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PPAA NN EE LL ,, WW OO OO DD&& SS oo ll ii dd SS uu rr ff aa cc eeIssue No. 42/43 December 2011/January 2012

Woodscapeopts for

DCSdust plant

See page 37 forthe full story

Also inside this month:

All the latest News

Classical Machinery

Panels & PanelProcessing

Software forDesigners &

Manufacturers

SustainableDevelopment:Wood Waste &Dust Control

NOBODY can argue about thefact that trading conditions aretough. The companies that findtheir way through and eventhose who strengthen their mar-ket position are those preparedto be bold. “Think laterally”,“think outside the box” … all ofthese phrases apply. The thing isthat market activity shifts at dif-ferent economic times andmany manufacturers at the mo-ment will tell you that targetingareas of activity is essential. Forthis they need to be flexible interms of their design and manu-facturing abilities. This allowsthem to focus on the middle toupper end of particular marketswhen the volume end is slug-gish or to move into completelynew market areas.

It’s called smart manufacturing.Crucially, Working with Wood comes in a non-Ligna year so the importance of holding the event becomes all

the more relevant for British and Irish manufacturers. Many companies are now far more particular about theequipment they invest in. They are looking far beyond “fit for purpose”. They are looking for machinery thatoffers fast set-up times, software interfacing, low energy drive motors and more.

At W12 Working with Wood visitors will find smart manufacturing technology at all levels under one roofwith some exciting trends already emerging from exhibitors reporting back. Readers of PW&SS will be able tokeep abreast of this news as it comes in at W12 over the coming months.

One of the world’s largest machinery and technology groups, Homag, will definitely be a must for visitorslooking for methods to integrate manufacturing processes. Homag has introduced exciting new innovations inintegrated production and control software. These go hand in hand with technical innovations in five-axis CNC

machining, edgebanding and automated storage systems for routers and panels which can re-sult in 40% increases in production capacity, so investment can be amortised in around

12 months.For anyone looking to widen their business activities, Dutch widebelt sanding

specialists Boere inform W12 that the design of its machines allows for amazingdiversity. At Working with Wood the company will be celebrating its 70th yearand the ensuing expertise and experience has allowed it to develop sandingsolutions as delicate as removing the aluminium coating from polycarbonateCDs for recycling … to stripping off cement, paint and other residue from scaf-

folding planks for re-use! In between they calibrate paper and waste into noticeboards and also clean and brush carpet tiles for re-use at exhibitions. Looking for-

wards, the new electric motor fits well into the CRS process, meaning that only theminimum amount of power is drawn for the operation in progress.

These are just two examples of signed-up exhibitors looking forward to October 2012.The “W series” of exhibitions have always seen milestones of success. At W10, for example, exhibitor REHAU

held a seminar to introduce the new edgebanding material designed for bonding to the panel edge via a lasersystem — important for both manufacturers and designers. As a result of W10 being used as the UK launch padfor the concept one of the UK’s largest cabinet door manufacturers became the first to install a state-of-the-art laser edgebanding machine that could apply the new material and is now enjoyingphenomenal success with a range of acrylic doors with the new seamless edge. Others havequickly followed. This example also serves to underscore the vital cross-over value betweenW12 Working with Wood and W12 Working with Design.

It’s all about bringing people and businesses together to disseminate information, ex-change ideas, stimulate new methods of working and solving problems. There is no otherforum where this value of face-to-face interaction can be achieved.

In the months approaching the exhibition the W12 team will bebringing readers further information about what they can lookforward to seeing and why theyshould be ensuring thatthe dates receivepriority in theirdiaries.W12 ExhibitionTel 01629 530998Email [email protected] www.w12exhibition.com

“W12 will be the highlight of theBritish woodworking industry’s 2012calendar and we at Homag UK are,as always, very supportive of this im-portant event. The Birmingham ex-hibition in all its various guises hasalways been close to our hearts andwe, more than any other company,have been keen to see this exhibitionsurvive and prosper even throughdifficult times. To me it is importantfor the UK woodworking industry tohave a quality exhibition wherecompanies can keep abreast of tech-nology and trends emerging fromEurope and further afield. W12 willbe the perfect opportunity for po-tential investors to view the very lat-est developments from the HomagGroup and we will be presenting a

full range of machinery and software from entry level options through to highcapacity solutions — something for everyone!”

Simon Brooks, Sales & Marketing Director, Homag UK

Panel, Wood & Solid Surface December 2011/January 2012 Page 3

NEWS

W12 Working With Wood will come at a crucial timePanel, Wood &Solid Surfaceis published by

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Panel, Wood & Solid Surfacesupports the work ofHearing Dogs for DeafPeople

Tel 01844 348100(voice & minicom)Fax 01844 348101email [email protected]

Latest exhibitors: OHRA (storage solutions) & GRACO (finishing equipment)

SCM will also be a significant presence at W12.

Page 4 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface December 2011/January 2012

NEWS

A CUSTOM-BUILT Design Centrehas been incorporated at theheart of the recently refur-bished Northumbria Building atRENOLIT Cramlington Ltd.

It creates a permanent displayof the company’s products andprovides an impressive environ-ment for customers to visit anduse for business meetings andnew product design presenta-tions. The building also providesmuch needed meeting rooms andconference facilities.

The striking exterior façade iscreated by combining windowsmade from RENOLIT EXOFOL MXHazy Grey Finesse with matchingHazy Grey Finesse cladding top and bottom, contrasted in the middlewith Siena PR, a warm Italian walnut design. Both designs are RENOLITEXOFOL MX Premier stock range effects, which are produced at the Cram-lington site.

The Design Centre itself is divided into four sections, presenting the

products of DESIGN, EXTERIOR and WATERPROOFING Business Units plusan open display facility for interactive use during presentations.

The DESIGN area proudly houses the complete global 3D stock rangesof RENOLIT COVAREN and RENOLIT ALKOREN with an impressive dis-play of almost 170 different effects.

Rotating carousels show the UK 3D stock ranges, 2D applications, ex-perimental ideas and new product developments.

A large conference table made from RENOLIT ALKOREN Lissa A takescentre stage, with an informal seating arrangement to the side. The roomhas windows running along its whole length, which provide the neces-sary natural day light into the room.

On the other side of the room are the display areas for EXTERIOR andWATERPROOFING. The windows in the EXTERIORpresentation are backlit to simulate an externalview and currently feature the four most recentadditions to the RENOLIT EXOFOL MX Premierrange: Teresina XC, Wisconsin XD, Siena PL andWinchester XC. A more extensive selection ofwindow corners is displayed on the central unit.

The WATERPROOFING unit features ALKORBright, ALKOR Solar, ALKOR Design, ALKOR Planand ALKOR Green, which are primarily used inroofing and construction projects.

Excellent storage for literature,samples, MFC matching boardsand RENOLIT branded giveawaysis provided by the under-displaycupboards surface with RENOLITALKOREN Platinum WhiteSuedette Matt.

The Northumbria Building hasbeen developed as a working fa-cility for the staff and customerswith rooms suited to individualpresentations right up to thosedesigned to accommodate largegroups. Already the building hashosted its first major event — on15th September over 100 cus-tomers attended an open day tovisit the Design Centre and to viewnew machinery investmentswithin the factory.RENOLIT Cramlington LtdTel 01670 [email protected]

New DesignCentre opens


NEWS

Innovation award

THIS intriguing staircase wonthe prize for Innovation at the2011 Wood Awards.

Designed by Atmos Studio, thestructure of the staircase arosefrom laminating different thick-nesses of MDF as either tread orriser or support wall, capping tipsand verticals with finer threads oflaminated oak. The main contrac-tor was Red Oak Services.

Everything was fabricated di-rectly from 2D CAD informationusing CNC routing, carefully inter-secting flat-pack 2D elements tocreate a complex 3D compositionwith the illusion of three-dimen-sional curvature.

A precise laser survey was cru-cial to minimise tolerances and en-sure that the millimetre-perfectdesign slotted perfectly into theplanometric and sectional con-straints of the existing fabric.

The stair was designed as a co-hesive, easily-assembled kit ofparts: “an outsized 3D jigsaw con-structed with an animated flip-book,” according to the designers.

An engraved base-plate en-abled precise positioning of outerframe walls and the central spinewall, both bridged by elaboratelycarved beams that slotted in

sequence into these flank walls.Routing constraints limited the

use of chamfered cuts and thusmeant substantial voids at the in-tersection between diagonal pla-nar elements, necessitating thegeneration of additional filigreemasking elements. In the mainstair void, these acted as tendrilsresolving the eccentric junctionsbetween riser and wall, curling upto form the additional delicate en-closing balustrades required byBuilding Regulations.

The geometry was generatedfrom a basic sequence of anglesand radii, matched in plan and sec-tion, and interstitial lines placed atintervals. The design sought tominimise mass whilst ensuring sta-bility, laminating three staggeredlayers of MDF in section to form anultra-thin profile in the dominantelevations, layers of engraving fur-ther splitting the mass into the ap-pearance of two thin strands. Theuse of two engraving depths foreach of the three layers of MDF en-abled intricate functional carvingof what would ultimately resolveinto the appearance of a singlesculptural mass.The Wood Awardswww.woodawards.com


NEWS

IN-EXCESS retail stores provide anever-changing shopping experi-ence for the consumer, supplyingquality household, DIY, hardware,tools, timber and garden prod-ucts at discount prices, with prod-uct lines continually changingdepending upon availability.

Owner, Carl Chambers, decided12 months ago to examine the pos-sibility of manufacturing doors andgarden related products in-houserather than buying them in from anumber of sources, so he ap-proached SCM’s local distributor,Mike Martin, of MJM WoodworkingMachinery. After initial discussions,it was decided to visit the SCMGroup’s manufacturing plants in Ri-mini, Italy, not only to see how allthe SCM machines were made, butalso see classical and CNC ma-chines demonstrated in SCM’s im-pressive new showroom.

Very happy with the visit toSCM, Carl Chambers placed ordersfor a number of SCM machines, in-cluding a L’Invincible SI 6000 slid-ing table panel saw, a TI 155 EPClass spindle moulder, a TEN 220single end tenoner, an FS 520Class planer thicknesser, a Sandya5S wide belt sander and a Tecno-max S600P band saw. A week later,an SCM Pratix Z2 CNC machiningcentre was demonstrated and or-dered on SCM’s stand at the W10exhibition at the NEC.

The L’Invincible SI 6000 is a topof the range panel saw and hasblade tilting and a 3,200 x 3,200mm squaring capacity, with a gen-erous 140 mm cutting height. Fit-ted with the “Vanguard” controlsystem and Windows XP, all on anoverhead control panel, directcontrol of the main and scoringsaw lifting, tilting, blade rotationspeed (an inverter fitted) with a999 program capacity of the con-trolled axes. Programming of se-

quential cuts within a program ispossible and full graphic assis-tance for the operator is included.

A controlled axis programmableparallel fence with 1,500 mm ca-pacity sliding on two THK guides ata speed up to 25 m/min is included.A full support mobile frame enablesangular cutting with micro adjust-ment with an LCD readout display.

The TI 155 EP Class spindlemoulder with tilting spindle andHSK 63 rapid tool changer has the“Easy” electronic control systeminstalled with an overhead panelfor controlling 2 to 8 axes, with a300 program storage capacity, en-abling lifting and tilting of thespindle to be carried out simplyand fast. The “Flex” fence controlprovides automatic adjustments

of the entire fence with referenceto the tool diameter and the in-feed fence for the removal of therequired amount of timber.

Aluminium fences combinedwith the “Fast” section table withautomatic adjustment managedfrom the “Easy” controller and an

inverter for spindle speeds of 900to 12,000 rpm, reverse spindle ro-tation, a glazing bead unit and theHSK 63 rapid tool change system,ensures the TI 155 EP Class is fullyfitted with all the devices to pro-vide fast and simple programmingfor the operators between the va-riety of jobs that will be under-taken at In-Excess.

The Sandya 5-S wide beltsander, with 1,350 mm workingwidth, has two rollers, 140 and 220mm diameter, each with its own15 hp motor, the first roller withSCM’s helicoidal grooved steelroller for maximum stock removal.Electronic positioning of the worktable, with on/off pneumatic se-lector for each roller, again ensuresrapid setting up between jobs.

The TEN 220 Class Tenoner hasISO 40 rapid tool change systemfitted, providing a 350 mm maxi-mum tool diameter with a 7.5 kWmotor. The saw unit carries a 400mm diameter blade, 3 kW motorand has a revolver with five stops.The rotating chip breaker has ca-pacity for five profiles.

The Pratix Z2-27 CNC machin-ing centre has a 2,750 x 1,300 mmworking area and a 7.5 kW routinghead with both a Rapid 8 auto-matic tool changer and a TR 10rack tool changer, and with a vec-torial speed of 60 m/min. Manu-facturing MDF kitchen doors,ready to paint, radiator panels andback panels will be carried out asIn-Excess can also supply handles,hinges and associated productsfrom its own retail outlets. The ma-chine has the capability of nestingpanels and doors from a full-sizesheet using the aluminium multi-functional work table and highvolume vacuum system.

Joinery shop manager, JohnO’Neill, is very pleased with all thenew SCM machines installed, com-menting “The machines, especiallythe spindle moulder and panel saw,are very easy and fast to set upusing their CNC controls, so we canmove from one job to the next in notime at all, as programs can be re-called or amended within seconds.”

The new 3,000 ft2 factory is in anew unit on the In-Excess site andheadquarters just outside Salis-bury and has a new dust extractionsystem fitted and a power upgradeinstalled for all the new machines.

Carl Chambers concluded: “Weare very pleased with our invest-ment in SCM machinery and theservice and back-up provided byMike Martin and SCM UK. The ma-chines are all high specification forfast set-up times between jobs, andtherefore we are in a great positionto take full advantage of the up-turn in the market when it arrives.”In-ExcessTel 01722 412233www.in-excess.comSCM Group (UK) LtdTel 0115 977 [email protected]

In-Excess equips new factory with SCM machinery

Programming the SCM Pratix Z2 at In-Excess.

Programming the SCM L’Invincible panel saw SI 6000 at In-Excess.

Mike Martin demonstrating the SCM spindle moulder TI 155 EP Class.

MWS/08

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NEWS

MORE than 70 companies from 15 countries were briefed about inno-vative system technology and current trends in solid wood processingduring Weinig’s Solid Wood Days on 12 and 13 October. The event washeld at the Ohnemus company in Kappel-Grafenhausen near Freiburg.

Ohnemus has developed steadily from a hardwood sawmill and trad-ing company to become the manufacturer of high-quality sorted solidwood panels and represents a modern company that has secured sus-tained competitiveness through consistent adaptation to the market.With its refinement of cut pieces, Ohnemus was able to develop an in-teresting clientele for staircases, furniture and interior fittings.

The concept of the Solid Wood Days combined an insight into runningproduction at one of Weinig’s partners with a comprehensive section forpresentations. The focus was on increasing added value. Optimisation ofcutting to size and of widths and lengths, wood optimisation throughthe introduction of scanners, wood saved using planing machines andintelligent gluing systems were the main topics. Information on Weinig’sfinger-jointing systems rounded off the schedule and emphasisedWeinig’s comprehensive expertise in solid wood processing.

Visitors were able to form a global impression of all this on a visitaround the production facility. Weinig supported the Ohnemus companyas its partner for the whole production process. The result of this collab-oration is a state-of-the-art linked solution from cutting to size throughto the finished solid wood panel.

At the start of the processing process, there is a Maxicut 800 pre-cutsaw which removes major defects in the wood such as warps and splitsin the cut wood. The operator can then turn the boards and inspect theunderside via an automatic turning station before measuring the width.Using a laser controlled via a joystick s/he can then measure the unfin-ished board either by marking the whole width of the board or markingvarious quality zones along the surface ofthe board. The division of the board widthand quality zones into the correspondingcutting widths is then done automaticallyby the TimberMax width optimisation sys-tem. Based on the cutting list and optimi-sation parameters (timber yield, achievableprices, required number), it calculates theoptimum division of the board for eachrough board measured.

The rough board is divided up exactly bythe ProfiRip KR 450 M multiplied buzz saw.The cut lamellae and waste are separatedfrom the oddments via a discharge beltconveyor downstream from the ProfiRip.These so-called returns are fed back intothe machine before the width measuringstage, measured again and cut into widths.

The wood then travels through the chalkmarking station to the optimising cross-cutsaw. The OptiCut 304 calculates the best di-vision into lengths based on the best com-bination of the cutting list and optimisationparameters and cuts the lamellae to size.

From here the workpieces are processed

using the new Weinig panel line and a hall specially extended and fittedwith climate control. The whole process, from feeding in the boards cutto variable widths to the finished, sanded and stacked panel, runs nearlyfully automatically with only two operators required. The first station is aPowermat 500 moulder with automatic pull-in, measurement of width,mobile spindle, automatic discharge for the various widths and transferto the sorting station. The lamellae are then sorted according to colourand application of images. The lamellae are then collected automaticallyin the buffer before the ProfiPress T 3500 HF, where they are glued auto-matically and pressed nearly free of offsets into panels. Very short press-ing times are guaranteed through implementation of high frequencytechnology. Since only the joins are heated, no stresses or warping arecreated in the wood, especially in hardwood in comparison to other glu-ing processes. Furthermore, energy consumption is significantly lower.HF gluing also ensures demonstrably better join quality.

After pressing the panels are fed individually into the grinder. The fin-ished boards are then stacked on pallets using vacuum technology.

The trade visitors to Weinig’s solid wood days were very enthusiasticabout the combination of live demos and accompanying presentationschedule. “Our concept of demonstrating Weinig’s overall expertise in amanufacturing company has worked as planned,” CSO Stephan Webersummed up at the end of the event.Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd � Tel 01235 557600Michael Weinig AGTel 0049 (0) 93 41 86-0 � Email [email protected] � www.weinig.com

Weinig’s Solid Wood Days attract trade visitorsfrom all over Europe


NEWS

Felder UK celebrates success of World Skills London 2011FELDER UK is proud to havebeen a supplier of woodworkingmachinery to what is believed tobe the largest internationalskills competition to date: WorldSkills London 2011.

The 41st World Skills Competi-tion featured nearly 1,000 com-petitors representing 51 differentcountries. Participants competedin 46 skills, ranging from hairdress-ing to robotics and web design, forthe honour of being the world’sbest in their chosen discipline.

More than 200,000 visitors ar-rived to show their support andparticipate in “Have a Go” activi-ties, allowing them to try selectedskills for themselves. they at-tended as individuals as well as or-

ganised groups from schools, col-leges and other organisations.

Due to the predicted highturnout for this year, World Skills2011 was hosted in London’sExCeL Exhibition Centre, a venuelarge enough to provide 90,000 m2

of space for the competition —the equivalent of 10 Wembley Sta-diums! With a record-breaking sur-face area and number ofattendees, it is believed to be thelargest event ever to be held atExCeL.

The vital role of the World Skillscompetition in promoting furthereducation in the UK and through-out the world was recognised bylocal and national government, at-tracting influential visitors such as

Mayor of London Boris Johnsonand Prime Minister David Cameron.Their presence highlighted the im-portance of skills worldwide and inBritain’s economy.

Felder UK stepped in as one ofthe sponsors who collectively pro-vided 81% of the World Skills in-frastructure. Felder supplied atotal of 26 woodworking ma-chines to the cabinetmaking andjoinery competitions; these in-cluded the A 951 planer, the D 951thicknesser, the AD 741 planer-thicknesser, the FB 640 bandsaw,the RL 200 and RL 125 dust extrac-tion systems, the K 700 S panelsaw and the F 700 Z spindle moul-der. With top-of-the-line Austrianengineering at their disposal, thecompetitors were able to makethe best use of their talent and

training to create some truly im-pressive results.

Felder UK would like to con-gratulate Richard M Schauer ofGermany for winning the goldmedal in Cabinetmaking andSeung Hyeon Wang of SouthKorea for winning first place in theJoinery competition. In addition,team UK won five Gold, two Silverand six Bronze medals

“We are proud to have suppliedmachines that helped them scoretop points on their projects andlook forward to supporting theparticipants of World Skills Leipzigin 2013,” a Felder UK spokesmantold PW&SS.Felder UKTel 01908 635000Email [email protected] and cabinetmaking experts at World Skills London 2011

Work 2 Learn celebrationA CELEBRATION of student suc-cess occurred on 28th Septem-ber 2011 at the WoodwiseAcademy in Bristol.

Over the past year an innovativenew venture has been developedby Didac Ltd and the Work 2 LearnSchool Programme. This collabora-tion has seen the Kingswood Part-nership schools working withDidac Ltd to create a practicallearning experience for studentsthat is “hands on”, challenging andresults in a recognised trade qual-ification for achievers.

At an Awards Evening held atthe Woodwise Academy, studentswere presented with Level 1 Cityand Guilds Certificate in Furniture.

Jon Gibson of Didac Ltd, a spe-cialist training provider in thewoodworking sector, commented,“We are delighted that the stu-dents received a 100% successrate and that we are able to run asecond programme into 2012 witha new group of learners. ”

In addition to the presentationof certificates, an award was alsomade to Lee Hathway as Learnerof the Year. Having now left schooland as a result of his experience onthe Work 2 Learn programme, Leehas enrolled on a constructionskills related course as part of hiscontinued learning.

Didac Ltd’s trainer, Alex Sills,who ran the course at the Acad-emy, stated: “This was a new ven-ture that was challenging forstudents and training staff, butone that succeeded because ofthe commitment shown by all in-volved to make it a positive andpractical experience. I’m reallypleased that all my learnersachieved their certificates.”

Jon Gibson finished by saying: “Iam pleased to be able to offer thiscourse that encourages studentsinto a woodworking career. As wellas this programme, we are nowable to offer funded trainingcourses to the unemployed look-

ing to train in furniture related skillsand are working with Job CentrePlus to promote this further.”

Didac Ltd is already recognisedas one of the leading trainingproviders in the UK timber sectorand the Academy has already at-tracted both nationwide and over-seas interest.

Jon Gibson added: “We are con-tinually developing our range of

provision and we pride ourselveson delivering quality qualifications.We firmly believe the WoodwiseAcademy will become recognisedas the UK Centre of Excellence inwoodworking and woodmachin-ing training provision.”Didac LtdTel 0117 904 9377Email [email protected]

Left to right: Alex Sills (trainer), Connor Rogers, Jack Green, JakeThomas, Lee Hathway and Liam Baker.


NEWS

National Sales Manager

REHAUinvests inAnglesey

Weinig expands in China

THE FULL brand and identitymerger of the new Armac Martincreative furniture componentmanufacturing business is nowheaded in the field by its NationalSales Manager, Gary Barnes.

Gary has a wealth of market andtechnical knowledge and hasbeen instrumental in incorporat-ing new Rapid Prototyping tech-nology in to the company’s

manufacturing plant in Birming-ham. The business is keen andable to develop more customer re-quested bespoke and exclusivelines with its ability, believed to beunique, to bring design concept torapid product reality.Armac MartinTel 0121 359 2111Email [email protected]

WEINIG AG continues to investin China. In Yantai, Shandong,province, the specialist in ma-chines and facilities for solidwood processing is expandingthe production area of the plantby around 800 m2 to a total of12,000 m2.

The new assembly hall was in-augurated at a ceremony at-tended by the members of theboard at Weinig who had come es-pecially from Tauberbischofsheim.In future Unicontrol 6 window ma-chines will be produced there. Thisclassic angle system for artisanproduction of window frames hasbeen in Weinig’s range in Germanyfor many years. The new produc-tion facility in Yantai is intendedsolely for the domestic market inChina. The expansion of the rangewith the window machine isWeinig’s response to the stronggrowth being experienced by thewood processing industry inChina.

The manufacturer is very confi-dent for the future. “Our Chinesecustomers value engineering fromGermany,” the chairman of theboard, Wolfgang Pöschl, empha-

sises. “The Unicontrol 6 will be as-sembled in Yantai according toGerman standards of quality tosatisfy the increasing demands ofthe Chinese market.”

The main factory in Tauber-bischofsheim will make a signifi-cant contribution to the marketdrive in China. Numerous precisionparts such as the cutter spindlesfor the machines will be suppliedfrom Germany. “This means thatthe expansion of the plant in Yantaiwill not compete in any way withthe production facility in Tauber-bischofsheim; on the contrary, itstrengthens its position,” Mr Pöschlexplains. Weinig’s premium prod-ucts will continue to be made inGermany without exception.

Weinig has had its own plant inChina since 1995. Following suc-cessful development in recentyears, the construction of the newassembly hall marks the third largeinvestment project.Michael Weinig (UK) LtdTel 01235 557600

Michael Weinig AGTel 0049 (0) 93 41 86-0Email [email protected]

Official inauguration of the new assembly hall: A Chinese tributefor the Board at Weinig.

REHAU HAS ANNOUNCED a£775,000 investment in itsedgeband facility at Amlwch onAnglesey. A major extension will be built to house new set up andrecycling equipment which will help to deliver greener products inhigher volumes.

The new facility will store, prepare and recycle the paints used in theapplication of colours and patterns to the edgeband and will also regrindthe waste and offcuts which can be reintroduced into the extrusionprocess without any visual or functional detriment to product quality.

Allison Tucker, the Business Team Leader responsible for REHAU’s fur-niture edgebands, said: “This investment will give us the space we needto service the growing demand from customers for REHAU edgebandproduced in the UK.

“It is also a statement of intent which demonstrates not only our on-going commitment to UK manufacturing but also our determination todeliver products which are greener than ever.”

REHAU’s Amlwch facility produces 70% of the edgeband which REHAUsupplies into the UK market and recently received a global award for itssuccess in implementing lean manufacturing techniques.REHAU LtdTel 01989 762671 � Email [email protected]


NEWS

CROSS and Sansam is a well es-tablished family run businessspecialising in pattern andmould making and generalwood machining, based inShepshed, near Loughboroughin Leicestershire. The companyhas recently expanded by tak-ing delivery of an SCM RoutechChronos HT 5-axis CNC machin-ing centre.

Cross and Sansam’s companypolicy has always been basedupon manufacturing and supply-ing a quality product, delivered ontime, using the company’s wealthof experience, technical know-how and long gained experienceof its customers’ requirements. Allsales are obtained by reputationand repeat business.

Pattern and mould making is alarge percentage of the manufac-turing at Cross and Sansam, but inrecent years, the company hasmoved into specialist wood ma-chining and mouldings, on bothhard and soft woods, withhandrails, flooring and wood turn-ing being produced on a widerange of machinery located in itswood mill including CNCs, planermoulders, sanders etc.

Customers in a wide range of in-dustries are supplied, includingaerospace, marine, medical, trans-port and water treatment, withfoundries in Sheffield, Birming-ham, Leicester and Scotlandincluded.

Cross and Sansam already has aThermwood 5-axis CNC machine,a Wissner 5-axis CNC, a BridportVMC plus an SCM Record 130 stan-dard 3-axis CNC that was pur-chased second hand from SCM UKa few years ago. As the company is

currently extremely busy, at thebeginning of 2011, directors Davidand James Sansam decided topurchase an additional five-axisCNC with a larger machining ca-pacity, so they contacted Ian Mc-Carthy, Area Sales Manager at SCMGroup UK.

Along with CNC supervisor,Simon Riley, and James Sansam,they accompanied Ian McCarthyfor a working demonstration atSCM’s customer Stage 2 in York-shire, who were impressed withthe Routech Chronos installedfour years ago. Soon after, DavidSansam confirmed an order withSCM for the Chronos HT with a3,700 x 2,100 mm table size, withdelivery and installation in July.

With a 900 mm Z-axis capacity,

machining is carried out by an 8.5kW Prisma H routing head, capa-ble of 24,000 rpm, tools being fedto the routing spindle from aRapid 12 Automatic Tool Changer.

The Chronos, with its rigid portalstructure, has SCM’s aluminiummulti-functional work table fitted,with two 250 mc/hr vacuumpumps, so the nesting of panels,when required, can be carried out.

Programming of the Chronos iscarried out using MastercamCAD/CAM. Customers’ paperdrawings or emailed drawings areconverted into programs to besent directly to the 5-axis Chronos.With patterns for castings, SimonRiley comments “With our experi-ence, we can add various contrac-tion values to a programdepending upon the final metalbeing cast, or we can scale or fac-tor up or down dimensions as re-quired, for example, a gear boxcasting.”

Patterns are made from a com-bination of wood, plywood andvarious synthetic materials. Roughcomponent shapes are band-sawed out and then fitted to a

base board, that is then fixed tothe table of the Chronos formachining.

For machining, a typical jobuses a tool that is 20 mm end millfor roughing out, running at14,000 rpm, with a feed speed of15 m/min, stepping down 3 mm ata time. When finishing, a 10 mmcutter with a 1 mm radius is em-ployed running at 18,000 rpm at a10 m/min feed speed steppingdown at 0.25 mm. The final finishobtained is excellent.

The Chronos work table is fullyenclosed with sliding doors foreasy access and provides maxi-mum safety for the operator, withlarge windows in the doors so theoperator can view machining as itproceeds. Prismatic guidewayswith recirculating ball slides en-sure the highest accuracy and dy-namic rigidity, and rack and pinionwith backlash recovery for the X, Yand Z axes at 130 m/min.

James Sansam comments,“Since installation of the SCMChronos we have been very im-pressed with its accuracy andquality of finish on the patternsand components after machining,whether they are very large up tothe machine’s capacity or fairlysmall, intricate component parts.Space allowing, another Chronoscould be on the cards in the nearfuture.”Cross and SansamTel 01509 [email protected]

SCM Group (UK) LtdTel 0115 977 [email protected]

Cross and Sansam installs SCM Routech 5-axis Chronos

Simon Riley preparing a mould for machining on the SCMRoutech Chronos.

Examples of moulds machined on the SCM Routech Chronos atCross and Sansam.

5-axis routing on the SCM Routech Chronos at Cross and Sansam.


NEWS

Cube attracts woodworkers to Weinig UKTHE WEINIG Cube, PAR andstraightening planer, drewwoodworking companies fromall sectors of the industry to theAbingdon showroom to see it inaction.

They were not disappointed: ac-cording to the company, nothinglike it has ever been seen beforeand, in addition to several recentorders, enquiries are beginning topour in.

PAR and straightening of timberhas never been easier, as fast ormore precise. Most importantly,there is no setup time involved! In-novation in setup technology anddesign make the Cube truly ‘Plugand Play’ — meaning that, whenyou switch on — it’s ready. It canalso be moved around in theworkshop at any time, on a handoperated lift.

The benefits are believed to beway above any conventional ma-chine can offer — including the fa-mous Weinig P22N, which is usedwidely in the industry. No expen-sive training is needed. It is safe,simple and highly efficient. Di-mensional changes can be per-formed at the push of a button,with the spindles running.

With the MPV preview feature,you know in advance what themachined piece will look like, be-cause the spindle settings are pro-jected onto the workpiece by

laser. This allows you to optimisebefore machining, saving timber.

Other efficiency benefits in-clude: energy saving of 60% indust extraction; absolutely

straight and 90% angles on thetimber; tilted table keeps work-piece to the fence; ten times fasterthan with a jointer and planer; re-liability guaranteed and no pro-duction errors; takes up minimumfloor space; simple and fast knifechanges on Weinig ‘EasyLock’ sys-tem; low labour costs; easy to ma-chine short pieces normallydifficult to hold with high risk ofaccidents; and last but not least,full Weinig after sales service andsupport.

Commenting on the Cube exhi-bition, Malcolm Cuthbertson, thenew Weinig UK managing director,said: “Interest in the new Cube ma-chine has been growing steadilysince it was first launched at thelast Ligna exhibition. It has revolu-tionised the world of four-sidedplaning, so we decided to demon-strate it at a special in-house exhi-bition on 23rd/24th November, inAbingdon, to the UK industry. I amdelighted with the high atten-dance and genuine customer in-terest. Customers were bowledover by the technology and wehave numerous enquiries to fol-low up — some close to placingorders. There was a ‘buzz’ aboutthe exhibition and I am sure therewill be a big sales potential for thismachine from the people whocame to see it in action and from

The Cube dominating the in-house exhibition at the Weinig showroom showing various otherWeinig and Holz-Her machines in the background.

A group of visitors with a couple of Weinig agents at the in-house exhibition showroom in Abingdon.

�

CD (UK) Ltd, best known as the national distributor of DuPont™Corian® solid surface materials, recently hosted an open dayevent to mark the official opening of its new 22,000 ft2 premisesin Leeds.

The move to larger, purpose-built facilities has seen the companyexpand its operation with the addition of a permanent showroomwhich displays its range of woodworking machinery, together withthermoforming equipment and power tools used in the fabricationof products using Corian®. Also included is a training centre forteaching methods of fabricating and shaping Corian®, as well as ded-icated workshop areas for demonstrating the use of specialist toolsand machinery.

Established in 1979 by Geoff Baker, chairman, and Mrs Toni Hib-bert, director, CD (UK) Ltd has been distributing Corian® solid sur-face materials ever since. Managing director, Gary Baker, who joinedthe company in 2006, said the open day was a resounding success:“Today, CD (UK) is much more than a distributor of Corian® materi-als and we felt we should invite customers to come and see forthemselves what our new premises and CD (UK) has to offer — wewere delighted with the response and welcomed over 100 visitorsrepresenting more than 50 companies.”

The day started with a celebratory ribbon-cutting by BBC tele -vision presenter, Harry Gration, which was followed by a presentation by Jean-Yves Bach, head of Building Products for DuPont in the EMEA region.

Visitors were able to see all-day demonstrations of the thermoforming of Corian® on an Elkom Multitherm in the workshop, and view specialist toolsfor fabricating Corian® being demonstrated throughout the day in the training centre.

A major attraction was the new showroom which includes machin-ery from leading names: Elkom — recognised as a leader in vacuum-forming machines; Langzauner — veneer and composite presses,veneer saws and precision veneer sanding machines; EMC — wide beltsanding, polishing and buffing machines. The showroom also featurespower tool displays for Betterley, Festool, Makita and Mirka, plus clamp-ing devices from Bessey, Chesterman and Omnicubed.

Jim Mackenzie, a guest at the event who was representingSheffield-based Interior Surfaces (UK) Ltd, enthused about the daysaying: “Hospitality was first-class and I was really impressed withwhat CD (UK) has created here. We will certainly take advantage ofthe training facilities which are outstanding. Everything about theday was carried out in a very professional and friendly way by agroup of knowledgeable and capable people. Another great thingabout the day is that it brought together like-minded people fromdifferent sectors of our industry who were happy to discuss andshare experiences.”CD (UK) LtdTel 0113 201 2240Email [email protected] � www.cdukltd.co.uk


NEWS

CD (UK) hosts hugely successful open day

many more joinery and furniturecompanies in general.”

For details of the Cube contactWeinig UK.

Michael Weinig (UK) LtdTel 01235 557600Email [email protected]

All types of specialist tools for fabricating Corian® were demonstratedthroughout the day.

Demonstrations of thermo-forming of Corian® were carried out on anElkom Multitherm pre-heating and vacuum press station.

The MPV preview software on the Cube mirrors the laser settingson the workpiece — green for width and red for depth.

EasyLock tooling on the Cube makesknife changes simple and fast.

�

DEE VALLEY Joinery is a manufacturerof quality bespoke timber products,“where custom-made is standard”.Priding itself on being “large enoughto cope, yet small enough to care”,Dee Valley Joinery has built a reputa-tion based on manufacturing andsupplying a high quality product,where success has largely been basedon customer satisfaction.

Established in 1987, a highly skilledteam of woodworking machinists andjoiners operate in the company’s custombuilt premises in Aberdeen, equippedwith some of the most modern machin-ery and equipment in Scotland. This in-cludes a Kündig Brilliant sander which,company proprietor Lennie Georgesontold PW&SS, works as well today as theday it was installed back in 2006.

Lennie became aware in 2004 that hisprevious sander was not performing ashe would like and began researching al-ternatives. He originally learned of theKündig range through reading about itin a trade journal, but he also valuestrade exhibitions as an important op-portunity to see and compare differentmachines “in the flesh”, as it were. Hissearch for a new sander took him toHolz-Handwerk in Nurmberg in 2004, toLigna in 2005 and back to Nurmberg in 2006. There he met Carl O’Meara,of Kündig UK Ltd, from whom he purchased the Kündig Brilliant sander.

Lennie says, “We were looking for new technology, something moreuser friendly. We had been looking at the Kündig range for a wee while:it seemed to be the best value for money in the market.

“I had some questions and problems that the people on the Kündig standcould answer and that some of the opposition didn’t want to get involvedin. The same people were there from year to year with Kündig, and it givesyou confidence. I was quite impressed with Kündig, to be honest with you.

“Some of the opposition were suggesting that we needed a three-beltsander as most of the product we are sanding gets a water based finish,and the three-belt sander was the technology for water based finishing.However, with the Brilliant sander using the oblique sanding process, op-erating at 10 degrees, it can cope equally well with two belts! We are a belt

up on the opposition all the time, savingon abrasives and on running costs com-pared to a three belt machine.”

Oblique sanding is a process devel-oped by Kündig during which the sand-ing unit rotates slightly obliquely to thefeed belt. Just like a knife or a plane in aslightly angled position, the drawn cutof the abrasive belt is more efficient andeffortless than a 90 degree frontal cut,resulting in less pressure on the abra-sive. As a result, belt clogging and beltconsumption are reduced, improvingthe life of the abrasive while leavingfewer uncut fibres on the surface.

As Lennie says, “The previous sanderhad an appetite for eating up belts: theKündig does not! The quality of the fin-ish has also improved.”

All models of Kündig widebeltsanders (Brilliant and Technic) can be fit-ted with oblique sanding units. InKündig’s experience, it is becoming evermore popular and, according to thecompany, many customers report thatblemishes caused by irregularities onthe sanding pad’s graphite cloth are nolonger present.

Dee Valley Joinery uses the KündigBrilliant sander on components for itscomplete range of bespoke joinery proj-

ects, although Lennie reported that the company probably sands morestair components than windows and doors.

Lennie describes himself as being “much more hands on than paper-work. I use the sander myself every week at some point for something. Ikeep tabs on all my machines.”

He continues, “The Kündig sander is as good today as it was when webought it new: there has been no deterioration in the quality of the job.I am very impressed with the quality of the sander, it is absolutely spot on.It is my third sander and, at my age, it will be my last and final one.”

Asked if he would recommend the Kündig sander to others, Lenniereplied, “Oh yes, I have already recommended it to two or three peoplewho have since bought Kündig sanders and are quite happy as well.Some have been in the trade magazines already!”

Lennie is equally impressed with the service he has received from CarlO’Meara of Kündig UK.Kündig UK Ltd � Tel 0845 833 0565Email [email protected] � www.kundig.co.uk


NEWS

Brilliant Kündig sander at Dee Valley Joinery

Lennie Georgeson of Dee Valley Joinery considers trade exhibi-tions an important opportunity to compare different machines.The Kündig stand at Ligna 2011 (pictured above) displayed thecompany’s complete range.Brilliant – inside and out!

Lennie Georgeson of Dee Valley Joinery with the Brilliant sander.


NEWS

“PRODUCT differentiation” isbecoming more than a buzzphrase in the context of the cur-rent furniture market. It’s actu-ally the difference betweenwinning and losing, success andfailure.

Any one of the top kitchen fur-niture manufacturers in Britain(and across Europe) today will tellyou that they have to offer ahighly bespoke product in orderto move forwards.

The UK division of one of theworld’s pre-eminent fittings man-ufacturers admits the kitchen in-dustry is difficult but, whereasthey measure a 9% contractionoverall, their sales are up byaround 3% and a lot of this successin bucking the trend can be attrib-uted to offering products andservices that allow their customersto add special value and design/performance to their products.

The board and surface materialssuppliers concur. They say that im-portant trends emerged from In-terzum in May and these will nowhave the spotlight on them atZOW in Germany in February.

In October 2012 the W12 Work-ing With Design exhibition will bewhat is believed to be the first andonly national show to highlightand focus on these new productsand trends identified by expertsfor the UK market.

Originality will be the watch-

word at Working With Design, andvisitors can expect to see the com-pletely new designs and productsfrom edgebanding suppliers, sur-face lamination experts, solid sur-face exponents as well as thelatest in design and CAD softwarewith fascinating new integratedpackages that make the manufac-turer and designers’ projects apleasure to accomplish. Fittingsmanufacturers, coating and adhe-sives suppliers also bring new

technologies to the market viaWorking With Design — a vitalforum for discussing advances inproduct technology in the contextof new standards.

At the same time, designers vis-iting Working With Design will beable to delight in an exhibition ofproducts and ideas that, ratherthan placing limits and restrictionson their aspirations, opens up andwidens new horizons and creativeopportunities.

What does this all mean? Itmeans that visitors will have anopportunity, believed to beunique, to view the tools of theirfuture success in a single location.

Naturally, the seamless proxim-ity with the W12 Working WithWood technology and machineryevent makes the days of 7-10 Oc-

tober in 2012 a must for futurediary planning.

The immediate uptake forspace at Working With Design hasmeant that organiser, Huddle-stone, has already extended avail-able space. John Smith-Bodden ofHuddlestone says: “The responseto the concept of the show hasbeen amazingly encouraging.There’s a lot of excitement aboutthe potential opportunities thatan exhibition of this format willgenerate.”

Watch the trade press for moreupdates and the latest news as theW12 Working With Design exhibi-tion continues to grow.W12 ExhibitionTel 01629 530998Email [email protected] www.w12exhibition.com

Working With Design —making a winning difference

THE LATEST export statistics from theUS Department of Commerce showthat for the first nine months of 2011,the total value of exports of softwoodlumber from the US to the UK is up 12per cent on the same period in 2010and, when averaged over 12 months,could be on course for a 20 per cent in-crease on 2010 by the end of the year.

American softwood exports to the UKstarted strongly at the beginning of2011, and continued to demonstrate

steady growth from January to September 2011, with the export value of key species increasing, includ-ing hemlock (up 19 per cent) and fir (up 187 per cent). Southern Yellow Pine continues to hold steady.

“With the new programme of promotion underway this year, we have been working hard to show thatspecies such as Southern Yellow Pine, Douglas fir and hemlock offer real advantages, opportunities andbenefits in a wide range of applications,” said American Softwoods UK director, Charles Trevor.

“American producers are keen to do business in the UK, and there is great potential to develop themarket for these under-used species much further.”American SoftwoodsTel 020 8444 0885 � Email [email protected] � www.americansoftwoods.com


NEWS

GRIGGIO, the well known Italian manufacturer of quality wood-working machinery, has appointed Axminster Tool Centre as its newdealer.

Axminster is ideally positioned, with retail outlets throughout the UK,together with a thriving mail order and web business, to work with Grig-gio and highlight the quality of the Italian company’s products.

Axminster has been a significant presence in the UK industrial wood-working sector for many years and is able to offer long term stability,product awareness, servicing and depth of knowledge in a fast chang-ing market. Andy Cross, Head of Trade & Commercial Sales at Axminster,commented: “We are delighted tobe working with a family companylike Griggio. Axminster is alwayslooking for partners who comple-ment our own philosophy of offer-ing the customer sound advice,best value for money and excel-lent customer service.”

With the continuing tough eco-nomic situation, in Axminster’s ex-perience many customers aremoving away from highly speci-fied machinery, and instead are in-vesting in good, solid productsthat do the job.

Andy went on to say: “Today itis all about the cost of production,

ease of use and safety. Many second-hand machines do not have the up-to-date features necessary for use in a modern workshop. With Griggio asour new partner we are able to offer a good range of modern machinescomplementing our own Axminster Industrial Series up to flat bed CNC’s.”

A comprehensive range of Griggio machines is now on display atAxminster’s High Wycombe retail outlet.Axminster Power Tool Centre LtdTel 0800 371822Email [email protected]

Axminster Tool Centre becomes new dealer for Griggio

American softwood exports to UK are increasing

Unica 350E panel saw.

Datum Tools LtdTel 01892 667800 www.flipstop.com

ANY furniture manufacturer that uses awide variety of corrugated box sizes fortransit packaging should consider the ben-efits of an in house box making system fromAutobox Machinery Ltd, specialists in boxmaking systems.

Producing boxes in house on a just-in-timebasis eliminates the need to stock a wide rangeof pre-made boxes in minimum order quanti-ties, saving both significant cost, waste andwarehouse space.

Companies need only stock corrugatedsheets and convert it as and when requiredwhether that is one box or hundreds, eventhousands. Moving from one box to another isquick and easy with set-up times typically lessthan 30 seconds. Customer service improvestoo by taking control of the packaging supplychain, simultaneously reducing packaging

damage and customer returns. With the flexibility of producing exactsized boxes, other protective packaging can be reduced or in some cases,completely eliminated. Coupled with the new Hicut that allows oversizestock sheet to be cut to size and then converted with hand-holes or otheruseful die-cuts, the Autobox Hipak system usually achieves a very rapidpay back.

Other machine models are available depending on the quantity ofboxes required but all Autobox machines are simple to use and no pre-vious experience of box making is required.Autobox Machinery LtdTel 01525 379359 � Email [email protected]

MAKITA has designed a new andcomprehensive range of usefulpower tool accessory sets andstructured the range at threelevels of user experience. Withinthose three tiers is a wide vari-ety of the most useful and pop-ular accessories.

Specific attention has beentaken to provide industry sizes forUK professionals and duplicationsof the most popular dimensionshave been provided in some ofthe sets. Each set contains a bal-anced selection of sockets, screw-driver and drill bits while the highend kits also incorporate tapemeasures and spirit levels ensur-ing that a professional has every-thing they may need for the job.

Top of the range PRO-XL sets

are carried in a robust, aluminiumcarry case, and is a available in 120,70 and 40 piece sets.

The mid-range PRO sets are 60105 and 120 piece selections, inmoulded carry cases with a strong,clear plastic front cover design.The TRADE sets are 50, 75 and 100piece sets in plain moulded cases.

The Makita accessory range is ablend of tried and trusted prod-ucts, together with some valuableinnovations, carefully selected forthe demanding needs of the user.More information about the fullaccessory range is available atMakita’s website.Makita (UK) LtdTel 01908 211678Email [email protected]


NEWS

Autobox Hipak Kinetic 2600 & Hicut Box Maker

In-house box-making system from Autobox

New from Makita


NEWS

“From drawing board to delivery” with Blue DiamondALTHOUGH engineers still occa-sionally refer to the develop-ment of new products as being“from drawing board to deliv-ery”, in reality the drawingboards are long gone and havebeen replaced by powerful com-puters and sophisticated soft-ware. These systems enabletoday’s engineers and designersto develop components that arefunctional, durable, aestheti-cally pleasing and cost efficient.

Blue Diamond is a company thatspecialises in the design and man-u facture of a range of componentsin a wide variety of materials.

“We specialise in solving prob-lems for our customers,” said MikeDoel, sales director, Blue Diamond.“The process usually starts with anissue related to a component’s per-formance, appearance or cost.Sometimes quality issues or supplyproblems have forced customersto look for alternative sources.”

Blue Diamond has many years’experience analysing products anddesigning or re-engineering themto provide the best performance atthe lowest cost, resulting in a rangeof procedures and techniques thathave proven highly successful insolving customers’ problems.

These techniques include De-sign for Manufacturing (DFM), Dig-ital Prototyping, Finite ElementAnalysis (FEA), Rapid Prototypingand Small Batch Production.

DFM involves designing newparts or improving existing partsin a way that aids the manufactur-ing process and, at the same time,

reduces costs. This includes the se-lection of appropriate materialsand production methods, settingrealistic tolerances, the use ofstandard/catalogue parts, and,where pos sible, avoiding duplica-tion: for example, left hand andright hand version of the samecomponents.

For Digital Prototyping, Blue Di-amond uses Autodesk Inventorsoftware for 3D mechanical de-sign, product simulation, toolingcreation and design communica-tion. Inventor produces a 3Dmodel that allows Blue Diamondto design, visualise and simulatecustomer products before they arebuilt, improving product design,reducing development costs andminimising development times.

Engineers can test fit and func-tion, optimise the design and per-form structural simulations using

FEA. FEA simulates a component’sresponse to a range of forces thata product will experience in use,allowing the engineer to make de-sign and/or material changes toareas of concern. FEA can also beused to simulate the effects ofwear in a virtual environment toensure a component can exceedits design endurance.

Rapid prototyping results in aphysical prototype that can beused to check fit, function, ergo -nomics and aesthetics. This allowsthe customer to make detailed ad-justments before finalising the de-sign. Following successful proto -typing, the next stage is oftensmall batch production to provethe design and manufacturingprocess before moving to highvolume output.

The Blue Diamond service in-cludes sourcing production quan-tities from low cost suppliersoutside the UK. All suppliers havebeen thoroughly vetted to ensurethey meet Blue Diamond’s strin-gent quality standards. And, be-cause Blue Diamond is able to shipin bulk, shipping costs are alsominimised. Stockholding facilitiesare available, as are Kanban andJIT deliveries.

A recent example of a typicalcustomer problem solved by BlueDiamond is the re-engineeringand supply of glass door handles,hinges and latch systems, the cus-tomer being a leading supplier ofwardrobe, window and door sys-tems to the new build industry.

This particular project pre-sented a number of challenges forBlue Diamond’s design engineers.Fixings in glass are notoriously dif-ficult to engineer and manufac-ture. Glass is a heavy material andthe tolerances are critical. In addi-tion, all the visible componentshad to be polished or plated tocomplement the clean lines of theglass. The finished parts alsoneeded to be strong and robust,and have the right ‘feel’ to be con-sistent with a top quality modernand stylish product.

The engineers and designers atBlue Diamond worked closely withthe customer to develop andagree the new design, meeting allmechanical and aesthetic require-ments. The complex designs in-cluded a range of cast and pressedcomponents, springs, metal andplastic parts, some of which had tobe plated or polished. Based onexperience, Blue Diamond’s engi-neers were able to improve the as-semblies by enhancing theirappearance, reducing cost and in-creasing durability.

All engineering drawings wereoriginated by Blue Diamond usingadvanced CAD-based systems andprototypes were sourced for test-ing and appraisal. Following eval-uation of the design and testing ofthe samples, the new handles,hinges and latch systems were ac-cepted immediately for volumeproduction.Blue Diamond Technologies LtdTel 020 8025 8966Email [email protected]

From roughsketch tofinishedcomponent:BlueDiamondspecialises insolvingproblems forcustomers,using itsmany years’ofengineeringexperiencedesigningandanlalysingfittings andcomponents.


CLASSICAL MACHINERY

Lamont at Causeway JoineryBASED in Kent, Causeway Join-ery has been manufacturing be-spoke joinery products for thetrade and public for over 25years.

Over the years, the companyhas built up an enviable reputa-tion for quality and reliability, andis a member of the Guild of MasterCraftsmen.

Work undertaken includesdoors, windows, staircases, cabi-net work and period work, as wellas other, more unusual projects.

The company recently investedin a new gluesetter from Lamont.

Causeway Joinery received acommission from a monastery forcabinet work, which involvedturning around 1.5 km of shelving.With these kinds of quantities, the

gluing process needed to bespeeded up, so that the workshopwould not be filled up with com-ponents in clamps.

A fellow joiner provided the so-lution: he had previously pur-chased a gluesetter from AlanLamont, and he recommendedboth the product and the com-pany to Paul Chapman of Cause-way Joinery. Paul approached Alanand made the purchase in June.

Although the gluesetter waspurchased with a particular proj-ect in mind, Paul finds that it is sofast and efficient that it is nowused across the full range ofCauseway Joinery’s work: for ex-ample, gluing up treads for stair-cases. It offers a much fasterturnaround than alternative meth-

ods, in Paul’s experience, and itmeans that components can beworked on almost immediatelyafter being glued: his workshop isnot being filled up by componentsin cramps.

And having been recom-mended the product and the

company by a friend, he would behappy in turn to recommend theLamont gluesetter, and AlanLamont’s service, to others.LamontTel 01461 40017Email [email protected]

THE SCM GROUP’S Minimax division has recently launched a rangeof new machines and updated existing models with increased ca-pacities and more features included in the standard specification.

The new SCM Minimax CU 410 Elite S Combination Machine providestop of the range technology for woodworking shops and small compa-nies, all provided in a combination woodworking machine that guaran-tees ease of use, flexibility, reliability and precision.

The CU 410 Elite S ensures a more ergonomic way of machining thanks tothe saw blade lifting hand wheel (in the manual version) that is now posi-tioned on the front of the machine. The LEDs displayingthe rotation speed (3,500/ 6,000/8,000/10,000 rpm) ofthe spindle are supplied as standard, therefore mak-ing the setting up of the machine easier. Hand wheelsfor lifting and tilting of the saw blade and spindlemoulder are located on the front of the machine.

The sliding table has been increased to 330mm width, to comfortably and precisely en-able the machining of large dimen-sioned work pieces and components.Flexibility has also been increasedthanks to the inversion of the spindlerotation, now supplied as standard, andwith the possibility of fitting cutters up to240 mm diameter to the machine at thetop of the spindle itself.

CU 410 Elite S has been designedwith new features and safety devices,all supplied as standard, for exam-ple, the new dust and shavings de-vice guarding the planer, whichnow has a 410 mm working width.Tables are 2,200 mm in length.

The new SCM Minimax Lab 300

Plus increases machining performance with precision and flexibility. Thenew saw unit, tilting 90 to 45 degrees, can now house a blade with a di-ameter of 315 mm. With a maximum working height of the material in-creased to 220 mm for the thicknesser, a 300 mm planer width capacity,and with a maximum spindle length of 100 mm, the Lab 300 Plus is trulya high specification combination machine. The carriage, up to 270 mmwide, allows for an increased and stable support, even for larger dimen-sioned work pieces, offering a more precise and easily achieved cut. Par-ticular attention has been given to the Lab 300 Plus’s ergonomics and

ease of use, with the introduction of a new table opening systemwith 90 degree rotation towards the machine, that limits the floorspace required and allows for easier machining for the operator.Also, with a new scoring unit, adjustment is performed outsidethe machine, and is therefore easier to access and manoeuvre.

Lab 300 Plus has been designed with new features and safetydevices supplied as standard with the new dust and shavings con-

veyor guarding the planer and the spindle moulder guard for trim-ming. With a limited investment and minimum space, the Lab 300Plus provides all the benefits and the quality of the Minimax level ofproduction and it is expected to become one of the best selling com-bination machines in the world.

The Advance 21 provides a level of technology that ensures thework pieces are precisely drilled and the drilling process is carriedout simply and fast.

This new single head multiple spindle drilling machine, with21 spindles at 32 mm centre distance, contains all the experi-ence, quality and skill of the Minimax brand.

The machine features a new design and a solid base thatsupports the steel worktable, 905 mm x 372 mm, which en-sures precise machining to a hundredth of a millimetre, in-cluding when drilling horizontally.

All the controls are positioned on the front of the ma-chine, such as the tilting of the drilling head by 45 de-

grees, ensuring the passage from one setting to the nextis comfortable and ergonomically simple for the operator.

The new extraction system, integrated in the drillinghead, ensures the work area and the machine are keptclean of dust obtained when drilling. Advance 21 al-

lows operators to create components, in solidwood or panels, 10 to 85 mm in height, thatcan be assembled easily and fast due to the

accuracy of the drilling process.SCM Group (UK) Ltd

Tel 0115 977 0044Email [email protected]

New machines from SCM’s Minimax range


PANELS & PANEL PROCESSING

ABI (UK) Ltd operates from a 16acre site in East Yorkshire manu-facturing high quality, Britishmade holiday and leisurehomes. With a rich heritage dat-ing back to 1971, ABI has estab-lished itself as one of thepremier brands within the holi-day and leisure homes sector.

An important part of ABI’s con-tinuing success has been its choiceof highly reliable machinery in-cluding the latest Schelling fh 4cut-to-size saw.

The philosophy of ABI has beento invest in machinery that can de-liver its commitment to excellentholiday home design, whilst en-compassing every individual taste,budget and season. The build-quality success of ABI has beenachieved in part with help fromthe latest technology fromSchelling. It is important, however,not to forget the contributionmade by the individual craftsman:the hand built nature only adds tothe appeal of the ABI brand.

With 36 different models, whichhave an extensive range of inter-nal door and surface finishes, ABI’sproduction process required a ver-satile machine with the ability tocut a variety of material. The solu-tion was the fh 4 because it deliv-ered the flexibility to change fromMDF to plywood panels at thedrop of a hat. As Chris Patterson,the factory manager, commented,“It is important to have a sawingsystem which is adaptable tochanging customer needs, partic-ularly with regard to board dimen-sions and board surface quality.”

ABI’s investment in the

Schelling fh 4 means it now hascapacity for both small batch pro-duction and equally for fastthroughput of larger orders.According to Chris Patterson, “thefh 4 is perfect in both scenarios”.This is because many operationson the fh 4 are automated as stan-dard. For example, integrated sen-sors automatically detect thematerial book height and adjustthe saw projection height fol-lowed by the pressure beam,which adjusts itself to the size ofthe material as well as the bookheight. So when ABI changes ma-terial, the operator does not haveto adjust anything, the fh 4 does itall automatically. This automationmeans the fh 4 always works withthe right surface pressure, be-cause too much pressure can

cause cutting quality and accuracyissues.

The four-day working shift pat-tern was perhaps the biggest rea-son for choosing the fh 4. Basicallythe fh 4 has the advantage of au-tomatically adjusting the sawtravel and saw stroke speed result-ing in shorter cycle times whichmeans it can saw more material ina shorter time. This means the fh 4can achieve higher production fig-ures in a single day shift.

According to Chris, dimensionalcutting accuracy was very high onABI’s wish list of requirements. “How-ever, so too was the investmentvalue: so when we learnt the fh 4had the same standard features asthe fh 6, such as double aligners, weknew we had to invest in the fh 4.”

Double aligners, one on either

side of the saw line, remain on thematerial even during cutting toprovide dimensional angular ac-curacy. With an alignment rangeof 40 mm to 2,200 mm, this wasideal because ABI knew the fh 4could deliver high cutting accu-racy even with the narroweststrips. This commitment to tech-nological features may havesomething to do with the fact thatSchelling is believed to be the onlyspecialist cut-to-size saw producerin the world.

Chris summed up: “The fh 4 hasdefinitely helped us be more flex-ible when planning our weeklyproduction demands.”Schelling UK LtdTel 01937 586340Email [email protected]

Flexibility, speed and accuracy with Schelling

WITH installation of a CAMTECHZ7 CNC router supplied by AXYZInternational, production of thesailing boats and yachts rangesmanufactured by Cornish Crab-bers has increased dramaticallyin line with the company’s ex-pansion and commensurateprofitability following its acqui-sition in 2009 by boating enthu-siast and keen businessman,Philip Langsdale.

From its original but greatly ex-panded manufacturing facility inRock, Cornwall, Cornish Crabbersbuilds and sells both traditional12-30 ft sailing boats marketedunder the same name for enthusi-asts with a penchant for the moreconventional and relaxed cruisingstyle of yesteryear and the mod-ern classic 30-43 ft Mystery yachtsthat have a special appeal tosailors who want top cruising per-formance and a head-turning clas-sic style of craft.

Both are manufactured at Cor-nish Crabbers’ 360 m2 factory em-ploying a staff of 32, of which 24are skilled and seasoned boatbuilders. Central to the ongoingsuccess of this well known andmuch respected specialist com-pany has been the installation ofan AXYZ CAMTECH Z7 CNC router.According to Cornish Crabbers’managing director Peter Thomas:“AXYZ proved the most responsiveto our needs and given the rela-tively low specification of our re-quirements, the CAMTECH Z7 wasalso the most affordable option.”

The router is employed prima-rily for the manufacture ofwooden components installed inthe boats. These include interiorfurnishings and plywood insertsused in the laminating process. Asan example of the contributionthe AXYZ router has made to thespeeding up of production, Cor-nish Crabbers’ process co-ordina-tor Will Harris cited the frame workfor the plug of the company’s newCrabber 12 dinghy. He com-mented: “Hitherto this would havebeen marked and cut out by handand would have required at leastthree and a half days to complete.Using the AXYZ router, the samework can be completed in lessthan a day.”

Will Harris added, “Knowingthat the router will cut all curvesprecisely and with a perfect finishhas led to a much higher degree ofaccuracy and a shorter time scalethan was previously possible.”

The AXYZ CAMTECH Z7 routeris a full-sized entry-level systemthat shares many of the advancedproduction tools and capabilitiesof the company’s higher-end andhigher productivity but inevitablymore expensive machines.

For example, it has the same ro-bust construction based on awelded steel frame plus a budget-conscious set of configurationsthat will effectively handle alltypes of plastics and their deriva-tives, solid woods, particle andfoamed boards and non-ferrousmetals in 2- and 3D manifesta-tions.

It also includes as standard thelatest AXYZ A2MC Control System,which represents a huge advance-ment in machine control technol-ogy and which combines ease ofuse with outstanding perform-ance to maximise productivity andthe quality of cut.

Among the many other notabledesign features are an advancedvacuum hold-down system and ahigh-capacity dust and particle ex-traction facility that is a key com-ponent of the router.

At Cornish Crabbers, theCAMTECH Z7 router is supportedby ArtCAM Express productionsoftware also supplied by AXYZ In-ternational as part of a packagethat included on-site training andfull ongoing technical supportand advice.

In conclusion, Peter Thomascommented: “We have experi-enced a high level of customer

care from AXYZ International per-sonnel, with the consideration andunderstanding of our needs, par-ticularly during the period prior toinstallation, proving decisive inour decision to purchase.”

Cornish Crabberswww.cornishcrabbers.co.ukAXYZ InternationalTel 01902 375600Email [email protected]



Mate Series CNC RouterModel M12

� All new design offers traditional C R Onsrud build quality and performance� 3 12 HP-24,000 rpm HSD spindle � Linear tool change � Servo drives

� B & R controller � 2 year warranty

Bed sizes 4 x 8 (1245 x 2464); 5 x 10 (1524 x 3050) 2M x 3M (2050 x 3050)

ATA ENGINEERING PROCESSESTel 01442 264411 � Fax 01442 231383 � Email [email protected]

Web www.ataeng.com � www.cronsrud.com

From£49,900

AXYZ router proves a key performer at Cornish boat builder



HÄFELE has been dedicated todeveloping innovative hard-ware solutions for years and theresults are quality, hi-tech hard-ware fittings that perform in avariety of applications.

Today Häfele offers a completeassortment of hardware fittings forlightweight furniture constructionand present a solution for manylightweight panel constructions.

A prime example of Häfele engi-neering and of true innovation isthe Aerofix 100 adhesive insertavailable for panel thicknesses of25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 38, 40, 50 and 60mm. The Aerofix 100 facilitates theconstruction with frameless panelswith a top layer thickness of 4 mmin manual and automated indus-trial manufacturing processes.

It makes use of traditional hard-ware fittings in a lightweight con-struction possible as Aerofix 100achieves a solid connection at thefixing points that is comparable tothe pull-out strength of traditionalchipboard (750-590 Newtontorque). At the same time, adhe-sive is used economically and onlyapplied where needed — at thecontact points between the insertand the surface layers of the panel.

Aerofix 100 does not waste ad-hesive in the hollow core as in-serting and gluing is a one stepoperation, reducing the require-ments of supplementary glue,which saves money and is envi-ronmentally friendly.

The adhesive insert from Häfelecan be processed manually or withmachinery and is equally suitableto the building trade and indus-trial manufacturing with the onlypreparation being the drilling of a10 mm diameter hole. Aerofix will

be inserted into the hole to beflush with the surface, allowingscrews and connecting bolts to beattached immediately after the in-sert is positioned. After 16 hours itwill be fully loadable.

Tests conducted by the LGAconcluded that the Aerofix 100 isalso suitable for the installation oflightweight panels to sliding doorhardware fittings.

Now, even large format slidingdoors from lightweight buildingmaterials can be used in furnitureconstruction. They are not only re-sistant to warping, they are alsolighter and they have the addi-tional benefit that they can beused with smaller hardware fit-tings that are aesthetically desir-able in furniture construction.

The HC rear panel and shelf

supports complete the light-weight panel hardware assort-ment both being suitable forconstruction with frameless light-weight panels with a top layer of 4mm. The HC shelf support is avail-able with or without visible screwsand provides a solid connectionbetween the shelf and the cabinetmounted into 32 mm series drilledholes in the cabinet side panel.Both versions can be inserted andscrewed on with the Varianta HCspecial screw. The shelf (made oflightweight panel with or withoutframe or solid wood) is insertedfrom above to create a positive fit.

The HC rear panel support issuitable for top layer thicknessesranging from 2.8 mm to 3.8 mm inframeless lightweight panels.

The fitting is anchored into the4 mm top layer, which prevents itfrom sinking into the core of thepanel.

No tools are required for the as-sembly and the rear panel can beinstalled in the same manner aswith traditional panel productssuch as chipboard or MDF.HäfeleTel 01788 548811Email [email protected]

Häfele lightweight furniture fittings allowhi-tech solutions for various applications



INTERIORS today often combine kitchen and living areas together, minimising wallsand extending boundaries into open spaces. Kitchens find themselves the centre ofthe home, becoming as much a design statement on display as needing to providea functional culinary location.

No wonder that the designers increasingly use a blend of colours mix ‘n’ matched withharmonising designs to bridge, shape and differentiate the atmosphere, style and use ofan area within these continuous spaces. Using a colour which can continue into anotherzone to provide a connection and introducing a sharp contemporary design with whichto create a distinctive highlight element to define the place itself can create some stun-ning results.

Providing an extensive palette of colour with a variety of intensities, the recentlylaunched RENOLIT ALKOREN range of matt plain colours provides an assortment of sevenelegant shades to choose from. They can be combined in an almost endless list of wood-grain designs to create a wide selection of choices. The colour range starts with lightwhites through soft and rich creams to the deeper, more atmospheric and muted tonesof mushroom, taupe and olive.

Here we have featured a few of our favourite combinations which can be used tocreate a number of different effects, styles and moods in kitchens, livingareas, bedrooms or bathrooms.RENOLIT Cramlington LtdTel 01670 718222 � Email [email protected]

We look good togetherNew range introductions makeideal mix ‘n’ match partners

Dakar Suedette Matt with Tauern AIf it’s a classic you’re after, look no further than Tauern A, which cleverly re -invents the popular beech woodgrain. Undeniably recognisable, beech’scontinued popularity presents the opportunity for re-invention. Combinedhere with Dakar Suedette Matt, a more muted taupe to create mood andatmosphere in a lighter shade.

Plover Suedette Matt with Samira BThe paleness of Samira B successfully portrays a cool yet appealing effect.The depths of the small knots create movement with its sophisticatedcontrast. Combine it with the charismatic olive tones of Plover to create adeep atmospheric effect.

Platinum White Suedette Matt with Roxy ARoxy A is an attractive and subtle pale elm design, which is gentle and beau-tiful. Combine with Platinum white to create a light and airy environment,quietly understated but exhibiting its own delicate sophistication.



Soft Cream Suedette Matt with Lancelot CLancelot C is a pale farmhouse oak with three dimensional effect distress lines,coupled with the new structured emboss creating an extraordinarily attractiveresult. Soft Cream Suedette matt in close proximity to it emphasises the lighterundertones in the design, bringing it to life in an interesting combination ofrustic charm with a fresh modern twist to contemporary design.

Mussel Suedette Matt with Tiepolo PBTiepolo PB is a striking mid-walnut which is fast becoming a distinctivefavourite in the market. Tiepolo has strong core features which create a vividand incredibly realistic effect. The design is presented in a colour which con-veys the character and variety of the woodgrain. The natural undertones ofthis design stylishly complements Mussel Suedette Matt.

Stone Grey Suedette Matt with Kielder A Solid Cream Suedette Matt with Kielder BKielder is a fresh modern design with a traditional woodgrain structure enhanced by a new structured surface emboss which brings the finished effect even closerto real wood. Kielder is available in two popular colourways. Kielder A (left) is a light bleached colour with undertones of grey, which makes an ideal companion ofStone Grey Suedette Matt. Its sister design, Kielder B (right), is in a slightly darker natural honey tone, which combines perfectly with Solid Cream Suedette Matt.



BSF Solid Surfaces is a flourishing bespokefabricator of 3D and shaped solid surfaces,using all available quality sheet material.

The highly successful company was bornout of a shop fitting business. In 1997, man-aging director David Bailey, a pioneer in theuse of solid surfaces in the UK, decided to setup a business specialising solely in commer-cial solid surface fabrication.

Based in Brentwood, Essex, the family-runbusiness has grown to become a major andwell-respected solid surface fabricator, witha reputation for delivering and fitting qualityproducts on time.

The company produces everything fromreception desks and display equipment toshop front entrances and dispensing outlets.They are supplied to, amongst others, of-fices, banks and the leisure, entertainmentand medical sectors in the UK and overseas.

Prestige jobs have included installationsat the headquarters of Bloomberg in theCity, a restaurant in the OXO Tower on Lon-don’s South Bank, and the Al Khalifa Mu-seum in Bahrain.

BSF recently bought a top-of-the-rangefully-automatic Striebig Control verticalpanel saw to replace a 12-year-old German-made model.

“I have always been exceedingly innovative when it comes to buyingtools and plant,” said Mr Bailey. “As far as panel sizing is concerned, Iwanted to automate the operation as much as possible as long as thequality and reliability of the cut could be guaranteed.” He said the switchto Striebig was based on his extensive experience with panel saws andthe opinions of industry colleagues. “Today, Striebig is recognised as thekey machine for cutting amongst solid surface fabricators.”

BSF buys in 3.6 m long lengths of solid surface board, in thicknesses ofbetween 3 and 12 mm, so it opted for the largest machine in the nine-strong Control range, model 6224, which has a cutting range of 5,300 x2,240 mm.

After being sized, the cut panels go direct for fabrication or for shap-ing on BSF’s Masterwood CNC machining centre.

The Control features an optional Electronic Positioning System (EPS) on

both the horizontal and vertical axes for theautomatic positioning of both the lengthstop and saw head. This increases the saw’sproductivity by delivering automatic repeatstrip and upper trim cutting. Incorporated asstandard is Striebig’s user-friendly “touch andsaw” operating system. This delivers easy andconvenient machine control through a touchscreen panel that operates all of the ma-chine’s functions. Other standard features in-clude a digital measuring system, accurate to0.1 mm, and an adjustable precision displaythat can be set to an accuracy of 1.0, 0.5 or0.1 mm, according to the thickness of thepanels being sized.

The Control offers every possible optionfor automatic operations. With manual feed-ing of the saw unit eliminated the operator’sjob is made easier, giving him ample time toprepare the next job. Numerous proceduresare carried out at the press of a button, in-cluding locking and releasing the beam saw,setting the horizontal cutting height, plung-ing and swivelling the motor, locking thesupport rollers during sawing and fine sawblade adjustment.

“The Control is easy for our staff to oper-ate and gives us a good clean and precisecut every time, both vertically and horizon-

tally,” said Mr Bailey. “It’s certainly a piece of quality kit which laughs atcutting the hardest of solid surface panels.”

He gave as an important reason for buying the Striebig the ‘can-do’ at-titude displayed by the Swiss manufacturer’s sole UK dealer, TM Machin-ery Sales. “Their positive approach was evident right from the start, withtheir fast response to my initial telephone enquiry. It’s something that hascontinued since the machine’s installation, such as when they were askedto move the saw’s ventilation from the left of the machine to the right.”

He said that BSF’s success as a company was due to its close attentionto detail in everything it does, from design and fabrication through to in-stallation on site. “To get the very best out of our people you have to givethem top-grade tools, and I consider the Striebig to be unsurpassed.”TM Machinery Sales � Tel 0116 271 7155Email [email protected] � www.tmpartnership.co.uk

Striebig takes control of solid surfaces

The top-of-the-range Striebig Control verticalpanel saw at BSF Solid Surfaces.

This futuristic reception desk at market research company Synovate in London was produced by BSF Solid Surfaces for West One Interiors.



DECORATIVE Panels is a com-pany which has not simply sur-vived the economic downturn, itis a company that has thrived.

The Lamination division hasgone from strength to strength, anew Furniture division has beenacquired and the Components di-vision will see significant expan-sion both in factory space andpanel capacity during 2012.

Decorative Panels ComponentsLtd (DPC) is part of the DecorativePanels Group of companies spe-cialising in high volume produc-tion of chipboard and MDFcomponent parts for the kitchen,bedroom and allied industries.

DPC currently operates fromtwo sites in the Huddersfield areaof West Yorkshire, occupyingaround 100,000 ft2 of factoryspace. Following the acquisition inJanuary of a new site on LowfieldsTrading Estate in Elland, West York-shire, DPC will bring the operationtogether under one roof with pro-duction on the new site com-mencing in May 2012.

This move represents a signifi-cant increase in working spacewith associated increases in ca-pacity available to the market.When complete, the facility is ex-pected to represent one of thelargest and most efficient panelprocessing plants in Europe.

The business in its current for-

mat has a capacity of some300,000 panels/wk, but when it isoperational from the new site thiswill increase to over 500,000panels/wk.

The investment being made bythe group is in excess of £8.5 m.

The factory will be equippedwith new cutting, edgebandingand drilling lines sourced as aturnkey purchase from the BiesseGroup of Italy with a state of theart dust extraction system fromMoldow, which will be suppliedthrough Cades in the UK.

The new facility will not only en-able vast increases in productive

capacity with the associated effi-ciencies of single site working, itwill also bring the scope to intro-duce a broader range of productsto the market with some availableon an ex stock basis.

Investment in other group com-panies, Decorative Panels Lamina-tion Ltd and Decorative PanelsFurniture Ltd, is ongoing and willalso continue through 2012.

Part of the secret of DecorativePanels’ success is its extensive stockof paper foils, MDF, chipboard anddp-lite hollowcore board, an inno-vative sheet material utilising asandwich construction, enabling

the company to offer an impressive3-5 day lead time.

It also has impressive environ-mental credentials: it is accreditedin both the FSC and PEFC chain ofcustody schemes. Wood waste iseither burnt to heat the factoriesor is recycled back into particleboard products. Sawdust is re-used as a filtering medium and an-imal bedding. Metal banding is cutand passed on for recycling, whilewaste foil materials are baled andresponsibly disposed of.

The company is also expandingin Northern Ireland and Eire,where Shore Distribution of Lis-burn has been appointed an offi-cial Distribution Partner for itsspecialist surface range.

Although Decorative PanelsLamination Ltd already suppliesbulk quantities of acrylic productinto Ireland, it is difficult to servicesmall quantities. Shore is seen byDecorative Panels as the “PerfectPartner” as it has been using theproduct itself for a couple of yearsnow and is familiar with its char-acteristics, and Shore’s sorting anddelivery capabilities match up per-fectly with DP’s requirements.

Shore Distribution manufac-tures its own doors and ancillarypro ducts and distributes aroundthe whole of the North and Southof Ireland, and can be contactedon [email protected] Decorative Panels GroupTel 01484 658341Emailsales@decorativepanels.co.ukwww.decorativepanels.co.uk

Significant expansion for The Decorative Panels Group



THE SCM GROUP has recently introduced new models to add to its wide range of panelprocessing machines for furniture production. With sliding table panel saws andbeam saws, edge banders and CNC machining centres, SCM has machineswith specifications and prices to suit all production requirements.

SCM is a world leading manufacturer of classical woodworking ma-chinery, and includes in its wide range of machines, sliding tablepanel saws from its Nova, Class and L’Invincibile ranges.The Class range has sliding table panel saws withspecifications and prices to meet all panel sawingrequirements, perfect for customers whorequire a high level of features and auto-matic devices to assist in easy setting upand fast and precise panel breakdownwith an excellent quality of cut.

The SCM sliding saw carriage has the verylatest technological solutions to provide thevery best quality of cut on a wide variety ofpanel types, from melamine-faced chip-board to laminated and plastic materials,and at the same time, making the panel saw itself easy to set-up and use.

The sliding table itself is made from a high quality extruded aluminium profile with a honeycombe struc-ture to offer the maximum tensile strength. Steel slideways fixed by means of a mechanical bending system ensuresmaximum reliability over the life of the panel saw. The arc-ground steel slideways grant a cutting precision to an accuracy of ±0.005 mm along theentire carriage length. The loading capacity is believed to be four times higher with respect any other manufacturer’s system.

The Sigma Prima 67 P Beam Saw is the new model of panel sawfor all types and sizes of panel producers. The new loading plat-form streamlines the work flow and the new design offers manyfeatures, such as a saw carriage speed up to 80 m/min and apusher speed of 50 m/min with brushless motors, a magneticband for the pusher positioning and a rack and pinion for thecarriage transmission. Sigma Prima 67 P is available in threecutting sizes 3,300 mm, 3,800 mm and 4,300 mm. All versionsmake use of the 2,200 mm loading depth.

The Olimpic K260 EVO, a compact automatic edge bander isbelieved to be the reference solution for woodworking, furnitureand panel processing companies. It is fitted with SCM’s patented‘Rainbow’ feed track, guaranteeing the absence of vibration andmaximum stability for panel movement through the machine.

Panels from 8 to 60 mm in thickness can be edge banded, with a min-imum panel length of 140 mm. Feed speed is 9 m/min. As well as the end trimming and topand bottom edge trimming units, there is space for scraping and buffing units to be fitted as andwhen required. To provide a perfect edge for gluing and removing any imperfections, the infeed RT-Vpanel Edge Trimming Group has two motors with opposite rotation and large diameter diamond tool cutter blocks. An anti-adhesive group is optional.

The main news includes a VC-VM gluing unit with direct motor power drive for the glue pot and first pressure roller with optimal gluing through con-tinuous glue recirculation. There is auto loading of material in strips and lippings up to 6 mm thickness and rollfeed materials including ABS to 3 mm thick,as well as a K-2/F end cutting unit with pneumatic blade/motor tilting and sliding of the two motors on prismatic guides with recirculating ball bearingsand an R-K top & bottom trimming unit with pneumatic positioning on two working positions (thin/radius) with ED-System high efficiency exhausthoods. Two melting temperatures and an easy to remove glue tank allow the user to edge band with two or more types of glue. Various options are avail-able, such as the rotating “nesting” tracers with two-support points to edge band panels with holes on the upper panel surface and the new glue scraperunit with double rotating tracer. Advantages include a flexible, very fast work changeover directly from the infeed control panel (ie between thin and thickedge materials), versatility with the possibility to apply solid wood, veneer, PVC and ABS on to panels with the automatic loading in strips, and user

friendly setting up thanks to the “Orion-One” electronic control available as a standard feature on all models.SCM has designed new CNC drilling and routing solutions designed to support the growth of companies working with

wood and panels. The “Cyflex F900 Pro” model now features an automatic panel length reading device. A laser sensor en-sures that the difference between the actual panel length and the programmed length does not create misaligned

joints, thus achieving high precision drilling and perfect joints.The Pratix S is the new range of compact and high performance CNC machining centres with a nest-

ing table. Thanks to “smart” technological solutions, such as no perimeter protections and the prac-tical remote control with 7in touch screen colour LCD display, it is considered a perfect router forworkshops with a limited floor space.

The Tech e Pratix Z2 series grows with each new version that allows work pieces up to 5,200 mmin length to be machined. This dimension allows for thependulum machining of both doors and panels up to 1,240x 2,450 mm each. The Tech Z2 machining centre with thenew optional “autoset” system for the automatic position-

ing of bars and suction cups is even easier touse. With this device the operator cannot po-sition the work pieces incorrectly, savingtime and avoiding damage to the machine.SCM Group (UK) LtdTel 0115 977 0044Email [email protected]

www.scmgroup-uk.com

New SCM machines for panel furniture production



Two new Decofoils from David Clouting

Abet provides acolourful change

CONTINUING along the innovative lines on which the company wasfounded, David Clouting Ltd has announced the launch of its latestDecofoil designs.

Grey Odessa Oak (UYJ01-Q3M) (below) and African Walnut (YO203-03M) (right) are the latest results of the company’s long-term and highlyproductive relationship with LG Hausys.

As is always the case with the company’s product launches, the newdesigns will be supported with complementary products to ensure man-ufacturers and interior designers can achieve the optimum end result.

The two Decofoils will each have matching edge banding, in both PVCand melamine edging, to provide all-round continuity in appearance.

Further to this, matching MFC and MDF panels will also be availablefor both African Walnut and Grey Odessa Oak.

The MFC and MDF panels can both be sourced from Kronospan, whichhas introduced these designs into its Fresh 2 range.

Further choice is available within the Grey Odessa Oak range, as thisadditionally includes a cross-cut saw pattern (UYJ01-T3M) in Decofoil.

Both designs offer an ideal solution for those seeking authentic wood-grain effects, which continue to represent the height of fashion, while

conforming to the increasingly essential element of minimal environ-mental impact.

“We’re continuing to update our ranges on a regular basis to provideinnovation and ensure we are at the leading edge of developing trends,”says Edward Quant, David Clouting Ltd commercial director.

“Grey Odessa Oak and African Walnut are the latest in a long line ofnew developments introduced in recent years.”

The business has enjoyed a close relationship with Korean conglom-erate LG for over 10 years, which Mike Clouting, David Clouting Ltd man-aging director, states will continue to provide benefits for customers: “Ourlatest launches again perfectly match trends and will provide our cus-tomers with the competitive edge they need to stay ahead of the com-petition. Our association with LG means we are able to lead with the latesttrends while offering customers the most competitive prices to ensurethey maintain optimum profit margins.”David Clouting LtdTel 0843 289 2252Email [email protected]

THE NEW STUDENT Resource Centre at the Cambridge Veterinary School,University of Cambridge, is supported by hundreds of colourful lockerssurfaced with compact grade laminate from ABET LAMINATI.

Designers Saunders Boston cleverly specified the colours to delineate dif-ferent areas of the locker room. Blue is used to signify the ‘dirty side’ whilegreen is used for the ‘clean side’. This ensures that the sterile side of the facil-ity is kept as hygienic as possible.

Abet’s compact grade is a popular choice among architects, interior de-signers and locker or cubicle manufacturers.

The 12 mm compact grade material is manufactured complete with blackcore in standard sheet sizes of 3,660 x 1,610 mm; larger 4,200 x 1,610/1,860mm sizes are available to special order.

Abet’s standard compact grade comprises 42 finishes ranging from pasteland strong colours to complementary speckle effects and woodgrains. Dif-ferent finishes are available to give the top surface excellent resistance to su-perficial daily wear, such as fingermarking, through to damage from graffiti,abrasion and impact.

Samples and technical literature are available from Abet’s sample line.ABET LaminatiTel 020 7473 6915 � Email [email protected] � www.abetuk.com

NORBORD has extended its range of particleboard flooring products with the launchof Cabershield, a moisture-resistant P5 tongue-and-groove board with a permanentprotective non-slip coating.

Complementing Norbord’s Caberdek — a leading peel-clean board —Cabershield is madefrom the same 22 mm P5 board but with a tough polyurethane coating permanently bondedto the top surface. As well as making the floor safe and waterproof, the PU coating on Caber-shield is really tough. Like Caberdek, a newly-laid Cabershield floor can be left exposed to theelements for up to 42 days without risk of deterioration.

“Although Caberdek, with its peelable protective film, represents a much larger market,there is now a demand for a tough flooring panel with a permanent protective surface,” ex-plains Norbord’s building systems sales manager, Bill Miller. “It’s very much a personal choice.In the majority of cases, a peel-clean surface is ideal and when the building is finished, youcan simply peel off the protective film to reveal a clean, undamaged floor. But some users pre-fer the permanent coating, especially if their floors are going to be subject to an abnormalamount of wear and abrasion. We can now satisfy that demand.”

Cabershield is fully BBA-certificated and independent tests have shown that its protectivecoating is three times more durable than the nearest competing product. The new boardhas just completed a year of pre-launch pilot projects with Norbord customers, who havereported excellent results, says Bill Miller.

Cabershield is very quick to install using Norbord’s Caberfix new Joint & Joist adhesive.This adhesive is 100% waterproof which means that, when used with Cabershield boards,there is no need to tape the joints after installation.Norbord � Tel 01786 812921 � www.norbord.com



Koolkut just right for Kingsbury Joinery

Cabershield from Norbord

BUSINESSES relying on trestles or tablesaws for cutting sheet material will be in-terested to know that there is a much eas-ier way, available at a highly affordableprice. Read on to find out how Notting-hamshire based Kingsbury Joinery up-graded to a vertical panel saw, and thedifference it made to the business.

When he started the business, Bob Kings-bury, owner of the joinery, used a hand-heldcircular saw and trestles to cut boards tosize, trimming down smaller pieces on atable saw. Because of limited space in theworkshop, the initial cutting on the trestleshad to take place outside.

This approach, used by joiners, carpentersand others across the world, has three keylimitations, as Bob recalled. “Firstly, rainstopped play,” he said. “When you’re cuttingsheets outside, you’re completely at themercy of the weather.

“Secondly, cutting a board on trestles ac-curately with a hand-held circular saw is notthe easiest or quickest thing in the world, especially when doing repeatcuts. And, thirdly, manhandling heavy 8ft x 4ft MDF sheets onto trestlesis difficult, and probably quite dangerous.”

Given these limitations, Bob knew he needed a better solution for cut-ting sheet materials. Checking out the machines available on the web ledhim to Sagetech’s website and the company’s Koolkut range.

“It came down largely to size and price,” he noted. “Limited workshopspace was one of the reasons I needed a vertical panel saw in the firstplace, and the new machine had to fit — and be usable — in a particu-lar, rather tight, space.”

Sagetech’s Koolkut KK12 proved the ideal match for Bob’s require-ments. A moving column unit, the KK12 fitted perfectly in the space Bobhad available, and remains exceedingly compact even in use. It carries ahead-turning price tag, too, as Bob observed: “I did look at some cheaperunits, but they were all fixed-column machines, which would have re-quired more working space.”

The KK12 is one of four units in the Koolkut range, which have been de-signed for light to medium industrial use, particularly by those with lim-ited workshop space. Despite being very competitively priced these are

high quality machines, built to last, deliver-ing years of accurate, fast and easy cutting.

The range caters for sheet sizes from 8ft x4ft through to 4.2 m x 2.1 m, capable of tak-ing ‘jumbo’ sheets and worktops.

For those with very limited space of lowworkloads, Sagetech’s sister company Zap-kut Limited offers a range of vertical panelsaws, including what is believed to be theonly genuinely portable unit available onthe market today.

Features offered by the Koolkut range in-clude the ability to cut bevels, simple andcompound angles to the full width andlength of the sheet (with the optional angle-cutting kit). Each machine comes with quick-stop, built-in scales for easy dimensioningand a midway fence for smaller workpieces.Koolkuts can cut timber products and non-ferrous metals, as well as signmaking mate-rials including acrylics and composites likeDibond — Sagetech sells many machinesinto the signmaking industry.

Kingsbury Joinery cuts some 15-20 8ft x 4ft sheets each week on itsKoolkut KK12 — typically birch ply, MDF and chipboard.

Asked about how the Koolkut has improved things at Kingsbury Joinery,Bob was enthusiastic. “Rain never stops play now, and the entire cuttingprocess has become easier. Getting sheets on and off the Koolkut’s verticalcutting platform is much easier than with trestles, repeat cuts are a doddle,and there’s much less wastage: previously I had to cut sheets roughly tosize on the trestles and then trim them down more accurately on the tablesaw. There’s just no need for all that with the Koolkut’s accuracy.”

Bob also noted that the Koolkut has allowed him to run a genuinelyone-man operation: cutting even heavy sheets on the Koolkut is a bona-fide one-man job, in large part because of the vertical handling, which isso much easier than the horizontal handling required when using trestlesor a table saw. The saw has also proved to be highly reliable. “It’s brilliantvalue for money and it does exactly what it says on the tin. I’d definitelyrecommend it,” he summed up.Sagetech Industries � Tel 0118 970 1950Email [email protected] � www.sagetech.co.ukZapkut Ltd � www.zapkut.co.uk

WINDOWMAKER Software Ltd has reported a 31% increase in sales in 2011. “Wemanage sales in seven different regions across the globe, and there has been growthin every one,” says Goronwy Jones, managing director (pictured).

“The UK has performed particularly well with 57% growth over the previous financial year.“We forecast strong growth continuing. We have just launched the Windowmaker 2012

product range, which is the result of a massive R&D effort — and we have our largest andmost experienced sales team ever to take this to market. Extensions to this product range arealso in the pipeline. We are poised to grow dramatically over the next three to five years.”

Windowmaker Software is among the leading suppliers of software to the window anddoor industry with over 4,000 customers in 74 countries. The company has over 27 years’ ex-perience and employs over 60 staff across the UK, Europe, North America, Australia and India.Windowmaker is believed to have been the the first Microsoft Gold Certified Partner spe-cialising in the window and door industry.Windowmaker Software Ltd � Tel 020 8390 4931 � www.windowmaker.com



‘All in One’ technology and turnkey solutions from Biesse

Increased sales for Windowmaker

THE BIESSE GROUP is a leading producer of CNC machines.As a company, the Group produces machines for the work-ing of wood, glass, stone and new materials, which includesplastics and metal, as well as machines for the packagingindustries.

Then there is HSD, Biesse’s mechatronic division, which pro-duces the technical working heads and components for allBiesse Group machines as well as other companies.

For the wood industries, which include both panel and solidwood, Biesse offers a range of machines that cater for smallbatch production or that are ideal for R&D departments of largercompanies, that truly offer several machines in one and whichBiesse refers to as ‘All in One’.

For larger companies that want a production line, Biesse of-fers a range of machines that have been built up by incorporat-ing well-known brands into the Biesse Group family: brandssuch as Bre.Ma, Selco, Comil, RBO and Viet are all part of theBiesse Group.

Offering a range of drilling, saws, edgebanders, sanders andvertical machining centres, Biesse Group is able to provide complete solu-tions for companies that want to take the next step in production methods.

For some of the biggest producers of panels and pre-made products,Biesse goes that one step further by offering complete turnkey solutions.To ensure the best possible service when delivering such large projects,Biesse has created Biesse Systems division.

Biesse Systems can take customers through every step of completing

a production plant, from the original idea to its final implementation.Biesse Group then offers complete control of all its machines via its

software, BiesseWorks, which allows for the easy design and operationof the work needed and for those customers with more than one Biessemachine, they can be linked via Biesse Link so that the machines worktogether in perfect harmony when working in a production line.

For customers looking for an ‘All in One’ machine, two of Biesse’snewest machines are sure to catch the eye.

The Skipper V31 is Biesse’s smallest vertical CNC and due to itsvertical construction, it takes up minimal floor space, which formany customers is one of many factors which influence deci-sions. The Skipper V31 is both a compact and versatile machinewhich features zero set-up time, with a working head that fea-tures 10 independent spindles and 6 horizontal spindles, as wellas a 120 mm diameter saw and an optional electrospindle forrouting work.

For those looking for a machine capable of shaping and edg-ing panels, the new Rover A Edge offers a high level of technol-ogy in a small and highly competitively priced machine. TheRover A Edge edgebanding machining centre offers the sametechnology found in Biesse’s range of edgebanders and uses thesame processes to ensure a perfect edge. The Rover A Edge isideally suited to the production of shaped furniture and elimi-nates the need for a separate CNC and edgebander.Biesse UKTel 01327 300366Email [email protected] � www.biesse.com

SOFTWARE FOR DESIGNERS & MANUFACTURERS

Biesse Rover A Edge



Award-winning 3D artistic design for Alphacam 2012 R1THE LATEST release of Alpha-cam CNC software contains anew module to create stunninglow relief carvings from 2D de-signs and 3D models.

Aspire for Alphacam is a totallynew 3D relief modelling softwarefor CNC routing and engravingprojects such as carving decora-tive ornate panels and doors,swept flourishes, custom millwork,architectural mouldings, dimen-sional signage, bespoke companylogos, custom gifts and awards.

Alphacam 2012 R1 combinesVectric’s award-winning 3D artisticdesign software with the Alpha-cam machining software. A full-featured, easy-to-use solution forcreating 3D relief models withquick, efficient tool path creation,and machine-ready CNC code.

Aspire for Alphacam quicklyand easily converts 2D sketches,drawings and graphic designs intounique high quality 3D designs.

Alphacam 2012 R1 is the latestrelease in the CNC software’s on-going program of development

and enhancement, ensuring it notonly keeps pace with the chang-ing needs of its users throughoutthe world, but also delivers maxi-mum return on investment.

The following are just some ofthe many other functionality im-provements in Alphacam 2012 R1:

New and improved 3DMachining Strategies:� The new Constant Cusp strat-egy gives a more consistent sur-face finish over the entire part.� A 4-axis Cylindrical Profilingstrategy is introduced.� The improved Horizontal Z Con-tour machining with Rest Machiningsupport comes with more controloptions, increasing reliability.� New Tool Axis Conversionmethods for 4- and 5-axis normalto surfaces or solids are introduced.Continued improvements toToolpath Associativity andOperation Editing/Updating:� All machining operation typesare now fully editable.� New commands provide the abil-

ity to regain any lost associativity.� Tool Axis Conversion settings arenow stored with the operation, andautomatically updated as needed.� New API components providethe ability for operations generatedby user add-ins (eg VBA macros), tosupport associativity, editing andupdating. It includes MachiningStyles, adding geometry, and copy-ing operations or boundaries.Solid Viewing Support for allModules/Levels� Solid bodies contained withinAlphacam drawings are now visi-ble and maintained in all Alpha-cam product levels, includingAlphacam and the new AlphacamShop Floor Editor, which was for-merly known as Alphaview+.Updated and Improved VerticalApplication Add-ins:� The Alphacam APM User Inter-face has been completely refreshed.� All machining add-ins now sup-

port operation editing functions.Alphacam is renowned as being

one of the most responsive CAMsystems on the market, providingfull machining capabilities to man-ufacture anything from simple 2-axis parts through to complex5-axis components. Its extensiverange of features helps manufac-turers adapt to changing businessrequirements, by being able toquickly modify tool paths.

In highly competitive markets,automation is the key to reducingprogramming time and maximis-ing efficiency. Extensive researchand development ensures Alpha-cam’s twice-yearly releases allowusers to gain the absolute maxi-mum performance from their CNCmachines and the CAM process,maintaining a competitive edge.AlphacamTel 01233 506100www.alphacam.com

Supported by Gang-NailAN award nomination, a ten-fold increase in staff and dou-bling turnover year-on-year arejust some of the achievementsby manufacturer, FencehouseTruss Company, thanks to thehelp of Gang-Nail Systems.

In the past three years the com-pany has built its own factory inDurham and employs 20 peoplefrom the local area to make rooftrusses for prestige clients. Andthe beginning of 2011 saw invest-ment in a new joist machine,which marked the expansion intomanufacturing and marketingEcojoist to accompany the exist-ing successful roof truss market.

Fencehouse has worked withGang-Nail for the past six yearsand in that time the company has

been provided with continuoustraining and guidance on both thesoftware and the best machineryto buy.

Steve Harris, director at Fence-house, said: “We’ve taken our ex-pansion one step at a time andGang-Nail has been there sup-porting us as we’ve progressedfrom just producing trusses toEcojoists. Everything has been cre-ated from scratch — we built thefactory from the ground up afterbuying the land and even despitethe difficulties of the past fewyears, we’ve continued to goagainst the grain.”

Jason Ruddle, Gang-Nail’s Salesand Business Development Man-ager, added: “It’s great to see man-ufacturers like Fencehouse

thriving in these harsh economictimes. To be nominated for a bestmanufacturer award against thelikes of Nissan is a real achieve-ment in such a short space of timeand they have been staunch sup-porters of Gang-Nail’s products.

“With the support of Gang-

Nail’s software and training ex-pertise we hope Fencehouse con-tinues to grow and expand at itsnorth east site.”Gang-Nail SystemsTel 01252 334691Email [email protected]



FED UP with long hours and customerschasing for quotes, Rob Evans of R JEvans Carpentry and Joinery decidedto purchase Joinerysoft’s Joinery Man-agement Software (JMS).

Five months later, he wishes he hadmade the decision years ago and wouldnot be without the software now. Robsays, “It saves me time and earns memore money.”

Based in Hereford, Rob Evans formedhis joinery business six years ago; going italone after working for the same com-pany since his apprenticeship at aged 16years. Undertaking bespoke work in-cluding windows, doors, stairs, curvedwork and mouldings, he is essentially aone man band and would rather be inthe workshop earning money than strug-gling to keep up with paperwork andpricing.

Not particularly computer literate, Robwas surprised by how simple the joinerysoftware looked during the demonstra-tion at his premises. “Despite the com-plexity of the job that it does, JMSremains very easy to use,” he says.

Calculating everything from glass sizesto timber measurements, every size,every shoulder length, all furniture andscrews, JMS provides consistent and ac-curate pricing. Previously Rob calculatedeverything by hand, estimating glassprices using rough sizes and often for-getting to include sundries. The lengthy quoting process previouslymeant that if he was busy it could take a month to get back to customers.Rob says, “I’m more competitive now and know I’m making money.”

The deciding factor for Rob was the ability to calculate U-values, andthe professional image of printed quotes and order confirmation. Pur-chasing the software immediately after the demonstration, Rob madeuse of Joinerysoft’s flexible payments over 12 months to aid cash flow.He adds, “In the long run it doesn’t cost me a penny because the cost permonth is more than covered by the increase in earnings I have made sincehaving Joinerysoft. It effectively pays for itself.”

JMS calculates U-values automatically for windows and doors provid-ing compliance certificates for end customers. Designed for bespoke join-ery, it helps at the design stage so that joiners can check that the designand materials will meet the required specifications. Rob believes thisfunction alone has allowed him to quote for more jobs. He says, “Thisfunction gets me work because other than sitting down and working outcalculations for myself (which would take days) there is no other way ofdoing it.”

JMS has contributed to winning orders, especially where technicaldrawings are required. Other joinery companies failed to produce thedrawings because of the hassle involved in drawing up each window. He

says, “I won the work because I was the only one to get back to the cus-tomer. The technical drawings took no more than two minutes to printwithin JMS. If they want to change anything, this is easy with JMS; I canreprint the order confirmation easily and once signed it removes disputeslater, though thankfully this has never happened to me.”

JMS has enabled Rob to spend more time at home after 5 pm. He says,“If I want to price in the evening it will just take 1⁄2 hour to quote or onehour for a big job. I can duplicate similar windows easily within JMS toavoid duplication of effort and don’t need to worry whether I am underor over pricing or missing out items because everything is displayed inblack and white. My girlfriend is a lot happier because I’m at home withher. I’m a lot happier because I don’t have to think about work constantly,and can sit down in the evening.”

JMS has definitely provided more time and increased efficiency in theworkshop too. Rob adds, “If setting windows out I don’t have to calculatesashes with a calculator and can print out Joinerysoft measurements andcan mark it out straight away.” Joinery soft saves him at least 20 minutesa day in the workshop, which “all adds up”, he says. JMS has removed theneed to measure up glass so Rob can order in advance before making upthe window. The glass then arrives as the window is being finished. Every-thing can go out together leaving Rob with the free space to start thenext job without a delay or hanging around. All measurements are pro-vided so he can mark out the frames and casements at the same time.This has changed the workshop scheduling because Rob doesn’t needto go back and redo them later.

Rob concludes, “JMS helps me to grow my business and become moreprofessional. Joinerysoft saves as much time as my four sided moulder. Itmakes my life so much easier I wish I’d bought it years ago. Even thoughI can’t physically see the tangible benefit of the software sitting in theworkshop it’s the best investment I’ve made and I would not be withoutit now. I would highly recommend it to anyone. It is an absolutely bril-liant program and especially benefits a smaller company like mine, be-cause I haven’t got time to do paperwork.”R J Evans Carpentry and JoineryTel 01981 580152 � Email [email protected] LtdTel 01608 643302 � Email [email protected]

Joinerysoft saves as much time as my 4 sided moulder!



Alphacam’s tagging helps monoplane-maker soar

THOSE MAGNIFICENT men withtheir cutting machines played asignificant role in getting othermagnificent men their flyingmachine.

A Cambridgeshire woodwork-ing company has produced all theshaped wing struts for the re-creation of a famous early 20thcentury monoplane.

A group of model-makers fromBasildon came across the story ofthe Oakington Monoplane, whichwas built in 1909 in an attempt towin a £1,000 prize offered by theDaily Mail for the first circular flightof at least one mile, by an all-British aeroplane. Alfred Grose andNeville Feary constructed the orig-inal monoplane in a barn in Oak-ington, Cambridgeshire. Althoughit never flew, the story capturedthe model-makers’ imagination,

and they are currently building afull-size working model. Ironically,the woodworking company cho-sen to manufacture the birch ply-wood wing struts was The CuttingRoom, sited just 15 miles fromOakington as the crow flies.

Cutting Room partner, MarkDurey, explains that the leadingCNC software, Alphacam, was in-strumental in cutting out all thecomponents “as sweet as a nut” onthe company’s twin-bed AndersonDuo CNC router, which has twoheads and eight-station auto toolchangers.

“We used the Anderson as it hasthe best vacuum for this type ofwork,” says Mark.

“While Alphacam was absolutelyessential for creating the CNC codesfor the toolpaths, a particularly im-portant factor for this project was

the software’s Support Tagging pro-cedure. Tagging is a real game-changer for making small, accuratecomponents like these wing struts.Without it our job would have beenmuch more difficult.”

He says once they had madesure all the geometric lines on theclient’s CAD file were clean and in-terconnected properly, they de-cided whether they were going tocut inside or outside the line andthen put in the toolpaths to adepth of minus-1 mm.

“Using the tagging function, weraised the cut for lengths of 15mm in specific areas to about 3mm. Putting a series of these inholds the components steady. I al-ways liken it to how Airfix kit partsare held in place.

“Tagging these componentssaved us hours over the other

more traditional options: makinga purpose-built jig, pinning, oronion-skinning. Making jigs istime consuming, pinning tends tospoil the component and withonion-skinning, you’ve got to re-lease each part with a craft knife.Using Alphacam’s tagging featureis much quicker and neater.

“Although we were creating a lotof small parts, using tagging effec-tively makes them one large part,which ensures absolute accuracyand increases the cutting speed.The more accurately we can work,the better. And that’s what Alpha-cam gives us. It means we’re work-ing to perfection. In the office wework to perfection on the program-ming, then in ‘real life’ when it getsto the machine, it’s also perfect.”

Although The Cutting Roomused the Anderson Duo, the com-pany could just as easily havetransferred the job to the SCMRecord 220 or SCM Routomat 3.

The Anderson handles most ofthe contract work, with theRoutomat 3 used mainly forkitchen doors, which is a large partof the company’s business, andthe Record mainly for 3D work andsome overspill from the other two.

“Another distinct advantage ofAlphacam, is that its programs canbe transferred to any of our ma-chines. We can produce a programfor one machine and within aminute it can be transferred to an-other. We’ve got all our postprocessors, which I can readilytweak. We’d be nowhere withoutAlphacam, we’re so embeddedwith it now.”AlphacamTel 01233 506100www.alphacam.com

Alphacam’s Support Tagging procedure was “a real game-changer for making small, accurate com-ponents,” says The Cutting Room’s Mark Durey.

DUST CONTROL Systems Ltd hascompleted a major installationat the new premises of leadinghardwood street furniture man-ufacturer, Woodscape Ltd.

Due to continued success andbusiness growth, Lancashire-based Woodscape decided to re-locate to larger, more modernpremises in Blackburn, just a fewmiles from its old workshops. Themove saw the company increaseits floor space from 18,000 ft2 to42,000 ft2 allowing the companyto accommodate three separategroup companies under one roof.

All Woodscape timber productsare manufactured from naturallyvery durable hardwood timber.

The privately-owned company’sexperience of working with thesetimbers, and its ability to fashionthem into outdoor furniture andstructures which combine creativedesign with extremely robust con-struction, has enabled it to win agrowing share of the UK’s outdoorfurniture market.

Recent prestigious contracts se-cured by Woodscape include thesupply and installation of timberexternal furniture at more than450 Tesco stores — each locationtypically having two seats, twoplanters, two litter bins and seventrolley shelters.

Woodscape’s managing direc-

tor, Richard Nelson, explains: “Wesimply outgrew our old factoryand moving to the new site morethan doubled our floor space aswell as providing us with a blankcanvas to work with. Over thirtywoodworking machines had to bere-installed and a complete re-ap-praisal of our dust extraction re-quirements was necessary.”

Melvyn Bathgate, sales directorat DCS, said: “We were invited byWoodscape to carry out a study ofits extraction needs and we putforward a distinctive proposalwhich centred round a filter unit

which combines both reverse-jetfilter and waste silo in a singlespace-saving package. The unitwould deal with dust and chipsfrom all 33 machines, providewaste storage and, in addition, re-turn filtered air back into the work-shop to reduce heating costs. Ourproposal also included all relatedelectrics and compressed air workas well as provision of accessequipment for the installation.”

The DCS M-30 combination fil-

ter/silo unit is sized on an air vol-ume of 45,000 m3/hr, incorporatesa filter surface area of 353 m2 andhas waste storage capacity of 24m3. Waste is discharged, pressurefree, into a box cart via a rotaryvalve and closed-loop waste trans-fer system. Two 37 kW high-effi-ciency fansets provide low-noiseextraction from all machines, anda 15 kW fanset powers the ductedwaste transfer system.

The filter layout design is suchthat it can readily accommodatefuture installation of a woodwasteheater system.

In addition to wood dust ex-traction equipment, DCS also sup-plied and installed a dry backspray booth.

Mr Nelson added: “The DCS pro-posal fully satisfied our require-ments and the attention to detailwas a contributing factor in ourdecision to award the contract toDCS. I am pleased to say that theplant is fully living up to our ex-pectations and we have been im-pressed with the level of serviceprovided by DCS.”DCS LimitedTel 0800 040 7116Email [email protected]


SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: WOODWASTE & DUST CONTROL

DCS M-30 combination filter/silo unit deals with dust and chipsfrom 33 machines.

At Woodscape, traditional skills work hand-in-hand with modern ma-chinery to produce outdoor furniture to an extremely high standard.

Woodscape opts for DCS dust plant



DUSTRACTION Ltd has been thewaste extraction supplier ofchoice at SAM Mouldings inAntrim for well over a decadeand has helped Europe’s leadingmanufacturer of architecturalmouldings in MDF to win somevery significant environmentalprotection accolades in thebattle for the environment.

Most recently, a new 80 m3 stor-age silo, the fourth on the eightacre site, was installed by Dustrac-tion to take and to store the MDFwaste from an existing but relo-cated cyclo filter. A two way di-verter was also installed at theoutlet of the cyclo filter to enablethe flow of waste to be switchedbetween silo stores three and fourto ensure a reliable feed source forthe new CHP plant.

Around 2.5 tons of MDF waste isgenerated per hour at SAMMouldings and is, with the help ofThe Carbon Trust, being used togenerate electricity, as well as fac-tory process heating.

This has completely eliminatedthe company’s energy bill that wasrunning at £230,000 per annum.Dustraction’s longer term role inthe enterprise has been continu-ally to upgrade the waste extrac-tion, storage and delivery

mechanisms needed to get the now valuable wood waste fuel to the elec-tricity generating turbine via the MDF chippings and dust incinerator.

A second cyclo filter has also been installed to exhaust waste from arepositioned hogger via a new external network of ducting.

Dustraction’s layout is in support of a biomass wood chip and dustboiler installation with a heat exchanger and steam turbine that was par-tially funded by an interest free Energy Efficiency loan from the CarbonTrust. It produces, according to factory manager Mark Kirkpatrick, around7.5 million kW per year and payback will be in a little over two years. In ad-dition to the elimination of SAM Mouldings’ annual electricity bill of£230,000, the turbine will generate an excess of power for sale back tothe national grid for an additional estimated annual income of up to£35,000. It also completely eliminates a waste disposal bill at SAM of afurther £300,000 per annum, making the sustainability element look veryattractive indeed.

“On top of all that,” says Mark Kirkpatrick, “we close our eyes at nightknowing that we are saving about 1,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide beingpumped into the atmosphere each year by avoiding the use of fossilfuels.”Dustraction LtdTel 0116 271 3212Email [email protected]

SAM – Investing in the environment

Above: Complex pipework by Dustraction at the SAM architec-tural mouldings factory in Antrim.Left: Dustraction’s multi-cyclo filter and silo installation in Antrimhandles 2.5 tons of MDF dust per hour and is part of a power gen-erating project that is turning wood waste into profit.

WHEN BIESSE Group UK Ltd in-stalled a Klever CNC at TailorMade Signs in Daventry, thecompany selected Air PlantsDust Extraction Ltd to supplyand install the dust extractionsystem serving the machine.

Biesse UK is one of the UK’sleading woodworking machinerysuppliers and, as such, has an es-tablished reputation for the provi-sion of excellent customer serviceand technical support.

At Tailor Made Signs, a state ofthe art CNC is employed in cutting,processing and finishing large

quantities of different materialspanels which, in turn, generateshigh levels of material waste.

After careful consideration ofBiesse’s requirements, Air Plantscame up with a scheme that in-volved the installation of an AirPlants D1821P fine dust unit andconnecting ductwork to the extrac-tion manifold on the CNC. The in-

stalled system has a total airflow ca-pacity of 3,393 m3/hr. The Air PlantsD1821P unit consists of a centralplenum section onto which theinlet spigot is mounted. Below thisis the 4 kW motor and dynamicallybalanced impeller. As the waste en-ters the unit through this inletspigot it is turned through 90 de-grees into the main chamber. Heav-

ier particles are collected directlyinto the heavy duty plastic bagsbelow. Light particles are separatedthrough the 21 filter bags on thetop of the unit. The cleaned air isdischarged back into the workshop.Air Plants Dust Extraction LtdTel 0116 283 3581Email [email protected]

WHEN Cutwrights Ltd decided itwas time to expand its opera-tion and move to new, largerpremises, the company selectedAir Plants Dust Extraction Ltd tosupply and install the dust ex-traction system serving the newand relocated machines.

Cutwrights offers an online cut-ting and edge banding service tothe trade and retail. With a stocklist covering over 400 differentboards and two internet con-nected beam saws operating allday, waste minimisation is impor-tant to Cutwrights. Cutwrightsconcluded the most environmen-tal solution was effective dust col-lection together with a com bus -tion system for workshop heating.

After careful consideration ofCutwrights’ requirements, AirPlants came up with a scheme thatinvolved installation of an Air PlantsModulair Filter and 8/8 centrifugalfan, ducted to all the machines.

The installed system has a total

airflow capacity of 15,300 m3/hr.The air and extracted dust is

moved from the machines into theModulair filter via an 8/8 centrifu-gal fan with 22 kW motor. Theheavier particles fall directly intothe trough hopper below, where itis continuously discharged via ascrew conveyor and rotary airlock.The light particles are separatedthrough the 56 filter bags on topof the unit. The cleaned air is dis-charged back into the workshop.

A shredder is also supplied aspart of the package. This allowsCutwrights to reduce its solid wasteand transfer it to the combustionsystem via the extraction system.

The system is capable of beingeasily extended to provide addi-tional filter area, should the extrac-tion requirements need to expandto cater for future needs.

The collected waste is dis-charged into the storage bunker ofa Talbott’s T3A wood combustionsystem. The heat from the com-

bustion system is used to warmthe factory during the heating sea-son and discharged to atmosphereduring the warmer months.

The system provides Cutwrightswith efficient and effective dustcontrol, whilst allowing the com-pany to dispose of its solid waste

and collected dust in a cost effec-tive way, saving on waste removal,land fill and factory heating fuelcosts at the same time.Air Plants Dust Extraction LtdTel 0116 283 3581Email [email protected]



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P PAANNEELL,, WWOOOODD - · PDF fileof-the-art laser edgebanding machine that could apply the new material and is now ... Excellent storage for literature, samples, ... A precise laser