Furniture & Joinery Production #328 by Gearing Media Group Ltd

June 2021 #328 News / Installations / Updates CNC Machinery / Fittings & Components Dust Extraction & Wood Waste Management Warehousing, Packaging & Materials Handling

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Comment In this industry, we are privileged to benefit from an amazing array of suppliers – from T-nuts to collaborative robots, clamps to window production lines, the enormous collection of machinery and materials really is some kind of wonderful – examples of which we shine a light on in every issue, every website article and social media posting. But we all know, that nothing beats a great trade show. It has, for obvious reasons been something we’ve had to make do without – the last major event in this country was the W Exhibition & Elements back in October 2018. Alongside that, the numerous and wellattended ‘open-house or ‘at-home’ events held by many top brands were also mothballed – although some demonstrated their digital prowess with one-to-one online VR scenarios – but ultimately we need a good trade show, and soon. Interzum held its much-anticipated digital event recently, and the PR suggests a good time was had by those who invested their time. Ligna will also roll out an online offering this coming September – and while both seem well-conceived and choc full of ‘content’, I am sure I’m not alone in yearning for live events to be viable and safe to attend once again. It really is the only way to compare and contrast in the same space and take a reasoned overview of available options. As its stands, W Exhibition & Elements will in be with us again in February 2022 – a few short months away now – and I’m very much looking forward to setting up shop once again, alongside fellow exhibitors and visitors. Another reminder, should it be needed, is the recent news of the Chancellor’s introduction of a new super-deduction tax incentive which gives manufacturers extra value for any investment in machinery and technology. The measure allows companies to cut their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 invested, and suppliers tell me it looks to be having the desired effect of pulling investment forward, or at least unblocking deferment notes on planned improvements. This is a time-limited scenario, and I’ve got a feeling the deadline for this incentive of 31st March 2023 will be coming around very quickly. I hope you enjoy the issue.

John Legg, editor john@media66.net

Content 6 News 12 Installations 30 Products 36 CNC Machinery 50 Dust Extraction & Wood Waste Management 70 Fittings & Components 86 Warehousing, Packaging & Materials Handling 98 Updates

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6 NEWS

Clear bounce back in demand for furniture Demand for furniture has soared as shops and the wider economy re-open, according to the latest trade survey by British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM). The Furniture Trade Survey April 2021 found a 40% rise in manufacturers reporting new orders, while 84% of respondents are more confident about the general business situation than they were in October last year. A further 63% said trade was better than the equivalent period one year ago. However, increasing costs for raw materials such as

board, plywood and foam have led to a rise in product prices, reflecting the general retail trend. BFM MD Nick Garratt said: “Despite the traditional modes of selling and contract work being absent in recent months, furniture manufacturers are showing a high degree of confidence, with 42% expecting to recruit new staff in the next six months. “But the increasing cost of raw materials has continued to be an issue and, as we have seen across the whole sector, prices have gone up as a result.

“However, 69% reported output over the last six months beat expectations and this measure of performance is expected to improve still further over the summer. The Furniture Trade Survey is conducted every six months, with analysis helping identify trends and forecast challenges in the industry. The report on the survey gives a comprehensive overview of employment and output trends, labour costs and overheads as well as tracking the prices of raw materials.

The full report is available to BFM members from the association’s website. www.bfm.org.uk

Combilift gives Monaghan ladies Gaelic football team a lift Combilift, a leading global player in the field of materials handling, is also now getting involved on the sports field at a more local level. The company has committed to a new three-year sponsorship deal with the Monaghan Ladies Gaelic football team as well as sponsoring the Monaghan senior club championship.

The Combilift logo will now be prominent on both home and away jerseys, as well as all items of the team’s training gear. Combilift will support the Monaghan LGFA (Ladies Gaelic Football Association) teams both on and off the field, and at all levels from juveniles through to seniors. The GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) is Ireland’s largest sporting organisation and is at the heart of Irish culture. It is focused on promoting indigenous Gaelic sports such as hurling, camogie and Gaelic football. Combilift’s sponsorship intends to help promote ladies Gaelic games locally by increasing media coverage, participation, and match attendance. Fixtures are due to kick-off on 23rd May following the lifting of some restrictions – when Monaghan host Cavan in the first round of the

Lidl National League. Monaghan senior manager Ciaran Murphy said: “We are delighted that Combilift has agreed to be our new sponsor. It is great to see such a prominent local company investing in the Monaghan Ladies team and we hope to do them proud on the pitch.” Combilift CEO Martin McVicar said: “Although Combilift operates as a business on worldwide scale, we are firmly and proudly rooted in Monaghan and are committed to our local community and its activities. We are extremely proud to support the Monaghan Ladies team at all levels as they strive for continued success. We wish them all the best for the coming season and we’re looking forward to seeing them lifting some silverware!” www.combilift.com

Pioneering Rochdale manufacturer wins rare Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development Crystal Doors, which has completely transformed its factory in response to the climate emergency, is one of just five companies in the North to be honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development ahead of the COP26 climate summit in November. Established in 1994 in the centre of Rochdale, Crystal Doors manufactures vinyl-wrapped doors and components for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, employing 34 local people who on average live less than three miles from the factory in the centre of Rochdale. The company has been recognised with the prestigious national award after pioneering an innovative approach to achieving

net zero manufacturing. A radical sustainability programme – featuring smart autonomous machinery, energy efficient technologies, solar panels, electric vehicles, carbon literacy training and biomass heating fuelled by the factory’s own waste – has reduced Crystal Doors’ direct carbon footprint by nearly 80% in just five years. The measures are also saving

nearly £200,000 a year in energy and material costs, showing that it is both possible and desirable for businesses of all sizes to benefit by taking action on the climate crisis. Managing director Richard Hagan, who first recognised the need to act after environmental concerns nearly closed the factory in 2015, said: “The science says we only have a few years of inaction left before achieving our global agreements on greenhouse gas emissions become impossible. It is our collective responsibility, as businesses and as a society, to take action. Our story is proof that even small organisations with tight purse strings like ours can turn things around rapidly.” The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, established in 1965,

are the most prestigious business awards in the UK. Winning businesses are able to use the esteemed Queen’s Awards emblem for the next five years. Only 34 organisations in the north of England have received the Sustainable Development award since it was first introduced in 2000. Crystal Doors is the first ever Rochdale business to win the award. “We’re proud of our industrial heritage here in Rochdale and the wider North,” Richard added. “It’s even more important we kickstart the transition to a green economy in traditionally deprived communities like ours, where we can create high quality green jobs for local people.” www.crystaldoors.co.uk

TTF notes on demand and supply of timber in the UK To help shed greater light on the state of the timber market, the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) has released a market statement to put the current demand and supply situation into context. The market statement provides a slightly longer perspective by taking a look at the data on volume and average cost price of softwood per cubic metre over the last three years. These statistics show more softwood was imported into the UK in 2020 (6,608) than in either 2019 (6,394) or 2018 (6,594), (the figures

for these years are shown in 000s of cubic metres). In addition to this data, the market statement also explores where the timber market is now, how we arrived in our current situation, and takes a look towards the future of the market. Factors considered in the statement include the stockpiling of timber ahead of previous Brexit attempts, the lockdowns, and the policy actions of the Government to counter COVID-19. TTF chief executive David Hopkins said: “We hope by sharing this information it may help our members in their conversations and business activity by placing our current situation into a wider context. “In our view the market position should be phrased as a demand rather than as a supply situation. Timber is still being imported and produced at high volumes. “However, the surge in demand for construction materials this year means customers may not be able to purchase timber as readily off the shelves as they have been used to. “We advise users of timber to work closely with suppliers on their

purchasing strategies, and to take a forward-looking perspective on securing supplies. “This approach will remain important, as recent reports have shown we can expect demand to continue to be high, particularly for structural and other softwood materials. “We also know that traditionally sawmills in Europe normally enter a period of shut-down for repair, maintenance and holidays in June and July, and this will keep supply tight.” www.ttf.co.uk

International Timber appoints new MD Paul Martin has been appointed to the role of Managing Director at International Timber, part of the Saint-Gobain group and a leading wholesaler of specialist timber and panel solutions. Paul has held the post of commercial director at International

Timber since May 2019 and has overseen the company’s growth while managing the Brexit transition and the challenges brought about by Covid-19. Prior to this, he spent 25 years with Saint-Gobain PAM, working in the UK and SouthAfrica, across a variety of roles

in sales, operations and general management. He takes the helm as International Timber seeks to increase its sustainability ahead of its 2050 carbon neutral goal, and support manufacturers, architects and builders’ merchants to access quality, bespoke timber materials.

Norbord Europe is now part of West Fraser As the UK’s number one engineered wood panel manufacturer and serving the housebuilding and construction industry with a vast array of board products for flooring, panelling and roofing, Norbord says it is the go-to corporate name behind the company’s popular brands for architects, merchants, specifiers, end-users and consumers alike. These successful, well-known brand names will remain – SterlingOSB Zero, CaberFloor

and CaberWood MDF as part of the West Fraser organisation. In addition, it is business as usual at the three UK plants – in Cowie and

Inverness, Scotland; and South Molton, Devon – with no change in personnel. David Connacher, marketing manager, comments: “We are delighted to be working within the West Fraser family. It gives us the opportunity to continue growing, developing and maximising our European business as we have been doing for many years. It is very much business as usual and our customer-facing teams are communicating this positive

message to our key partners.” West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States and Europe. From responsibly-sourced and sustainably- managed forest resources, West Fraser produces lumber, engineered wood (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, particleboard), and other products including pulp, newsprint, wood chips and renewable energy. www.uk.westfraser.com

8 NEWS

Daltons Wadkin delivers certificated operator training at Howarth Timber Daltons Wadkin’s ‘red team’ of trainers has been delivering certificated operator training to Howarth Timber & Building Supplies (HTBS) for decades – most recently at the Bury St Edmunds branch, for two new starters who needed training on the Elcon vertical panel saw, and Salvador semi-automatic upcut. HTBS has a longstanding relationship with Daltons Wadkin for machinery, servicing and certificated operator training, which has endured since the early 1990s. Both family-run businesses with well over 100 years’ experience, their core values and ethics coincide. “Over the last three years, we have completed three major workshop installations located at Bury St Edmunds, Cheadle and Northwich, continuing our long relationship with equipment supply and ongoing support for Howarth Timber,” explains Daltons Wadkin’s sales director, Andy Walsh. The Bury St Edmunds branch received both serviced and new machinery, to adhere to

budgetary requirements. This resulted in an impressive mixture of classical and new highquality machines from reputable manufacturers such as Stenner, Sedgwick, Elcon and Salvador – all supported with certificated operator training. As with all training courses, it was a hands-on and engaging couple of days for the new recruits – Adam and Steve – who had no prior experience on these machines. Speaking halfway through his first day on the Elcon vertical panel saw, Adam said: “Training has been great, we’ve been shown how to cut horizontally and vertically, and how to change the blade, it’s been good. I’d had no experience before, this is the first time I’ve seen it in operation. I feel confident I can operate the machinery correctly and safely.” New starters and novice users most commonly have the greatest training needs, but experienced operators will also require refresher training. All delegates are individually assessed, taking into consideration their age and experience. Daltons

Wadkin’s qualified trainers adapt the courses accordingly to suit both the operators and the type of work being carried out. To find out more about the range of courses available – including wood machining, abrasive wheel, portable power tools and supervisor training – contact Daltons Wadkin. 0115 986 5201 info@daltonswadkin.com www.daltonswadkin.com

Positive numbers from Howden Howden Joinery UK increased revenue by 47.1% overall and by 46.1% for the 16 weeks to 17th April 2021, compared to the equivalent periods last year with the growth driven by increases in prices and volume growth. Compared to 2019, Howden Joinery UK increased revenue by 13.1% overall and by 8.9% on a same depot basis1. On a local currency basis, depot revenue in Continental Europe increased by 108.0% and by 105.9% on a same depot basis*, compared to the equivalent periods last year. Compared to 2019, revenue increased by 37.6% overall and by

19.7% on a same depot basis*. The Board remains confident that the Group is on track with its plans for the year. Howden Joinery trades from 751 depots in the UK and 30 depots in Continental Europe; three new UK depots have been opened so far this year and seven older UK depots have been refurbished. The company plans to open around 35 new depots in the UK and 11 in France during 2021, in addition to refurbishing around 40 older UK depots. *excludes depots opened in that year and the prior year.

BiKBBI welcomes Titus as the newest sponsor Titus will become the latest Corporate Sponsor of The British Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom Installation (BiKBBI), as the organisation continues to grow its reach into industry manufacturers. Over the last 40 years, Titus has been active in multiple industries, including furniture and household appliances through the use of damping technology within their hardware solutions range. An international brand, Titus provides global solutions and embraces

the versatility and know-how of its teams worldwide. Through innovative product design, Titus develops and manufactures precision components to improve the competitiveness of furniture and cabinetry. Phil Beddoe, general manager at Titus UK, says: “At Titus, we put a lot of effort into monitoring developments in the cabinet furniture sector and we are delighted to be supporting the objectives of The BiKBBI. We look forward to leading positive change

when it comes to quality products, services and best practice and we see installation as an integral part of such development.” BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters commented: “It’s clear that industry manufacturers are connecting their product and the importance of installation. As I’ve always maintained, our industry can innovate, manufacture, distribute, design and sell beautiful product, but, to coin a pun, installation is a critical component and I’m delighted that another

well respected manufacturer understands the importance of what we do and are stepping up to support us too.”

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10 NEWS

Lehbrink strengthens its sales team Since the beginning of April, Joachim Alves has been on board as sales representative at Lehbrink Spezialmaschinen. Joachim has taken the newly created position of area sales manager and, alongside Mr OberSundermeyer, will advance the sale of machines for door, door frame and foldable back panel processing. After training as a carpenter, Joachim continued to specialise in the field through his studies

in wood technology. Thanks to his vast professional experience, he has practical and theoretical expertise in the woodworking industry. Most recently, he worked at Biesse Deutschland as brand sales manager. “We are delighted that with Joachim we have such an experienced salesperson who fits exactly with us and the area of responsibility,” says Christian Koch, managing partner at Lehbrink. “Joachim has many years of

experience both in corporations and in medium-sized companies in the industry. This, together with his further qualifications, makes him the ideal line-up for the position.” As area sales manager, Joachim will be responsible for the North and South American markets. Together with Mr OberSundermeyer, Lehbrink’s sales activities will also be expanded worldwide, and the company’s growth plans will be driven forward.

FIRA International expands training curriculum to include new sustainability modules FIRA International has expanded its online training curriculum to include four new sustainability modules focusing on materials and resources, the Circular Economy, packaging and packaging waste, and Sustainability Schemes and Certification. Delivery of the new modules will start in May, then new cycles will begin again in August, October and November. The format of the new sustainability training mirrors those of

FIRA International’s more established modular courses which include flammability and REACH, both of which were developed to suit online delivery due to the current climate. The four new sustainability courses have been confirmed as: Material Transparency and Resource Efficiency, The Circular Economy, Packaging and Packaging Waste, and Sustainability Schemes and Certification. www.fira-international.com/training

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12 INSTALLATIONS

Carlick Contract Furniture keeps pace with soaring demand using Homag machinery

Carlick is one of the largest manufacturers and suppliers of contract furniture and bespoke joinery to leading UK pub, bar and restaurant groups. The company was established in Manchester in 1974, predominantly as a table manufacturing business. It has now developed an enviable reputation in the industry which is synonymous with unrivalled customer service levels, fast turnaround of projects and specialist knowledge. The company has seen a growth in demand for its products and services as a result of both Brexit and the pandemic, as procurement and compliance manager, Josh O’Donnell, explains: “A lot of people are now sourcing furniture products within the UK because they just haven’t got the confidence to bring products in from China or Europe. It’s also costing more to transport products in from Europe due to Brexit. “We’re keeping expectations high by providing

a two- to three-week lead time, which is quicker than that offered when products are sourced from overseas. As a result, we’re seeing a rise in demand, as people are saying it’s just not worth the hassle of trying to source from abroad. Production rates increase threefold with Homag technology “Carlick first installed Homag equipment at our 100,000ft2 production facility in 2015. We now use five Homag machines to produce our furniture, including two edgebanders, a CNC machining centre and two beam saws. “We recently upgraded our capital equipment and installed a Homag Loopteq O-300 and Edgeteq S-500 to replace an ageing edgebanding machine. This new equipment has increased our production rates by threefold and enabled us to become much more efficient. “The new software in the Edgeteq is brilliant as it gives us more flexibility to swap and

change between edge tape sizes and different uses. This enables us to manufacture a variety of products to bespoke requirements effortlessly with just a couple of clicks. “The Loopteq O-300 has improved our labour efficiencies, as it allows large, 2m-long tabletops to be produced on the Edgeteq by one man instead of two. “We now make tabletops quicker as we can swap and change boards more easily. This has enabled us to specify a short, three-week lead time for products, which has been a godsend during the pandemic. “We have also found that the products produced by the Homag machines are of much better quality than they used to be, so we now have far fewer returns,” concludes Josh. For a demonstration, or more information on Homag’s machinery or software, contact Adele Hunt at Homag UK on 01332 856424. www.homag.com

Our capabilities include, laminating, straight as well as shaped edgbanding, cnc routing and postforming of decorative interior panel products & fire doors. We work with all major HPL, compact laminate, melamine, solid surface & plastic manufacturers. Our products can be found in all varieties of interior markets throughout the UK from: commercial to education, healthcare & leisure facilities.

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14 INSTALLATIONS

The Centateq E-700 is a powerful gantry CNC machine with the benefit an EVA/PO edgebanding unit

Starbank Panel Products invests in Homag Centateq CNCs to drive product innovation and gain competitive advantage Established in 1976, Starbank Panel Products is a laminate and wood-based panel fabricator for the interior fit-out industry. Based in Newton-le-Willows on the borders of Lancashire and Merseyside, this family-run business specialises in manufacturing a wide variety of finished and semi-finished products for projects that span multiple industries. When it comes to product mix at Starbank, no two weeks are the same, and the work can range from intricate healthcare and educational furniture to large-scale fire door and case goods manufacture for the construction industry. Homag technology has been vital for business growth Since its incorporation, Starbank has invested in 22 high-performance Homag machines. These have been crucial for the production of its highquality products, and paramount for the success and growth of the business. The company’s management has always taken a forward-thinking, latest-technology approach when purchasing new equipment, focusing purely on high-specification solutions. This tactic has delivered tremendous flexibility to the company, enabling it to produce a wide variety of panel types to a very high quality. Starbank’s

most recent CNC machining centre investments, a Homag Centateq T-700 and a Centateq E-700, are no exception. Keeping one step ahead of the market John McCaffrey, business development manager at Starbank Panel Products, explains: “Previously, we had invested in a multi-spindle BOF 700 series, a one-off in the UK, which served us well for processing large batch volumes – but over the years, market demand gradually moved to smaller batch production. As a result, we needed a machine that was more flexible and efficient in handling batch size one, hence our decision to opt for the Homag Centateq T-700 CNC. “With regard to the Centateq E-700, this is a direct replacement for one of our older Homag BAZ 723 CNCs, a machine that, believe it or not, we bought way back in 2004. This machine had put in a lot of production hours for us, often on two shifts per day. These gantry machining centres with their edgebanding units, multiple toolchangers and flexible beds are huge investments, but they allow us control from batch size one to batch size 10,000 if needed. It really is a testament to how robust these CNCs are.

Homag Centateq T-700 and Centateq E-700 “One of the reasons for selecting the Centateq T-700 was the growth of compact laminate components we are now producing each week. To successfully manufacture high-end detailed components and large-volume worksurfaces with this material, it requires a large, robust and technically advanced machining centre. “You only get this performance with the biggantry CNCs, and the T-700 is perfect for us. We specified a four-axis model with extra tooling carousels for bespoke applications to give us the capacity, flexibility and edge we wanted. “The Centateq E-700 is another powerful gantry CNC machine, but with the benefit of adding an EVA/PO edge banding unit. This gives us the ability to run a multitude of materials including the challenging 3D acrylic edging, setting us apart from our competition. As with the T-700 we opted again for a four-axis model as this enables both synchronous or independent processing of panels depending on configuration. “Quality is always a critical driver for Starbank, and a source of continuous improvement. The power of the spindle heads is paramount to the performance of the machines when running a multi-shift operation. This, coupled with the

large bed size of both models, gives us a unique advantage in the market. “Naturally, we did consider other CNC machinery manufacturers. However, as all our CNC machinery operates on the same Homag software platform, it made sense to stick with Homag and their latest technological advances. It means our operators can easily switch between machines without having to learn new programming or machine skills. “Our people really like the latest powerTouch and woodWOP 7.2 software. The tool databases are a lot more efficient when adding and changing tooling, and the upgraded graphical user interface is a real bonus. The majority of our Homag machines have been networked for many years, and in the future we’ll be looking to take advantage of the Homag Tapio platform to maximise our Industry 4.0 approach to running a smart factory, which really is becoming a reality for Starbank. A forward-thinking company “The Darbyshire family who own Starbank are always looking to future production trends, and as a business this gives our team an advantage whilst researching and procuring the latest technology. Phil Darbyshire, Starbank’s MD, and Paul Atkinson, production director, have a very close working relationship with Jon Lawman – their Homag account manager – and often visit other facilities to learn more about the capabilities and benefits of new machine technology. “The relationship we have with Jon enables him to have an in-depth understanding of Starbank and the types and variety of panels we produce. There is genuine trust between the two parties, and Jon would never push us down a road that didn’t work for us,” explains Phil.

Starbank selected a Homag Centateq T-700 – a large, robust and technically advanced machining centre – to cope with the growth in compact laminate components it now makes

A skilled production team and efficient machinery delivers high-quality finishes John states: “Starbank operate both a day and a permanent night shift, meaning machines are potentially running for 16 hours a day. Sometimes during the summer months, we need

to be operational 24 hours a day. The excellent extraction and cooling systems on these CNC machines enable us to run for longer periods without any issues. “We believe the finish of our products is second to none, which is partly down to the machines and a reflection of the vast knowledge and skills of our programmers and operators. We are extremely proud of the work our team produces week on week, without fail. “The new Centateq CNCs have given us much more flexibility. A normal day might see us processing several types of materials with varying panel lengths and thickness. We’re not set up, for example, as a kitchen manufacturer would be, where they have machines that are in the main producing the same thing day in and day out. The ability to switch and change panel type is a vital requirement for both our sales and production teams, considering the variety of industries we serve. “Our multi-million euro investment in these two new machines will firmly place Starbank at the heart of panel outsourcing in the UK for many years to come, as we strive to continuously improve for our customers’ benefit. “There’s no doubt we would not be where we are today without the right machinery and team driving our investments,” concludes John. For a demonstration, or more information on Homag’s range of Centateq CNC processing centres, contact Adele Hunt at Homag UK on 01332 856424. www.homag.com

Salvador doubles productivity for shed manufacturer I Like Sheds specialises in manufacturing highquality garden buildings including bespoke summer houses, workshops, log cabins and, of course, a wide range of sheds. As business continued to soar, it was time to find a futureproof crosscutting solution for speeding up productivity, saving waste and ensuring quality. Daltons Wadkin visited the company’s Bedford facility to see how company director, Russell Smith, and manufacturing manager, Simon Pask, were coping with increasing demand six months on from the installation of their new Salvador SuperPush S200 automatic crosscut saw. “To speed the process up, we were looking for something that could crosscut at volume – it’s alright for an individual to be able to cut five pieces of wood at a time, but when you’ve got something that could cut between 10- 0 pieces of wood, then that is just going to increase the supply of timber that we can build sheds with,” explains Simon. Russell and Simon attended a demonstration at Daltons Wadkin in Nottingham to see the Salvador SuperPush S200 automatic crosscut saw in action. “I turned to Russell and said ‘that’s amazing’ – it was just a game-changer,” says Simon. The potential of the Salvador was immediately clear to Russell and Simon. Multiple cutting lists are easily imported from the office via network connection, or manually inputted at the machine. Featuring a high-speed pusher, intelligent clamping system, optimisation and defecting software as standard, this heavy-duty saw can deliver accurate and efficient production.

INSTALLATIONS 17

“Using the Salvador, now we can cut for 14 sheds in a shift, no problem,” enthuses Simon. “It’s doubled productivity.” Simon also reports that operators feel confident using the crosscut saw. Daltons Wadkin’s specialist installation team carried out training on the Salvador immediately after installation. Swift backup and support is guaranteed, with remote machine monitoring and assistance as standard. Another huge impact on production has been in the saving of waste, as the SuperPush S200 automatically works out the best cut, optimising the yield from each length of timber. “We’re wasting next to nothing now … it saves us a lot of money,” says Simon. “It’s the speed it cuts the wood. We had someone do 20 pieces of 3m-long framing on there, and literally whizzed it down in a couple of minutes.” Simon explains that the key benefit of the automatic crosscut has been the time saved by its ability to cut bulk wood. Going forward, I Like Sheds is looking to expand its facility and continue to invest in the future with automated machinery – in fact, within the same year, Russell also invested in an Elcon vertical panel saw from Daltons Wadkin, again increasing efficiency for his entire production line. For further information on automatic machinery, including the Salvador range, visit the company’s website. 0115 986 5201 info@daltonswadkin.com www.daltonswadkin.com

Striebig – the saw specialist Seamers Specialist Joinery began trading in 1875 and has evolved to become a respected name in high-end residential and commercial joinery fit-outs. Following a move to new premises spanning over 18,500ft2, and increased demand for its specialist joinery offering, the Derby-based company has invested heavily in new machinery, with the machinery line-up now including two Striebig vertical panel saws from TM Machinery. “We purchased our first Striebig Evolution vertical panel saw in 2014 after seeing the saw in action at a neighbouring joinery shop,” explains Leigh Freestone, workshop foreman

Seamers Specialist Joinery

Streamer’s first Striebig Evolution

at Seamers Specialist Joinery. “We had been using a dimension saw to cut sheet material, but it lacked accuracy. As our business was becoming more heavily involved in high-end, bespoke joinery for the London residential market, the need for speed, accuracy and versatility was becoming increasingly important, and a Striebig wallsaw offered us the perfect solution.” Designed for ease of use Predominantly needed to cut standard MDF, veneered MDF and plywood, the vertical panel saw needed to work efficiently with jumbo

An automatic Control model was later installed alongside the existing Striebig Evolution to keep up with demand

INSTALLATIONS 19

sheets, and offer quick and simple set-up. A small footprint was also desirable. The manually operated Evolution vertical panel saw, with numerous automated functions designed for ease of use, ticked all the boxes – but there was one problem: “As soon as the Evolution was installed, everyone wanted to use it,” admits Leigh. “We ended up with a queue forming as the dimension saw sat there redundant. The Evolution offered consistent, accurate cuts quickly, and overnight become the machine of choice in our workshop. If we wanted to maintain production levels, we needed to alter our floor layout and invest in a second vertical panel saw.” An automatic Control model was later installed alongside the existing Striebig Evolution to keep up with demand. With a fully automatic cut cycle, automatic beam- and saw-head positioning and panel-end detection, plus automatic measuring stop system and digital measuring system on both axes, it offered the growing joinery company a high degree of automation – future proofing its investment. It also offered a simple solution when performing multiple cuts. Leigh explains: “The majority of our work is bespoke, so no two items are the same, but in the last 12 months we’ve been working on a larger number of commercial projects, including bars for the fourth- and fifth-floor smoking terrace extensions at The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, and involvement in the restoration of original panelling in the Great Hall and the Court

The Evolution was bought to cut standard MDF, veneered MDF and Plywood and was fitted with a scoring unit

The Control featurees a 12 inch touch screen computer with optimal user guidance

Rooms at the Butchers’ Hall in EC1A. “Projects such as these often require rippings, which, when performed manually, are very time consuming. On the Control, you simple programme the size required into the saw’s computer and it does the rest for you. It takes operator error out of the equation and allows for hundreds of repeat cuts to be done quickly. “We’ve also found straightening timber on the Control to be a real benefit to us,” says Leigh. “We use a lot of soft and hard wood, and some boards are bowed. Before we had the two Striebig saws, bowed boards needed to go through a planer. It was extremely laborious and not always accurate. Now, we simply put it on the vertical panel saw and skim it. It works really well. It’s such a robust machine.”

20 INSTALLATIONS

Building a solid infrastructure With the volume of panels being cut on the machine increasing, Leigh admits the two saws are the workhorses at Seamers Specialist Joinery. “They are the hardest-working machines in our workshop and a valuable commodity. Investing in high-quality machinery has helped us build a solid infrastructure and has given us the capacity to take on more projects and reduce lead times. It’s also given us more flexibility. Designers and architects like to push the boundaries of design, and it’s our job to make their vision a reality. They know we have the skills and kit needed to bring their design concepts to life, and because of this, we have built a solid reputation for ourselves.” This has made the need to invest more important than ever for the 145-year-old company. “We need the right machinery available to use and we can’t afford for a single job to be anything but perfect. It’s a competitive industry, and word of mouth is so important.

It’s in the detail with Striebig’s support rollers, central support grid and stops

Having good-quality machinery that is reliable and accurate allows us to bring our A-game to the table every time. We work to fine tolerances, and we know that we can rely on Striebig to deliver accurate cuts within 0.1mm every time – even on units as long as 7m.” Leigh adds: “We can also rely on TM Machinery. They’re a knowledgeable team who

The Control’s Laser Indicator offers pin point accuracy

really do go the extra mile to help. They not only helped us source the right machinery for our business, they worked around us to install the machine, and continue to be on hand if we need them. What more could you ask for from a machinery supplier?” 0116 271 7155 www.tmmachinery.co.uk

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Profiling and sanding lines for sound-absorbing panels Wood is the ideal building material for creating architectural elements with innovative mechanical, insulating and fireproof features, states SCM. One example is sound-absorbing panels, which need to be machined with the most up-to-date technologies and methods to successfully achieve a product of exceptional quality. Processes like trimming and sanding, 3D finishing, profiling and grooving machining deserve particular attention. Because of this, an increasing number of companies in the industry need to meet high levels of productivity, while equally guaranteeing absolute machining quality and precision.

Mission impossible? Not for SCM, which, thanks to its decade of experience in designing and developing technological solutions for timber construction, has created a fully integrated line for profiling and sanding threelayer sound-absorbing panels. An engineering project to cover its entire production cycle has been chosen, among other things, by German company Lignotrend, one of Europe’s leading players in this sector. The advantages Increased productivity, shorter set-up times, greater machining precision and a dramatic improvement in the finishing levels achieved

INSTALLATIONS 23

are what SCM says are the advantages that make its engineering solution stand out above the rest. The line is controlled by a single piece of supervision software, Maestro Active Watch, which ensures full integration of all the machining phases. This means that, each minute, three standard-size panels are produced, as well as guaranteeing with greater flexibility and simplicity a surface finish that is diverse and highly sought-after. The automation process and flexibility mark the first stage of the trimming process lengthwise, which is carried out on a Celashi p30, a very precise machine compared to others in the same category, says SCM. Integrated by a Mahros system with roller conveyor to automatically load pieces, it can achieve different-sized transversal cuts (from 3m to 1500 or 700mm), always with the same precision and speed – from 3-5 panels/min. Once the trimming is completed, the pieces need to be brought to their required thickness. The trimmed panels are transported along the roller conveyor at a speed of 12m/ min to an initial compact sanding line consisting of two DMC System machines, to calibrate the upper and lower faces of the panel. Thanks to seven different machining heads, a third DMC System automatic structuring machine completes this stage of the process, carrying out various kinds of finishings on the panel – such as different levels of rustication – with attractive results and design. Another connection unit transfers the sanded, calibrated panels to two Celaschi squaring machines – one assigned to transversal profiling, the other to profiling the longitudinal sides – to achieve the required lengths and widths. Subsequent stages involve the panels being further machined and perfected with surface grooving processing, to increase the sound-absorbing surface, and brushing for the final clean. This is executed by another top-of-the-range DMC System which, thanks to the power and efficiency of its units, provides impressive surface finishing. Impregnation and manual unloading complete the process, with what SCM describes as “exceptional quality” results. www.lignotrend.de www.scmgroup.com

24 INSTALLATIONS

Custom cabinetry and millwork specialist wins jobs with software’s graphics and automation tools Jeremiah Halla needed to quickly become productive when he opened the doors of his custom cabinetry and millwork company, Elegant Wood Creations. Making the leap to entrepreneurship was daunting, but he hit the ground running by investing in the machinery and software necessary to ensure he would be in full production by the time his first customer walked through the door. “I got Cabinet Vision a few months before opening the business, and now I can’t even imagine doing everything that we do here by hand,” he says. “It just wouldn’t work without the software – I feel like you’re much more accurate with a CNC machine.” Located in Turlock, California, Elegant Wood Creations produces a range of custom cabinetry and millwork, including kitchens, entertainment centres, vanities, closets, home offices, bookcases, mantels, and floating shelves, and meets a diverse array of one-of-a-kind demands.

QUALITY PANEL SUPPLY PRODUCTS Wooden Edge Glued Panels Worktops TGV Legs Birch Ply Wood veneered mdf Wood edge banding MDF MR MDF MR Butt & Bead Primed THICKNESSES 6/9/12/15/16/18/20/22/25/27/30/40mm WIDTHS 300/600/620/915/1210/1220mm LENGTHS 900 through to 4000mm SPECIES Oak, Ash, Pine, Knotless Pine, Tulipwood/Yellow Poplar, Beech, Iroko, Maple, Black Walnut and more SERVICES Cutting Service Available 24-72 hour delivery National & European delivery available Volume orders from stock No minimum orders Rubio Monocoat Supplier

01206 396725

sales@mlpanels.com www.mlpanels.com

@mlpanels

26 INSTALLATIONS

Jeremiah Halla uses Cabinet Vision’s Screento-Machine (S2M) Center to perform all the company’s design work, manage job details, and generate NC code that is sent to CNC machinery on the shop floor. The software – part of Hexagon’s Smart Manufacturing portfolio – has helped the small company win jobs and produce a large volume of products, with just two employees. He uses Cabinet Vision’s realistic rendering capabilities to help customers understand and visualise design details. “I’ve had people tell me they went with my company because I was able to show them a 3D picture,” he says. “There are businesses that come to potential customers with drawings on graph paper, and that isn’t a strong selling point. Most people want to see something to help them visualise – and I’ve had people think that Cabinet Vision renderings are actual photographs.” The solution’s graphics capabilities are an advantage when working with contractors, as well. “Sometimes contractors want me to render projects to help sell a job. I can take plan views and elevation views and give them to a contractor to lay out all their plumbing and electrical work. With Cabinet Vision, what you see is what you get, and contractors love that.”

In addition to its strong visual capabilities, Cabinet Vision simplifies the process of making design changes, as the software automatically resizes all affected parts when adjustments to size are made. “Unlike doing everything by hand, if I want to change the width of a cabinet, the system will do it for me. I don’t have to go in by hand and calculate changes to all of the parts, so it takes out a lot of the margin for human error.” Before sending projects to the shop floor, Jeremih Halla takes advantage of Cabinet Vision’s powerful nesting engine to boost efficiency and maximise material yield. “I only have little pieces of scrap wood now, whereas before the CNC machine and Cabinet Vision, there was a lot more,” he says. “It’s awesome.” While he typically nests the parts automatically, the software allows him to edit automatically-generated nests if needed. This combined programming flexibility and power enables him to automate as many tasks as possible while retaining control over the entire production process. “Cabinet Vision drills our holes, cuts our dadoes, and, if we have a special hole or other special feature, it will take care of that for us, too,” he says. “It’s nice to be able to draw

something and have it cut exactly the way I drew it. I draw it and the guys cut it, paint it, and send it out. It makes everything a lot easier.” Cut lists, material lists and assembly sheets are generated with information derived from project designs. In addition to reducing error, these detailed lists and instructions helps everyone to understand jobs at a glance. “The elevation view is great to send out to the guys on the shop floor. If there are variations in the CAD part, I can simply type notes into it. It makes it a lot easier to communicate important job details, which helps us avoid making mistakes.” Cabinet Vision and CNC machinery ensure that shop time at Elegant Wood Creations is optimised, as time that would otherwise be devoted to cutting projects by hand can be devoted to other tasks. “The guys can be doing something else while the router is cutting a sheet, so it’s really like having another employee, or even two,” concludes Jeremiah. “This is a small shop, but investing in the machinery and Cabinet Vision was still less than I would pay a monthly employee.” www.cabinetvision.com

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28 INSTALLATIONS

“It does exactly what it says on the box”

Laser Cutouts is a family-owned and run business that has been successfully trading for approximately 10 years in Washington, Tyne & Wear. What was primarily set up for laser cutting and engraving has now also evolved into wood crafting and box production. After being approached by a charity to see if Laser Cutouts could produce memory boxes, it first began with laser-cut-out boxes. These required a great deal of manpower to complete, as they still needed to be glued, clamped and left to dry. From this, the business moved to a locking mitre joint, which was better but still required gluing, clamping and time to dry. While visiting the 2019 annual Northern Woodworking Show in Harrogate, company director Paul Stott came to the Hoffmann Machine Co stand, where he was given a demonstration of the Hoffmann MU3 Dovetail Routing Machine by Sean, one of the Hoffmann team. Sean produced a simple but strong mitre joint in a matter of seconds. By drawing down the hand lever, the workpiece is clamped and the motor starts. Continued pressure on the lever raises the router unit through the workpiece and to the pre-set routing depth. When the hand lever is returned to its original position, the motor switches off automatically and the routed workpiece is released. Digital and pneumatic models are also available, for even greater accuracy and speed.

Paul was so impressed that he sent Sean some samples of his 9mm-thick poplar wood to test the accuracy and strength of the joints. A range of samples was produced using different-sized Hoffmann Dovetail Keys (W-2 and W-0). It was agreed that the joint using the Hoffmann W-0 key would offer the ideal solution. Paul was so impressed with the samples that the Hoffmann MU3 Dovetail Routing Machine was purchased immediately, and the business has not looked back since. Paul Stott comments: ‘’With very limited training, all our staff can now produce all parts of the box, eliminating the need to employ a dedicated member of staff. We can now produce the joints and start assembly immediately with no clamping required. “The finished joints are tighter and stronger,

and add to the quality and finish of the box. Not only has the Hoffmann Dovetail Jointing System improved the quality of the joints, the production time has been reduced by two thirds, increasing productivity!’’ Laser Cutouts is currently producing four different-sized boxes, from small (150mm²) up to large (400mm²). The new Hoffmann W-0 key is one-third smaller than the well-renowned W-1, so it was ideal to use on Paul’s 9mm-thick profiles. With a cross-sectional size of just 3.3 x 4.4mm, it will draw together profiles as thin as 7mm and upwards with startling strength. Hoffmann offers the service of joint processing in customers’ profiles for their assessment and approval. 01524 841500 www.hoffmann-uk.com

30 PRODUCTS

Ostermann’s new ABS edgings with cutting-edge marble decors Marble has been processed since antiquity. Back then, the material was used in edifices and for sculptures. Today, marble decors are still very popular, and reproductions of the exquisite material can be found in nearly all board collections. Indeed, Ostermann has just added four new decors to its extensive range of ABS edgings. Marble is en vogue in interior design. It stands out with a high-grade look, comes in many different variations, and its different colours and inclusions make every board unique. The massive stone material is hard to process, though – at least, with woodworking machinery. Fortunately, Ostermann has just launched four new ABS edgings with marble decors. These are available in the dimensions 23, 33, 43 and 100 x 2mm, and supplied from a length of 1m. For further information on the new decor edgings, enter the search item ‘Highlights05’ into Ostermann’s website.

Stone or not stone? That is the question. Ostermann supplies four new decor edgings with cuttingedge marble decors. Hardly distinguishable from real marble, they offer all the benefits of an ABS material, says Ostermann

ABS edging Engelsberg Marble Engelsberg marble is known for its red colours, interspersed with white streaks. It can be seen in many Viennese buildings – for example, in St Stephen’s Cathedral. Nowadays, the material no longer meets the requirements for building materials due to its lower compressive strength – but anyone still wishing to apply its unique look to interior design can use the ABS edging, Engelsberg Marble. ABS edging Oriental Stone Brown The Ostermann ABS edging Oriental Stone Brown shows a classic marble decor with a basis of dark brown shades, interspersed with streaks in tones from light orange to white. What makes it special is the matt surface finish, which goes perfectly with cutting-edge matt and light plain boards, but also with dark wood decors. ABS edging Kings Marble Green This edging captivates with a very matt look, as well. On the natural decor, dark, blue-green inclusions are surrounded by many grey-brown streaks. The consistent design of the surface is suited for a combination with uni-coloured sandy shades or light woods.

ABS edging Carrara Marble The term Carrara marble hardly needs any further explanation. The origin of the famous rock is northern Tuscany. Classic Carrara marble is usually white, sometimes slightly grey, blue, yellowish or reddish. The Ostermann edging is

mainly white, with slight grey inclusions. Due to its rather neutral colour scheme, it can be combined in many ways. 01905 793550 s.parsons@ostermann.eu www.ostermann.eu

32 PRODUCTS

What are the latest colour trends for kitchen and bathroom furniture? Here, Scott Williams, national sales manager for Rehau Furniture Solutions, outlines the latest colour trends to emerge for kitchen and bathroom furniture, following the increased amount of time people have spent at home …

Everyone has their own sense of style and design preferences – however, trends also influence the features people opt for. While there will always be daring homeowners with bold styles who opt for bright, block colours to create a statement, many are now moving towards more natural hues that mimic the surrounding environment to create a feeling of calm. This is echoed by results revealed in a recent campaign, Designing Different, with 59% of people saying they prefer calming and neutral tones over bold ones, paired with the addition of accessories to also inject character into the space. Switching up colours and themes within the home doesn’t necessarily have to mean redecorating an entire space – simply selecting stand-out pieces of furniture or worktops can

achieve a whole new look. Ranges such as the Rehau Rauvisio Noir collection of monotonic matte surfaces are continuing to rise in demand, with hues such as forest green and different tones of grey remaining firmly on trend. Greys and warm neutral colour schemes were the most sought-after for the heart of the home (the kitchen), according to the survey, as they can provide a more refined feel without being clinical. At the same time, 39% prefer white colour palettes for the bathroom, creating a sleek and modern finish that gives the illusion of a larger space. End-users are embracing the chance to create schemes which accurately reflect their personality and style, whether this includes a mix of different coloured hues or embracing one specific colour scheme.

Adding personality Almost half of those surveyed agreed that it is important for their home interior to look different to that of their family, friends or neighbours, showcasing the need for opportunity to insert unique design choices into a space to make it one’s own. Careful consideration around the furniture in the kitchen and bathroom brings focus to these areas, allowing homeowners’ personality to shine through. Whether opting for a subtle or daring scheme, a range of detailed surfaces brought together make a more captivating backdrop. This can be introduced in all aspects of furniture design, with a mix of colours to truly reflect an individual’s personality with a colour scheme that is as unique as they are. The selection of shades to choose from means that there is endless flexibility and combinations when it comes to adding furniture to two of the most used rooms in the home. The integration of different textures can bring a kitchen to life by

adding individuality, using it as a way to promote original taste. A playful pairing of traditional design and modern furnishings is really coming through this year, maintaining a homely environment that offers a contemporary edge. Maintaining consistency Adding bright and bold colours introduces flair into the space, which gives a bespoke finish – however, to create a consistent thread, it’s worth considering how to implement surfaces or accessories to retain a clear colour theme throughout. As open-plan living is on the rise, maintaining an element of consistency in a design is key to avoid a jarring look. Whether this is through the use of a harmonious colour scheme across spaces, or tying together the same surfaces for worktops, frontals and splashbacks, we’re seeing more people appreciate the benefits that a consistent scheme brings. If opting for the same material across all surfaces, it’s vital a high-quality option is specified, to avoid signs of wear and tear over the years, particularly in high-traffic areas. This

is supported by the 91% of people who reported that it is important that products and materials in their home are of a high quality and will last a long time. Establishing design foundations in this way will ensure a kitchen continues to look great for years to come, avoiding any fading of the colours which have been carefully picked out. Trends have adapted to the events which have unfolded over the past year and caused a shift in preferences in the home, with a clear move towards expressing style through furniture, as well as a desire to mirror the outdoors with the use of neutral tones. However, creating a space which is timeless also remains key, so taking into consideration the longevity of the furniture in terms of both reliability and design is vital to create a longlasting aesthetic. The abundance of colour schemes for furniture ranges provides end-users with flexibility to select the most suitable tones and hues to fit their desired aesthetic, creating a space that matches their personality. Download the Designing Different report at www.rehau.com/uk-en/designing-different www.rehau.com/uk-en/interiors

34 PRODUCTS

SIT Furniture Design Award announces its 2020 winners SIT has revealed its 2020 winners in professionals’ and students’ categories. SIT Furniture Design Award was created to recognise the efforts of talented international furniture designers, interior designers and Interior decorators that use furniture in their space design. The SIT Award celebrates creativity and shares furniture designers’ innovative vision with the world. The SIT Award Jury board members evaluated all submissions from 53 countries, based not only on the highest of current furniture design standards and trends but also seeking out truly visionary Interior designers showcasing creativity and innovation. “As we struggle this year with an unprecedented challenge, it’s important to showcase designer’s strategic thinking and imagination that goes into making great Furniture. While reorganizing our lives from home and changing life long habits, Interior designers have a major role in redefining private versus working spaces and adapting furniture,” said Hossein Farmani, adding that: “industrial designers help in improving our daily life; therefore, their efforts should be recognised.”

2020 EMERGING FURNITURE DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Memoria Chair

2020 FURNITURE DESIGN OF THE YEAR Sage by David Rockwell for Benchmark Category: Commercial Furniture set

Category: other seats

Company: Rockwell Group

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Lead Designer: David Rockwell Other Designers: Barry Richards And Shunyi Wu

Diseño Y Tecnología.

Country: United States

Lead Designer: Sergio Sesmero Country: Spain

2020 INNOVATION OF THE YEAR SecretAir - The discrete home office sideboard Company: Myny Lead Designer: Wouter Myny Country: Norway

2020 INTERIOR DESIGN OF THE YEAR Country Garden Nantong Riverbank Sales Office Category: Sales Office Design Company: Vanpin Architecture Design Lead Designers: Zhezeng Xiong, Zhenghui Long Other Designers: Hongwei Luo, Kai Chen, Xiafei Wu, Fengshuo Dong Country: China

2020 EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR Le Fer Plat V Category: Hotel Design School: Savannah College of Art and Design Lead Designer: Crystal Martin Country: United States

36 CNC MACHINERY

Maka – the new benchmark for five-axis CNC Maka’s latest version of the MK7 represents another step forward for the market leading specialist in five-axis machinery. Now available with a very useful 8ft capacity, a complete noise enclosure with tall and wideaccess power-doors, are included as standard, along with quick-setting features for the machine setter, and faster processing speeds ! The MK7 features a mono-frame construction with least moving parts, requiring low maintenance and provides long term stability. The MK7 is a robust heavy-duty machine throughout, and is conveniently designed to provide a compact universal machining centre for a wide variety of complex machining applications. It is efficient for both one-offs and high volume production. The five-axis head may also be also paired with the new 37,000rpm spindle for very high speed machining, carving, detailing and engraving. Tool changing options are also provided for 20 or more tools, including large saws and profile tools, as well as routers and drills. Tools are loaded safely and conveniently from outside the machine too. More down-to-earth work-horses are available with the massively robust and reliable Power-Maka spindle. Speed, precision and reliability are all hallmarks of Maka. The MK7 is no exception.

New Maka MK7 with 8ft capacity, and extra wide powered doors is as happy producing high volume car components for Mercedes, as well as bespoke handrails

It is also highly flexible. This same machine is happy producing high volume components for Mercedes, as well as bespoke furniture and joinery items like handrails. Its inherent flexibility is in large part due to its precision and power, enabling the programmer to set-up quickly and correctly first time,

and confidently go directly from screen-tomachine. For further details, contact Maka UK MD, Iain Young, directly on 07836-295434 and via info@makauk.com. 01952-607700 www.maka.com

Made Made Made InInItaly InItaly Italy

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38 CNC MACHINERY

Cutting a path to profit with the latest CNC routing/cutting machines from AAG With the easing of lockdown caused by the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, combined with a gradual return to normality and early signs of an economic recovery, companies in the industrial woodworking and furniture and joinery manufacturing sectors, in common with other industries, will be reviewing their future production requirements. In particular they will be assessing how best these can be met by judicious investment in new capital equipment that will help accelerate business growth and prosperity. Leading supplier of CNC routing/cutting systems, AAG highlights important developments that have taken place at its main UK facility in Telford, Shropshire that will enable these objectives to be achieved. By introducing the latest large-format AXYZ Infinite and smaller-format Innovator CNC routing/cutting systems, AAG claims to have comprehensively accommodated the requirements of two distinct but complementary sectors of the market, in terms of machine size and price-to-performance capability. Both machines again demonstrate AAG’s known propensity for empowering customers with the means of increasing industrial-grade output in the most costeffective manner available, reinforced by AAG’s compelling machine trade-in discounts provided to its customers. With the AXYZ Infinite, AAG has delivered arguably the most powerful and technically advanced CNC routing/cutting system so far developed. Apart from the familiar solid steel frame construction that will withstand the most vigorous machine operation likely to be encountered, key design features include an aluminium T-slot vacuum material hold-down processing bed, a new carriage design that enables easier and faster routine maintenance and the installation of machine upgrades and performanceenhancing dust extraction and cooling/lubricating systems.

The more recently launched smaller-format AXYZ Innovator incorporates many of the attributes of the AXYZ Infinite and other similarly positioned large-format machines but at a commensurately lower cost and in a size that will better accommodate installation in workshops where available space is at a premium. Significantly, and for the first time on any machine in its class, the AXYZ Innovator incorporates an optional three-station ATC (Automatic Tool Change) system for increased machine functionality. Both machines provide a raft of optional production-enhancing tools. These include the latest A2MC machine control system with

integrated AVS (AXYZ Vision System) for optimum routing/cutting accuracy, supplemented with the innovative helical rack and pinion drive system. This incorporates a multiple gear teeth configuration that helps spread the workload more evenly and enables faster throughput speeds, reduced machine wear and material wastage and ultimately a longer than normal machine life. Contemporaneous with these latest CNC machine incarnations, AAG has introduced a redesigned and radically upgraded CNCShop online division. This now incorporates a more streamlined page navigation facility that will provide owners of both AXYZ and WARDJet waterjet cutting systems (now part of AAG’s expanding solutions portfolio) with 24/7 access to a much wider range of essential spare parts, accessories and consumables. It also allows live interaction with specially trained AAG application engineers that ensures only the most appropriate product/s are specified for specific applications. Bespoke product training courses and maintenance programs complete the AAG CNC machining offering. 01952 291600 www.axyz.co.uk

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40 CNC MACHINERY

Holz-Her’s Evolution 7405 4mat offers complete processing on all fours sides in one clamping operation. Simply adjust the bottom jointing dimension and the rest is completed automatically

Natural Evolution Space: It’s a valuable commodity for any manufacturer and something that is invariably in short supply. But why should the growth of your business, your product offering or your quality levels be restricted by the size of your workshop? Requiring just 5sqm, the Evolution series of vertical CNC machines from Holz-Her offers a flexible and powerful solution for those keen to upgrade their production processes and capitalise on the wealth of benefits a Holz-Her CNC has to offer. Whilst the Evolution series is compact in size, it certainly doesn’t fall short with its impressive list of credentials. Take the Evolution 7405 4mat as an example: capable of working with panels measuring 1200mm high and designed to work with virtually unlimited lengths, it offers complete machining on all four edges of the workpiece, making it suitable for standard machining operations such as construction holes, cutouts and grooves. Adding to the machines versatility, it comes equipped with automatic suction cup positioning (ideal for fast, error free setting) and includes automatic adaptation technology that adjusts to material thicknesses ranging from 8-70mm. Standard features continue on the Evolution 7405 4mat with an integrated six-position toolchanger for tools up to 110mm, a 10.3 kW electro spindle with HSK-F63 connector and a fully-equipped drilling head, making the vertical CNC suitably equipped for milling, engraving, profiling and door processing applications. >>

Workpieces with lengths up to 1500mm can be machined without re-clamping, reducing the machining cycle by up to 35%

42 CNC MACHINERY

An integrated six-position tool-changer for tools up to 110mm, a 10.3 kW electro spindle with HSK-F63 connector and a fully-equipped drilling head come as standard. As an option, the Evolution can be equipped with up to 22 drilling spindles and grooving saw

The Evolution features fully automatic positioning of suction cups. The automatic vacuum clamping system ensures a secure hold that is gentle on panel materials and solid wood

In addition to the drilling of dowel holes, the Evolution 7405 4mat can be equipped with a patented X/Y tool-changer suitable for milling furniture connector pockets. Part of the ‘Connect’ package, this option mills for OVVO or Lamello connectors in the X and Y directions, as well as in all four edges of the workpieces in one clamping operation. To do this, the CNC is equipped with an additional seventh toolchanger location and aggregate with matching programming macro, making it quick and easy to produce carcass furniture and counter tops, as well as applications using solid wood and composite materials. To expand the capabilities of this vertical CNC machine range even further, additional packages include ‘Door Ready’, which allows the complete machining of door blanks up to 70mm thick. Additionally, ‘Xcut’ automatically dimensions components from bought-in strips allowing for easy ripping and cross-cut operations that are stored on the machines computer, eliminating the need for cross-cuts. Teamed with CAMPUS/NC Hops software, the Evolution’s software package provides the pre-requisites for effective machining and convenient operation. Open architecture software allows for the simple transfer of

existing data and connection to a wide range of branch, design and CAD/CAM software, whilst the CNC’s EcoMode automatic standby control is a standard feature on all Holz-Her CNC’s to minimise power consumption. Paul Nightingale, national sales manager for Holz-Her UK says: “At Holz-Her, we believe manufacturers shouldn’t be restricted by the size of their workshop. That’s why our Evolution series offers a complete vertical machining solution in a compact format. It is a seriously flexible machine, ideally suited to a wide range of applications and companies, big or small. A highly capable, extremely flexible CNC that’s fast too, it requires approximately half the number of re-clamping cycles needed for long lengths compared to competitors, thus delivering faster cycle times and precise repeatability. This is truly a solution in a box. You can route, drill, Xcut, rip, machine for furniture fittings or even machine doors for locks and hinges. The Evolution: from small footprint to big output.” For further information, or to arrange a demonstration in Holz-Her UK’s Abingdon showroom, please call 01235 557600 or visit the company’s website. www.holzher.co.uk

The “Door Ready” package has been designed to make light work of door processing. In addition to the insertion of lock cases, handle holes and hinges, the package allows the milling of recesses for door closers and cold enemies

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44 CNC MACHINERY

New Essepigi throughfeed CNC door machining line installed at Ian Firth

Established in 1982, Ian Firth Hardware has grown to be one of the UK’s leading suppliers of internal door kits and external door sets along with hardware products, serving all the major house builders throughout the country. From humble beginnings working from the family home, founder (and now chairman) Ian Firth started out supplying local builders and tradesmen with ironmongery. Fast forward nearly 40 years, and the Dewsbury-based company now operates from a large, modern manufacturing facility with purpose-built offices and warehousing, employing over 100 people. In 1988, Firths branched out and started selling patio doors, garage doors and internal doors. Such was the success of these new products, that the company further expanded into composite doors (both steel and GRP faced). Again, sales grew steadily YoY, reaching record levels in 2019. To keep pace with demand, it was clear that a significant investment in new machinery would be needed, and it fell to commercial director Robin Firth, operations manager Nigel Robinson and production manger Mark Pickets to research the market for suitable equipment. Nigel comments: “The easiest thing for us to do was to install another CNC rail-and-pod machine. We already have three machines, and they can

do what we need up to a point – but in order to reach the required output levels we needed to move in another direction.” As a result, Nigel contacted JJ Smith, which had already supplied Ian Firth with machines for door and frame production which had served them very well. A site meeting was set up with Paul Parker, who carefully reviewed what was needed and talked through the options with Robin, Nigel and Mark.

It soon became clear that the machine that ticked all the boxes was an Essepigi model Doormatic CNC throughfeed machine. A detailed quote was put together for a double-sided Doormatic equipped with automatic infeed and outfeed, two horizontal routing spindles for face plate and lock case machining – to suit Winkhaus locks – and on the opposite side, two horizontal routing spindles for hinge recessing and spot drilling for the screw holes. Also specified were two vertical electro-spindles for cutting out vision panel apertures, letter box slots, and drilling for the spy hole and lock bolt. The main advantage the Essepigi Doormatic has over standard CNC routers is that all operations are working simultaneously, which obviously significantly speeds the process up. With the automatic infeed and outfeed system, a door is ready to be loaded while another is being machined and a finished door is on the outfeed ready for unloading, without any downtime. After attending an on-site demonstration in the UK at another company processing fire doors, and using the boomerang system for one-man loading/unloading, an order was placed. The Doormatic was delivered and installed on schedule, and it has now been in operation for over three months. Mark comments: “Production-wise, it is exactly what was promised and what we had hoped for. We can normally process approximately 40 doors on each of our existing twin-bed CNC machines. With the new Essepigi we can now process between 100 and 120 doors per shift, depending on the complexity of the machining operations. “In addition, the actual programming is much simpler and quicker to follow, thanks to the preinstalled macro templates.” Robin Firth concludes: “We are extremely happy with the Doormatic, which was expertly installed by the JJ Smith technicians. It has given us the additional capacity we needed to help ensure prompt, on-time deliveries to our customers, which is crucial to us.” 0151 548 9000 sales@jjsmith.co.uk www.jjsmith.co.uk

46 CNC MACHINERY

The Masterwood CNC family – impressive solutions for all Masterwood GB managing director, Dave Kennard, outlines why his firm is one of the industry’s leading CNC specialists.

Masterwood Spa is one of the leading suppliers dedicated to CNC solutions, supplying machines to over 100 countries around the World. After being run for over 50 years by the three Italian families of Muti, Zangheri, and Boschetti the company has now become part of the KDT Machinery Group of China, one of the largest manufacturers of woodworking machines in the world. Masterwood’s range of CNC routers, and CNC drilling machines are all built in Italy using proven designs and leading suppliers for components like HSD, Beckhoff, Yaskawa, THK, Schmalz, and Becker are now joined by edgebanders, high speed drilling machines, and saws in partnership with KDT. Pod and rail CNCs Starting with an entry-level Project 250, moving through the larger 300 and 400 Project series to the top end Project 500 range these CNC machines can be supplied in all formats for solid timbers, panels, composites, and other materials. This includes long or short beds, cantilever or gantry designs, manual or automatic beds, in three, four, or five axis formats. Flat-bed CNC’s To compliment the pod and rail range Masterwood have increased the range of matrix beds for nesting and special works. These range from the entry 2500mm x 1250mm bed through a large range of sheet sizes up to beds of 7500mm in length. These machines are built with a solid frame bed and with the gantries driven on both sides of the matrix bed for added accuracy and long lasting reliability.

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48 CNC MACHINERY

The flat-bed range can have infeed and outfeed systems to automate the production, allowing full sheets to be loaded, fully machined, finished panels pushed out, and the bed cleaned before the next sheet is loaded. On top of this a manual or fully automatic arm can be added for sticking labels on to the sheets prior or after machining. Special CNC’s To add to the main CNC range, Masterwood also produce dedicated machines like the 4WIN (Windows), Project Door (full size doors), DoorLine (door locks and hinges), Teknomat (window and frame components). These machines can be manually fed, or in most cases supplied with a mixture of automatic loading and unloading equipment, including robots – the employees of the future? Production lines In recent years Masterwood has been asked to provide more and more automated production lines to leading manufacturers around the world. This has covered such products as windows, doors, frames, coffins and sun glasses. The special systems have included such items as inserting weather seals into components, selecting and fixing locks into housings, special beds for machining gun parts, and special drill heads for multi-drilling acoustic panels. Dedicated software Developments and improvements to the CNC machines is one thing, but the biggest changes have been with software. As our PC’s have become more powerful than the software has too, allowing customers to produce programmes that consist of thousands of lines of code in minutes, allowing carvings and intricate work to be produced on the very basic three axis machines, often dismissing the need to go to more expensive five axis machines and software. Masterwood has always produced software with is own companies, but to take this to higher levels they now work under contract with some of the leading software houses, this ensures that machines and software are fully compatible at all times.

All the machines are supplied with the tried and tested MasterWorks CAD/CAM, an easy to use, but powerful package for most CNC work. To add to this there are dedicated packages to cover staircases, windows, door sets (timber frame and solid core), traditional box windows, cabinets, furniture, louvres, and the latest 3D software for three, four, and five axis work. Any of the packages can be added to a customer’s machine at any time, giving them the ability to change direction or production methods if required. All the Masterwood software packages come with full on-site installation and training to meet the customer’s manufacturing needs.

Support Selling and supplying machines is one thing, supporting and helping customers is the next stage, in our eyes it is the most important. For first time buyers CNC is likely to be the biggest investment their company makes, so it is important that they see the results on their production as soon as possible and feel comfortable with the direction they have taken. Masterwood GB uses up to twelve technicians in the UK and Ireland to cover the installation and training for new and old CNC machines and software, support and back up, servicing, repairs, and breakdowns, plus upgrading old machines to be more compatible with the new machines when installed. We also have the expertise of our Italian company staff to help with the more specialised jobs when required. Our new office and showroom opened in the Gatwick Airport area in July 2019 giving Masterwood GB appropriate facilities for running demonstrations on the CNC machines and software, plus providing short courses for new and old customers for machines and software. Within the new unit is storage for spare parts and second hand Masterwood machines. Our showroom has already proved to be very popular with customers as they can visit in safety and spend as much time looking at solutions for their own manufacturing requirements as they need, something that is not always possible at exhibitions. 01293 402700 07930 407084 davek@masterwoodgb.co.uk www.masterwoodgb.co.uk

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A long-established company with an increasing presence in the CNC tooling market, Wealden Tool Company has at least 95% of its range in stock at any time, meaning that orders can be dispatched the same day, offering customers a rapid source of supply. The wide range features traditional solid spiral cutters including larger sizes and many innovative cutters hard to find elsewhere. Some cutters feature replaceable tips, offering the benefits of constant geometry and easy maintenance. All cutters plus toolholders, collet nuts and collets available online or call Wealden for technical advice or to discuss a particular requirement.

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DUST EXTRACTION & WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

Huge savings for Jeld-Wen with Extraction Solutions

CFC1000 filter housing all necessary components for an energy efficient extraction system

Jeld-Wen is one of the UK’s largest door manufacturers producing over 40,000 units every week. Over the course of 2020 and in spite of the global pandemic, they have invested heavily in new processes and equipment to further improve the quality of their products and production methods. A large part of this investment was replacing their 40-year-old dust extraction plant. The aging system had become heavily reliant on maintenance, and poor duct design meant all three 132kW fans were required to serve just a small part of the production process. Extraction Solutions and partners Modesta held several meetings with the team at JeldWen to ascertain what design elements were most important for their new system. Ensuring compliance and preventing downtime were among the top priorities. “We had a very old timeworn system, that failed on compliance and required air flow,” said Jeld-Wen project manager Andrew Taylor. It became clear that the Modesta CFC filter with its unique cascading fan system was the ideal solution. Having several smaller built-in fans ensures that even if one fan fails, the factory can still continue with little to no impact on extraction performance.

320m3 silo storing production waste for use in the waste to energy system

Project Engineer for Extraction Solutions James Parkes remarked: “The multi-fan design removes unexpected downtime and is super energy efficient. Some parts of the factory only run a single shift, the extraction in these areas can be isolated greatly reducing energy consumption.”

Waste can be sent directly to bulk trailer when required

Installation of this huge system was completed in less than 2 weeks!

Hurdles and difficult decisons Shortly after James (ESL) and Wyboud Kloppenburg (MD of Modesta) encountered their first hurdle, the only space available to site the new system was over 150m away from the boiler infeed. Rather than follow suit with other tenders, Wyboud questioned: “Why can’t we use the same space as the existing system?” Although both knew this wouldn’t be an easy task, it would greatly improve the overall costs and operation of the plant, reducing components, maintenance and difficult access over the roof. The idea was put to Jeld-Wen who were quick to point out they had contracted supply commitments and couldn’t afford any down time outside of their two-week Christmas shut down. Extraction Solutions were confident it could be achieved. “At first, the idea of removing 40 years of equipment and installing a large extraction system in two weeks was quite daunting,” said installation director Nick Wright of Extraction Solutions, “but this was the only window of opportunity and I had every faith our team were up to the task.”

DUST EXTRACTION & WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

Wyboud added: “With both time and space at a premium, the CFC series lends its self perfectly to the situation, delivered in three pre-built sections with all fans and filter bags already installed it offers a small footprint and greatly reduces onsite installation.” When designing the duct system Extraction Solutions carefully considered the production process, opting to install dedicated ducts to each production area. ‘This allows operators to isolate extraction to unused areas, utilising the CFC’s built in eco-save technology and creating a true on-demand extraction system.” Twelve lines of Modular QF duct system were designed to fit around, or temporarily connect to the existing duct system, with over 1km of ducting installed without impacting the manufacturing process at all.

Maximum efficiency – Minimum space!

Short project time-frame under pressure with restrictions Strip out and installation started without a hitch, but as with many projects in these uncertain times, the tiny 14-day installation window was almost shattered by the unanticipated travel restrictions imposed halfway through installation. This threatened to derail the tight schedule, but thanks to the dedication of everyone involved, the project was up and running a day earlier than expected! Jeld-Wen was thrilled to be running from January 3rd and could continue production with no disruption for the remainder of the project. “Due to the time constraints, weather and magnitude of this project, ESL as a company helped make this project flow perfectly. We are now proud owners of a very efficient system. It has delivered excellent results for all our machinery and huge energy savings, we are now 100% compliant,” said Andrew.

New QF duct system designed to offer suitable airflow and maximum energy savings.

Jeld-Wen is now seeing average savings of around £1500 per week Since the new system became operational Jeld-Wen are now seeing average savings of around £1500 per WEEK on their electricity consumption. The low rumble of the old fans is now gone with the new plant considerably reducing noise pollution and vibration around the reception area. ESL asked Jeld-Wen’s project manager Andrew Taylor about his experience working with Extraction Solutions and partners Modesta: “ESL were very professional and accommodating to our company’s needs during this challenging project with great success. They are very team orientated which fitted with our own philosophy. The Modesta equipment is of a very high standard, it is robust and has an excellent build quality. The performance of the equipment is above expectations and delivered on our requirements.” A construction video of the project is available on the Extraction Solutions website. 01909 512 148 www.extractionsolutions.co.uk

Dust extraction for non-stop performance

The Modesta Chain Filter at Trade Mouldings

Reliability is key when processing wood. Modesta’s smart air filters keep your factory clean, safe and healthy to ensure non-stop performance. With 70 years of experience in modular air filtering, we gladly help you maximise your productivity. Contact info@modestafilters.co.uk +44 113 8680 247 Main Office & Production Handelsweg 48 3881 LS Putten The Netherlands

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DUST EXTRACTION & WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

IWM’s briquette machine sales booming In May, the UK Government launched the new Clean Air Strategy, and Newark-based International Woodworking Machinery (IWM) says it in the vanguard of having its briquettes tested on a number of levels by an appointed Government energy testing station. According to Results show briquettes have a burning heat and calorific value similar to that of coal, but more importantly this renewable source of energy eliminates atmospheric pollutants found in fossil fuels and wet wood. In IWM’s Falach range, there are six models in the range: the Falach 20 cube machine, capable of producing up to 20kg/hr of 30mm² cube briquettes, is deemed ideal for small workshops as it has a footprint of only 1m².

The Falach 50 briquette machine is IWM’s best selling machine producing up to 50kg of briquette per hour – depending on material. It produces a 50mm dia briquette, takes up little floor space and is available either freestanding or can be sited directly under extraction systems. To date IWM says approximately 75% are sited in this way.

Then there is the Falach 100 briquette machine, the largest in the range producing up to 100kg/hr, producing a 70mm dia briquette. This machine is available free-standing or sited under the extraction system making emptying dust bags a thing of the past. All IWM’s machines are designed to run all day and installation is claimed to be simple – just plug in and play. The machines can be fitted with a five-bag carousel unit that automatically bags 50mm and 70mm diameter briquettes evenly into each bag or box weighing 20/25kg depending on the material being used. Customers are encouraged to send their wood waste to, or visit IWM’s demonstration area at its Newark showroom – or alternatively IWM can arrange a workshop visit to carry out a site survey. 01636 918280 www.iwmachines.co.uk

International Woodworking Machinery Ltd

Unit 20, Newark Business Park, 3 Brunel Drive, Newark NG24 2EG Tel 01636918280 Mobile 07944108747 Email ibrown@iwmachines.co.uk www.iwmachines.co.uk www.soukup.co.uk

International Woodworking Machinery Ltd

MACHINES Unit 20, Newark Business Park, 3 Brunel Drive, Newark, NG24 2EG

www.iwmachines.co.uk IWM Falach Briquetting Presses Turning Your Biomass Wood Waste into Renewable Energy Briquettes. Turn Your Biomass Wood Waste including MDF Dust into Renewable Energy Wood Briquettes, eliminating landfill costs or even giving them away. IWM have Five Models Falach 30, 35, 50, 70 & 100 to suit your Production Requirements at very competitive prices. Each machine can be Supplied freestanding our Installed under your existing Dust extraction with 5 Bag Carousel Bagging Units. We have many examples installed in UK, Please ask for details of installations near YOU Bring your waste material for Demonstration

• UK’s Leading Briquette Machine with over 450 sold • 6 Machines in the range producing from 20-100kgs/hr • Certified to meet governments NEW ‘Clean Air Strategy’

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Visit our showroom in Newark with your material for a demonstration

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DUST EXTRACTION & WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

“Return on investment in wood waste heater much quicker than anticipated!” A manufacturer in Kent has purchased a new wood waste heater from Wood Waste Technology to save money on waste disposal and heating. Cribbit Kitchens & Interiors in Ashford specialises in the manufacture and supply of kitchen, bedroom, bespoke storage and furniture products. Chris Fairbairn, MD at Cribbit Kitchens & Interiors started to do some research into purchasing a wood waste heater, realising it could save the company money on waste disposal whilst providing free heating for his 2000 sq. ft workshop. Chris started talking to Kurt Cockroft, MD at Wood Waste Technology about wood waste burner options, and decided that a WT5 with its double-pass heater exchange would be the best option for his company. However, it was his purchase of a new edgebander for the workshop that prompted him to place the order. Chris explains: “When the new edge bander was delivered, I was informed that it worked best in a warm room, not lower than 12°C. At the time, there was no heating in the factory, so it gave me the incentive I needed to order the wood waste heater I’d

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been considering! It was an easy decision to make, as the business generates quite a lot of waste wood, including chipboard and MDF, in addition to the delivery pallets that we always needed to dispose of. Once I crunched the numbers, investing in a wood waste heater just made sense, as there was a good return on investment.” The heater was installed into Cribbit Kitchen & Interiors manufacturing unit by Wood Waste Technology’s experienced engineers, who also fitted a summer heat dump to allow the wood waste heater to be used throughout the year, by sending the heat to atmosphere in the summer months. Chris says: “In hindsight, having now experienced life with a wood waste heater, I wish I’d ordered one sooner! The heater makes the workshop lovely and warm, and I’m saving hundreds of pounds each month on waste disposal bills. In fact, the return on investment in the wood waste heater was actually quicker than anticipated, so I’m really pleased we took the plunge and invested when we did. In addition, being able to instantly dispose of the waste helps keep the workshop tidier, rather than us having to store all the waste wood until

it could be disposed of. The whole process has been hassle-free, from getting a quote to the installation and delivery. We would highly recommend the products and team at Wood Waste Technology!”. Kurt Cockroft says: “Whatever the primary reason for purchase – heat or waste disposal, a wood waste heater is a cost effective and productive solution for companies that generate waste wood, and some companies get payback on the investment in less than 12 months.” 01785 250400 www.woodwastetechnology.com www.grossuk.co.uk

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DUST EXTRACTION & WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

Wood Waste Control Extraction system cleans up at Motexion plant in Vauxhall’s Luton factory Dutch company Motexion Equipment has invested more than £50,000 in a bespoke dust extraction system from Wood Waste Control (Engineering) for its new plant within the Vauxhall commercial vehicle factory at Luton. The company produces internal wooden panels for lining commercial vehicle payload areas, and previously shipped UK requirements in from its factory in the Netherlands. But last year it installed two large CNC routers within the Luton plant to enable it to produce all the panels required for the Vauxhall, Opel and Peugeot vans manufactured there. Paul Brooks, Motexion operations manager in the UK, says: “Having spoken at length with three dust extraction specialists, we chose Wood Waste Control, who were extremely helpful in discussing possibilities, benefits and possible difficulties. They seemed to be the most committed to finding the solution we wanted.” Wood Waste Control is one of the UK’s leading dust extraction and heating equipment specialists for the woodworking industry. It designs, manufactures, installs and commissions solutions from simple standalone bagging units through to complex integrated

extraction and heating systems. For Motexion it specified, designed, manufactured and installed a system based around its WFS 13-2J Modular filter with 22kW main fan, and 1000 rotary valve unit, mounted on a purpose-made steel structure and discharging into a Reinbold RB100 briquetter press. The briquetter produces woodwaste pellets and provides a convenient, easy-to-handle way of moving the waste offsite, where it is then sent for recycling. Paul says: “The installation went very well. The system has been designed to have plenty of spare capacity, so it will be able to cope if and when we install a third CNC machine.” Wood Waste Control provides a broad range of well-proven shredders including horizontal grinders, and briquetting machines for all applications. In addition, Wood Waste Control’s range of manual and automatic warm-air models are capable of burning a wide range of wood fuels automatically, as well as accepting hand-loaded offcuts, for installations where a heater is possible. 01628 525290 www.woodwastecontrol.co.uk

POR briquetting machines • Clean Air Strategy Approved Source of Energy • Machine Production Range 50 – 350kg per hour • Trial Machine Available • Go Green United Kingdom

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DUST EXTRACTION & WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

Burning Weima wood briquettes

Weima aids sustainable waste management in the woodworking industry By Daniel Pfaender

Paarhammer is a well-established Australian manufacturer of European-style windows and doors, and it could be assumed that one of its most essential items of machinery is directly involved in the manufacturing process – but in Paarhammer’s case, the essential component is a waste management system that produces briquettes from sawdust and off-cuts. “At the moment it’s the most essential item in the business,” MD Tony Paarhammer proudly notes. This recycling system allows for an incredibly wide range of sustainable and profitable benefits, and constitutes an integral part of Paarhammer’s sustainable manufacturing ideology. Paarhammer’s award-winning products are the result of more than 30 years of experience, and range from the highest energyefficient windows made in Australia to bushfireproof windows. Proud owner Tony Paarhammer with CEMAC representative Jonathan Tan

High-quality wood briquettes by Paarhammer for sale

Immigrating from Austria in 1990, Tony and Edith Paarhammer started their business in a garage, manufacturing fine furniture and European-style kitchens. But one year later, their focus shifted while they were building their new home. Tony and Edith were surprised because they could not find any European style windows in Australia. Because of Tony’s background in windowmaking, the Paarhammers decided to take matters into their own hands, and the idea of manufacturing European-style windows in Australia was born. From the beginning, Paarhammer grew rapidly, and for its 20th anniversary in 2010, the company moved into a new, purpose-built factory.

The construction of this factory was driven by Paarhammer’s ideology of sustainable production. It is powered by an almost-100kW photovoltaic solar system, efficient lightmanagement which reduces electricity needs, and water tanks to supply the factory. Woodwaste reduced by 95% But the most important component to fulfill high sustainability goals is the waste management system, which consists of the Weima WL 4 shredder (installed in the early 2000s) and the Weima TH 814 briquette press (installed in 2012). With this system, “we reduced our waste by 95%,” says Tony. Tony opted for Weima’s machines mainly because of the company’s local presence in

Australia through CEMAC technologies. “The local support was the most essential,” Tony says about his decisionmaking process. Additionally, Weima convinced with over 40 years of experience in manufacturing shredders and presses for the woodworking industry. Since day one, the system with shredder and briquette press has worked efficiently in Paarhammer’s factory. Sawdust is separately accumulated by the duct of every producing machine, and is then diverted into a hopper from where it flows into the briquette press. Meanwhile, the WL 4 shreds larger wood off-cuts into small woodchips, and thus makes them suitable for the press. The TH 814 briquette press then finally presses the sawdust and the woodchips into cylindrical 80mmdiameter briquettes. “What we would have had to burn or pay to go to a landfill, now gets pressed into briquettes,” Tony says. Because of the briquette press, Paarhammer now has only of 1.5m³ of waste a week, while generating four tonnes of briquettes in the same period, thereby reducing landfill by about 2000m³ per year. “The mixture of all this dust, shavings from the planer and the woodchips is almost the ideal mixture to make a compact briquette,” says Tony.

Partner for life – Weima’s WL 4 wood grinder

Weima WL 4 single-shaft shredder for woodwaste

A nice thing on the side Recycling sawdust and off-cuts is not only sustainable, but profitable. While Paarhammer uses 30% of the briquettes to heat parts of the factory with a hydronic heating system, the remaining 70% are sold to local residents – revenue Tony describes as a “nice thing on the side”, and money he did not expect. Therefore, Tony exceeded his original calculation of a return on investment by two years, which reduced it to less than five years. Yet, Weima’s shredder and briquette press are not only profitable because they generate revenue, but they also save money. First, by reducing heating costs due to their use in the hydronic heating system. Second, the combination of dust extraction, shredder and briquette press helps with housekeeping because it reduces the amount

of waste or off-cuts lying around in the factory. “All that is fully automatic,” Tony states. “We save probably one labourer’s wage a year in not having to deal manually with all this waste, and we get a very clean, well-organised factory.” A multifunctional system that heats, cleans, saves and generates money Because of the huge environmental and monetary benefits, Tony highly recommends this waste management system, because sawdust and offcuts are “basically a good resource”. In the end, Weima’s wood shredder and briquette press help Paarhammer to make use of this resource within a multifunctional system that not only heats, cleans and saves money, but also generates revenue on the side. www.weima.com

DUST EXTRACTION & WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

Salvamac Group – top solutions for dust extraction and waste management Salvamac continues to move forward in its social and ethical approach to production and innovation, by creating a true and relevant group that is based on the support of four production units in three different countries – to obtain a winning mix of Italian head and heart with the dynamics, advantages and competences of national realities in strong evolution. In this perspective, the Salvamac Group multiplies itself exponentially in three departments. The cross-cutting part specialised in the cutting and optimisation of wood, the Air&Painting department sees the suction, air filtration and wood painting systems find their reference point, and finally the new Salvamac Selection, a true innovation that reflects the natural evolution of the Salvamac project.

Salvamac Air&Painting – suction and painting at the highest quality, with the highest safety levels Present on the market for over 30 years, and always oriented towards high-quality products, Salvamac is already conquering positions in various markets, with an offer that ranges from painting booths equipped with innovative sandwich panels to provide greater resistance and devices that significantly reduce consumption, to its do-it-clean sanding benches. In addition to the Painting department, which includes solutions for companies of different sizes and needs, Salvamac can offer ultrarobust and efficient portable vacuum cleaners, bag filters and cartridges, as well as complete customised systems. This is the Air department’s mission – all with the clear intention of exploiting the potential of the internet with more traditional sales and assistance systems, always focusing on what the customer really needs. In particular, the most recent projects and products confirm Salvamac’s success in aspiration systems – especially the high-tech mobile aspirators of the SuperDep series. These special collectors are designed and manufactured using cutting-edge technologies. They are very versatile filter groups, which take up little space, suitable for indoor and outdoor use and extremely functional in the extraction of dust and woodchips. The fan is positioned in such a way as to obtain negative pressure, which prevents the escape of dust in the event of a leak. The automatic compressed air cleaning system makes it the right ally for those working in the industrial woodworking sector, states Salvamac. >>

crosscutting

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SALVAMAC SP. Z O.O. Ul. Modrzewiowa 18 - 62 081 Przeźmierowo - POLAND Via XX Settembre 105 - 31015 Conegliano TV - ITALY

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info@salvamac.com - www.salvamac.com

DUST EXTRACTION & WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

All models achieve a residual dust content of less than 0.1mg/m³ and comply with the residual dust level H3. Another product that has found success in UK market is Salvamac’s dust extractor, suitable for small flow capacity and limited spaces. Salvamac says its Trolley Bag series of mobile dust extractors is ideal for smallscale operations and for those working in a limited space. They have a small footprint and are suitable for small- and medium-sized applications. They have a trolley so are mobile and easy to move, extremely comfortable and easy to handle – for indoor and temporary use. The main features are: a solid build with 10 years’ warranty on the hard steel structure; high performance, thanks to the motor’s power effect, which is increased by the special aspiration system; simple, because it only needs a few seconds to change the collecting bags with special closing rings; and symmetrical, to

ensure the best calibration between filter and collecting bags. Salvamac Selection - a solution for every need As part of the Salvamac project, the third branch, Salvamac Selection, has been set-up – a selection of different products with the same culture and philosophy that distinguish the company as an international company. Christian Salvador defines it thus: “Our network and its strength will allow us to introduce new products for the solid wood industry every month – high-quality machines, as throughout our history, but at a price that allows more companies to choose the technological path. “The strategy is clear – to optimise the process and use every possible country advantage to produce machines with the highest quality and affordable prices for the

customer. This is the reason for choosing the Salvamac brand – machines that are simple to use and with which it is easier to cut costs and increase profits. “It’s a true network creation that gives the missing added value to our customers and to the whole wood industry. We are ready for the new challenge.” The briquetting press Leader 60 takes the lead The high level of quality and real heavy-duty structures make Salvamac’s briquetting presses a leader for the recycling and compression of wood and industrial waste. Thanks to their design, construction and features, Salvamac’s briquetting presses are widely known for their efficiency and reliability. A wide range of accessories is also available, with which to customise machines to a client’s individual needs. www.salvamac.com

We are Recruiting for a Dust Extraction Specialist

TM MACHINERY WOODWORKING MACHINERY EXPERTS SINCE 1983

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TM Machinery have been supplying and maintaining quality woodworking machinery for over 35 years.

COMPREHENSIVE RANGE FOR ALL DUST EXTRACTION REQUIREMENTS

CONTACT 0116 271 7155 sales@tmservices.co.uk www.tmmachinery.co.uk @tm_machinery

The 4250m³/hr three-bag shaker unit comfortably extracts waste from a single CNC machine, and the installation also includes a convenient clean-up point for vacuuming around the machine and workpieces

Extractly is the Logical choice Extractly Ltd recently supplied and commissioned an internally-sited, multi-bag shaker unit, to extract dust and woodwaste from a newly-installed Morbidelli five-axis CNC machining centre, at Display Logic’s manufacturing facility in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Display Logic is a specialist manufacturer of creative bespoke retail display products and visual merchandising solutions. With over 20 years in the business, and a wealth of in-house talent, the company has gained an enviable reputation for delivering innovative and costeffective display solutions to some of the High Street’s biggest brands, including: GAP and Selfridges, The White Company and Linda Farrow’s luxury eyewear stores, as well as work for The Museum of London. As director Madelene Sharpe explained: “Display Logic provides a multi-faceted service; from creative design and CAD solutions, right through to manufacture and installation, and we strive to maintain the highest quality standards, whilst remain competitive, by investing in the latest technology to deliver our innovative, bespoke solutions.” The decision to add to the company’s capabilities with the nesting

Extractly also offer this type of filter unit with a weatherproof enclosure for external installation

DUST EXTRACTION & WOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT

CNC machine was taken earlier in the year, and the unit was delivered to site mid-May. “The CNC arrived on the Monday, and by Wednesday SCM’s engineers had completed the installation”, said Madelene. “Extractly had planned delivery of the bagging unit to coincide and, with installation completed on Tuesday, electrical work and commissioning was undertaken on the Thursday; by Friday morning we were in production!” When it comes to dust extraction, Extractly also provide the complete package and, with a growing team of highly-experienced design and installation engineers, have the capacity and flexibility to deliver a straight forward installation, such as this one for Display Logic, through to a complete new centralised extraction system for multiple machines, including installation and commissioning of energy-saving Ecogate® systems. The unit installed by Extractly is the logical choice when extraction is required for a single high-speed CNC installation, or where dustproducing equipment needs to be located at a distance from the main extraction system. With a powerful 5.5kW self-cleaning fan, the MK3 shaker unit is capable of transporting waste-laden air at a rate of 4250m³/hr – via the flexible connection at the machining head and through a section of Nordfab QF® ductwork to the 250mm diameter inlet on the unit. Internally, unique swirl baffles spin the waste and distribute the bulk of it, evenly, into

three heavy-duty polythene collection bags. Finer dust is separated and filtered through an array of 27 high-glaze terylene needlefelt tubes; allowing clean air to return to the working area, at ambient temperature. With a compact footprint of less than 2m², this unit provides a total filter surface area of over 18m² and a total collection capacity of 13.7m³. The standalone unit is also fitted with a 0.18kW auto-shake vibration motor which is designed to dislodge the dust that’s collected on the inside of the tubular filter media; allowing it to drop into the collection bags below. A direct-on-line (DOL) electronic controller manages operation of both the fan and the shaker – controlling the shutdown routine to ensure the extraction fan is idle before activating the shaker motor which is mounted on top of the filter unit. “We were really pleased with the efficient way Extractly managed this project for us,” concluded Madelene. “Even though this was a just a simple install, I was still impressed with the attention to detail and communication with our production department. Extractly will be taking care of our LEV testing in future, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend their services for any size of installation.”

01924 520462 info@extractly.co.uk www.extractly.co.uk extractly ad.qxp_Layout 1 17/11/2020 18:33 Page 1

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68 DUST EXTRACT & WOODWASTE

Companies within the woodworking industry – are you operating legally? The renewable heat incentive has now closed for new applicants. As a Government-led scheme to encourage the use of renewables, the scheme was a huge incentive and will continue to be for the next 20 years as accredited installations continue to receive payments from it. Or will they? Chris Franklin, MD of Northampton-based Ranheat Engineering, looks into the matter …

The scheme has two regulators – OFGEM and the BSL, (Biomass Suppliers List). Both organisations are now carrying out audits to make sure you run legally in terms of local authority regulators (the Environment Agency and, in Scotland, SEPA). Some of the regulations are relatively new, and some date back to the EPA in 1990. Yet the regulations are often not known about, and are not policed by the regulators due to time constraints. As the RHI has closed to new applicants,

OFGEM and BSL have more time and are carrying out more audits than ever before. If they determine you don’t have the required permits and permissions, they are notifying the local authorities that an installation receiving Government funding is non-compliant, and withholding payments until they become compliant or can be struck off the scheme. What is needed? Guidance note PGN6/02, in its most recent form, came out in 2012 as a revision of 2004,

and covers the manufacture of wood-based products. If you process more than 1000m3 of wood or wood-based products per year, you need this permit to operate legally. Process means purchase – the exception is if you only saw wood, when the limit becomes 10,000m³ (sawmills only, generally). This guidance note has nothing to do with a wood combustion process. However, if you do have a wood combustion process (boiler/heater), it can be included on this permit for certain sizes of boilers and heaters.

What size of wood-fired boiler/heater needs a permit? The answer is all sizes – there is no cut-off point. Plants not capable of burning more than 50kg/hr need an exemption from the Environment Agency to burn waste as a fuel. You can apply online, and there is no charge – at the moment. Those processing over 50kg/hr but not capable of more than 90kg/hr will need a part B permit from Environmental Health. If you have a part B permit for your wood machining process, PGN6/02, the combustion equipment, can be added to the part B permit. If you don’t have the wood machining process permit, as you are below the 1000m³ limit, then you need a part B for a Small Waste Incineration Plant (SWIP) – these permits typically cost £1650 plus an annual maintenance fee. The next band is boilers over 90kg/hr but less than 225kg/hr, under the Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD). Companies will need a part B permit as detailed above, and will almost certainly be above the 1000m³ limit. If you go over the 225kg limit you will need an EA permit for the wood combustion process. You will still need a separate permit for your wood machining process. For an EA permit, you will have to apply to the EA for a price – they will quote individually, and it depends how much work they have to do, but

can be between £3000-£16,000, depending on the location of your site. So, what else is needed? All chimneys serving an ‘industrial furnace’ need planning permission or written proof of permitted development. All chimneys will need chimney height approval and a written chimney height determination, submitted to Environmental Health. If there are any Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) within 2km, you can be asked for full computer modelling (caried out by SOCOTEC, current charge £3500 plus VAT). All of the documents referred to can be downloaded from gov.uk – and Ranheat Engineering offers free, confidential advice to new and existing customers around permitting regulations. 01604 750005 sales@ranheat.com www.ranheat.com

Chris Franklin has been involved with the legislation since the mid-1980s and has worked closely with the various authors of the guidance notes. He has also sat on the board of directors of the Woodworking Machinery Suppliers Association since 2004.

Wood waste disposal problems?

RANHEAT ENGINEERING LTD 62-64 St James Mill Road, St James Mill Industrial Estate, Northampton NN5 5JP Tel: +44 (0)1604 750005 Fax: +44 (0)1604 757300 Web: www.ranheat.com Email: sales@ranheat.com

Wood Combustion Equipment Industrial Heating Systems Specialist Metal Fabrications Ranheat design and manufacture the complete range of equipment including Boilers, Heaters, Stokers, Grit Arrestors, Chimneys etc. Manual & automatic woodburning systems, gas & oil ﬁred, turnkey installations for disposal and/or heating purposes, outputs up to 10 million BTU/HR

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70 FITTINGS & COMPONENTS

Broadening horizons – exciting possibilities for furniture functionality In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards interior design furniture elements in darker and matte colour tones. This has led to a demand for cabinet hardware that blends in seamlessly with the sleek matte designs. Thanks to its new TeraBlack, Titus is able to deliver an extremely attractive black matte hardware finish that not only enhances the appeal of cabinets, but also lasts a lifetime. TeraBlack products have a light absorbing microstructure that provides a unique black, non-reflective, matte finish, and a smooth, even surface with a velvety feel. These new products provide increased corrosion resistance and durability throughout the lifecycle of the product. The flagship product in the TeraBlack finish range is the innovative, award-winning T-type hinge with integrated damping. Its key feature is the simplicity and tolerance during installation. T-type is designed to provide ConfidentClose – the consumer-preferred way of the soft closing of doors. Soft closing assures above-average consistency of performance with no bounce effect, and reliable closing at all closing speeds. Its three-way snap-on intuitive hingeto-plate mounting (top, front and back) makes installation a breeze, especially on tall doors, says Titus, as it significantly reduces the time and effort it takes to assemble a kitchen. Cutting cabinet assembly time in half Titus offers one of the largest and most comprehensive ranges of quick-assembly solutions for series furniture manufacturers. The 50% reduction in assembly time is possible by pre-inserting the Quickfit dowels and cams into the panel during factory production prior to shipping the cabinet. Consumers get all the connectors already fitted in the right place – all they have to do is to put two panels together and tighten the joint.

Titus Quickfit dowels with Quickfit TL5 ‘Full Metal Jacket’ are one of the fastest fittings on the market, developed to make cabinet assembly easy and without the need for tools. Thanks to its steel sleeve, the Quickfit TL5 dowel is the only dowel on the market that reliably engages in a 5mm dowel hole, enabling the use of the toolless Quickfit dowel insertion technology across a wide range of applications where 5mm drilling is the standard. Furthermore, Quickfit dowels also protect cabinet quality – as there is no need to use hammers and screwdrivers to insert them, there will be no damage to the carcass during insertion. Titus enriches its portfolio Titus has been delivering damping solutions for sliding doors for years. After acquiring Simon Kinetics from Germany, Titus formed its own Kinetics division, and now combines Kinetics’ expertise in sliding door soft closing with Titus’ expertise in hydraulic damping. Slidix Centro is one of the most recent innovations from Titus’ Kinetics Division. It is ideal for controlling the motion and centring of middle doors in the composition of three or more sliding doors. PushPlus is another innovative solution from Titus for pocket doors. Typically, a pocket sliding door in a fully open position stops slightly before the wall hole, protruding and obstructing the area available for moving. The PushPlus system allows the door to be used without a handle, and to retreat entirely into the wall. To close, it can be activated with a push. Effortless touch-opening system on drawers Tekform Slimline thin wall drawers have now been upgraded with Tacto touch opening for the effortless opening of drawers without the need for handles. Tekform Slimline Tacto has the activator integrated into the drawer runner, while all other components remain the same as for the ‘standard’ Slimline version, as do the drilling and fixing positions. The Tacto mechanism follows the ‘One-forAll’ principle, meaning that one item provides a push-open feature for all metal and glass drawers from 400mm in length and up to 40kg

in weight. Tekform Slimline Tacto is fast and easy to mount, as it fits the industry-standard drilling patterns and allows furniture producers to streamline their operations. The future of damping solutions Titus Damper is a proprietary multi-purpose hydraulic damping technology for a wide range of applications in furniture, consumer appliances, interior doors, bathroom equipment, automotive and many more areas. The temperature spectrum for these dampers is being further extended to provide operational efficiency in cooler temperatures, as well as hotter ones. This is an especially useful feature in ovens, coolers, refrigerators, automotive and aircraft industry applications. Titus’ newly launched damper S-Series Evolut has been developed for effective deceleration of objects up to 900N in environment of temperatures up to 150°C. It maintains consistent damping in all conditions, even when the temperature in the application reaches the upper limit. The possibilities for application extend over a wide range of industries, from consumer appliances, such as ovens with heavy doors, to heavy lids in waste bins, plus glass doors and interior doors in residential and commercial environments. www.titusplus.com

72 FITTINGS & COMPONENTS

The right fittings for current furniture trends Blum aims to achieve furniture with the ‘wow’ effect through its fittings for wall cabinets, doors and pull-outs. At interzum 2021, not only did customers see (virtually) which design trends are currently shaping the furniture industry, but also saw the fittings manufacturer’s response in its product range. At interzum 2021, the highly respected Austrian fittings manufacturer highlighted four selling points that are currently shaping furniture design. Blum used furniture transformed with fittings from the existing and soon-to-be-extended range to present all four of these trends.

Dark surfaces Dark materials are increasingly determining the outward appearance of furniture. Now Blum is taking this trend inside as well, with dark fittings. Entire living areas with a harmonious colour concept can be delivered across all applications. The Blum range for AVENTOS lift systems includes dark cover caps in dark grey. There is an extensive product line of CLIP top BLUMOTION hinges in onyx black, suitable for doors. And LEGRABOX pull-outs in carbon black matt bring a dark elegance to the base cabinet.

74 FITTINGS & COMPONENTS

Individuality – memorable furniture LEGRABOX individual enables unique furniture design. With the new box system design level, customers can create their own drawer-side designs through printing, laser engraving or embossing in a mix of colours and materials. Blum also provides manufacturers with an easy way to stand out from the crowd – customisable branding elements. Manufacturers and brands can position their own logo throughout, on hinges, lift systems and box systems. Metallics – highlights with a metal look Elegant accents can be set with metallic elements. Some excitingly staged applications were on display on the Blum trade show stand – hinges in onyx black, branding elements in metallic gold, silver and copper, and LEGRABOX drawer sides in stainless steel with an anti-fingerprint finish and with metallic print colours. Minimalism – simple beauty Clear, straight lines, a design that is reduced to the basics, and large surfaces, were another important design element presented by Blum at interzum. The new concealed lift system AVENTOS HKi is hidden in the cabinet side. Handle-less fronts that owe their implementation to SERVO-DRIVE, TIP-ON BLUMOTION and TIP-ON motion technologies ensure a minimalist furniture design. The EXPANDO T fixing system allows thin fronts made from exceptional materials to be used. 01908 285700 www.blum.com

HÄFELE HAS OPENED ITS DOORS TO NEW CABINET DOORS UK manufactured with no minimum order and a lifetime guarantee* Best-selling door styles and colours available with FREE 48 hour* delivery, including ultra-trendy colours and finishes. Complete with accessories, from pelmets to end panels, we’re sure to have the perfect range for you.

Find out more at hafele.co.uk/aspekt-doors *T&Cs apply. See website for details.

76 FITTINGS & COMPONENTS

The award-winning Clamex P-14 Flexus

Lamello wins “Best of the Best” award at Interzum 2021 Leading Swiss fixings specialist, Lamello has won a “Best of the Best” award at Interzum 2021 for its Clamex P-14 Flexus connector, part of the best-selling P-System range. Awarded to only four products that offer “outstanding design achievements that set new industry standards in terms of form and function,” the Clamex P-14 Flexus offers a unique, flexible joining solution for use on woodbased panels and hardwood. So what makes the Clamex P-14 Flexus fixing the “best of the best”? It features flexible positing pins which in turn, offer an adaptable assemble sequence and the fuss-free positioning of a workpiece. The pins are beveled and movable, enabling workpieces to be tilted in both directions for ease of use and,

with no limitations on the sequence of assembly, furniture makers can use the Swiss-fixings on a wide range of applications that require the joining of corner connections, dividing panel joints and angles. An extension of the Clamex family, the new connector – which is available from Lamello representatives in the UK now – benefits from all the advantages of the P-System. It’s fully detachable – making flat-pack and on-site assemble quick and easy thanks to a small rotating lever – offers considerably stronger results than traditional joining techniques and, thanks to a shallow elements depth, it’s suitable for use on miters from 22.5-180° on surfaces, corners and dividing panel connections. It’s also designed to be extremely discreet – featuring a

6mm opening to open and close the connector and has a lateral tolerance of 1mm. On winning the prestigious “Best of the Best” Interzum award, Shaye Chatfield, Lamello area sales manager international for Lamello in the UK and Ireland said: “It’s a great honour for Lamello to receive this Interzum award. The awards are well-respected throughout the industry and it’s great to see innovative manufacturing solutions such as the Clamex P-14 Flexus – and the talented team behind their invention – get the credit they deserve. The Clamex P-14 Flexus offers a seriously versatile, fast and convenient way to assemble miter frames and shelving units, making design limitations a thing of the past.” www.lamello.co.uk

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78 FITTINGS & COMPONENTS

New OVVO V-1230 range delivers significant savings on assembly time for Whittle Interiors The new range of OVVO V-1230 Connectors that are suitable for nesting and drilling promise to “make furniture assembly simple”. OVVO products are a range of cleverly engineered, award-winning connectors that make joining wood simple. The connectors are installed during the manufacturing process so the end-user can click together furniture without the need for tools, screws or glue, and save significant amounts of assembly time as a result. The new OVVO V-1230 connectors for nesting and drilling retain the patented, innovative dovetail design that featured in the interzum 2019 ‘Best of the Best’ award-winning V-0930 connector, which delivers increased intrinsic tolerance, enhancing the shear and tensile strength of the joint created. Whittle Interiors, based in Christchurch, is a joinery and fit-out company with a heritage of manufacturing high-end interior joinery. With over 50 years’ experience in the industry, its team of dedicated craftsmen have created beautiful bespoke joinery projects for some of the most luxurious brands in the commercial fit-out, hospitality and leisure sectors. Whittle prides itself on combining traditional craftsmanship with the latest technological advances, and has been using the OVVO Connector range for some time to construct joinery items that require invisible fixing – and also to deliver a quicker way to assemble joinery items, as there is no need for screws, glue or clamps.

A recent fit out at Hilton Heathrow T4 Images © Kilker Projects

Outlining the benefits that using OVVO has delivered for Whittle, Ricky Bumstead, joinery foreman, says: “OVVO for drilling is our most used in the range, as they are easy to machine and easy to assemble in the joiners’ shop, and give a strong fixing which is not visible. “We have used the new OVVO for nesting, which is great for a larger production line of units where machining and assembly needs to be as quick as possible. Units can be nested on our CNC machines, ready to be edged on our edgebander, and then ready for assembly cutting processes in the machine shop – down to two operations instead of three, and saving significant time as a result. “It also works very well with our Alphacam CNC software, which reduces programming time. The wide range of different connectors available suit many different applications within our joinery, and in addition to this, we have a good relationship with the team at OVVO and find their connectors very cost effective.” Ricky continues: “We have used OVVO

connectors on several very high-profile installations recently, including the recent refurbishment of the Hilton at Heathrow T4, where we worked with Kilker Projects and Elements Real Estate. We were also appointed to deliver the extensive specialist joinery package that features throughout the hospitality scheme designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates. Using OVVO connectors on the freestanding joinery items in the scheme delivered significant efficiencies for us – not only during production in the joinery, but also during assembly and fitout on-site.” OVVO continues to develop its range of invisible furniture connectors with the clear vision of ‘making furniture assembly simple’ and bringing the benefits of this to manufacturers across the industry. The new V-1230 range for nesting and drilling is easily integrated into manufacturers’ existing processes, and is supported by all leading CNC software providers. www.ovvotech.com www.whittleinteriors.com

Furniture Assembly Made Simple

2019

High product quality

OVVO products are a range of cleverly engineered, award-winning connectors that make furniture assembly simple. Connectors are installed during the manufacturing process so the end-user can click together furniture without the need for tools, glues or screws. The result is a more accessible, sustainable product that saves time, money and effort for manufacturers and customers alike.

OVVO ® V-1230

V-1230 Milling – 3 Piece

V-1230 Drilling – 2 Piece

V-1230 Nesting – 2 Piece

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V-1230 Releasable Connector

80 FITTINGS & COMPONENTS

Häfele UK completes kitchen range with cabinet door launch Häfele UK has launched a new cabinet door range, completing its kitchen fit-out offering. Entitled Aspekt, the range includes four different door styles – standard slab, pressed shaker, integrated J-pull and a premium slab – each offering various finishes in seven different colour options. These vary from neutral tones, including cashmere and grey, to a select number of ontrend, bolder colour palettes, including midnight and aqua blue. The collection comes with a suite of complementary end panels, corner posts, cornices, plinths and more. Each door within the Aspekt range has been paired with a selection of perfectly suited handles – of which Häfele is already a marketleading manufacturer and distributor – to help installers achieve the latest in kitchen fit-out designs and trends. The UK-manufactured doors come complete with a 48hr delivery promise if ordered from

Häfele before 3:30pm, with delivery free for customers who spend over £50. Additionally, there is no minimum order quantity required on the door range, which is protected by Häfele’s lifetime guarantee. Customers can expect to receive their doors individually custom-packaged to prevent damage in transit and reduce waste, minimising the range’s environmental impact. Kitchen manufacturers, retailers and studios will be able to help their customers visualise how the range can be used in their space, with Häfele having added the doors to its Ideas for Living website and Kitchen Planner – a consumerfacing tool which enables users to plan their kitchen in 3D and test different design schemes in line with their ideas. Häfele has also launched a new doors brochure and product information guide, now available online. >>

“My Dad say his fixings are the best and probably the UK’s cheapest”

N E Fasteners Ltd Waterfall Lane, Trading Estate, Cradley Heath B64 6PU

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Specialists in Threaded Inserts for Wood, Plastic and Metal A huge range of high quality components available to buy online Price breaks available, please contact us for a quote We can have parts made to your specifications

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82 FITTINGS & COMPONENTS

Martin Canning, head of category at Häfele UK, says: “Häfele is already a leader in kitchen fittings, accessories and appliances, and our strongest proposition has always been our breadth of range. Adding doors to what we already have available is a natural next step, and this range has been specially designed around what our customers are telling us they want from us. “Consumers consider look, feel and functionality when choosing a new kitchen, so a huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure we are using only the highest quality materials to produce doors which tick a lot of boxes.

“Plus, we’ve thought ahead and looked at how we can help installers save time by making recommendations on how the doors marry up with some of our existing product ranges, so they’re able to help their customers keep on top of the latest trends quickly and easily. “With this latest launch, we’re now able to offer our studio partners, merchants and installers all the products required, both inside and outside of the kitchen cabinet, for a complete kitchen fit-out. There’s no reason for them to look elsewhere.” The Aspekt range is now available to purchase from www.häfele.co.uk.

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FITTINGS & COMPONENTS 85

Big tax savings on Tee Nut insertion machines Jet Press supplies and supports Tee Nut insertion systems to many of the UK’s top furniture manufacturers. During the 1960s, the first four-prong Tee Nut, with its familiar eight sides, was manufactured by Sigma. One-inch timber Rivet Tee Nuts provide greater strength and pull-through resistance, combined with a large head, allowing for a faster, deeper and straighter Tee Nut insertion, ensuring a superior quality product while maintaining production efficiency. Tee Nuts can be fed efficiently and reliably by machine, thus improving speed, accuracy and productivity. Tee Nuts are typically used in foot and castor applications, where the extra hold-in is crucial. The metal prongs prevent rotation, and the unthreaded rivet portion flares to increase the holding power of the Tee Nut. The result is a great lead-in and better retention of the castors, legs or feet, which then screw into the threaded Tee Nut. Additionally, there is the benefit of the Tee Nut resisting push-out, along with easier assembly and eliminating the requirement for over-stapling. Thanks to the Chancellor’s

T-NUT INSERTION SYSTEMS

announcement of a super deduction provision in the recent budget, customers can save 25% off a corporation tax bill when investing in Tee Nut insertion systems – when spending £8000 on a floorstanding insertion machine, customers can save £1976 (but this benefit only applies to purchases made between 1st April 2021 and 31st March 2023). Jet Press carries a wide range of Sigma Tee Nuts and Tee Nut insertion machines. To learn more about how the company can help improve production efficiency, or the super deduction tax saving, contact the Jet Press team. 01623 551800 sales@jetpress.com www.jetpress.com

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Smart material handling – inside and out Vacuum material handling solutions in modern furniture production are not exactly a novelty, as they have widely been used since the last century – this, however, does not mean the engineering behind these vacuum-lifting solutions has to be outdated. There have been many developments in recent years that led to big improvements regarding ergonomics, technical features, and safety, explains Barbaric. One improvement of modern vacuum lifters has been the integration of the hoisting equipment into the vacuum-lifting device. This allows the integration of the vertical movement into the operating handle of the lifting unit, and removes the need for a separate chain hoist controller altogether. The operator can conveniently control all features of the vacuum lifter without having to remove a hand from the operating handle, leading to a steadier and more secure stabilisation of the load, and therefore improved ergonomics. High-end lifting devices even go a step further and use seamlessly integrated frequency inverters for the movement of the chain hoist, allowing for a smooth and infinitely variable control and exact positioning of the load.

A factor that is often overlooked during the selection of lifting gear is the choice of vacuum-generation unit. According to Barbaric, where applicable, the smaller, cheaper, and lower-maintenance vacuum ejector only has advantages over traditional vacuum pumps, that are not only slow and heavy but have a high electricity consumption as well. While one could easily think that the energy efficiency of a lifter is negligible, it can play a huge economical role over the long term. Non-intelligent, less expensive vacuum lifters in particular often more than eat up the economic advantage during the purchase after a short period of using the lifters. Due to the high cost of pressurised air, it is essential that all air consumption is switched off after a sufficient vacuum level is reached, to not waste energy resources, states Barbaric. Another big advancement, the introduction of software-controlled lifting units combined with matching sensor and display technology, opens a whole new world of technical features not considered previously. Continuous load and vacuum monitoring, connection capabilities (WiFi, Bluetooth), predictive maintenance functions as well as a wide range of safety features are only the tip of the iceberg.

WAREHOUSING, PACKAGING & MATERIALS HANDLING

With these modern control units, vacuum lifters can also prompt the user to perform a mandatory safety check during daily start-up of the system. Step by step, the control unit guides the user through the visual inspection as well as a function check, making sure all vital functions of the lifter are operating at the highest possible safety standard. Before the lifter can be used in production, a guided suction test must be performed. This procedure tests for leakage in the vacuum system and determines the integrity of the vacuum cup sealing lip. The results of this procedure are digitally logged and can also be used for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes. Thinking further, in the future materialhandling devices could be centrally controlled through a logistics server, telling the user how to handle parts or panels, or where to place them. This comes especially handy in packaging applications, where small mistakes and slightly misplaced panels can lead to customers receiving another customer’s parts. Parts, as well as their target location, can be easily identified through pre-existing barcodes or through direct communication with the production machine. Barbaric says that it not only takes the abovementioned requirements regarding safety, functionality,and efficiency to heart, but always strives to be one step ahead. www.barbaric.at

WAREHOUSING, PACKAGING & MATERIALS HANDLING

Palamatic – the obvious choice for Wulf Protective Palamatic is a leading supplier in the UK of vacuum lifters to the woodworking industry. Working with both existing customers and new, Palamatic’s aim is always to use its expertise to provide user-friendly equipment that aids the work process and eliminates health and safety risks to operators when handling wood product. A Palamatic Vacuum Tube Lifter uses a single power medium – vacuum – to grip and lift heavy or awkward loads. An electrical vacuum pump (or vacuum ejector pump) creates a vacuum level when a suction pad or gripping device is placed on an object load. The resulting low pressure makes the tube contract vertically, and the object load is lifted. The operator controls the vacuum flow using a simple, finger-touch operating valve, making the work physically easier and safer. Increasing the vacuum draws air out of the tube, and the load is lifted. Palamatic recently supplied two door blank lifting systems to Wulf Protective, based in Bradford. The company’s management team have 30 years’ experience within the fire door and construction industries. Sohan Panesar, Wulf Protective MD, explains the company’s business strategy: ‘’Established

during the Covid-19 pandemic, Wulf is made up of a diverse bunch. We pull together the very best of our range of experience to deliver the highest standard of end-to-end service possible. We are committed to becoming the leading manufacturer of both high-quality doors and door sets.” Palamatic was contacted by Mark Dunn, fire door process and fabrication manager, and his role also includes looking after Wulf’s shopfloor personnel. The equipment was required to load more than 50 door blanks weighing up to a maximum of 80kg daily onto a beam saw and CNC system. ‘’Used by many leading manufacturers, Palamatic was the obvious choice when it came to building our workshop fit to manufacture high-quality doors and fire doors. The decision to purchase the lifting systems was based on several factors,” explains Mark. ‘’The safety of our employees is our priority, and the lifting equipment removes the physical lifting strain of everyday processes. The equipment also allowed for increased production quantity, and the operators are very happy with the improvement they have seen since the lifters have arrived. ‘’

The Palamatic team works hard to form strong relationships with its customers within the woodworking and construction industries. ‘’Palamatic has been very helpful, reactive, and any questions have been answered promptly,” says Mark. “We now have a great working relationship with Palamatic – our purchased lifting equipment has made light work of the materials we process daily at our production facility.’’ Palamatic has a 22,000ft² factory based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, so is well placed to visit customer sites, and for customers to send samples to test prior to having a vacuum tube lifter manufactured. The company also has a skilled field engineering team to install the systems, and makes visits to train operators. Systems supplied can be designed to handle fire doors, panel doors, furniture, staircases, planks, timber sections, laminate surfaces and cabinets. Customers often require rotation of boards through 90° or 180° for loading and unloading purposes. Due to the high demand on lifting systems in the woodworking industry, customers are recommended to take up a service contract to ensure their systems are kept in good working order. 01246 452054 www.palamatic.com

WAREHOUSING, PACKAGING & MATERIALS HANDLING

Workplace safety – an everyday priority The World Day for Safety and Health at Work took place on April 28th, as it does every year. But safety should of course be a priority every single working day, says Combilift CEO Martin McVicar, who looks at how promoting a safety strategy and choosing the right equipment can minimise risks when handling loads of raw materials or finished products …

Ensuring the safest possible working environment doesn’t just mean adhering to statutory guidelines. Creating a safety strategy across the workforce encourages a culture of vigilance which ensures that risks are kept to a minimum. This is particularly vital in the materials handling sector, where the combination of powered vehicles such as forklifts working alongside other employees on foot can lead to any number of potentially dangerous situations. Accidents involving forklift trucks and pedestrians are still a major issue, in spite of the UK having some of the most stringent safety legislation in the world. Human error is a major cause of accidents, and carrying out repetitive tasks on a daily basis can also make drivers or operators of equipment somewhat complacent to the hazards, so management and the company as a whole needs to be constantly reinforcing the safety message. It pays to choose the right equipment Choosing the most suitable equipment for specific handling requirements can vastly improve safety – whether you are handling relatively light pallets, long loads, containers or very heavy oversized modular structures. The indirect costs of not using the right trucks can be considerable in terms of downtime

after collisions, product damage or repairs and administrative costs for accident investigations. Disruptive workflow, delayed deliveries and unhappy customers are further consequences – and this is without counting the much more grave human cost of any injuries that may be inflicted. What’s required are handling solutions tailored to specific challenges. Trying to manoeuvre long packs of timber in confined spaces with counterbalance forklifts, for example, is problematic. Using a couple of forklifts at either

end of a long load is a definite no-no from a health and safety point of view, and travelling with elevated loads around obstacles is also considered to be hazardous practice. Now with more than 30 products in our range, every Combilift model has been developed with safety at the forefront. Our thousands of customers around the world have also come to the conclusion that putting safety first doesn’t just protect the workforce, but leads to other wide-ranging benefits such as improved productivity and more cost-effective operation.

Long loads Combilift’s multidirectional models were specifically designed for the demands of handling these tricky loads safely and efficiently, as they combine the advantages of a counterbalance forklift, sideloader and narrow aisle truck in one. The very low centre of gravity and integrated platform provides a stable base for resting loads on during transportation,

eliminating the need for elevated loads. The quick change of the wheel direction enables sideways travel in confined spaces, and this in turn means a much better use of all available space, which is one of a company’s most valuable assets. Safer on foot Operating at walking speed offers numerous safety benefits compared to ride-on forklifts, and many companies are now looking at using pedestrian-operated trucks where possible. The technology now integrated into the Combilift’s pedestrianised models enables them to

transport longer products such as sheet materials as well as pallets, for more versatility. The unique, patented, multi-position tiller arm allows the operator to remain at the side when working in narrow aisles rather than the rear, reducing the risk of them being trapped between the truck and racking. Good all-round visibility of the load, the forks and the working environment make it safer for everyone onsite, whether the truck is working indoors or outside. For an MHE health check, contact Combilift or one of its many dealers around the country. www.combilift.com

Switch Packaging replaces polystyrene packaging for furniture company As a leading supplier of furniture, HPP wanted to move away from the polystyrene packaging it used to protect its doors, towards more sustainable alternatives. Due to the size and weight of the doors, as a sustainable packaging design consultancy, Switch Packaging advised and designed moulded pulp corners as the alternative. Pulp is a sustainable material that can be moulded around virtually anything, allowing for bespoke and extremely protective packaging. Specialising in pulp, Switch Packaging designed the pulp corners to outperform the previous polystyrene design and to protect the doors during transit – and even after multiple drops. “The level of protection, as well as the sustainable brand message our pulp packaging generates for HPP, makes it the ideal packaging material for us,” says HPP’s purchasing department’s Vicky Down. 01580 236128 sales@switchpackaging.co.uk www.switchpackaging.co.uk

WAREHOUSING, PACKAGING & MATERIALS HANDLING

Eurotech eT-Gripper suction boxes help solve Slovakian client’s problem With the help of multiple eT-Gripper suction boxes, vacuum specialist Eurotech helped solve the material handling problems of Rettenmeier Tatra Timber, the Slovak branch of Rettenmeier Holding. Rettenmeier is a leading, innovative, market-oriented company in the wood-processing industry. When the Rettenmeier plant in Slovakia encountered problems in handling its glued panels with multiple portals, the company decided to upgrade its existing vacuum components to products by Eurotech Vertriebs. Before the upgrade, the panels were transported by steel vacuum-lifting frame with suction plates, but this set-up no longer met the requirements of the new Rettenmeier products. Jaroslav Pudiš, plant manager at Rettenmeier, contacted Eurotech. The German-based company offered Jaroslav its eT-Gripper suction boxes with aluminium vacuum-lifting frames, instead of the previously used suction plates, for two portals. “Our offer seemed to meet our client’s requirements exactly,” Michal Mikláš, area sales manager at Eurotech, recalls. He is responsible for Rettenmeier in Slovakia. “After we proposed to supply suction boxes for two portals, Rettenmeier promptly increased their order to three portals. The vacuum-lifting frames with our suction boxes were delivered soon after.” Rettenmeier carried out the conversion of the portals to support the new vacuum-lifting frame. “We have been very satisfied with the new vacuum-lifting frame,” Jaroslav comments, “so we recommended the solution to our other branches, too.”

Eurotech Vertriebs’ eTGripper – the right solution for Rettenmeier Tatra Timber

Michal recounts: “Not long afterwards, we received the order for additional portals to be equipped with our eT-Grippers on complete vacuum-lifting frames. This could be a solid basis for a continued collaboration over the course of the coming years.”

The Eurotech eT-Gripper suction boxes are used to process panels made of wood, metal, ceramics and other materials whose surface tends to be covered in dust, sawdust, packaging supports or bark residues, which is beyond the capacities of suction plates. The eT-Gripper suction boxes have an adaptable suction mat, making them ideal for such cases. The suction mat creates a vacuumtight connection between the load and the suction box by sealing the rough surface of the load while offsetting its level differences. This makes the devices particularly suitable for use in sawmills and the timber and furniture industry. Thanks to the modular design of the lowmaintenance eT-Grippers, all components are easily accessible. The suction boxes, which are built from material-efficient light metal profiles, can be opened and cleaned with little effort. This increases their service life and ensures hygienic, clean lifting. High-quality materials, workmanship and technology ensure reliability and a long service life – and the Eurotech suction boxes are particularly efficient when handling tools, thanks to their clear, modular structure, low wear rates and small number of individual components. 0049 7433 90468-0 www.etvac.com

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WAREHOUSING, PACKAGING & MATERIALS HANDLING

Cantilever racks for wooden panels With cantilever racks individually adapted to the spatial conditions, Ohra realised a 33% higher storage capacity at the Spanish wood and hardware retailer Maderas Fanega – within the same storage area. The core of the new system is a row of racks with 1200mm long cantilever arms on one side and 1850mm long cantilever arms on the other. This asymmetry makes it possible to make the best possible use of the space in the existing building while maintaining the aisle width required for forklift trucks. Maderas Fanega has made a name for itself in the Castilla-La Mancha region with a comprehensive product range and a wide range of services. However, the continuously growing product portfolio required additional storage capacity. Maderas Fanega therefore decided to replace the existing racking system. The new racking should not only be higher, but also more precisely adapted to stored goods and the spatial conditions. Maderas Fanega has been using Ohra racks for decades. Once again, the company co-ordinated closely with Ohra to obtain a customised solution. This consisted of several racking

Maderas Fanega: 33% higher storage capacity – within the same storage area

runs, which fully utilise the building height with column heights up to 6010mm and six storage levels. The racking previously installed in the building, also Ohra cantilever racking, was modified and rebuilt in another area of the facility with a lower building height. With the new racking system, Ohra was able to achieve a high utilisation of space mainly because one run of racking was specially adapted to the number and dimensions of the wood packages stored at Maderas Fanega. This is because, in addition to boards measuring 2440 x 1220mm, the company also stores packages measuring 2850 x 2100mm. To equip all racks with the longer cantilever arms would have taken up too much space, especially

since the range of articles in these dimensions is limited. Therefore, Ohra equipped only one side of a rack row with 1850mm long arms, but the other side with only 1200mm long arms. In order to ensure the stability of the racking despite this asymmetry, the uprights were oversized accordingly. This unusual design allowed Maderas Fanega to make the best possible use of the space without restricting the freedom of movement for the forklift trucks. Overall, the warehouse now offers 33% more storage capacity saving Maderas Fanega from having to build a new warehouse. 00 49 2237/64-0 info@ohra.co.uk www.ohra.co.uk

WAREHOUSING, PACKAGING & MATERIALS HANDLING

Cut costs and make a great first impression with Homag’s automatic packaging technology Everyone knows that there’s only one chance to make a great first impression. Homag’s packaging-assembly equipment delivers high-quality product packaging with optimum protection and stability, which ensures that, after storage and transport, packaged products make a great first impression upon delivery, says the machinery supplier. Responsible and reliable customised packaging Homag’s fully automated packaging technology delivers packaging to suit products of all shapes and sizes with consistent production quality. For environmentally responsible and cost-conscious product suppliers, the equipment also utilises fewer resources, and cuts packaging processing costs by -35%. On-demand packaging-production technology eliminates the storage costs of pre-made boxes. Packaging is trimmed to exact requirements – this helps reduce voids in boxes, which minimises packaging and filling materials, lowering costs significantly. This has the added benefit of decreasing shipping volumes, costs and CO2 emissions.

Perfectly sized, JIT cardboard box-cutting machines The Paqteq C-250 is a fully automatic cardboard box-cutting machine which produces made-tomeasure customised packaging from batch size one. Models start from entry-level for standard use, up to high-performance machines for complex packaging requirements. Packaging designs can be customised to meet specific needs, or conveniently purchased directly from Homag’s PAQTEQ shop.

Flexible solutions for changing demands The versatile Paqteq C-250 cardboard boxcutting machine adapts to suit varying needs and can be modified for expanding tasks. It is designed for use in standalone operations as well as for integration at the start of a complex packaging line. Series operation or batch size one, and single-sheet or continuous cardboard feed, can be accommodated. Depending on the requirement, the machine can be supplemented with a folding machine, sealing machine, robot insertion station or robot palletising, to make a complete packaging line. Paqteq S-200 – Homag’s automated boxclosing and sealing machine Homag’s Paqteq S-200 is designed to securely close and seal cardboard boxes. The pre-cut closure tabs are automatically glued and securely sealed without the need for operators to intervene. It can work in standalone operation, as well as being integrated into a complex packaging production line. With its automatic cardboard box measuring at the infeed, no data input is required, even when using different-sized boxes. Savings of up to -40% in cardboard consumption are achieved, due to the usage of side-closing packing designs. In terms of box closures, additional cost savings of up to -85% can be gained. This is due to the machine’s hot-melt glue technology used to seal the boxes, compared to the costs of using traditional adhesive tape. For a demonstration, or more information on Homag’s machinery or software, contact Adele Hunt at Homag UK on 01332 856424. www.homag.com

www.barbaric.at

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14/05/2021 13:13

98 UPDATES

Mirka’s decade of tooling evolution Mirka is a widely-admired and leading protagonist in the world of surface finishing technology offering a broad range of innovative sanding solutions for the surface finishing industry. Initially known for its abrasive technology and solutions, it was ten years ago last October that its Power Tools Division was established in Finland. Founded following the success of the Mirka CEROS in 2009, highlighted to Mirka that a dedicated power tools division was required to help anticipate and fast track the development process of future products. Over the last decade, the team, today led by VeliPekka Västi, is at the cutting-edge of technology advancement and has created the impressive Mirka DEROS sander, arguably the most ergonomic and easy to use sander on the market which is amongst the company’s bestselling products. Furniture & Joinery Production caught up with Veli-Pekka to learn more. “The Power Tools Division started in 2010, the inspiration for which was the Mirka CEROS. Prior to this, Mirka was looking into the electrical side as well, with the thought of brushless motors in mind. We thought it might be possible to make an orbital sander, with a brushless motor that could be as good from an ergonomic point of view as a pneumatic sander. “That was the original idea which became the Mirka CEROS, the first electrical sander in Mirka’s portfolio. In the ten years since then, the Power Tools Division has successfully developed a number of new tools, notably for woodworking its Mirka DEROS and Mirka DEOS product lines.” Regarding the division itself, Veli-Pekka says: “The establishment of the of the team was to create a stronger focus on the power tools.

Abrasives themselves have a limited aftersales scenario, however power tools have commercial options in addition to the initial purchase – accessories, parts, service etc. “Today, heading up the division, the biggest part of the work is in product development, but of course there is still the product life-cycle management too – and also there is a strong commitment to after-sales that I oversee.” “The Power Tools Division directly employs over 40 staff – and with a growing product portfolio, it is quite obvious that we will need more in lifecycle management, more in after-sales ... there is always a need for more appropriate resources because you have an expanding portfolio.” For any business to be innovative, it will take time – Mirka’s developmental approach might be

described as steady and thoughtful, circumspect even. From his perspective, how would Veli-Pekka view the company’s power tool development programme? “We have road maps and we are planning a long way in advance because it takes several years to successfully design and create something new. First of all, you put in the development phase which is considerable in itself, then the design and the certification takes a lot of time, when you are manufacturing the moulds, the tools for the tools, and thorough product testing too ... so a clear road map is needed so we can develop things, find solutions to issues, to achieve a successful product development. “Typically, it will take around three-to-four years to develop a completely new product – to create a new size of an existing tool, it would take much less time of course.” Asked if he could shed any light on current and future developments, Veli-Pekka said: “If you think about our portfolio today, the sectors we work in, there are still some gaps in our portfolio,” he replied cryptically, “for example, if you need to take a lot of material out from the surface, maybe there is something that should be there, in that field? And in robot sanding, there is a lot still to do.” And trends in power tools, what’s Veli-Pekka’s view? “In terms of trends, it’s definitely cordless.” In conclusion, Veli-Pekka referred to Mirka’s collaborative philosophy for developing its products: “We are seeing a lot of our customers in the early days when we are developing products. They are really happy to work with us and it’s a really positive relationship, in that sense. We are close to our customers, and there are positive benefits for both parties. In this phase, it is also pretty easy to change the scope. This is one of the key reasons why Mirka has succeeded so well – working with and listening to our customers.” www.mirka.com

Mirka® AIROS R O B OT I C SANDING BY MIRKA

Sanding for industry workers can often be associated with health risks due to being exposed to dust and vibrations. Increasingly, the solution to sanding is automation. Mirka® AIROS is the first smart electric sander for industrial robots. Designed by dedicated surface finishing professionals, this automated industrial random orbital sander is easy to integrate and suits the requirements of different manufacturing industries.

For further information, please contact Customer Services on 01908 866100

www.mirka.co.uk

100 UPDATES

Strong rebound in the first quarter for wood and furniture technology “There never could be a better way to start the new year. The data processed by our Studies office confirm the perception of recent months: 2021 has started off very positively, with a strong expansion of the demand of furniture and wood industry technology,” confirms Luigi De Vito, president of Acimall – the association that gathers the Italian manufacturers of technologies, tools and equipment for wood and wood-based materials. He comments: “We can report amazing result of the first 90 days of this year, with orders up by 58% compared to the same period in 2020. The trend of international orders was very positive, with a 52% increase, while domestic demand literally boomed, growing by 87.8%. “The term of comparison is clearly a period – January-March 2020 – that had been strongly affected by the lockdown emergency, but nevertheless, the rebound has exceeded our expectations, supported by the positive signals that had come in the final quarter of 2020,” De Vito added. In absolute value, the excellent trend of orders in early 2021 has pushed the Italian wood technology industry back up to its al-time highs, achieved in 2018, with a quarter-on-quarter increase by 17.6%. The quarterly survey carried out by Acimall’s Studies office on a statistic sample of companies also showed that total revenues,

compared to Q1 2020, increased by 2.4%. The interviewees gave clear feedback in the quality survey: 75% of the sample indicated a positive production trend (versus 50% in the previous quarter, clear evidence of increasing confidence in more reactive markets; 5% reported decreasing business, while 20% reported substantial stability. Growth was also the predominant trend in employment figures: 55% of the sample reported a stable trend, while 40% indicated an increase and 5% a reduction. Available stocks are increasing according to 40% of the interviewees, decreasing for 20% and stable for 40%. According to the forecast survey, 55% expect the export trend to remain unchanged at the current values, while 45% believe that the situation can only improve. No one fears the situation might get worse, which is significant in terms of confidence in the future. Looking at the domestic market alone, the outlook is the opposite: 55% of the sample expect further expansion, 40% stability and 5% think there will be a reduction. 2020 final balance So, Acimall says the first quarter showed a clear and positive change of direction after a year, 2020, that will be remembered as one of the most difficult periods the Italian industry has ever faced.

According to the final figures published by the Acimall Studies office, the production of Italian companies in 2020 stopped at €1,848m, i.e. 18.4% less than in 2019. This massive drop, as it could be easily predicted, mostly occurred in the first part of the year, when the impact of the measures to fight the Covid-19 pandemic was stronger. Starting from the summer, the trend was much more positive, especially in the fourth quarter; the trend reversal supported confidence and a positive attitude across the entire industry, but it was not enough to make up for lost time, orders and revenues, although it helped close 2020 better than it had been figured out in the toughest months. Of course, the global situation also had an impact on Italian export, with a 15.8% decrease versus 2019 and an absolute value of €1,330m. Despite this reduction, international sales remain the major driver for the entire industry. The reduction of import in 2020 was even stronger in%age, down by 28.2%, at €153m. On the whole, these figures indicate that the domestic demand in 2020 was still in a critical situation, while the trade balance – i.e. the export-import difference – still remained at high levels – €1,177m. www.acimall.com

ON THE EDGE

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102 UPDATES: INTERZUM

A lead was found every minute on Interzum @home! Reolutionary event, Interzum @home, engages with 10,000 participants from 132 countries, 142 companies from 24 countries providing 230 digital events with more than 70 hours of content. Interzum @home 2021 drew to a close on Friday, 7 May 2021, with the organiser heralding ‘excellent overall results’. It can be said that for four days, Interzum proved that its digital edition, Interzum @home, can also present relevant issues emotionally and provide a whole industry with fresh, creative inspiration. Global mega-trends such as digitalisation, individualisation, mobility and urbanisation were reflected in the presentations by the exhibiting companies. But the focus this year was on sustainability. In total, more than 10,000 participants from 132 countries were active on the platform,” says Oliver Frese, COO of Koelnmesse “The last few days have shown how creatively the industry approaches new challenges. It has been a tremendous experience. But for me, it was also an impressive demonstration of the relevance and attractiveness of the Interzum brand on the international stage. “Like many other trade fairs, we have however seen that face-to-face contact is immensely important, which is why I view Interzum @home 2021 as a successful case study for Interzum’s future hybrid orientation. I am firmly convinced that Interzum 2023 will naturally have a strong physical presence here in Cologne, but its attractive digital offerings will make it even more valuable for all participants. Whether an event is purely digital or in person, my conclusion is that it is vital to have a strong trade fair with a global appeal in the right place at the right time – and Interzum is such an event,” says Oliver. At the heart of the event from the outset were networking, knowledge exchanges, high-quality content, an extensive event programme and the latest solutions and product innovations from the 142 participating companies from 24 countries. With this line-up of exhibitors, this year’s digital edition of Interzum was very international. One of the new platform’s key elements was networking opportunities, and the participants used its diverse features for a lively exchange on all four days of the trade fair.

Some of the 2021 Interzum Award winners:

‘High Product Quality’ Aventos HKi, Julius Blum

‘Best of the Best’ Bloom Technology for Fenix NTM and Arpa HPL, Arpa Industriale

‘Best of the Best’ Clamex P-14 Flexus, Lamello

‘High Product Quality’ Excelock, Sugatsune Kogyo

‘High Product Quality’ Flagstaff Oak, Schattdecor

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104 UPDATES: INTERZUM

More than one lead per minute There were over 80,000 chat conversations and audio/video calls in total. During the 5760 minutes of Interzum @home, more than 10,000 leads were generated, which amounts to more than one lead per minute. A considerable 3.5 terabytes of raw video material had been produced in studio recordings for Interzum @home. No less than 230 digital events with a total of 4240 minutes of content were hosted, attracting about 100,000 visits from 132 countries. With this audience, Interzum @home demonstrated the trade fair’s continued strong international reach on the visitor side as well. The highly international nature of the digital edition was largely the result of the communication strategy employed by Interzum, which adapted to the novel circumstances this year. Focusing on a broad, well-coordinated digital advertising campaign gave the event a high profile, generated extensive reach and attracted a large number of top-level decision-makers from the furniture and interiors industry.

Some of the 2021 Interzum Award winners:

High Product Quality Häfele JobTisch, Häfele

The future is hybrid In Interzum @home, Koelnmesse has created an innovative format through which the exhibiting companies were able to demonstrate the state of the art in the industry. On the whole, exhibitors agreed that a digital trade fair cannot replace an in-person Interzum event in Cologne. “For us at Koelnmesse, and also for exhibitors, the last four days represented a steep learning curve,” says Oliver. “A number of key points emerged,” explains the chief operating officer. Firstly, user access to the platform must be as easy and convenient as possible; secondly, exciting, well-edited content, thorough preparation, good presentation and active lead management always prevailed. That means we’ve learned even more about the features and topics our visitors are interested in, in particular about which content on Interzum @home’s interactive Showfloor and which parts of streams kept particularly large numbers of viewers absorbed.

‘High Product Quality’ Merivobox, Julius Blum

‘Best of the Best’ Orbis, The Vita Group

‘High Product Quality’ Skai PureLux, Continental

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106 UPDATES: INTERZUM

Logical extension to physical presence in the trade fair halls This kind of analysis is very important for us and our exhibitors. We will now compare our experiences with those of the exhibitors in order to further develop our digital platform together, because we believe the trade fair concept of the future will be hybrid,” says Frese. At Interzum 2023, digital components will represent a logical extension to physical presence in the trade fair halls. In the future, the focus will be on knowledge and content in the online space, and experiences and socialising at the venue, but always with fluid transitions between the two – with networking as the connecting element, which is possible both online and offline, and which will always be important.

Some of the 2021 Interzum Award winners:

‘High Product Quality’ Skai VyP Lana with laif Technologie, Continental

‘High Product Quality’ Sustainable edgebands Raukantex eco & raukantex evo, Rehau

High Product Quality”: Zenit Metal Plus, Company: Grupo Alvic

‘High Product Quality’ VIS, Arpa Industriale

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108 UPDATES

The bright blue battle bus ready for its nationwide Zero Carbon Tour

UK’s first carbon battle bus announced to support all businesses in meeting net zero carbon targets An ambitious Zero Carbon UK Tour, organised by sustainability certification Planet Mark, was announced today during an online event attended by The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman William Russell. The tour will start virtually in May before hitting the road for live events in the UK’s first fully electric Carbon Battle Bus, launching in June, and culminating at COP26 in Glasgow in November. The UK has set a net zero carbon target for 2050. While 45% of FTSE 100 companies have committed to achieving net zero by 2050 or sooner, only 16% have a plan on how they will achieve it (Source: Ecoact, 2020). Other FTSE companies require support to address the knowledge gap, helping to ensure that widespread net zero carbon commitments are rolled out alongside robust and credible plans for organisations of all sizes. Planet Mark’s eight-month tour aims to address this by taking the net zero carbon

message to communities across the UK in support of the UN-backed Race to Zero campaign, the world’s largest alliance of actors committed to halving global emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest. It will highlight how businesses can set their own credible net zero carbon targets in line with Race to Zero’s rigorous minimum criteria and implement plans to achieve them. The virtual tour will take place fortnightly from May, while the Carbon Battle Bus will take to the road in June at the Eden Project in Cornwall, where Planet Mark’s journey began in 2013, to coincide with the G7 summit (11-13 June). The Carbon Battle Bus, which is fully electric and will be charged en route, will then travel to London with a series of zero carbon events along the way. The final leg of the tour will visit farms, schools and trading estates on the road north to COP26 in Glasgow, where Planet Mark will highlight and celebrate the steps taken by the business

community in tackling carbon. Additional routes may be added throughout the summer. The physical stop-offs during the tour will provide everything a business needs to know to go net zero through free-to-attend carbon clinics as well as paid-for Net Zero Essentials workshops, which will give participants the tools and knowledge to join Race to Zero with a robust net zero target and an action plan to support it. The tour will also include press events and networking opportunities to help support businesses to get started on their sustainability journeys. The tour website, https://tour.planetmark.com, will display an interactive digital map, which will plot the route of the virtual and physical journey and enable booking onto local events. The website will also include links to book participation in tour events. It will incorporate a pledge wall, where businesses can display their commitments to reaching zero carbon emissions.

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Planet Mark enables companies to make year on year carbon reductions, unlocking huge business benefits in the process, from increased efficiencies and reduced costs to attracting and retaining the best talent. Steve Malkin, CEO and founder of Planet Mark, says: “This is a key moment in time, and we are aiming to give energy and impetus to the urgency of tackling the climate crisis. By embarking on our Zero Carbon Tour, we want to accelerate information and action to enable businesses to set zero carbon targets and implement achievable steps to deliver them. Net zero brings more urgency and more opportunity for organisations to work together to tackle the climate crisis. In doing so, they are publicly

demonstrating their commitments that they are organisations and brands that are here to support society and our transition to net zero. It’s an exciting time of innovation and action with the goal of a cleaner, healthier planet within our reach.” He adds, “COP26 is incredibly important, as it places the UK at the forefront of decarbonisation to address the urgent and immediate requirement to take action for the good of society and our planet. Aligned with this, Planet Mark is supporting the United Nations ‘Race to Zero’ campaign as part of the Government’s aim to sign up over a hundred thousand businesses to this initiative. Change is in our hands and we want this tour to communicate that as

L to R – Sir Tim Smit KBE, co-founder of Eden Project and Steve Malkin, CEO and founder of Planet Mark

businesses and individuals, together we are empowering change for a brighter future. With enough ambition and active collaboration, now is the time to solve one of the most pressing challenges we face as a generation.” The partner organisations and associations for the tour and the grand finale at COP26 include Institute of Directors (IoD), Business in the Community, CHAS, Eden Project, Fully Charged (media partners), The Royal Warrant Holders Association, Octopus Energy, HTA, Heart of the City, Global (media and digital member), Meaningful Business, Garden Centre Association, Westway Coaches, Arrival and COBIS. www.planetmark.com

110 UPDATES

Visitor appetite for FIT Show at record high The FIT Show’s organiser has announced that the event’s visitor pre-registration numbers are tracking at +130% above the figures for the same period in the campaign for its 2019 event. The announcement follows the easing of lockdown restrictions across the UK, with the country entering the penultimate phase of the UK Government’s ‘roadmap to recovery’, which is on track to culminate with the lifting of all restrictions from 21st June. FIT Show will return to the NEC Birmingham from Sunday September 26-28th, 2021. The event, which is free to attend, will see over 200 brands from the home improvement industry showcase the very latest products on the market, for the first time since 2019. The organisers of the leading UK event for the glass and glazing industry are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that it makes a triumphant return in September. FIT Show event director Nickie West comments: “Our visitor preregistration data is a key indicator that people are ready to get back to face-to-face business, but, most importantly, that they are ready to get back to FIT Show. “After a very difficult year, it’s time to dust ourselves off, get back out there and build back stronger. We are pulling out all of the stops to ensure that FIT Show delivers a safe and successful platform for our industry to get back to doing what it does best.

“The new Sunday opening is a further opportunity for visitors to attend the show without the need to take time off the tools or out from the office by making a weekend visit. The uplift in early pre-registration data has been positively impacted by this.” FIT Show’s record visitor registrations follow hot on the heels of April becoming its biggest month for exhibitor sign-ups since January. The latest brands to join the lineup are listed on the FIT Show website. Nickie adds: “For many, FIT Show is the first opportunity to see, touch and compare the latest products on the market side by side. Our exhibitors are already reporting that there will be more new products and innovations on display

than at any previous FIT Show. It’s an exciting time for the whole industry as we work towards reconnecting face to face. “We’ve got so much to look forward to, and with the Government’s new ‘super deduction’ allowing companies to benefit from huge tax savings on new plant and machinery assets, there are more reasons than ever to visit FIT Show and make those all-important purchases. “We have been encouraged by the uplift in visitor pre-registration, which places us over +130% ahead of where we usually are at this point in our campaign. With the successful rollout of UK pilot events of all sizes – with zero social distancing – and more than 50 scheduled events at the NEC before FIT Show, we’ve got every reason to plan ahead with confidence.” FIT Show is an award-winning showcase for the glass, glazing, window, door, hardware and components industry. FIT Show will return to the NEC from 26-28th September 2021, in halls 17, 18 and 19. www.fitshow.co.uk

NEC BIRMINGHAM, 26-28 SEPTEMBER 2021 Register for a FREE ticket today by scanning the QR Code or visiting fitshow-2021.reg.buzz/furniture-production

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112 UPDATES

Close Brothers Asset Finance and Leasing launches third Sales Academy Close Brothers Asset Finance and Leasing is delighted to announce the return of its highly successful and industry-leading Sales Academy, designed to attract new and diverse talent into the sector. Now in its third iteration, the company is looking to recruit ten new sales trainees across the UK who will specialise in one of a number of sectors, including Print, Construction and Transport. Full and intensive training is provided, comprising classroom-based learning, mentoring and practical ‘on-the-job’ training. Steve Gee, CEO of Close Brothers Asset Finance’s Industrial Equipment division: “We are very proud of our specialist business model and want to build on the outstanding success of the first two Sales Academies, which has seen many of the previous ‘graduates’ fully integrated into the Asset Finance and Leasing sales teams and leading very successful careers in their chosen sectors. “We are keen to hear from driven, motivated and enthusiastic individuals with a passion to develop in sales. A background in sales is not essential - we are looking to attract candidates from a range of backgrounds who are enthusiastic about building a career in sales.

“This is an incredible opportunity to be trained by an industry leader and mentored by an experienced Sales Manager for ‘on the road’ training. Following their training period, successful applicants will concentrate on building a customer base, territory and

business plan, with full assistance from a mentor.” For further details refer to LinkedIn’s jobs page. https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/252254 2297/?refId=p2Hst5qlSKSTyymmMElBvA%3 D%3D

Ironmongery Direct recognised as one of the UKs ‘Best Workplaces 2021’ For the second year running, Ironmongery Direct has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ 2021 by Great Place to Work®. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has improved its year-on-year ranking, to be recognised for its strengths in making the workplace enjoyable and inclusive for all. The Best Workplaces Award recognises companies that promote a healthy workplace culture through management credibility, respect, fairness, trust, pride and camaraderie. The Great Place to Work institute assesses this using an anonymous employee survey to gauge levels of trust in the company and their colleagues. A further assessment evaluates the organisation’s HR and leadership practices, policies and culture. Of the 183 companies short-listed, Ironmongery Direct ranked 58th in the mediumsize category, moving up in the rankings from last year’s result. “We are extremely proud to be named as one of the Best Workplaces in the UK by Great Place to Work, for the second year running,” says Marco Verdonkschot, MD at Ironmongery Direct. “It’s a wonderful achievement that solidifies our efforts to create a working environment

that is accessible and beneficial for all of our colleagues. This fantastic result is a testament to our staff who feel confident in the workplace and work hard to achieve Ironmongery Direct’s goals.” “We know that a motivated workforce means our customers always get the very best treatment in return, and we are continuously

looking for ways to improve our workplace and employee well-being. Our ongoing learning and development programme encourages our employees to deepen their knowledge of the industry, gain new skills and ignite personal growth.” www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk

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