artistic.

SPRINT POWER SERIES Glu jet e techniqu ble for invisi joints

Glue change and cleaning require only 3 minutes each.

Heat up time

Glue change

Cleaning

3 minutes

3 minutes

3 minutes

To experience the high quality system advantages of the Sprint Series, call for a demo today.

1800 736 460 www.holzher.com.au

› Touch screen control › Automatic cleaning › Variable feed rate, 18m/min › Workpiece thickness up to 60 mm › Edge thickness up to 15 mm.

Computerisation & Automation

44

Mark Paul also advocates free higher education and vocational training: vital components in advancing society and maintaining a productive workforce.

More accessible options should be made available to the public. The CEDA report is scathingly critical of Australia’s apparent lack of commitment to properly funding education and innovation policy. The funding amounts to only A$190 million over four years, woefully underfunded compared to global competitors Like the United Kingdom’s Catapult centres, which will receive almost A$3 billion over the same period!

As well as the artistic, there will be a reappreciation of the artisan. Certainly, we are seeing the beginnings of this already. We will appreciate more and more those things made by the human hand. Mass-produced goods made by machine will become cheaper. But items made by hand will be rare and increasingly valuable. Not everyone will have the skills to make fine furniture and for those people, the future looks bleak.

But for those who can master the craft, public opinion about the value of the trades will have to change.

technological change that will drastically alter the nature of work. Paul proposes policy changes that would ensure that the economic benefits from technological change are widespread, including a government focus on tech innovations that complement workers. Governments should also adopt work sharing; reducing the overall hours typically worked by individuals.

It is clear that technological advances in the past few decades have not led to economic growth for everyone. To combat inequality and unemployment and rebuild an economy where productivity gains directly translate into higher living standards for all, Paul reiterates that the institutions currently governing our economy must be transformed.

It really does sound like we might be facing the end of work as we know it. ❚

Carolynne Bourne AM is the Founding CEO of International Specialised Skills Institute Inc (ISS Institute). Carolynne said, “Trades people can be extraordinarily inspirational, talented and knowledgeable. They search for exquisite beauty, love their craft, and embrace the pursuit of accomplishment whether self-employed or in a corporate setting.” But she also argues, “The trades’ heartland has been abandoned, why would young people complete a course that has no future, no pathway that inspires them to dream of a future where their talent can be taken to the highest level.”

In 2018 Roosevelt Fellow Mark Paul wrote, “Don’t Fear the Robots. He debunks the idea that we are on the cusp of a major

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

You’ve got the JOB...

Now find someone to CUT IT with

S UOTE Q T N INSTA G SIZIN M O CUST O USE T E E FR

AUSTRALIA’S NO.1 MEETING PLACE for

Cabinet Makers & Cut-to-Size Manufacturers

46

Software

Good enough isn’t good enough – don't be satisfied with the status quo Story by Riley Henry How is your business travelling this year?

You may be reaching great heights or maintaining the usual. In each case, you MUST be aware of the industry and identifying areas of change for your business.

Why? The classic story of the tortoise and the hare wards us off over-confidence and complacency, as the hare didn’t take notice until the tortoise had already claimed victory. Reliance on expectation and past results should never be your attitude.

How? Reflect Internally Just as you would be continually looking for the latest and best from your suppliers, you should also be doing the same for yourself.

This method of internal reflection is what has helped grow goCabinets into Australia’s number one online marketplace for cabinet makers and trade professionals.

Most recently, goCabinets undertook a major project to redevelop and enhance the system’s interface. Despite impressive performance of the existing platform,

the benefits to the user community and the platform overall made the decision a no-brainer. This resulted in a cleaner look, faster load times, and vastly improved mobile functionality to make the user quoting and ordering experience greater than ever. If you identify areas where you can improve, even on a face level, then you should do all in your power to take action.

Keep Informed You should look externally to keep up to date with what is happening around you.

The joinery industry is one of extreme progression. New tools and automations continue to develop and help push businesses to a level above the competition.

The best way to identify areas of growth is to know what is going on in the industry. We’ve outlined four simple resources below.

Subscribe to Industry Newsletters and Magazines You’ve already made one correct step through your subscription to Supplier Magazine, but there are plenty of businesses that send their own regular newsletters to provide important updates.

Events and Expos An obvious suggestion. The biggest and the best brands scramble to show off their latest innovations to the masses. The best place to get some knowledge (and usually a few goodies) is at the next event near you.

Communicate with Peers Get on the phone with people you know.

Suppliers, technicians, the cabbie down the road. They might have word of something interesting or have a new recommendation.

As you investigate the industry, we encourage you to keep a close eye on software. We know there are countless business tasks that frustrate you, but just as many solutions are provided by new and existing software.

We’ve met thousands of tradesmen that have stumbled across goCabinets and wished they had actively looked sooner. The same exists for software and processes all over. You just need to go out and start looking...

To learn more about goCabinets or other Cabinets by Computer solutions, reach us at info@cabinetsbycomputer.com or (03) 52543274. ❚

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

47

Software

VORTEK Spaces – Changing the way we communicate design As an industry, we are challenged to always change and adapt. Software developers continue to push the boundaries and make the complex more accessible to everyone.

If the last few years have taught us anything, it has been the need to change the way in which we communicate our designs with a customer. We are seeking a point of difference, what makes us stand out from the crowd.

The team at Planit Cutting Edge Solutions know the importance of exploring new technologies to help you make the most of your time, maximise opportunities and provide you with the tools to win more business.

With the VORTEK Spaces, designers can quickly and easily provide an interactive walkthrough experience that is exciting and cutting edge – whether it is shared in person, in an email or on social media.

VORTEK Spaces provides you more resources and time saving technology to help you win more jobs.

To understand how VORTEK Spaces works; it is as easy as ‘point, click, select, open,

choose, drag and drop’. Simply export your CABINET VISION drawing and import into VORTEK Spaces. From here you can select colours and materials, before introducing objects and lighting. The 3D render is generated in Realtime and is a gamechanger for our Industry. There is nothing that matches it for speed.

Benefits include: Materials: It could not be easier. Click on a surface; wall, countertop, any combination of cabinets and you will see a banner of available textures from our industry leading suppliers.

Interactive walkthrough’s: After selecting as many viewpoints as you wish, the app automatically generates a walkthrough of your space. You can add a soundtrack and customize with your logo and intro video

Lighting: Drag and drop from a selection of single or multiple lights. Adjusting the direction and lighting effects for both indoors and outdoors is so intuitive – you will enjoy using the sliders to create different moods that reflect how it will be in your client’s home.

Now you are marketing and selling at the same time.

3D accessories: Make your space look finished with an extensive and ever-growing library of objects to complete the décor. Your client will love seeing the whole room come together. You will love how little time it took.

Many of Planit’s VORTEK Spaces customers are already getting an advantage by using YouTube and Instagram to showcase designs and walkthroughs of current projects. You can create interactive 3D walkthroughs, still images from as many viewpoints as you choose to define, 360 video visits, and even venture into virtual reality.

These platforms allow for great digital connectivity between a customer and a designer. As the needs and wants of consumers change in response to the world around us; what are you doing to do to put your business out in the spotlight? ❚

Supplier June/July 2021

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Enter the draw to

WIN

A FREE copy of the industry leading software for cabinetmakers from

Supplier Woodworking Magazine is pleased to invite readers to enter into the draw to win a free 12 months subscription of the industry leading software from 3D Kitchen™.

3D Kitchen QT Software Produces:  Floor Plans  Elevations  High Quality 3D Rendering Features:  Easily create your own unique cabinets  Full cabinet library built to allow detailed design  Full product support (12 months) Broadband internet required

How to Enter Email your entry, including your full business name and contact details

W O O D W O R K I N SUBJECT: G TO: vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au Free Software 2021

Terms & Conditions 1.

2.

3.

4.

You must be a reader of Supplier Woodworking Magazine.

You must be a manufacturing cabinetmaker.

You must want to give your business a competitive edge!

The offer does not include sofware updates.

50

Service, Support & Solutions

The trouble with service Story by Philip Ashley Peter Vuille-Bille, of Ville-Tec Engineering said, “Service is probably one of the most abused words in the English language.

What it means and what you get are two totally different things.”

There is no doubt that service, whatever it means, is one of the most talked about issues facing the manufacturing industries.

Service is defined as a ‘Periodic routine inspection and maintenance of a vehicle or other machine.’ Maintenance can be done in-house by the manufacturer themselves, or in the case of more specialised, high-end equipment, this may need to be carried out by trained technicians employed by the supplier of your machine. As the wood working industries transition from one of high labour on low technology static machines to one of low labour on high technology equipment, the service provided by your supplier becomes ever-more important and critical.

Suppliers are primarily in the business of selling machines. This enables them to continue in business, and to provide some after-sales service for their customers.

However, in the past, the more machines they sold often did not equate to the number of technicians they employed to provide the after-sales service expected by the user of the machine, the customer. As the machines in industry age, there is an increased demand on the supplier to provide service that meets the needs of the machine user. Parts may not readily be available, and technicians may no longer be familiar with a machine they have not seen for ten years.

Supplier June/July 2021

Many years ago, at an AWISA show function in Sydney, John Cover, co-director of Allwood Machinery with Jake Martin, stood in front of around a thousand people and admitted that service was one of their biggest issues. It was a bold statement, but an honest one and John received kudos from a lot of customers for that. I was there and I was impressed as well. I think John knew that customer service can make or break your reputation and that customers are willing to pay more for a better experience. From that time onwards, suppliers have been working to improve their customer service. (Insert image 1 John Jake and John Hanrahan) A Gartner Research survey in 2012 found, “36% of companies expect to compete mostly on the basis of customer experience.” By 2017 that number had soared to 89%! Gartner

reports that Mercedes Benz USA President and CEO Steve Cannon put it best when he said, “Customer experience is the new marketing.”

It’s worth noting here that all mechanical objects have parts that will eventually fail, nothing lasts forever, and everything is built to a price, howbeit at the best standard of quality possible.

Case in point is Porsche, considered a desirable sports car. A Porsche has a breakdown rate of 36% and costs on average $2,000 to repair, but they are still highly regarded. Porsche has a high build quality, yet still needs maintenance and repair. If you could afford a Porsche, you would still buy one, you would be prepared to maintain it, and pay for the eventual repairs. Why wouldn’t you do the same for a machine that is your livelihood?

Above: John Cover, Jake Martin and John Hanrahan www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Service, Support & Solutions

51

target, we are currently working on further developing our global service organization, starting from basic to pro-active services like remote service functionality and more. There are also a few other developments in place at Altendorf Group, that we are planning to announce next year.

Above: SCM Service A two-way street A woodworking machine is not a Porsche, and it’s also not something you can send away to get fixed and wait a week for.

Prompt service is especially important to a manufacturer, but there are some companies who don’t take much interest in service until their machine develops a fault, and then it’s all on the supplier to fix it. Clearly, this is not fair. The manufacturer has to put in some effort and work with the supplier to get the most from their machinery investment.

This is why a manufacturer should spend some effort and dollars on preventative maintenance, a routine of periodic inspection with the goal of finding small problems and fixing them before major ones develop, just like a car.

It’s the same as the goods companies make, it’s all made to a price and none of it, even the best kitchen on the planet, is made to last forever. If you did make it to last forever, probably no one would buy it because of what it would need to cost. Modern machinery, however, is designed to ‘Industry 4.0’ principles of digital technology and so, parts that wear a lot are known from data collected from machines around the World. With this information, it is possible for your supplier to

Supplier June/July 2021

predict approximately the life of critical parts of the machine, such as a spindle bearing.

Companies working with their suppliers will benefit from this information.

Working with your supplier is particularly important as your production becomes more automated and reliant on technology. The big phenomenon in recent years has been the development of the manufacturing ‘cell’ on which your entire production depends. If you have a nesting machine feeding an edge bander with robots or automated conveyors, and one of the two machines develops a fault, then the whole line is compromised.

The bigger companies take advantage of service contracts where the supplier performs preventive, predictive and emergency service, and repairs. The practical result of the contract is that through preventive and predictive maintenance, the machine is not likely to break down when you need it most.

Working with your supplier is particularly important as your production becomes more automated and reliant on technology... The bigger companies take advantage of service contracts where the supplier performs preventive, predictive and emergency service, and repairs.

Michael Bullock is Biesse Group CEO. He has a strong background in service with the critical elevator industry. He said, “Biesse concentrates on the life of the product and our customers are getting on board.

Biesse machine users who have taken up our maintenance contract has increased substantially, and we honour all of those contracts, much like when you buy a new car, and you are advised of the maintenance schedule in advance.” Pooja Rao, Director at Luxmy Furniture in Sydney, and Biesse Group customer says, “You need to think about maintenance long-term.”

Suppliers Comments The main objective of the Altendorf Group Service sector is Service Excellence.

We are always striving to be better than our competitors. A satisfied customer is not enough for us, we want to exceed all their expectations.

To achieve this ambitious and challenging

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Service, Support & Solutions

52

Stefan Kremer at Felder Group said, “We know our customers by name, even those with a four-thousand-dollar machine. Our feedback suggests our clients are really happy with our personal approach. We are mostly in the owner-operator market, and it is here that we are extraordinarily strong. We stock parts for even our earliest machines. Felder Group is unique in the full range of woodworking machinery we offer, and we are focused on fully supporting everything we provide.”

Sam Czyczelis of Leitz group said, “At Leitz we develop relationships through regular visits to our customers. The ultimate goal of Leitz service is that tools are ‘as new’ when they leave our service centre and to achieve this, every process step is focused on absolute quality and precision. Our tooling service is also sustainable, in that we remove as much as necessary and as little as possible to ensure customers get the maximum life from their tooling investment.”

Neil Staggs said, “Leuco Australia has traditionally been a company with a service focus, while sales are a key part of the business, service has equal importance. The meaning of service for a tooling supplier is regular customer contact and being an integral part of the customers business; the ability to supply factory quality tooling serviced as good as new, delivered on time and hassle free for the client. Service has a wider meaning than just a sharpening service. The quality points in the production of service such as balance, measuring, safety and reproducing tools to factory spec are all important. Service is the measure of your success in the marketplace.”

Stephen Heusz of Multicam said, “Multicam Systems recognises that good service is the backbone of our company. As well as providing great Australian made CNC routing machines, we have built a reputation for responsiveness to customer

Supplier June/July 2021

Above: Multicam support Brisbane needs and providing quick and effective service, support, and solutions. We know that being Australian owned gives us a true understanding of what customers expect of our Australian made machines and the level of service we need to provide.”

“Service has a wider meaning than just a sharpening service. ... Service is the measure of your success in the marketplace.”

“At SCM Group Australia we endure to deliver a reliable, fast, and flexible servicing experience throughout the lifecycle of our machinery. In essence, we understand and value our customer’s business towards the SCM brand. We do this by ensuring that our machinery is constantly operating at optimum efficiency via means of scheduled preventative maintenance conducted by our expert technicians. With the SCM range of machinery, you will never work alone,” said Simon Nanni, SCM Group’s Australian Service Manager.

Patrick Tuckwell of Tuckwell Machinery said, “We’re small enough to care but big enough to support the most demanding.

The core of our business is built around service and it’s a big reason why we have an exceptionally strong repeat business client base. We’re constantly looking at ways to improve and this year have implemented a system that allows customers with our machines to quickly lodge a job request with us and view the entire machine service history from their smart phones. When you call us, you know that something is being done to get you running as soon as possible.”

Ville-Tec Engineering said, “For us, it means we are here to support our customers to the best of our ability. Most importantly with product knowledge and use of what we supply.

But also, with parts back-up and support when they need it, including technical advice. We pride ourselves in being able to let customers know where they can get local parts and help.”

Going back to the 1980’s a supplier needed one service person for every three salespeople.

Now, a supplier needs two service people for every salesperson. Oh, and the car most likely to break down is of course, Alfa Romeo with a breakdown rate of 40%, but I guess most people would have already guessed that. ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Service, Support & Solutions

53

Service equals success Even the best quality tools only deliver their optimal performance if they are regularly maintained by experts. They must be re-sharpened and serviced fast and accurately in order to be ready for use again in the shortest time. As a world market leader with particular expertise in regrinding services, Leitz Tooling stands for absolute process orientation, close customer relationships and innovative solutions and ideas. Under the principle of “Solutions in New Dimensions” Leitz defines its fields of expertise, and the benefits customers derive from them every day.

Quality, Reliability, Know How The ultimate goal of Leitz service is that tools are “as new” when they leave the service center. Every process step is focused on absolute quality and precision.

The standards Leitz have developed are uniform worldwide and are systematically certified and fully documented. With this approach, Leitz is in the position to offer its manufacturer-quality tool service in approximately 120 service stations all over the world. Four in Australia, three of which specialize in re-sharpening diamond tools, and one in New Zealand.

Leitz develops its relationships with its customers through its personal pick-up and delivery service. The service employee regularly visits customers, picks up and delivers sharpened tools reliably, and is available to answer questions at every

Supplier June/July 2021

visit. Regular, monitored sharpening and repair ensures tools are used optimally over the entire product life cycle, enabling the maximum life of the tool to be achieved.

Transparency and traceability in pricing are two further features that make the Leitz service particularly reliable and customer oriented.

Over 140 years of history, and highly trained employees make Leitz a unique solution provider. The company’s very deep process knowledge and technology know-how in wood and wood-based material processing is dedicated to the service of the customer.

Consulting services in almost all production areas bring companies with ongoing production up to the latest technology, demonstrate economical machining solutions and optimise processes, all with the aim of increasing customer success.

Flexibility, Efficiency, Sustainability ‘Leitz Tool Management’ is the solution for greater process reliability and tool availability. Leitz takes care of the selection, scheduling, procurement, provisioning,

and stocking of the tools. ‘Complete Care’ includes complete tool management for the customer, including tool service and continuous process engineering. Invoicing is based on flexible payment models such as square or linear meters, or the number of products produced. Annually, around 15 million tools are serviced by Leitz worldwide. This is only possible with our lean and result-oriented processes. The latest electronic recording systems via smartphone or tablet ensure efficient analysis of customer production requirements and transparent work steps.

Measuring cutting edges down to a few hundredths of millimeter can determine exactly how much must be removed from the cutting material to return the tool to a sharp cutting edge. Our processing follows the principle, “as much as necessary and as little as possible”. Too much removal reduces tool life unnecessarily, and too little removal is a loss of the cutting edge. In addition, our largely paperless production and service administration ensure that valuable resources are handled carefully. ❚

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Advertisers Index 3D Kitchen Design

Contact Us 48, 49

Proudly produced and printed in Australia Published quarterly by: ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD

Biesse Group Australia

5, Insert

ABN: 27 006 876 419 PO BOX 800, Templestowe, Victoria, Australia 3106 Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815

Breton Spa

Back Cover

Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087 Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au Web: www.suppliermagazine.com.au, www.infotile.com

Cabinets by Computer

45

PUBLISHER Vicky Cammiade Email: vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER

CDK Stone

Front Cover

Vicky Cammiade Email: vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au EDITORIAL

CleanSpace Technology

33

For editorial enquiries please email: info@elitepublishing.com.au EDITOR

Flexijet Australia

29

Michelle Cammiade Email: michelle.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Hafele Australia

Inside Front Cover, 13

Philip Ashley Email: philipneilashley@yahoo.com.au CIRCULATION

Holzher 43

For circulation enquiries please email: info@elitepublishing.com.au PRODUCTION

Innovync 35

For artwork and production enquiries please email: production@elitepublishing.com.au PRE-PRESS

Intermac

37

Prominent Digital PRINTED BY Prominent Press Pty Ltd

Kitchen King

15

OVERSEAS REPRESENTATIVES Representative Agent for Taiwan,China and Hong Kong, Robert Yu,Worldwide Services Co Ltd,11F-B, No. 540 Wen Hsin Road, Section 1,Taichung, 408, Taiwan

Leitz Tooling Systems

7

Tel: +886 4 2325 1784 Fax: +886 4 2325 2967 Email: sales@wwstaiwan.com ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD PUBLISHERS OF:

Leuco Australia Li Surfaces Multicam Systems

Inside Back Cover 41

Supplier Magazine, Flooring Magazine, Discovering Stone, Finishes & Surfaces and Tile Today Member of the International Woodworking and Furniture Supplier Magazine Association

8, 9

Planit

10

Reliance Machinery

17

SEA Group

27

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD. All rights reserved - No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc expressed in articles appearing in this publication are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any consequences of reliance on this information or this publication.

PROFILE MACHINING IN A SYSTEMATIC WAY...

LEUCO g7-System chop saw blade

LEUCO g5-System chop saw blade

for aluminum profiles

for plastic or fiber reinforced profiles

SUPERB CUTTING QUALITY | burr-free edges | fine cutting surface without cutting marks

SUPERB CUTTING QUALITY | chip-free edges | fine cutting surface without cutting marks

CONTACT directly

Your LEUCO technical advisers PHONE (61)-02-8708-4900 OFFICE ADDRESSES

SEE MORE details

NSW & Head Office | 5 Marigold Place, Revesby NSW 2212 P: +61 (2) 8708 4900 Queensland | 61 Toombull Road, Northgate QLD 4013 P: +61 (7) 3634 2800

LEUCO SYSTEM SAW BLADES give you

South Australia | 17 Grove Avenue, Marleston SA 5033 P: +61 (8) 8113 6300 Victoria | 96 Malcolm Road, Braeside VIC 3195 P: +61 (3) 8541 2800

online

| long edge lives | low cutting pressure | noise reduction of 6 dB(A) = perceived halving of the noise

LEUCO tools online catalog www.leuco.com/products

Scan and watch the video on YouTube! 

The simple and brilliant solution for slab machining Breton boosts slab machining.

High engineering design, 3 tools on board at one time, accuracy over time, advanced power control system, easy-to-use software interface.

Turn the key.

breton genya

breton.it