Furniture & Joinery Production #345 by Gearing Media Group Ltd

Issue 345 | November 2022 www.furnitureproduction.net

THINK WEINIG

Conturex Artis

Your Solution To Flexible Window Manufacturing

weinig.co.uk

Partner With Panelco The

Of Innovation

01782 392100 | sales@panelco.com | www.panelco.com

Issue 345 | November 2022 www.furnitureproduction.net

THINK WEINIG

Conturex Artis

Your Solution To Flexible Window Manufacturing

weinig.co.uk

COVER: Weinig - p24 Weinig F&J Magazine Cover Oct 2022.indd 1

20/10/2022 14:03

Contents 4

News

Installations

Panel Processing

Warehousing

Saws, Blades & Cutting Tech

Products

Updates

Classifieds

Comment Unlike British politics, our industry remains pretty stable in general, changing course steadily at its own pace. But in recent times, global issues are coming to bear on all our lives and businesses – and the furniture and joinery industry is no exception. The environment, trained (or trainee) staff, energy costs and the cost of living crisis – these are the key issues which will define the coming months and years. It will also feed into my editorial plans for 2023, which will see an additional full time editor, Gemma Lochhead, returning to the fold to strengthen our reach, breadth and areas of focus, including the key issues mentioned previously. At the time of writing, we are on the eve of our first ever live event, The Furniture & Joinery Conference, where these and many other issues are set to be debated by expert panellists and the gathered audience. An event such as the conference has been a long-held ambition – to create an independent meeting point for industry, removed from the pressure of the traditional trade events, has been something I felt was important for our industry for many years. More specifically it was during W14 when discussions with some of the industry’s key suppliers, and with you, our loyal audience of furniture and joinery manufacturers who were at the show that year, who have responded very positively to my vision. To both parties, thank you for the encouragement and commitment and I hope that the event has started to add a positive and dynamic platform for our industry to come together, to work together, and to find some answers to the industry’s key issues. A full report from the event will be in the December’s issue. But for now, I hope you enjoy this issue.

John Legg, editorial director

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4 NEWS

BFM issues warning over TDI shortages National trade body the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) is sounding caution over the availability of foam used in upholstered furniture and mattresses. The trade body says that TDI chemical shortages pose a threat to the supply of foam across Europe throughout autumn. As a result, it says that retailers and customers should be prepared for unexpected delays as manufacturers face sporadic supplies. Sean Holt, MD of the BFM, said: “There’s a significant reduction in the manufacture of TDI from the European facilities, which supply many of our members. “The material is being imported from the US and Asia, but overseas transportation costs and the fact that not enough of it is being produced to meet demand, means manufacturers are facing unexpected sporadic supply shortages or sudden

jumps in costs, which may cause disappointment and inconvenience for customers. “The BFM is committed to encouraging consumers to buy British and appreciate the value of

British-made furniture, but it also important to manage expectations. “Manufacturers are battling extremely challenging circumstances, with national and international economic factors that

are beyond their control. “We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide members with regular updates, which will hopefully help them to navigate the situation ahead.”

Mirka achieves Gold standard with Investors in People Mirka (UK) Ltd has been awarded the Investors in People (IIP) Gold accreditation. The IIP practitioner praised the business’ excellent relationships with all its stakeholders, ensuring continued sustainability, aided by a strong management team that inspires its staff, and delivering high business standards and performance levels. The IIP practitioner also highlighted the company culture that brings people together within the organisation, empowering them to make autonomous and trusted decisions, and its robust structure and policies that support staff in continuous professional development and upskilling. Craig Daycock, managing director of Mirka (UK) Ltd, says, “We are absolutely thrilled to be accredited with the Gold award from the IIP. This recognition highlights how the sustained investment in the processes and structure to aid the development of our staff to support their customers and all our stakeholders has helped them grow both individually and as part of their team. “The Mirka UK management team is committed to continuing to invest in these areas because we understand first-hand how continuous professional development benefits our customers and the business, and how it has made our staff feel empowered and trusted within the organisation.”

ESTIMATING & PLANNING Predict your time, material and labor costs with conﬁdence.

DESIGN & DRAFTING Professional AutoCAD-based tools built for woodworkers.

ENGINEERING Limitless engineering tools that put your in control.

PRODUCT LIBRARIES Frameless and face frame cabinetry, ofﬁce furniture, wardrobes, store ﬁxtures, bathroom partitions and custom products.

REPORTS & INSIGHTS The right data in the right place at the right time.

MANUFACTURING A streamlined st solution for traditional woodworking and automated CNC production.

6 NEWS

St Albans to Morecambe bike ride cyclists raise £27,000 for industry charity A team of intrepid furnishing industry cyclists have completed a gruelling 300+ mile bike ride, raising £27,000 for The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry. A 12-strong team of cyclists took part in the St Albans to Morecambe Bike Ride fundraiser, which was organised by Tony Attard OBE DL, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, and took place from 1216th September. Dressed smartly in the sponsored team jersey, the peloton set off on the morning of Monday 12th September from Verulamium Park in St Albans and cycled 64 miles north, taking the riders through the beautiful Buckinghamshire countryside, and ending the day in Whittlebury. On day two, the team cycled 68 miles up through the heart of the East Midlands, negotiating the bustling streets of Leicester and Loughborough, finishing in Kegworth. On the third day of the challenge, the cyclists headed 67 miles from Kegworth, riding through Long Eaton – the UK centre of upholstery – in the morning, followed by an exhausting afternoon climb up Snake Pass – a testing hill pass in the Derbyshire section of the Peak District – ending the day in Glossop. The cyclists faced another tough day on day four, with climbs out of Glossop and ending the day in the beautiful Yorkshire market town of Skipton after a 58-mile ride.

On the final morning, the weary cyclists started the day with a visit to the office of the National Bed Federation, a sponsor of the team jersey. The cyclists were greeted by Andrew Mear, chairman of Skipton Business Improvement District, and Jessica Alexander, executive director of the National Bed Federation, who presented the team with a cheque. After the presentation, the team cycled the final 45 miles west from Skipton, ascending over the Yorkshire Dales and into Morecambe, Lancashire. The team were cheered over the finish line by friends and family at the Midland Hotel. Later that evening the High Sheriff of Lancashire, Martin John Ainscough DL, presented each participant with a certificate and a bottle of English Champagne.

The group’s fundraising total currently stands at a huge £27,000, but there is still time to donate, as the JustGiving page will remain live for another six weeks. The money raised from the fundraiser will support the charity’s education programme – which nurtures young people looking to build a career in the sector – and its provision of occupational welfare to people working in the industry. The Furniture Makers’ Company would like to thank all the sponsors of the team jersey: Biesse UK, Blum UK, Bulgaro Interiors, Burbidge Kitchens, the British Contract Furnishing Association, the British Furniture Manufacturers Association, Celtheath, Furniture Village, Gresham Office Furniture, KI, the National Bed Federation, Ocee Design, Panaz, Sanderson

The cycle team comprised of 12 riders who joined the fundraiser for various legs of the journey: • Rollie Attard (Days 1-5) • Tony Attard OBE DL (Days 1-5) • Ben Burbidge (Days 2-5) • Stuart Daykin (Day 2) • John Irwin (Days 1-5) • Paul von der Heyde (Days 1-5) • Stewart Linford (Days 1-5) • Andrew Sykes (Day 1) • Edward Sykes (Day 1) • Nick Westlake (Day 1) • William White (Days 2-5) • Aidan Wilson (Day 2)

Design Group, SATRA and Shackletons Group. Tony Attard OBE DL, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “What a fantastic week we had. This was a substantial challenge for all of us with some very tough climbs throughout the week. All the participants agreed that it was a hard trip but worth it to raise the significant sum of £27,000 for our charity. I would like to express my deepest of thanks to our corporate cycle jersey sponsors as well as for all the individual donations we have received through JustGiving. There is still time to donate and help us raise more funds.” Prior to the group’s departure, a ceremony took place at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London on Sunday 11th September, where Alison Gowman, Alderman and Sheriff of London, presented the Master with a donation towards the fundraiser and wished the team well on the trip. Alison Gowman, Alderman and Sheriff of London, said: “It is a great initiative for the Master and livery members to undertake. I was delighted to wish them well as they set off and I know that all the hard work will result in funds that will be put to such good use.”

8 NEWS

Waste not, want not Chris Franklin, managing director of Ranheat Engineering, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of wood-waste burning equipment. Continuing his series of articles exclusively for Furniture and Joinery Production. With the Government announcing that industry will receive help with it’s energy bills there is still a lot of uncertainty, how much and for how long? Here at Ranheat we have seen a large increase in enquiries from both within and outside the woodworking industry. Ranheat systems can burn all types of wood and wood-based products. This includes chipboard, OSB, plywood, melamine-faced chipboard as well as hardwood, softwood, pallets, and wood packaging. Outside the woodworking industry lots of goods and components are delivered on single

use pallets that are not economical to return. Basically, Ranheat systems can turn this into useful energy. Almost all companies in the wood working industry have some form of dust extraction system even if only simple bag extraction systems. Companies outside the woodworking industry don’t have extraction. By using an auger feed from a wood granulator, nails and other metal fixings can be dealt with as there is no fire risk. Some form of magnetic separator is a good idea and the steel from the nails is in quite a pure form so gets a high value as scrap metal. With the end of the Renewable Heat Incentive, which was only applicable to boiler based systems, Ranheat has experienced increased demand for it’s warm air variants. They are cheaper to buy and simpler to use and there is no

Purpose made ‘bunker silo’ fed from an internal wood shredder

Granulate from a wood-chipper inside a bunker silo

fear of freezing the system during shutdowns such as over Christmas (most customers use them 24/7) Warm air variants can be

stable temperatures overnight and over weekends. The warm air variants have a simple summer/winter divertor

programmed to turn themselves down to run at much lower outputs outside of occupancy and then turn themselves up in time for workers’ occupancy. Products manufactured from wood benefit from being kept at

allowing the heat produced to be released to atmosphere. Still a better way to dispose of the woodwaste than sending to landfill. 01604 750005 sales@ranheat.com www.ranheat.com

10 NEWS

Record attendance at Daltons Wadkin Wood & Panel Machinery Show Managing Director, Alex Dalton, is pleased to report a resounding success for this years Wood & Panel Machinery Show. A record number of companies and individuals where welcome across the three day event from all parts of the UK and Ireland. “It was great to see so many visitors from such a wide range of industries; automotive, joinery, restoration, aerospace, rail, oil and gas, sawmilling, garden furniture, kitchen and bathroom, colleges, window and door… ”, enthuses Alex. “Customers were grateful for the opportunity to visit and discuss their individual applications. It was encouraging to gain such positive feedback on planned investment despite the media’s gloomy economic outlook”. The Wood & Panel Machinery Show showcased the largest ever display of Salvador automatic crosscut saws in the UK. The SuperPush 200 and 250 models where of particular interest, pallet manufacturers and timber importers appreciating the overall build quality, ease of use and range of technical features included as standard. The everpopular Salvador SuperAngle 600 angle crosscut was on constant demonstration showing off its quick set, high accuracy, optimising and defecting ability. It wouldn’t be a Daltons Wadkin show without Stenner. The ST100R

band resaw remains the industry standard for customers wanting a no compromise resawing solution that will last for generations. The pitless design, high strain guidance system and automatic feed setting gives timber processors significant advantages over older models. Elcon vertical panel saws where of great interest to panel processors, especially those cutting advanced materials such as GRP and other composites. Elcon’s patented Limpio dust capture system coupled with an iVision high powered extraction unit demonstrates how operator exposure to harmful dust can be greatly reduced.

Popular as always, the Kimla BPF industrial CNC router was running demonstrations on wood-based panels and plastics, showing how processing times and finish quality can be optimised through Kimla’s own CAD/CAM/ CNC control system. Exhibiting for the first time in the UK was the Kimla PowerCut fiber laser. “The PowerCut is of course for the sheet metal industry, but we knew many of our customers work with a wide range of materials and this too proved a popular exhibit”, comments Alex. Sliding table panel saws from

Altendorf and SCM were also on display, side by side. Visitors were able to directly compare features and specifications from these leading manufactures allowing them to make an informed decision with 100% confidence. For all those that missed the Wood & Panel Machinery Show, fear not. Daltons Wadkin will continue to welcome visitors to their Nottingham showroom for working demonstrations on the latest technology from Europe’s leading specialist manufacturers. 0115 986 5201 www.daltonswadkin.com

Foil Laminating Machine Compact line HG

Single sided compact laminating machine with smoothing roller suitable for the application of glue on the panel and laminate with transparent foil. The process is perfect for melamine coated or digital printed panels achieving a bright high gloss finish. Any other type of foil can be applied obtaining the highest finishing quality as well.

www.barberan.com

barberan@barberan.com Tel: + 34 936 35 08 10

12 NEWS

Visitor’s to Panelco’s Innovation Event treated to an array of innovative panel options

Panelco recently hosted a twoday Innovation Insight Event at its head office in Stoke-onTrent. The impressive event did not disappoint, packed full of innovative new designs and textures, many on display for the first time in the UK. Partnering with three of Panelco’s major brands – Alvic, Egger and Unilin – this event was certainly an exclusive assemble with a considerable number of visitors from across the UK furniture manufacturing sector. The delightfully well-appointed Design Studio displayed 56 beautiful Alvic décors in large format style providing an impressive feature across the majority of the room.

A diverse and throught-provoking range from Alvic really provides something for everyone – but not only that, there’s something unique for all. A full display of high gloss, high resistance panels, embossed surface textures, striking metallic elements and the soft, supermatt, luxury silk touch surfaces. Across one wall the unique Croma sunset design was on show in a striking piece of furniture which really was a highlight. Over on the other side of the Studio, Unilin displayed its UK decorative collection, comprising some 44 décors consisting of solid colours, life-like stone finishes, an intricate and highly fashionable weave texture, the singularly impressive new generation of Master Oak in various hues, and the fabulous new geometric Hive texture which – which proved a real hit with visitors. The second Design Forum was utilised across the two days by Egger – and the room was transformed with large graphics and mood boards detailing the new introductions, digital services on offer, recent upgrades in the Perfect Sense gloss laminate range, the advantages of choosing Egger’s Flammex range and an important focus on sustainability, something Egger has championed for many years. Presentations took place across the two days where customers were shown the new additions to the decorative collection and the new TM9 Perfect Sense structure. Panelco provided refreshments and tasty treats all day along with factory tours where customers were suitably impressed by the sheer breadth and mix of products across the site – and in such huge volumes too! And in true Panelco style, a thank-you gift bag was given to those who that attended. The sheer hard work of the Panelco team, all the staff involved and their partners was obvious – and the event proved a considerable with meangful discussions throughout the two days. So much so that Panelco is already planning their next event in January 2023 – watch this space! www.panelco.com

14 NEWS

£6.1m funding boost to accelerate digitalisation among furniture manufacturers A trailblazing programme that has backed 2500 SME manufacturers to adopt new digital technology and skills to create growth and jobs has secured £6.1m funding to continue for three more years. Made Smarter’s adoption programme in the North West has helped small and mediumsized companies start their digital journey by providing them with specialist advice and a digital roadmap to help them select the right approach, level of investment and tools for their business. More than 250 of them, including several in the furniture sector, have invested in new technology, ranging from software and sensors to robotics and extended reality, to become more efficient, build resilience, increase their productivity and grow sustainably. These include businesses like: Pendle Doors, based in Darwen; Crystal Doors in Rochdale; Inscape Interiors, a manufacturer of commercial cubicles, washrooms and fitted furniture, based in Chorley; and Starlight Bedrooms,

Pendle Doors, based in Darwen

based in Bolton. As a result, Made Smartersupported manufacturers are set to create 1250 new jobs, upskill almost ,300 existing roles, deliver an additional £176m in gross value added to the region, and help the UK meet its net zero target by 2050. Now with a further £6.1m funding from the government, Made Smarter can accelerate its drive to support hundreds more SME manufacturers to embrace the industry 4.0 movement. Meanwhile, as a result of the trailblazing work in the North West, the national roll out of the Made Smarter adoption programme has continued, and now includes the West of England and East Midlands. They join the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands regions. Alain Dilworth, Programme Manager for the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West, said: “I am delighted that the Government has recognised the extraordinary impact that Made

Pendle Doors, based in Darwen

Alan Dilworth, Programme Manager for the Made Smarter Adoption Programme in the North West

Smarter’s adoption programme is having on digitalisation of SME businesses and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the North West whilst continuing to fund our work for the next three years. “While UK manufacturing navigated the pandemic and is working towards recovery, it is also bracing for further challenging times and economic bumps in the road ahead. Our rallying call to manufacturers is that digital technologies offer businesses opportunities to build resilience, innovate and transform. Digital tools can help manufacturers make marginal savings, set themselves apart from competitors in a volatile time, and make products quicker, affordable and more efficiently. “This new funding means we can renew our ambition to reach out to the region’s SME manufacturers

‘Made Smartersupported manufacturers are set to create 1250 new jobs, upskill almost ,300 existing roles, deliver an additional £176m in gross value added to the region, and help the UK meet its net zero target by 2050’ to connect them to the tools that will make an everyday difference to their businesses, build resilience and enable them to keep up with a fast-moving industry.” Made Smarter’s simple and straightforward approach gets quickly to the heart of a business’s challenges and supports them to take that first step in their digital transformation. Registration takes five minutes and is followed up with a digital transformation workshop to identify core challenges and provide a bespoke digital manufacturing roadmap. Made Smarter’s team of expert advisors then pinpoint other ways that the programme can support a company’s digitalisation including skills and leadership development, and recommending the correct technology to invest in. www.madesmarter.uk

TWO NEW OSTERMANN CATALOGUES

NEW: FRONTS AND FURNITURE ROLLER SHUTTERS MADE TO MEASURE Our range for furniture making and interior design now includes more than 20,000 items. To offer you even more service, we created 2 new catalogues: “Creative Design“ and “Edgings. Everything for Practical Processing.“ While the first catalogue, with products such as surfaces and design items, is perfect for advising your customers, the second was conceived as a reference book for planning, purchasing, and the workshop. On the inside of both catalogues, you can expect numerous inspiring application pictures with ideas for kitchens, offices, bedrooms, bathrooms, and retail shops. SERVICE, DIVERSITY AND SPEED: THAT IS OSTERMANN. For further information, go to www.ostermann.eu and type in

#catalogue

www.ostermann.eu

16 NEWS

Toolfix celebrate 35 years of business “A simple, honest and quality service that you can rely on” have been the values of Toolfix since it was first set up by Sydney Burt and his son David in the front room of David’s house in Peterborough in 1987. The growth of the company has been on an upward trajectory ever since its inception, moving out of David’s front room to its first shop in their first year. The company quickly expanded, moving to larger premises three times with a small fleet of vans serving a local 30 mile radius, before moving to its current 10,000sq ft location in Newark Road, Peterborough in 2002. The success of the company has been built on the foundations of hard work, providing expert advice and supplying customers as quickly as possible at the fairest prices. The company is truly a family business with third generation

Anthony the current MD along with his brother and director Nigel. They have more recently been joined by the 4th Generation of Burt family members with Carson and Conrad looking after sales and their sister Louella who is responsible for the company accounts. While other members of the family have worked at Toolfix over the years, the growth of the company could not have been achieved without other members of staff and their contribution has helped Toolfix become what it is today. There have been many changes since the company’s humble beginnings, the most significant of which was when Toolfix chose to serve customers further afield to become a truly national company and the decision to focus solely on the joinery industry. This decision was made in part

Sidney and David Burt

Victoria Street 1988 – The first dedicated premises Toolfix moved into

Toolfix Team Shot (L-R) Craig, Anthony, Nigel, Matt, Daniella, Marco, Louella, Conrad and Carson

based on the wealth of experience the company had gained serving local joinery companies and it also allowed Toolfix to maximise and focus its resources, while stocking a wider range of products used specifically by the joinery industry, including door and window hardware, weather seals, cabinet and gate hardware and workshop consumables. Today Toolfix serves joinery companies across the UK, many of which have been working with Toolfix for a number of years. One such company is Allan Brothers, one of the UK’s longest established joinery specialists. “We like working with Toolfix as they are very reliable and prompt and they are always willing to source items that we need as a business. We find their prices very competitive, their staff are very polite and cheerful and nothing is too much trouble” Not one to rest on their laurels, Toolfix continue to innovate and grow, most notably with the introduction of their own brands including Xylo, a range of joinery workshop consumables, Xylo-Fit,

a range of cabinet fittings and Hardwick, a range of window and door hardware. On the celebration of 35 years in business, Anthony Burt, commented “It’s our aim to lead the industry through exceptional service and innovation so that we can make it easier for our customers to do their job. A lot has changed in the industry over the last 35 years and as a company we’ve evolved to meet the needs of our customers. As we move into the future, we will strive to continue the high standards set from when the company first started and to build on this with continuous improvements. We don’t plan on standing still and are excited to build on our ranges of own brand products, while staying ahead of changes and trends in the industry, ensuring we continue to provide a simple, honest and quality service you can rely on. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers, past and present, without whom our success would not be possible.” www.toolfixservices.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

Installations

Comec MD TOP XL CNC Working Centre At HSG Packaging

Comec MD TOP XL 4 axis CNC work centre

JJ Smith have recently completed the installation of a New Comec MD TOP XL heavy duty CNC working centre designed for the cutting, shaping, milling, drilling and slotting of solid wood or composite components. The customer HSG Packaging in Bradford purchased the machine for the volume shaping and grooving of timber bearers used for the transportation of industrial size tubing for the construction sector. The MD TOP has a maximum working length capacity of 3300mm in a single field or 1500mm plus 1500mm in twin working fields, giving the facility of tandem loading of the same or different size parts, thus maximising productivity whilst still giving a high degree of flexibility. Working units consist of a C axis for a saw

Working examples

blade that can make straight or angled cuts, a horizontal electro spindle for slotting or grooving and a vertical electro spindle for milling and shaping. Additionally there is a CNC drilling group that can work all sides/ends of the component. Programming is quick and simple, as is the machine set up. The working tables, eight in total, are each fitted with adjustable pneumatic work piece clamps that easily move on the X axis to suit different length pieces. On request the working tables can be automatically positioned through the CNC and vacuum pads can be specified instead of clamps. The latest optional is an eight position automatic rotary tool changer. The MD TOP range has working lengths of 2500mm, 3300mm and 4500mm. On request, special machine configurations and working sizes can

be specified. Other applications the MD Top can be used for is the production of parts for garden furniture, garden buildings, sofa frame parts and bed bases to name just a few. HSG Director Colin Cutts comments “As soon as I saw the machine in operation it was clear that it was going to be ideal for our requirements. The tandem loading was a real plus, as was the quick and simple set up of the tables and clamps. “Also I have to say that from the outset JJ Smith have been excellent and have looked after us really well. The machine was delivered on time, and expertly installed and commissioned by the JJ Smith technicians.” 0151 548 9000 sales@jjsmith.co.uk www.jjsmith.co.uk

Cutting, shaping, milling and drilling

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20 INSTALLATIONS

A.S.H. Plastics invests in HOMAG SAWTEQ B-200

For over forty years, A.S.H. Plastics has been producing premium quality point of sale displays and precision components for sectors ranging from retail to defence and beyond. Located in Wolverhampton and with a turnover of £4.2m, the ethos of the company is based on combining engineering excellence, a commitment to customer service and an insistence on utilising the latest in technology. Its ethos was a key reason the company invested in a HOMAG SAWTEQ B-200, as managing director David Archer explains: “Our pledge to always provide our customers with the very best products and solutions requires we invest in the most advanced technology available.” He continues, “We decided to purchase a HOMAG beam saw to enable us to bring under our control the tolerance accuracy of cut parts. For us to supply the best point of sale material, every part must fit together perfectly, but if there are even minor variances in the cutting accuracy it makes it almost impossible for us to consistently produce the high standard of finish

‘The SAWTEQ B-200 is designed to cut panels horizontally with power, precision and above all flexibility’ we strive for with all our products. “Previously, we had contracted out the cutting of our plastic sheets, but it was hard for us to control the quality of the cutting. Consequently, we decided to invest in a beam saw from what, in our industry, is considered the best machinery manufacturing brand on the market.” Specifying the HOMAG SAWTEQ B-200 “As part of the selection process we looked at few brands including an Italian manufacturer and HOMAG. We chose HOMAG for a number of reasons. Firstly, its reputation as the global brand leader gave us a great deal of confidence. Secondly, the company’s representative, Matt Long, was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We felt he understood our business needs and, more importantly, we could trust him to specify the right saw for our current and future

requirements. Matt recommended the entry level SAWTEQ B-200 and it has proved to be the perfect machine for our production demands. “Finally, the SAWTEQ’s consistent quality of cut, with regards to both accuracy and a clean finish, were very impressive. The HOMAG saw has added a new string to our bow; it has not only given us independence, but also much improved quality control.” SAWTEQ B-200 – versatility, power and precision The SAWTEQ B-200 is designed to cut panels horizontally with power, precision and above all flexibility. It is available in a choice of two standard models and a wide range of technology options. This enables customers to specify the machine to meet specific requirements and yet remain flexible, so the saw can grow depending on the business’ needs.

The B-200 is operated by CADmatic 5, the state-of-the-art, high-performance control system from HOMAG. It features an intuitive operating concept and is open for communication with other machines and software solutions. This latest generation of HOMAG’s saw control system has a new assistance graphic that clearly shows the machine operator all the steps in sequence. The 3D assistance graphic supports the operator directly at the saw. Its intuitive operation shortens the training period required and reduces errors to a minimum. The new powerTouch 2 user interface features a 24in full HD multi-touch widescreen display which is easy to use by swiping, scrolling and zooming. Many of the functions are similar to those of a smartphone or tablet and are therefore familiar to most users. Even beginners

‘The new powerTouch 2 user interface features a 24in full HD multi-touch widescreen display which is easy to use by swiping, scrolling and zooming’ will feel immediately at ease and will soon be able to control the machine comfortably. Effective training and ease of use David Archer again: “HOMAG’s installation engineers were very helpful and provided the training for our staff on the SAWTEQ B-200. The saw is easy to operate and the quality of training meant that from day one our guys were able to hit the ground running. “The machine has proved to be extremely reliable; on the odd occasion we have needed support, however, HOMAG has always responded

quickly and effectively. Overall, we would expect the SAWTEQ to have paid for itself within five years and still have many more years’ service to give. “Not only has the saw delivered cost savings and efficiencies to our production, but it has also enabled us to attract new customers,” concludes Archer. For a demonstration or further information on HOMAG saws or other woodworking machinery or software, contact Adele Hunt at HOMAG UK on 01332 856424 or email: info-uk@homag.com www.homag.com

22 INSTALLATIONS

“It saves money, heats the space and keeps everyone warm. It’s a win-win!” A business that manufactures pods for the glamping industry has purchased a new wood waste heater from Wood Waste Technology. The Pod Factory designs and builds luxury glamping pods from a 14,500 sq ft barn in Atherstone, Warwickshire. The Pod Factory has stepped up production in recent years, to cope with demand from both the increased interest in glamping and the effect of the pandemic on UK based holidays, so Director Alex Cash wanted to make its manufacturing environment a more comfortable space for workers in cold weather. Alex explains: “We manufacture our pods to withstand all-year round temperatures, and yet

our manufacturing unit is a very cold place to work in winter, as it’s an uninsulated barn. We use electric heaters on extremely cold days, but it’s a hard place to keep warm. That’s why I was delighted to learn more about wood waste heaters….” It was on a routine visit to another business premises that Alex first discovered the benefits of investing in a wood waste heater. Alex was astounded at how warm the factory was when he walked in. When he made a comment about how high the heating bill must be, the owner took him to see the wood waste heater that was generating free heating for the business. “When Alex realised the free heating was

fuelled by disposing of waste wood, he left the meeting determined to buy one for his business – and contacted Wood Waste Technology for a survey and a quote. The Pod Factory purchased a WT15 with a summer heat-dump, to provide the flexibility to send the heat to atmosphere rather than into the factory in the warmer months. It was installed into the manufacturing area by Wood Waste Technology’s experienced engineers, who also managed to duct some of the heat into the spray booth area, to warm that space too. Alex says: “My primary reason for the purchase was to heat the factory – but the money saving aspect is obviously a huge bonus - especially at the moment with the high energy and fuel prices. As our wood waste goes into the burner, we’re saving money on skips each month, plus we no longer have to run the electric heaters to keep the factory warm. We also used to run diesel heaters to warm the spray booth and remove some of the damp, so it’s fantastic that we’ve been able to route some of the heat from the wood waste burner into there to help with the paint-drying process, saving money on diesel as well as electric and skips. “The employees love how much warmer the factory is now! Even when there are minus temperatures outside, it’s a comfortable temperature inside. I’d definitely recommend business owners look into investing in a wood waste heater. It saves money, heats the space and keeps everyone warm. It’s a win-win!” Kurt Cockroft says: “A wood waste heater is most definitely a cost effective and productive solution for companies that generate a large amount of waste wood, and the investment can pay back within less than 12 months.” Wood Waste Technology’s years of expertise in wood waste solutions have helped many companies reduce their waste disposal and heating costs. As well as offering site survey, design, manufacture, installation and on-going maintenance for new units, the company also services all types of wood waste heaters and supplies genuine spares up to 60% cheaper than other suppliers. In addition, Wood Waste Technology is the UK official distributor for Gross Apparatebau GmbH, a German manufacturer of dependable, precision engineered shredders and briquetters, available in various size and specifications to suit all business applications. 01785 250400 www.woodwastetechnology.com www.grossuk.co.uk

Closer to your business. Closer to what matters. With over 50 years of commercial insurance experience, we can offer an insurance and risk management solution that provides real value for your manufacturing business.

To find out more visit:

nfumutual.co.uk/ furnitureproduction Or scan here:

The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982). Registered in England. Registered Office: Tiddington Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7BJ.

Panel processing

The Conturex Artis: a five-in-one solution

Universal spindle with five-axis technology

The Conturex Artis offers the benefits of five machines in one. Part of a growing series of machines, the powerful Conturex Artis is an entry-level CNC single component production system that offers small to medium-sized window and door manufacturers a complete solution for machining individual components, proving you don’t need to sacrifice flexibility, when producing small batch sizes. Brimming with innovative features designed to assist in the processing of corner joints,

longitudinal profiling, drilling, shaping and insert shaping all in a single cycle, the Conturex Artis and Conturex Artis+ provide a wealth of advantages at an optimal price/performance ratio. Offering complete automation at the press of a button, the Conturex Artis facilitates tool-free machine setting and is perfect for small batch sizes and window production. When switching from one window component to another, no jigs or fixtures are required and there is no need to

re-set the tooling or machine. The Conturex is fitted with an infeed buffer loading system, making it a virtually un-manned machining cell. This not only eliminates the downtime associated with loading, unloading and retooling but also reduces the number of operators needed and the level of skill required to set-up and run the machine efficiently. The result is a highly flexible machine that comes with significant time-saving credentials and riskfree machining.

Conturex Artis+

WMC Control offers a user-friendly interface

Capable of machining lengths from 175mm to 3500mm as standard and work pieces of up to 4500mm in length if required, it also features a standard three or four-axis 30kW main spindle that allows profiling to be carried out in a single step (a universal 17kW spindle with five-axis technology is also available on the Conturex Artis+). In addition, the air-cooled main spindles require almost no maintenance and ensure easy access for fast tool removal and replacement. Thanks to the indirect drive, the motor is always protected even in critical situations, making the Conturex Artis an extremely reliable and costeffective machine to run. The Artis and Artis+ offer complete and precise machining in one clamping process thanks to the RePos clamping table. The patented technology allows variable clamping of the workpiece and automatic movement of the machined pieces inside the machine, providing maximum precision and quality even on thin profiles and new architectural window systems. Corner joints have been made simple: choose between mortise and tenon joints, dowel connections and mechanical corner joints. With a maximum tool diameter of 340mm and tool

Weinig SIm offers more conveniene and safety through visulation of production data

weight up to 12kg, mortise and tennon joints can be created with absolute precision and, with a maximum slot depth of 140mm, this technique can also be used for doors. The Conturex Artis and Conturex Artis+ package is available with a user-friendly WMC control interface, which includes Weinig CAM, a complete and easily programmable 3D CAD/ CAM system for customised designs. Additional features also include Weinig Sim simulation software – designed to highlight potential errors during the running cycle – and energy recuperation modules that offer significant savings in energy. Malcolm Cuthberston, Managing Director of Weinig UK explains: “Traditionally, workshops relied on the use of multiple machines, including a moulder, tenoner, morticers and spindles to create window and door profiles. This meant a window or door component may be manually handled around eight times before all the machining was complete. Weinig’s Conturex series has streamlined this process and even the entry-level Conturex machines are equipped to run for 20-30 mins without any human intervention.

Weinig understands the importance of flexible machining in the windows and doors market. Mass-produced windows and doors have long become the exception and the need to fulfil small batch sizes is now expected. This, along with the issue of work space, the ongoing skills shortage and the need for precise accuracy, has seen the series grow in popularity. It’s no wonder over 3500 Conturex machines have been sold across Europe. The Conturex series takes on milling, drilling, machining of corner joints and lengthwise profiling with utmost precision, full automation and high flexibility, doing the work of five machines in one while significantly slashing production costs and increasing profit margins. This really is a complete solution at an attractive price point.” www.weinig.co.uk

Power Grip RePos easy offers even more flexibility with thin profiles and new window systems

4 0 YEAR S

01282 870077 info@vwm.co.uk

www.vwm.co.uk VWM Woodworking Machines Lodge Holme, Skipton Road,Trawden, Nr Colne, Lancashire, BB8 8RA

COMPLETE PANEL PROCESSING Having many years of working in the panel and solid wood industry VWM have built up an enviable reputation for the supply of CNC routers and edgbenaders, they have now increased the products in this industry selecting the very best on offer at very competitive prices.

3 YEAR WARRANTY (conditions apply)

CAD/CAM (software included)

Our Trusted Technos range of CNC routers have now been established for well over 20 years with over 140 machine installations in the UK covering a wide range of products is now one of the bestselling CNC machines around. Our Lange edgebanders have also been within our stable since 2007 working in many different panel industry sectors and coming with an enviable reputation for quality and reliability.

NOW AVAILABLE FROM VWM

Two years ago, we introduced our Omaksan holemaster range of through feed CNC boring machines which again have been very successful for us we have supplied a number of these to different panel market sectors from bedroom and kitchen manufacturers to high production ofﬁce furniture manufacturers, they offer a fantastic ﬂexible range of machines from a simple 5 sided boring machine to ones capable of 6 sides with twin tool changing routing spindles with many different options of boring heads.

3 YEAR WARRANTY (conditions apply)

CAD/CAM (software included)

We have now taken on our range of Cuttboss CNC beam saws to compliment our range panel processing machines, these machines are from one of our trusted suppliers and come with many options available and extremely competitive prices.

28 PANEL PROCESSING

Schmalz vacuum clamping technology dovetails neatly into woodworking applications

The woodworking sector is remarkably diverse, manufacturing a plethora of product types in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The CNC machinery used to produce these products therefore requires an equally comprehensive range of clamping systems and technologies to allow efficient machining and profiling operations. In many cases the components, often flat boards, are secured using vacuum technology which allows the workpiece to be processed on five sides in a single processing step. Virtually any CNC machining centre, regardless of manufacturer and type, can be retrofitted with a vacuum clamping system. The adoption of vacuum clamping enables fast and flexible setup in instances where there are frequent product changes, making it possible to achieve a batch size of one if needed, whilst still maintaining high efficiency levels.

Secure Vacuum Clamping CNC machining processes often generate high cutting forces that require secure clamping, with structured and three-dimensional surfaces presenting additional challenges. Addressing these machining and application characteristics, Schmalz offers a broad range of clamping equipment for all table types, and machines from various manufacturers, and is therefore able to provide complete, crossmanufacturer, and tailored clamping solutions for vacuum-operated machine tables. Schmalz vacuum clamping systems are available for single and dual circuit systems, and plastic, or aluminium vacuum blocks are available as required, together with a range of adap-tor plates. These systems are suitable for a wide range of configurations and applications including nesting tables, flat tables, grid systems and manual workstations. Schmalz clamping solutions enable the quick and simple setup of CNC machining centres with flat tables. First the vacuum blocks and then the workpiece are fixed for machine processing via two independent vacuum circuits. Schmalz provides vacuum blocks with a hose connection for universal flat tables and a hosefree version for flat aluminium tables with integrated vacuum distribution. Schmalz also offers a modular system for use on SCM and Morbidelli console tables, which is compatible with the original equipment. This system is available in various dimensions and working heights with accessories for a wide range of woodworking applications, providing safe clamping of demanding workpieces with curved contours or rough surfaces. A separate range of mechanical clamping blocks are also available for machining operations on frames and window profiles etc. For example, the new VCMC-QUICK range is particularly suitable for clamping narrow and

curved workpieces such as frame parts or window profiles and have a clamping range of ten to 100 millimetres. During set-up, the clamp is positioned securely on the machine table mechanically, with single-circuit console systems, or by vacu-um, with double-circuit console systems, or with mounting brackets for use with grid tables. The special feature of the VCMC-QUICK is its multi-part, triangular clamping plate. This ena-bles tool-free and therefore extremely fast clamping height adjustment. The user releases the lock by simply turning the upper turntable by hand - this creates a gap between the turntable and the clamping plate. By pressing these parts together, the clamping plate is unlocked and can be adjusted to the desired height. It can be moved continuously over the entire adjustment range and locks into place in

5mm increments. Then, by tightening the upper turntable, the complete clamping plate is locked again and is ready for use. This quick set-up function allows the desired clamping height to be set within a few seconds. To further simplify set-up, users can optionally expand the VCMC-QUICK clamping system with a positioning aid and a clamping unit. To clamp the workpiece, the user activates the clamping device via the operating vacuum of the CNC machining centre. With a clamping force of up to 700 Newton and special friction materials on the clamping plate and surface, the clamping system holds workpieces reliably in position even with large machining forces. For effortless gripping on small and medium sized workpieces Schmalz offers the standalone VC-M system. This also allows workpieces to be processed from all sides and has a useful continuous rotate and pivot function. Integrated vacuum generation, through the Ven-turi principle, can be operated on any conventional compressed air supply. This system is more gentle on the workpiece than conventional mechanical clamping systems thanks to soft friction and sealing materials. 0161 243 4642 schmalz@schmalz.co.uk www.schmalz.com

30 PANEL PROCESSING

Invest in a bespoke storage solution for your wood-based panel products and sheet materials – add value to your business

Storage equipment manufacturer Stakapal have been producing racking solutions for the furniture and joinery industries for more than 55 years. Based in Cannock, Staffordshire, the factory produces probably the most widely used range of storage products for the UK panel products industry. Having worked with the majority of leading organisations within the market, Stakapal designs bespoke solutions that will not only increase storage capacity but also improve overall picking rates. With the knock-on effect currently being experienced within the supply chain, managing to stay both productive and profitable is becoming a challenge for every company. As the cost of materials continue to rise, the vast array of products now utilised in furniture production means the value of the stock held in your warehouse at any one time is also

increasing. Whilst it may seem difficult to justify the expenditure in the current climate, you can potentially reduce costs by opting for a bespoke solution that has been specifically designed to streamline your operation. Panel products can measure anywhere from 1200mm to 2800mm in length and from 900mm to 2070mm in depth making them difficult to pick when bulk stacked. Valuable warehouse space is wasted and costly damage to stock will often occur when products are constantly being moved around. By keeping damage down to a minimum, your racking should improve stock rotation and reduce any costs that were previously being incurred from obsolescence – So what are the options? Cantilever Racking Stakapal’s Cantilever Racking range offers 100% selectivity, and is an inherently adaptable

system, which is designed using vertical, self-supporting uprights manufactured from fabricated steel for strength and safety. Singlesided racks can fit flush against the wall while a double-sided configuration allows the racking to be used to create storage space on either side of the central column. The racking uses arms instead of bays for horizontal storing and loading of stock which can be adjusted to suit any size of product and increase available capacity. Wood-based panel products and sheet materials can be stored effectively on their Conventional, Free Path or Guided Aisle Cantilever Racking systems. All of Stakapal’s Cantilever Racking is designed to the SEMA Code of Practice for the design of Static Cantilever Racking and/or FEM 10-2-09 and/or BS5950 Part 5 and/or BS EN 1993 -1-3 (Eurocode 3).

Pallet Racking For products which need to be stored in relatively small volumes, their Stakrak SR2000 Series Pallet Racking offers a lower budget alternative that has the flexibility to be adapted to your exact requirements. Construction typically comprises of doublesided and single-sided runs of racking, separated by aisles which are dimensioned to suit the customers counterbalance forklift trucks or the more space efficient reach trucks. Stakapal’s standard beams measure 2700mm wide by 1100mm to 1200mm deep and fork spacers can be placed on beams which eliminates warping of products. Safety as standard Stakapal is a full member of SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) which is a leading voice within the warehouse industry, promoting the safe design, manufacture, installation, and use of racking systems. Stakapal’s products are therefore independently tested which guarantees they have been designed, manufactured, and installed to rigorously defined standards. The company’s commitment to safety continues by ensuring that its in-house installers working on customers’ sites are registered and put through SEIRS (Storage Equipment Installers Registration Scheme), a unique initiative from SEMA which aims to raise safety standards at the point of installation. Racking systems qualify as work equipment and, under PUWER, it is your responsibility to ensure they are in good working order, maintained and inspected correctly. A SEMAapproved racking inspector (SARI) satisfies the HSE’S criteria for a technically competent person to carry out an annual inspection as per HSG76 guidance. Stakapal’s support doesn’t stop once the installation is finished, they have their own in-house SARI-qualified inspectors, who can undertake a comprehensive inspection and prepare a detailed report highlighting where repair work is considered necessary on an annual basis. Stakapal says it is currently the only manufacturer to produce Cantilever Racking and Pallet Racking as well as a full range of Warehouse Racking Systems from within the UK. The available space in your warehouse is an extremely valuable commodity that should be maximised to full capacity. Stakapal’s experienced in-house design and project teams provide a concept to completion service from initial site survey through to design, manufacture and finally installation. www.stakapal.co.uk

Warehousing

The new Combi-MR4 – taking multidirectional capability to the next level Since Combilift launched its first C4000 model in 1998, multidirectional capability has been one of the major hallmarks of the company’s wide range of handling solutions. The company’s latest product – the Combi-MR4 – takes multidirectional capability to the next level. This four-wheel electric powered reach-truck incorporates Combilift’s new Dynamic 360°™ steering, which provides rotation on each wheel, enabling seamless directional change of the truck while on the move. The system allows this extremely agile forklift to work in forward, sideward and crab steer mode, guaranteeing swift operation and excellent manoeuvrability. The Combi-MR4 is available in two unique models, with capacity ranges of 2500–3000kg and 3500–4500kg respectively, and can operate in aisles as narrow as 2265mm when guided. To maximise all storage space in racking systems the wheel configuration of two drive wheels at the rear and two sets of smaller dual front wheels provides a platform height as low as 380mm, allowing otherwise redundant areas towards the floor to be used. The highly versatile Combi-MR4 can handle long loads as well as palletised goods with ease, and can load and offload from delivery trucks. Driver comfort and safety are also major considerations and a high visibility operator cabin, multi-function control joystick, AC-electric power steering and joystick operated hydraulic mast functions all make for a smooth ride and

The new Combi-MR4 – taking multidirectional capability to the next level

straightforward operation. The articulated rear axle with two rear rubber drive wheels provides optimum traction for outdoor use, while still ensuring nimble and accurate truck placement. Combilift’s in-house developed Dynamic 360° steering concept enables operators to manipulate the truck’s positioning and

orientation without the need to stop and change driving mode. Intuitive and easy-to-operate, this is achieved by simply twisting the control joystick right or left to adjust the wheel positions simultaneously – providing crab steering and allowing direction change on-the-go. www.combilift.com/combi-mr4/

Safety Storage Efficiency Enhance the Safety, Capacity & Efficiency of your Storage Facility Manage your timber more safely and more productively using less space with Combilift’s materials handling solutions Our range of electric forklifts combine powerful multidirectional performance, emission free operation and a host of up to the minute technologies to offer the most efficient way to handle long loads up to 12 tonne.

To find out how Combilift can help you unlock every inch of your storage space

combilift.com

34 WAREHOUSING

Kite Packaging adds white paper circle labels The employee shared-owned company recently added white paper circle labels to their offering following the success of their clear variety. Sold as rolls of one thousand, these labels are ideal for general use in homes, offices, schools, retail, packing environments and numerous other applications. Their semi-gloss paper provides an immaculate finish that is perfect for sealing items such as envelopes or postal boxes when something more presentable than tape is required. Not to mention, they are a great organisational tool that can be written on and used to arrange any space. In addition to this, they can also be printed on increasing the overall convenience of the product. Stocked in a 25mm and 50mm size, these labels utilise a permanent adhesive which provides high tack and adhesion on a variety of surfaces. They are also compact, requiring very little room to be stored. Available to purchase at market-beating prices, Kite’s wholesale discounts reduce outgoings further, offering customers the best value for their money in the business, with the advantages of next day delivery and guaranteed stock availability. www.kitepackaging.co.uk.

Parts handling from panel to packaging

Ideas that move.

Automatic handling equipment for commercial or industrial production lines as well as manual vacuum lifting devices.

CSF MULTILEVEL PANEL STORAGE SYSTEM Space saving production area

LIFTING EQUIPMENT for all remaining manual lifting processes

RTS RETURN SYSTEMS Automatic parts return and de-stacking for edge banding

Connection to major machine manufacturers

Barbaric GmbH, Phone +43 732 779800, office@barbaric.at, Austria

PBX BUFFER STORAGE Process optimization by sorting, grouping, and buffering parts

Woodworking Clamping Sytems From The Vacuum Technology Experts •

• • •

WWW.SCHMALZ.COM

Wide range of vacuum clamping products which can be tailored to suit the application Options for single and dual circuit systems Suitable for all table types and CNC machines Mechanical clamping blocks also available for frames and window profiles etc.

T: +44(0)161 243 4642 Schmalz UK Limited - Unit 2, Woodrow Business Centre, 4 Woodrow Way, Manchester, M44 6NN | schmalz@schmalz.co.uk

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Saws, blades & cutting tech

Salvamac celebrates 300 machines in UK

‘The yield of the wood has increased about 9%, the number of operators needed is about half compared to before, and they no longer need skilled operators – cutting can be done in complete safety and statistical data can be easily generated’ “We are pleased to have touched the milestone of the 300th successful installation of Salvamac woodworking machinery in UK, and, the most important thing, I was very satisfied to know the installation went efficiently and the customer appreciate that the optimising saw by Salvamac is performing more than expected,” said Christian Salvador co-owner of Salvamac. “A really big thanks must go to our technicians in UK who have successfully installed upcut saws, optimising saws as SalvaPush_2000, crosscutting saws with the successful SalvaStop_100 and a lot of dust extraction systems all over the UK and Ireland.”

Considering that we have always had the advantage of having very fast delivery times, we do not expect a drop in turnover for the current year. In fact, we are closing the first six months with a strong growth,” explains Christian. “We have to thank the UK and Ireland for the results obtained, in particular, in both main product ranges comprising technologies from cutting solid wood to suction systems. “Regarding the UK market, we have accumulated, both myself and my friend and partner, Robert Ziemowit, a great deal of experience in the field by visiting a large number of our customers’ factories. We know the specific requests that come from markets

comprising pallet production, garden furnishing and fencing, window frames, or the entire construction industry, without neglecting the resale of semi-finished wooden products and custom-made solid wood furniture. Salvamac was born from this experience of over twenty years, with the aim of being the meeting point between modern technology and even an inexperienced end user!” Robert continues: “Our team and our partners in UK are the reasons for these 300 machines we have installed. This triple hundred demonstrates that we are the true leader of cross-cutting solutions with an excellent customer support, expert engineering, and first of all, great people. We strongly believe in human relationships, our customer is not a serial number, but an indiviual with specific needs. They must be satisfied and happy with our machines in order to smile! The people must be at the centre of everything!” SalvaPush 2000 is the Salvamac group’s flagship cross-cutting optimising saw. The optimising saw, all assembled in Italy, is greatly >>

Explore our optimizing saws SALVAPUSH_2000 Optimizing saw managed by numeric control with integrated computer and SALVA-OPTIM software.

SALVAMAC SP. Z O.O. ul. Modrzewiowa 18 62 081 Przeźmierowo - POLAND Via XX Settembre 105 31015 Conegliano TV - ITALY info@salvamac.com

38 SAWS, BLADES & CUTTING TECH

suited to cut single wood pieces with length optimisation, as well as to cut boards using a prefixed cutting cycle. It can be applied for use in a range of solid wood market segments such as windows and doors; furniture; beams and houses; flooring; sofas; glue panels and lamellar wood; pallets; garden furniture; and children’s toys, among others. The machine can be easily integrated with other machinery and data within a factory as it can receive cutting lists directly from the office, and connect to multi-blade machines or moulders via automatic loading and unloading systems. The instantaneous graphics and a large touch screen, complemented with digital communication among all electric components, allows easy and fast data entry. SalvaPush 2000 comes with a brand new software version easily and completely manageable by anyone, like a Smartphone, with website graphics and all the convenience of data setting of a large touch screen, all electronic components being connected in digital communication.

Moreover, there are new exclusive mechanical solutions both for the cutting and the pusher systems that become part of the complete digital management of the machine communication systems, not only within their electronic components, but, above all, towards external IT systems. The application of Salvapush 2000 in the construction component and special pallet sectors fully confirms the recent developments. The new exclusive mechanical solutions are also present in both the cutting and pushing systems. A special system, with a 55-milimetre-wide toothed belt and 33 strips of hard steel, allows high precision and capacity. The aluminium beam is big and solid; at a height of 135mm and with of 120mm, it is fixed in a steel structure in two parts for better solidity and reliability. The beam is also covered and protected by a special steel cover. All this guarantees a long machine life with no dust and service issues. Compared to older and more traditional cutting systems, the SalvaPush 2000 has become a cost-cutting machine for a major producer.

The yield of the wood has increased about 9%, the number of operators needed is about half compared to before, and they no longer need skilled operators – cutting can be done in complete safety and statistical data can be easily generated. The cutting range is also complemented by the Classic cutting saws characterised by the 3S of Salvamac’ s philosophy: Solid, Simple and Safe Solid because they are designed and made to work even in difficult conditions and of heavy wood. The structure is completely made of hard painted steel, very thick and very resistant. Safe thanks to the two-hand safety control in an ergonomic position and the blade protection cover that allows to work in absolute safety. Simple because the ease of use is increased by the new successful Salvastop 100 device, the evolution of the numerical control length positioning and stop system. It is the real solution to save labour costs, waste of productivity and decrease human errors and finally forget to use the tape measure. www.salvamac.com

Further Investment In PCD Erosion Further Investment In PCD Erosion

Over the past 24 months, we have seen a significant transition from AKE TCT Saw Blades to AKE PCD Saw Blades in certain industries. The main Over the past 24 months, we have seen a significant transition from AKE reason for this transition is the enormous benefit of service life/linear TCT Saw Blades to AKE PCD Saw Blades in certain industries. The main meterage. We are seeing a minimum increase of 20x linear meterage yield reason for this transition is the enormous benefit of service life/linear with PCD Saw Blades compared to the TCT equivalent. This is due to PCD meterage. We are seeing a minimum increase of 20x linear meterage yield tips being 50x harder (on average) than Carbide tips. With this increase, with PCD Saw Blades compared to the TCT equivalent. This is due to PCD the end user achieves much higher productivity due to a reduction in tips being 50x harder (on average) than Carbide tips. With this increase, downtime. They also achieve a reduction in cost throughout the Saw Blade the end user achieves much higher productivity due to a reduction in service life. downtime. They also achieve a reduction in cost throughout the Saw Blade service life. An important part of Saw Blade Supply is the service turnaround time, the end user cannot wait weeks for a Saw Blade to be serviced. Because of this An important part of Saw Blade Supply is the service turnaround time, the demand, we decided to invest in a dedicated Erosion Machine for PCD end user cannot wait weeks for a Saw Blade to be serviced. Because of this Saw Blades. demand, we decided to invest in a dedicated Erosion Machine for PCD Saw Blades.

Vollmer QR 270 Vollmer QR 270 In the not-so-distant future, Allied Tooling will be taking receipt of a Vollmer QR 270 Erosion In the not-so-distant future, Allied Tooling will Machine to add to our collection. We will then be taking receipt of a Vollmer QR 270 Erosion have the capability to erode PCD Saw Blades for Machine to add to our collection. We will then the wood, aluminium and composite industries have the capability to erode PCD Saw Blades for up to a diameter of 840mm. When attached to the wood, aluminium and composite industries our fourth robotic 4 station saw blade loading up to a diameter of 840mm. When attached to centre, we will be eroding PCD Saw Blades 24/7. our fourth robotic 4 station saw blade loading centre, we will be eroding PCD Saw Blades 24/7. This will allow us to offer the end user an incomparable service for the supply and This will allow us to offer the end user an erosion of AKE PCD Saw Blades. incomparable service for the supply and erosion of AKE PCD Saw Blades.

www.alliedtooling.com

sales@alliedtooling.com

+44(0)1202 675767

www.alliedtooling.com

sales@alliedtooling.com

+44(0)1202 675767

40 SAWS, BLADES & CUTTING TECH

Straight talking: Front Aligners enhance cutting efficiency and accuracy

Biesse can now supply its SELCO SK4 and WN250 beam saws – including those with automatic storage – with productivity-boosting Front Aligners. Biesse’s SELCO beam saws can either be loaded from the front or from the back. Rear loading is either via an integrated lift table or an automatic loading system that picks panels and places them into the back of the beam saw. Even though both loading methods are automated, there is no guarantee that the panels in the stack will be aligned with one another. In order to achieve an accurate, parallel cut, it is essential that the boards are aligned and correctly positioned at the cutting line. Why manual alignment isn’t the answer One way of ensuring this is to station an operator next to the beam saw to manually align the panels. The main drawback with this approach is that it is inefficient; the machine has to stop and alert the operator to align the stack. The operator then has to physically push the panel stack against the grippers and then tell the machine it is aligned so it can continue with the cycle. There is also a health and safety

consideration: panels are heavy and this is a strenuous, physically demanding and repetitive task to perform manually. Front Aligners to the rescue To eliminate the need for manual intervention, Biesse has, for some time, equipped its larger machines (SELCO WN6 and above) with Front Aligners. These pneumatic devices automatically rise from the machine bed when the pusher is moving the stack towards the cut line; the grippers push the stack forwards until it reaches the Front Aligners. Once the stack is in the correct position, the Front Aligners retreat, the grippers push the stack to the cutting line and the beam saw performs the cutting cycle.

Making technology accessible to all In the past, Front Aligners were only available on larger machines. However, in line with its commitment to making its pioneering technologies accessible to all customers, Biesse has adapted the Front Aligner principle for its SK4 and WN250 series too. This required modification of the original design, which could not be accommodated within the available space. Now, manufacturers of all sizes can benefit from the productivity, quality and labour saving benefits that this clever alignment technology brings to the woodworking and furniture industry. www.biesse.com

TM MACHINERY WOODWORKING MACHINERY EXPERTS SINCE 1983

Swiss PRECISION cutting technology

POWER PRECISION EFFICIENCY RELIABILITY TM Machinery have been supplying and maintaining quality woodworking machinery for over 35 years.

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR VERTICAL PANEL SAWS

CONTACT @tm_machinery

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

COMPLEX FORMS NEED STRAIGHTFORWARD SOLUTIONS: VOLLMER

VHybrid 360 Grinding & Erosion Machine

VPulse 500 Wire Erosion Machine

If you want to shape the future, you need next-generation tools and intelligent solutions for their production, processing and maintenance - VOLLMER supports you in achieving this. With innovative sharpening and eroding machines and economical automation options and strong services, VOLLMER has a machine to suit virtually every requirement. For the highest possible flexibility, efficiency and quality of results. The future takes shape with VOLLMER.

www.vollmer-group.com

VOLLMER UK LTD. // Nottingham NG10 5BP // +44 115 9491040 // info-uk@vollmer-group.com

42 SAWS, BLADES & CUTTING TECH

Take advantage of short lead times with TM

Think you’ve still got time to take advantage of the super deduction tax break? Think again. With lengthy lead times on many new machines caused by unprecedented demand, ongoing supply chain issues and labour shortages, many businesses that are yet to order new equipment run the risk of missing out on the tax-saving scheme, which is set to run until March 2023. 12-month lead times are becoming the norm on many standard machinery orders - which surpasses the scheme’s March cutoff date – but for Leicester-based machinery supplier, TM Machinery, lead times are considerably shorter. In fact, customers can benefit from a lead time of just eight to 12 weeks on most Striebig vertical panel saws and just 16 weeks on larger or specialist models that are built to order. This gives customers more opportunity to take advantage of a 130% capital allowance on qualifying

plant and machinery investments and a further 50% first-year allowance for qualifying special rate assets. Matt Pearce, Managing Director of TM Machinery says: “The industry has taken full advantage of this tax-saving scheme and it’s been great for business but many manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand. Our supply of Striebig vertical panel saws and ALKO dust extraction units didn’t slow during the pandemic, so we have been able to continue to offer short and reliable lead times on all our machinery portfolio. This, plus our ability to hold stock machines in Leicester, will give those still looking to take advantage of the Super-Deduction Capital allowance tax break a great opportunity to do so before it is too late.” To find out more about the SuperDeduction capital allowance tax break and how TM Machinery can help, call 0116 271 7155. www.tmmachinery.co.uk

VHybrid – the ultimate in flexibility As one of the latest innovations presented at the recent GrindingHub exhibition, the new VHybrid from Vollmer was one of the talking points of the show. With the facility to both erode PCD and grind carbide cutting tools in a single operation by combining the two technologies into a single machine, the VHybrid is the epitome of flexibility. To celebrate the arrival of the innovation and to develop a greater understanding of the concept, Alexander Schmid, Product Manager for Rotary and PCD Tools at Vollmer discusses the new arrival in more depth. Working for Vollmer since 2007 and being an integral part of the product management team since 2014 with responsibility for the erosion technologies, Alexander says: “We started with two technologies, disc and wire erosion technology. With this technology, we have significant success processing tools via erosion. The concept for the new VHybrid machine is borne out of the extremely successful VGrind technology. “This means that we have vertical spindle alignment with the upper spindle being the grinding spindle and the lower spindle having both erosion and grinding. With this functionality, we can erode and grind most of the tooling that is available on the market. Furthermore, as the use of complex tools such as full-head PCD tools is steadily increasing, the demand for machines that enable combined machining, eroding and grinding, is also growing.” The machine concept The concept of the VHybrid 260 offers the user the possibility to erode 100% but also to grind 100%. This is a decisive advantage, both technologies can be used on the same tool. The combination of the two technologies on the VHybrid 260 offers the user unbeatable flexibility. Taking a closer look at the design of the machine that is built upon the VGrind vertical spindle construction concept - the machines are effectively brother and sister. The differences are the programming software, the control system and the integrated erosion generator. Alluding to this, Alexander adds: “From the tool cutter division, we have the Numroto System. On the erosion machines, we have used the Beckhoff system. “This is the control system first used by our wire machines and it will be the fundamental basis for all of our erosion and laser machines in the future. In addition to the control, the programming software also plays an important role. With EXLEVEL PRO you can do the programming of the carbide tools which is

Alexander Schmid, Product Manager for Rotary and PCD Tools at Vollmer

identical to what can be achieved with the Numroto software for grinding, it can also produce PCD tools applying vein and planar technology. The VStandard software, which is ideal for PCD brazed tools rounds off the whole system.” “We try to keep the software on our machines as simple as possible. This has been the target from our older machines through to our new models. Our aim is for the operator to invest as little time as possible in transitioning to new machines. Customers can learn how to operate the VHybrid machine comprehensively within a very short time period.” The heart of the machine The demands on the surface quality of PCD tools are increasing from year to year and with the software and the control system already highlighted as two of the three key features that differentiate the VHybrid from the extremely successful VGrind, the third major difference is the erosion generator. Discussing this, Alexander confirms: “This is the heart of the machine. We call this the VPulse EDM and this is our in-house development. By developing this internally, the evolution of the system is in our hands. We already apply this generator in the QXD 250 and VPulse 500 machines, adding it to the VHybrid 260 will bring the technology to a third machine. However, the generator in the VHybrid machine is the most powerful generator in an erosion machine on the market right now. We have

received feedback from the market that our system is the benchmark in terms of efficiency and surface finish.” “At GrindingHub, we have presented a new setting with the generator where we can take the surface finish down to 0.05µRA. This allows surfaces on PCD tools to be produced on the VHybrid 260 in an unprecedented quality, which is currently only possible with complex and cost-intensive grinding. This raises the question of how EDM can establish itself in the manufacturing process in the future as a result of the process innovation.” Higher surface finishes and productivity The surface finish benefits are just one benefit of the VPulse EDM generator. As Alexander adds: “We also have customers that do not require high-quality surface finishes on their tools, these customers want maximum processing speed to increase throughput and tool production rates. This is amazingly easy to programme as the level of surface finish is up to the customer. The VPulse EDM generator allows the customer to choose between maximum efficiency and throughput or the highest quality surface finish. This option gives the customer both flexibility and the facility to customise the process to suit their needs – complete control for the customer.” arriving like the latest argon and neon machines, Alexander believes VHybrid progress will certainly follow. www.vollmer-group.com

Products

SmartWOP from HOMAG: The smart way to design furniture The HOMAG Group, the world’s leading provider of integrated production solutions for the woodworking industry, has launched a new design software package. Named SmartWOP, the software has been specifically created to provide furniture manufacturers with a simple to use design tool that is intuitive and flexible. SmartWOP is powerful CAD/CAM system for designing individual furniture quickly and spontaneously using the drag and drop method. Ideal for kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and office furniture manufacturers, its intuitive nature requires no previous CAD knowledge to operate. From individual items to complete rooms Using the room planning feature, users can design both individual pieces of furniture and entire rooms. Once the furniture has been designed, the operative can create all essential data such as CNC programs, parts lists for panel cutting, fixture lists and technical drawings at the touch of a button. This information can be passed directly to HOMAG digital assistants and apps, including productionManager. To ensure everything works as it should without the need to make prototypes, there are numerous simulation options. These allow the user to check such things as the opening of doors and drawers or possible collisions with neighbouring components.

The software enables the easy allocation of fixtures and connectors thanks to a large library featuring all the common parts available from established manufacturers. Integration with woodWOP The integrated interaction between woodWOP and SmartWOP permits operators to select a single part of furniture in SmartWOP and open it directly in woodWOP. Processing steps can then be added and saved in woodWOP. For clarity, all

changes are transferred directly to SmartWOP and visualised there. Furniture previously designed is stored in a separate library and can be called up or changed at any time. Original woodWOP components can also be added to the furniture very quickly. Versatile and easy to use Whether designing standard regular shaped furniture or more complex items to fit sloping ceilings or corners, SmartWOP makes it a simple task. The software also offers various display options such as exploded views of furniture items or finished rooms illustrating how all the pieces of furniture will look. HOMAG software – the industry standard Commenting on HOMAG’s new SmartWOP design software, Simon Brooks, HOMAG UK’s managing director said: “Over the years, many of the HOMAG Group’s software solutions have become the industry standard and this simple to use design software is destined to follow in their footsteps. “Anything that helps the smaller manufacturers save time and money is always going to be popular. SmartWOP can be used by almost anyone, regardless of their software experience. That means companies don’t have to employ a qualified person to operate the software and that will make life easier for many of our customers.” For a demonstration or more information on the new SmartWOP or other HOMAG software solutions, contact Adele Hunt at HOMAG UK on 01332 856424. www.homag.com

ON THE EDGE

VENEER ABS PAINTABLE ACRYLIC

CAMCO ARE ONE OF THE LARGEST SUPPLIERS OF EDGE BANDING MATERIAL IN THE COUNTRY, WE HAVE OVER 3 MILLION METERS • SERVING THE WOODWORKING IN STOCK MATCHING ALL MAIN BOARD SUPPLIERS AND WE CAN INDUSTRY FOR 30 YEARS SHIP ON A NEXT DAY BASIS NATIONWIDE.

• ANY WIDTH SPLIT TO ORDER

We have probably the largest selection of veneer edgebanding from stock, here in the picture you see Tom preparing an order of 30,000 • NO MINIMUM ORDER QUANTITY meters of 2mm Ash from stock on a next day service to one of our valued customers.

• NEXT DAY DELIVERY

Our edgebanding can be slit to any width required in any thickness and • PERFECT MATCH TOcertified. COLOUR all our edgebanding is full FSC

AND SHEEN

We can handle large volume orders as well as single rolls, so if you use • ABS, PVC, Melamine or VeneerTOOL edge banding material why not add COLOUR MATCHING value to your supply chain by adding Camco to your preferred list of ON WEBSITE trusted suppliers?

+44 289 264 6688 orders@camco.uk

www.camco.uk

46 PRODUCTS

A touch of gold – cutting-edge trend by Ostermann

Gold tone diversity: Ostermann supplies the trendy gold-coloured furniture edgings in many variants. Here in the picture you can see from left to right the ABS edging Gold brushed wood pore, the ABS edging Sierra Gold Stone Finish, the ABS edging Alu Oro Cortez exclusive matt brushed, the ABS edging Alu gold brushed and the ABS edging Brushed Brass linea structured.

Furniture in gold or with decorative elements in gold is back in style and we will soon see a lot more of it. In line with this trend, Ostermann offers various matching solutions for the narrow surface of the board. We have already gotten used to the sight of gold-coloured accessories in interiors again. In the future, you will even find the elegant colour again on entire furniture surfaces. Ostermann has the right edgings in store to cover the narrow surfaces. Among these, ABS edgings with a real aluminium finish are a particularly high-quality solution. They are just as easy to process as standard ABS edgings. A thin layer of real metal gives their surface a realistic look. But even with ABS material alone, soft gold tones can be created. In the following, the Ostermann experts present five selected solutions that round off golden surfaces or highlight furniture when used as accentuating edging. All versions presented here are available directly from stock and can be shipped in small quantities from one metre. Furniture makers will find more information under the search item ‘#Highlights10’ on the Ostermann website www.ostermann.eu. How to blend in pieces of gold Touches of gold look particularly elegant on anthracite grey or black plain boards. Whether you combine them with glossy or extremely matt surfaces does not matter. What counts is the

end customer’s personal taste and, of course, the setting in which the furniture is supposed to be placed. A golden edging can also be applied to dark wood decor boards, giving them a stylish finish. With real aluminium finish: Alu Oro Cortez With the ABS edging Alu Oro Cortez exclusive matt brushed, you get an unusual furniture edging which is not only in line with the gold trend but at the same time meets the trend for matt surfaces. The 1mm thick ABS edging matches the Fenix NTA matt metal finish of the same name. The metal finish gives it a particularly highquality look. With real aluminium finish: Alu Gold Brushed If you prefer your golden edging to shimmer and are looking for a quality solution, you should seek out the ABS edging Alu gold brushed. Just like Alu Oro Cortez, it has a high-quality real aluminium finish. The brushed texture and metallic sheen add a warm hue. This edging is available from Ostermann in three different thicknesses (0.5, 1 and 2mm) for a wide scope of possible designs. Velvet gold look: ABS Edging Brushed Brass With its fine Linea structure and its restrained, warm colour, the ABS edging, available in thicknesses of 1 and 2mm, appears very realistic even without a metal finish. The velvety gold shade not only matches Egger’s decor board of

the same name, but also goes excellently with wood decors, especially boards with a slightly reddish base tone. ABS Edging Sierra Gold The ABS edging Sierra Gold gets a slightly antique look due to its cloudy colour play. It is available in 2mm thickness and perfectly matches Pfleiderer’s surface of the same name. ABS Edging Gold Brushed The ABS edging Gold brushed wood pore is slightly darker than the velvet-gold brushed brass variant and significantly lighter and calmer in decor than the Sierra Gold edging. With its warm gold tone, the 1mm thick edging can also be used perfectly as an accentuating edging on plain-coloured boards. Europe’s largest immediately available range of edgings Ostermann has all furniture edgings readily available in their own warehouse. As stock items, they can be ordered by 4pm to be shipped on the same day. In order to maintain this pace even with the growing variety in the product range, the company is continuously investing in state-of-theart storage and shipping technology. 01905 793550 s.parsons@ostermann.eu www.ostermann.eu

Keeping Britain Bonded since 1979

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HAVE A GLUING PROBLEM? Don’t come unstuck, call 0161 627 1001 email salesteam@kenyon-group.co.uk or visit kenyon-group.co.uk

DOORS

48 PRODUCTS

SCM Autostore: the spare parts warehouse that revolutionises the logic behind customer care

The Group has been the first to create a project of this kind in the woodworking sector: an automatic warehouse that handles 30 thousand items with 19 robots for pick-up operations and exclusive advantages in terms of efficiency and sustainability. SCM presents Autostore, the new automatic warehouse for spare parts operational since January 2022 and established in the area of the former foundary as part of renovation and upgrading work at the industrial plant in Rimini. A futuristic project as is clear from the figures: 30 thousand items handled in a structure covering 900m2 for a height of 5.5m, over 13 storage levels and with 24,000 modular boxes capable of holding up to 30kg of pieces each. The new system allows considerable gains to be made in terms of space occupied, if we

consider that the traditional warehouse next door, for larger sized spare parts, contains 4000 in an area that is more or less the same size. Above all, it means SCM can provide a more efficient, better-quality service by speeding up

by 75% the pick-up operations and reducing dispatch times by 30%. Every day, around 300 shipments are handled containing thousands of components with a maximum lead time of 48 hours from the time the order is placed.

All this is possible thanks to 19 robots powered by two 12Volt rechargeable batteries capable of picking up one piece every 45 seconds, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The other important advantage is achieving maximum energy efficiency and a long duration over time, with an energy consumption lower than 0.1kWh per robot. “We wanted to take another step forward by choosing the best that logistics management has to offer, a technology that, to date, had not yet been applied to the management of spare parts in the sector for wood technologies,” says Luca Maggiani, Service&Parts Business Development Manager at SCM. “Autostore is a system offering typical e-commerce performance, that not only brings spare parts to the operator, but works with top-quality performance and speed. From here, the partnership with Swisslog to devise a solution that fully satisfied our needs. “Handing over the right spare part in the shortest time possible: this is the technological challenge that drove SCM to put their trust in such an advanced system,” adds Alessandra Benedetti, Customer Care Manager at SCM. “This clearly shows how this Group continues to invest to offer valuable services even after a sale. The customer remains at the heart of each of our decisions.” Go digital, stay human There is improved value even for SCM operators because even if Autostore makes use of 19 robots for the picking operations, the number of resources employed in the Service&Parts team has remained unaltered. “The operators are the same as before, but

SCM Commercial Director, Pietro Gheller alongside Alessandra Benedetti, Customer Care Manager

now they perform handling and control duties that are undoubtedly less tiring or repetitive,” adds Maggiani. “We also apply the principles of Smart&Human technological solutions to the spare parts sector that we offer to customers, placing the coordination of each process in the hands of the operator. According to our ‘Go digital, stay human’ project, it is the people who make the real difference, even in customer services. Indeed, we encourage the re-skilling of our team, promoting all those activities that AI cannot reach.” The best warehouse possible! Suppliers deliver to the reception area where each piece is scanned, recorded, weighed and measured, so that the operator can choose the most suitable box in which to place it. At that

Luca Maggiani, Service&Parts Business Development Manager

point, it is Autostore that indicates in which box the piece needs to be placed, using a ray of light. After additional checks, the box is loaded into the warehouse. The robots only deal with loading and returning the boxes to the operator, but work continuously to optimise the organisation of spaces, arranging the various boxes in the best positions according to the frequency of use of the parts contained therein, determined by precise algorithms. The operator can intervene at any time by questioning the system to establish the exact location of each piece. Another important advantage is the possibility to store up to two hundred orders in a continually updated and stocked database. This makes it simpler to handle all the data surrounding the activity, track each individual element delivered and perform advanced analysis that can be useful for the future, even in terms of prognostic maintenance. www.scmgroup.com

50 PRODUCTS

Drawer systems for every home Titus’ furniture hardware solutions have been improving homes around the world for decades. They increase the quality and facilitate assembly of furni-ture, giving a significant competitive advantage to manufacturers and im-proving the consumer experience. One of their most popular components is the Tekform family of drawers. The Tekform family of double wall drawers are simple to mount and come with integrated soft closing with a lifelong reliable performance. Tekform Slimline drawers, the second generation of the double wall drawers, have sleek sides and increase the interior drawer space. The Slimline double-wall drawer has now been upgraded with a new Tacto touch opening system for handleless drawer fronts - an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, wardrobes, living rooms.

Tekform Slimline Tacto drawers incorporate runners with an integrated Tacto activator that ensures effortless touch opening. All components remain the same as the standard version, as do drilling and fixing positions. This makes it easy to update and enhance existing designs to offer convenient and reli-able opening of drawers with handleless fronts. This makes the installation simple and precise, that is further supported by a non-handed Tacto mech-anism that is intuitively placed into the correct position without the need of predrilling. Drawers are fast and easy to assemble, thanks to the EasyFix locking system used for the front-panel connector, which requires only hand insertion and a quarter of a turn with a screwdriver to lock the panel securely in place.

Reli-able life-long ‘ConfidentClose’ soft closing is assured by the use of the re-nowned Titus single-direction precision engineered hydraulic dampers, which smoothly slow down the linear movement of the drawer as it reaches the closed position but offer minimal resistance to movement when the drawer is being opened. Installation of the drawers within the cabinet is fast and straightforward. Extended tolerances in cabinet construction can be accommodated without compromising accurate alignment, smooth and silent operation and excel-lent stability in the open position. In addition, variations of up to ±1 mm in bottom panel width size are acceptable. uk.titusplus.com

Spotless perfection skai® Perfect Solo – elegance in deep matte The look: extremely matte. The feel: warm and soft. skai® Perfect Solo – a surface that invites you to touch and experience it with your hands and yet is excellently protected from unsightly traces of everyday life, like fingerprints. Its secret? staynu technology. Its special surface finish gives the high-quality furniture foil top-class surface performance with high scratch and light resistance, as well as an anti-fingerprint effect, making tiresome wiping a thing of the past.

https://www.skai.com/en/interior/furniture-foil/ www.skai.com/de/interior/moebelfolie/

52 PRODUCTS

Duet in Matte – high-grade appearance and natural look as elegant pairing Sleek, emotive, clear – matte surfaces not only lend furniture a timeless elegance, but also harmonise to perfection with wood, stone or metal. The focus is on the naturalness of the materials, which satiates the human longing for cosiness and warmth. Anything that promises indulgence and added value for the senses has been undergoing a great uplift in emotional value for some time. The furniture industry, too, is addressing this trend. How a piece of furniture looks has long ceased to be the sole factor. Tactile qualities and functional aspects are also vital. Here, matte finishes play a hybrid role, combining design aspects with technical advantages. In the living area, just as in the kitchen or the bathroom, furniture that invites touch, that has that ‘coming home’ feel – but does not show unsightly fingerprints or annoying reflections – is in demand. Matte surfaces in various degrees of gloss and roughness offer an attractive answer to these diverse requirements. So, at this year’s SICAM International Exhibition of Components, Accessories and Semi-finished Products for the Furniture Industry, Continental presented skai Perfect Solo – a deep matte furniture foil in vinyl quality. Thanks to its innovative staynu technology, this material impresses with excellent surface performance and thus

Timelessly elegant: skai Perfect Solo enriches modern interiors with its deep matte look

Warm, modern, cosy: skai Perfect Touch – seen here in fjord blue – also looks fantastic in rustic interiors

particularly good suitability for everyday use. This is because the solid-colour matte surface features a special anti-fingerprint coating that eliminates the need for tiresome wiping. Moreover, skai Perfect Solo complements its premium quality with highly effective scratch and light resistance, even without a protective film. If a little less matte is what is required, the soft-matte skai Perfect Touch finish is an alternative that offers convincing performance.

This high-quality furniture foil looks neither dull nor pale, but wonderfully warm. Close up, it immediately makes its presence known as a tactile experience. Soft and delicate, its feel confirms its high-grade visual impression, while also offering good chemical, scratch and abrasion resistance. The scope of use for this 3D furniture foil is extremely diverse. In the furniture world, it is a convincing performer as both a solo artist and a team player. www.skai.com/de

Updates

Value added services designed with manufacturers in mind

Those working on high volume projects or in spaces that require made-to-measure components understand the true value in outsourcing particularly complex elements of a job to trusted experts. Not only does it save time in the installation process and costs for the consumer, but the quality of workmanship is at a higher standard and enables joiners and manufacturers to provide their customers with the most special of finishing touches. As part of its promise to always make life as easy as possible for customers, Häfele is enhancing its increasingly popular bespoke

timber drawers manufacturing service with the launch of an intuitive online quotation and ordering service. Using the new system – which is accessible via My Häfele – customers can create quotations and place orders for bespoke timber drawers on demand, making the process easier and faster than before. Users simply select their specification, including dimensions, material, quantities and customised finish, and a price will be automatically generated, which can be saved for a later date or purchased at the same time. The online ordering and quotation system is

part of Häfele to Order, which allows installers and manufacturers to specify products to exact size, quantity and finish, which are then cut, assembled, packaged, labelled and delivered to your specific requirements. The service was designed with the aim of reducing time and waste on site by only providing bespoke solutions in precise quantities. The bespoke timber drawer manufacturing service from Häfele launched in 2020 and has since become one of the company’s most in-demand offerings. The drawers have fully dovetailed joints, are available in a choice of

TO ORDER

BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE HANDMADE BESPOKE TIMBER DRAWERS For those occasions when you just don’t have enough hours in the day, we offer a bespoke timber drawer service, providing handmade, high quality, solid timber drawers, custom-made to your needs. Ordering has never been easier thanks to our new online quoting and ordering system!

Order online hafele.co.uk | By phone 0800 171 2909

*Ts & Cs apply. Visit hafele.co.uk/guarantee for more details.

Shop now

56 UPDATES

timbers and have a suite of complementary accessories like cutlery inserts and knife blocks. Customers can also tailor their drawer requirements against a long list of personalisation options, including a choice of shaped sides, flat or stepped top, and notching and drilling for runners. For the ultimate in personalised design, the drawers can also be

router or laser engraved to feature a company’s brand and logo, or a customer’s choice of text. Häfele promises exceptional levels of craftsmanship, with the drawers handmade in the UK to the highest standards of engineering and finish. The company also provides a quick turnaround, with fully personalised drawers delivered within 12-17 working days.

Becky Forrest, Custom Solutions Manager at Häfele, said: “The bespoke timber drawers service is one of the best-selling solutions within our Häfele to Order provision, which ultimately aims to enable installers and manufacturers to save time and improve efficiencies in their projects. “As such, it was a natural next step for us to consider how we could make using bespoke timber drawers in projects even easier. The way in which customers have been able to order from us so far has worked brilliantly, and people still have the option to speak to our technicians whenever they need to, but we know some customers simply prefer to use automated ordering systems. “Now, using the online quotation and ordering system, customers can continue to enjoy the exceptional quality, engineering and craftmanship that has always gone into our bespoke timber drawer systems while saving even more of their valuable time.” For more information, visit Häfele’s Bespoke Timber Drawer service page. www.hafele.co.uk For online ref https://www.hafele.co.uk/en/ info/services/haefele-to-order/bespoke-timberdrawers/107942/

STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL SURFACES

Whether you are a designer or a producer of interior furniture and fittings, floorings, outdoor facades, windows or doors, we have the right finish for you. At Sherwin-Williams we have a coating solution to meet virtually every need. As the leading provider of customized finishing solutions we can offer you the latest industry innovations at the highest quality to add value to your process and your everyday life. If you require a finishing solution, and you want the optimal one for your operations then look no further.

58 UPDATES

Micro Emissions (ME) PUR adhesives – no warning labels? It’s time to change! Industry wide changes to using PUR adhesives are just around the corner. The legislation according to REACH regarding the handling of diisocyanates will change on 24th August 2023. It is time to act now and change to Technomelt Micro Emissions (ME) PUR adhesives.

No hazardous labelling, making it more environmentally friendly and safer for operators to handle

Above: Micro Emission (ME) PUR adhesives are available for Flat Lamination, Edgebanding and Profile Wrapping applications

Henkel ME PUR adhesives contain less than 0.1% monomeric diisocyanate, which therefore reduces the hazardous isocyanatecontaining vapours by up to 90% Technomelt Micro Emissions (ME) PUR adhesives have no hazardous labels and do not require a specific professional training for operators which will be required when the legislation changes for standard PUR adhesives. Technomelt (ME) PUR adhesives offer easy and safe handling in production. Nobody likes warning labels and the fact that we can now eliminate this has huge benefits. Mindful of health and safety, companies are now asking, what options are available with the PUR adhesives that would allow them to improve their operating procedures whilst at the same time reducing risk. The solution is simple – Technomelt Micro Emissions (ME) PUR adhesives. These adhesives offer the same performance benefits that come with PUR technologies, low coat weight, tight joints, invisible glue Be kinder to the planet and your working environment by changing to Henkel Technomelt Micro Emission PUR adhesives

Micro Emissions (ME) PUR adhesives – No hazard labels? It’s time to change!

lines, exceptional high performance combined with excellent heat and water resistance but without the hazardous labelling, making it more environmentally friendly and safer for operators to handle. Henkel Technomelt Micro Emission (ME) PUR adhesives are available for Flat Lamination, Edgebanding and Profile Wrapping applications. Available in 2kg blocks, 20kg drums, 200kg drums and shortly in the ever-popular granules – we have your application covered and the environmental impact reduced! So why not improve your microclimate at the same time as improving your production by changing to Technomelt Micro Emission (ME) PUR adhesives. Technomelt Micro Emission (ME) PUR adhesives are the future, so be kinder to the planet and your working environment. To arrange a trial call Steve Morrow 07960 047020, or email stevemorrow@kenyon-group. co.uk www.kenyon-group.co.uk

60 UPDATES

Ironmongery Direct’s new catalogue filled to the brim with top trade brands Leading specialist trade supplier, IronmongeryDirect has released its latest catalogue, showcasing hundreds of new products added to its impressive portfolio of over 18,000 products. Understanding that customers need a catalogue to browse while on the move, the leading retailer has detailed the key highlights from its new and existing ranges in its latest edition, which is available for free delivery, or to view online. From door, cabinet and shelving hardware to sliding door kits and storage solutions, IronmongeryDirect has something for every type of project. The new catalogue features a wide range of quality products to help customers source what they need, catering for all budgets big and small. Here are just some of the fantastic new additions to its huge range, including:

Cabinet handles and knobs Customise cabinets with IronmongeryDirect’s new selection of handles and knobs. With even more options in stock, it is easy to incorporate finishing touches that are on trend, such as knurled and ribbed designs, as well as an expanded range of matt black solutions. The stunning new Hendel & Hendel Barrington collection makes it even easier to create a striking aesthetic; using a unique back plate design, customers can mix and match T-bar accessories with cabinet knobs to create a bespoke look. Altro pipe shelving For beautiful and reliable shelving solutions, why not browse the Altro collection? Exclusive to IronmongeryDirect is its pipe shelving range which is ideal for customers looking for a mid-range option that balances quality with great value. A perfect fit for modern and industrial interiors, each product is made from iron with a grey or black powder coated finish. The range includes connectors, elbow pipes, threaded pipes, tee connectors and wall fixing flanges for a complete solution. IronmongeryDirect is the UK’s largest online

supplier of ironmongery to the trade. With over 18,000 products in stock, woodworkers, carpenters and joiners can choose from a range of flexible delivery options to meet the needs of their busy schedules, including next day delivery on orders over £45 ex VAT, same-day delivery to postcodes in selected areas of London and the East of England, as well as click and collect from 6500 pick up points across the UK. To request a free catalogue or to view online, please visit: www.IronmongeryDirect.co.uk/ free-catalogue.

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Furniture & Joinery Production #345

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