Cover March 12
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furniture journal
march 2012
Giben: a hidden gem Are the days of the router numbered? ZOW 2012: review S u r f a c e Tr e n d s Saws
P O R D E N O N E F A I R V E N I C E ( I T A L Y ) 1 7 - 2 0 O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2
Exposicam srl Via G. Carducci, 12 - 20123 Milano - Italy Tel: +39 0286995712 - Fax: +39 0272095158 info@exposicam.it
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news update business news extra: cramlington calendar Massive investment at Renolit Cramlington. business news extra: meet in china the genius of giben Giben: poised to revolutionise panel processing for ever.
have you seen the light? Can you imagine a future without the router? Giben is already there. zow 2012 review 12 16
Wow at ZOW: four pages of new products with real wow factor! Our pick of the latest in components, fresh from ZOW.
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Surfaces Tradition at ZOW from Schattdecor. Joining the Dots: fabulous textures from Formica. Blue skai thinking from Hornschuch. Interprint, naturally: natural details in harmonious designs. A new concept from Impress. Alfatherm: new woodgrains, lacquers and embosses. Renolit’s Munich designer, Claudia Hiepel, spells out the trends. New products from Decorative Panels’ lamination division. New launches from edgeband specialist, Döllken. Süddekor, LG and Thermopal.
cover photo Scintillating surfaces and new lightweight panel options - just some of the fantastic products on show at ZOW 2012. Full story P12
editor: Melvyn Earle design assistant: James Crisp email: James@FurnitureJournal.co.uk production manager Jennifer Sims email: Jennifer@cpcadmin.co.uk circulation: Jennifer Sims & James Crisp email: Circ@FurnitureJournal.co.uk Tel: 01502 517115 Fax: 01502 517117
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Please note: points of view expressed in articles by contributing writers and in advertisements included in Furniture Journal do not necessarily represent those of the publishers. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in Furniture Journal, no legal responsibility will be accepted by the publishers for incidents arising from use of information published. All rights, including moral rights, reserved. COPYRIGHT: No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publishers. Copyright CPC Ltd, 2012.
ISSN 13653-8969 Readers should note that a charge may have been made by the publishers to cover the cost of reproducing some colour photographs in this publication.
origination: CPC Ltd printing: Swallowtail, Taverham Road, Norwich NR8 6RL published by: CPC Ltd, Napier House, 11 Surrey St, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 1LJ, England
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contents
01 Contents March 12
surface attraction More new ideas in surfaces. working with wood News from the organisers of W12. striebig’s compact solution Striebig smoothes the way for Manufacturing by Design.
get a leading edge with rehau Rehau’s latest laser edge impresses kitchen, furniture and board manufacturers. out of this world Idess Retail opts for a new Galaxy.
mid size bütfering The wide belt sander manufacturer, Bütfering, launches a new mid-size model. super sigma New features for SCM’s most popular production saw. saw far, saw good Our round up of the latest saws.
lowering the limits The EU seems set to reduce OELs on hardwood dust - but is it enforceable? biomass for bemodern Mawera creates a special package for BeModern. designed for learning Overcoming problems is par for the course with DCS.
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2 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2012 Bushboard has expanded its sales team with the appointment of Shawn Buckle to Account Manager for the South. Shawn has been promoted to the position from his current role as Business Support Coordinator with the company’s Customer Service Team. He has been in this role for six and a half years so has first class knowledge of the company’s broad range of worksurface and bathroom panelling products and strong existing relationships with distributors and retailers nationwide. Shawn will be responsible for sales in the Midlands and South and will complement the role of Jason Neve, Account Manager for the Midlands and North, giving Bushboard strongly focussed nationwide sales coverage.
Furniture components company Peter Cook International (Peter Cook) is looking to further its expansion through acquisition. “Since taking over the business six years ago, we have very steadily turned it around and have seen sustained growth of between 20 and 30% year-on-year for the past three years,” commented Managing Director Carl Pickup. “We’ve achieved very strong half year results with £1.45m turnover from April to September 2011, which is a 25% increase on the same period last year – and that’s supposed to be our quieter period!” Peter Cook holds over 1,000 products in stock, and supplies a further 4,000 different items ranging from glides and metal feet to swivel bases, springs and sofa bed mechanisms and supplies. The company sources products from all over the world and sells to over 700 upholsterers and furniture manufacturers in UK, Europe, Africa and Asia. Customers include furniture manufacturers for all of the major high street furniture retailers, contract manufacturers for the healthcare, hotel, leisure and education sectors and individual upholstery companies.
Finsa UK – part of the multi-national wood-based board product Finsa Group – can look back on a satisfactory year of trading against a difficult economic background with turnover figures up by 9 percent. Finsa UK Managing Director Rafael Willisch said that in the current climate the company was able to offer the market a range of board products that provide specific solutions, were innovative and demonstrated quality and high performance. Included among the high performing products is Finsa’s range of MDF products ranging in thickness from 1.8mm right up to 70mm in Std, MR, FR and Ultralight options. Finsa’s lightweight range of products all showed healthy increases in sales for various applications – products like FinLight, GreenPanel and Iberpan 400 were all strong performers. “Our Superpan board has been particularly successful with the market recognising its outstanding qualities and value,” he said.
The Finsa company headquarters and chipboard factory in Santiago, Spain.
Finsa UK and Barclays Corporate have signed a multi-million pound finance facility that will open up additional resources to fund Finsa’s medium and long term development strategy and commitment to the UK market. Manuel Castineira, Financial Controller of Finsa UK, said: “The Finsa Group celebrates this agreement with Barclays Corporate that will undoubtedly strengthen our commitment to all our customers in the UK now and in the future.” Finsa UK is the sales, marketing and logistics facility for the multi-national Spanish Finsa wood-based panel products group, which has over 15 factories worldwide employing more than 3,000 people.
news update
When you’ve got to Moovit…
Moovit Drawer systems from Häfele are quick and easy to assemble and have full extension Smuso integrated soft and self-closing mechanisms on both sides, bringing the drawer to a smooth and quiet close. The characteristics of the Moovit system allow the drawer fronts to be easily removed without the use of tools thanks to the front fixing bracket being neatly concealed, allowing for adjustment from the top of the drawer. With minimum deflection and a massive 50kg load carrying capacity, Moovit systems are an innovative drawer application. Optional extras can be added to the system, such as Moovit Design decorative strips available in aluminium, self-adhesive or plastic that can be fitted flush to the drawer side. 01788 548811 www.hafele.co.uk
Niemann Möbelteile has been awarded the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes) certificates by LGA Intercert GmbH. That will entitle Niemann Möbelteile to use the PEFC and FSC logos and to supply its products to the PEFC/FSC certified processing chains. “The PEFC/FSC certifications have the significance of a strategic statement for us. We see them as both an ecological and an economic opportunity. As a family firm now run by the sixth generation we think in categories like sustainability and responsibility, and that extends beyond the boundaries of our company,” affirms Mark Niemann, Niemann Möbelteile’s Managing Director. www.niemann-moebelteile.de
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calendar A £5 million investment in a new 31 metre long calendar at Renolit Cramlington confirms the Renolit Group’s on-going commitment to manufacturing in the UK.
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ansjakob Müller, a shareholder of the Renolit SE Supervisory Board, was proud to open a new calendar production line at Renolit Cramlington Ltd - a £5 million investment which confirms the Group’s commitment to manufacturing in the UK. The new calendar converts raw materials (resin, stabilisers, pigments etc) into a pvc sheet, the basic raw material used in the manufacture of Renolit's film products. The installation took nearly a year to complete, including laying new foundations to stabilise the 31 metre long machine. Once installed, the machine was fitted with the latest control equipment enabling Renolit to produce films to an accuracy of one hundredth of a millimetre. This new machine, says Renolit, will enable the company to continue its quest for supreme quality, widening the scope of products that can be produced in Cramlington.
As part of the project, Renolit Cramlington also completely refurbished a disused office block to create the Northumbria Building, a state-ofthe-art presentation area with conference and meeting facilities. A custom-built Design Centre has been incorporated at the heart of the building to house a permanent display of the company's products and provide an impressive environment for business meetings and new product design presentations. Customers and suppliers are welcome to visit the site to see the improved manufacturing facilities for themselves and the Renolit team would be delighted to lay on a product presentation in the Design Centre. To arrange a visit, either contact your usual Renolit Cramlington contact, or get in touch directly by phone on 01670 718222 or by email at renolit.cramlington@renolit.com
Hansjakob Müller opens the new calendar production line at Renolit Cramlington Ltd.
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meet in china F
urniture Manufacturing & Supply China 2012 is about to take off, along with sister exhibitions, FMC Premium 2012 and the first ever FFC 2012. The stage is the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center and the dates, 11th-14th September. These events will run concurrently with Furniture China 2012 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). FMC China 2012 will use four Halls of the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. Cabinet & Wardrobe Fittings/Furniture Lightings will be added as a new exhibit category and the total exhibition area will be 71,000m2. FMC China 2012 is expected to attract 850 exhibitors and 35,000 trade buyers. What will you see? • Hall 1, First Floor (25,000m2) - the largest hall without any columns in Asia will showcase woodworking machinery and tools • Hall 2, First Floor (17,000m2) will contain FMC Premium, office furniture supplies and gas springs, furniture coatings and chemicals • Hall 3, Second Floor (17,000m2) will show furniture raw materials and a components area with six theme sections: - Furniture Hardware & Fittings - Furniture Inspection, Design & Services - Furniture Panels & Surface Deco - Cabinet & Wardrobe Fittings/Furniture Lightings
- Furniture Fabric & Leather - Upholstery Furniture Components & Supplies • Hall 4, the underground floor (12,000m 2 ), will host a new and important furniture fabric exhibition. In 2012, say the organisers, the service will be improved. For example, the shuttle bus between the two exhibition sites will depart every five minutes. The dining area at FMC China 2012 will be enlarged to hold more
people. Route guidance will be arranged at Exit 1/4 of Metro Line 7/8 at Yaohua Road Station. As people become more familiar with the new exhibition hall, it is believed that FMC China “will become a truly successful, independent and exportoriented platform”. For further enquiries, contact Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo International Exhibition Co. Ltd on 86-21-64371178, by email at fmc@ubmsinoexpo.com, or by visiting the website, www.fmcchina.com.cn
TREND
NOW Very rustic indeed
Oak is taking over, and its new decors cause quite a stir. Due to its elemental character, the new skai® Barrique Oak looks almost like untreated wood. Its rustic appearance is marked by alternating wind cracks, branches, positive/negative pores, flowers, wood grain across the width of the plank and an attractive fiber structure. Everything is in harmony with one another with colour accentuating the natural elements. skai® Barrique Oak – the natural choice. www.trendnow.de
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The electro-mechanical lift taking shape in Giben’s Bologna factory is part of a massive panel processing system designed by Giben’s Special Projects Division for a Chinese company.
the genius of
giben
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The KERS system on Giben’s Prisma 6000 saw uses braking action of up to 5G from a saw carriage which runs on linear guides to return up to 40% of the power consumed back to the machine.
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his is a story about an extraordinary company; a company which is shaping the future in such a dramatic and far-reaching way that within a decade, panel processing as we know it could be assigned to the history books, as out of step as a Penny Farthing in the race to Mars. Imagine a factory without dust. Imagine machines that run almost silently, without tooling, vacuum beds, or high energy consumption. Imagine just-in-time, every time - right down to the bespoke pattern on the panel. Impossible? For sure, it’s not something Gino Benuzzi could ever have imagined when, back in 1945, he began stripping components from the abandoned tanks that littered the roadside of war-torn Italy and reconstructing them as woodworking machines. Yet his company, Giben - yes, Giben the “saw” manufacturer - has taken the whole concept of panel processing and reinvented it. And the dream of CEO, Piergiorgio Benuzzi, his team and his new business partners is already rolling out across world markets. There are doubtless those who would point an accusing finger at Mr Benuzzi’s recently-ratified alliances with router specialist, Anderson, and edgebander manufacturer, Ellwood. But the alliances are not short-term marriages of conve-
nience brought about by a downturn in demand. He could have expanded his company’s machinery portfolio easily by acquiring any one of several router manufacturers for a single Euro a few months back - but with more than a dozen massive, multi-million Euro panel processing factories being designed by the Giben Special Projects Division and installed in China, there were more useful alliances to be formed in Asia. Teaming up with Anderson was a shrewd move which provided Giben’s software gurus with an opportunity to link high-tech Giben saws with machining and edging processes and manufacture all the software, lifts, board turners and transport systems to make them work. At the same time, Giben’s vision resulted in new technology which could, within the next decade, see routers and machining centres replaced by fast, high-efficiency laser cutters - and custom cabinets finished not with foils but with inks from a UV inkjet printer. Anderson routers and UV inkjets have already been linked and are working successfully in Southern California. Mr Benuzzi is convinced it will not be long before router tooling (and the dust which comes from conventional machining) becomes obsolete and lasers take the place of machining heads. His company’s search for an alternative to the
Giben is a company that hides its light under a mountain, not a bushel, yet it’s a company that, through shrewd strategic alliances, is poised to introduce revolutionary tehnology that could change panel processing for ever.
CEO, Piergiorgio Benuzzi
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The robotic system in the Giben Edge KE03 perfects all four corners at once - and the robotic scraper engages according to the corner radius selected.
A Giben Anderson PIP3414 takes shape in Bologna.
Imagine the most delicate of patterns printed at 40m2 hour behind a laser that creates doors without dust or tools, faster than a router.
Inlaid woodgrains, patterns across the face and edge - both are possible with Giben’s UV inkjet. It even prints to 22mm deep into the panel.
scoring blade on a beam saw has already provided the light at the end of the tunnel in the form of modestly-priced retro-fittable laser heads. Giben is no stranger to futuristic technology. Its supremely efficient flagship beam saw, the Prisma 6000, paves the way with eerily silent pushers and a 600 kilo saw carriage that floats along linear guides on magnetic power of 1000 kilos, accelerating through 5G to cut 15 cycles a minute - and every time the saw carriage brakes, a KERS system converts the braking action into power, reducing its electricity consumption by up to 40%. Construction is so simplified that wear and replacement parts are almost a thing of the past. Like its entry level baby brother, the Icon 1, the Prisma 6000 is greener than a fir forest in Fyfe. Robots run the factories Giben designs and robots make the difference in a Giben Edge, too. The remarkable KE03 edgebander, badged Giben Edge, boasts a robotic system that perfects four corners at once and a robotic scraper that engages according to the corner radius selected. The underside of the machine shows yet more revolutionary thinking it’s an easily-cleaned open space. All electrics are housed in the cabinet at the end of the machine for ease of access. Each station can be selected and programmed separately - and all settings can be stored easily using a graphics display that is simple, clear and concise. Wander through the Giben factory in Bologna and it’s hard not to be impressed with the genius of Giben. Alongside a new Prisma 6000 that’s taking shape, a huge lift table towers over a new Giben-Anderson point-to-point. The need for precision has led Giben engineers to abandon hydraulics on the lift: “electro mechanical systems are more precise and cope better with uneven
weight distribution”. But perhaps just as importantly - and this thinking runs through everything Giben does - a hydraulic motor is always engaged, whereas the electro-mechanical alternative only consumes power when movement is required. Even in power-hungry China, the destination for this particular lift, the advantage of energy-efficient factories is appreciated, it seems. Despite a workforce of around 240 spread across three continents, Piergiorgio Benuzzi considers his company to be a minnow among woodworking machinery manufacturers. Its core business lies in three divisions - Cut to Size, Edging and CNC - though its Special Projects Division is no stranger to turnkey factory and warehouse design and installation projects of 40 million Euros and more (and lines of 120 metres up). That’s some minnow. But perhaps the greatest surprise lies in Giben’s diversification into a Graphics Division. Hand in hand with the development of laser technology, Giben and its partners have been working on printing machines that will print 1080 x 720dpi images onto practically any substrate, organic or otherwise. At present, the technology can print at a rate of 22m2 every hour. By August, the Graphics Division will present a machine in Atlanta that will top 40m2 an hour and even print on offsets of up to 22mm deep (7mm without any distortion of the pattern). It can be run in line with a laser to produce doors with square or rounded edges, printed on the surface and edges for an ink cost of around one Euro ninety per square metre. To complete the picture, embossing heads will simultaneously create real woodgrain reproductions on perfect printing. Now that’s genius. To find out how Giben’s genius could propel your company into the future, call RW Machines on 01869 244943 or email sales@rwmachines.co.uk
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PURE GENIUS new ideas new technologies new strategic alliances new directions new ways to do things
Rowood House, Murdock Road, Bicester, Oxon, OX26 4PP Tel: 01869 244943 • Fax: 01869 253498 : www.rwmachines.co.uk Contact: David Thompson-Rowlands, email: sales@rwmachines.co.uk
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Have you ever wondered if there was a better way, a faster way, or a more profitable way to manufacture the products which come out of your factory? Forward-thinking Giben is already prepared for a future without the router...
seen the l E
veryone wants to cut costs. It’s a commercial necessity, especially in these days of economic uncertainty. But, at the same time, customers are demanding greater flexibility from manufacturers, lower costs, more custom-made product to give them a commercial advantage and all without impact on quality. Present technology, while all the time advancing, can only deliver so much. The next step will have to be as visionary as it is revolutionary - and the benefits would have to be massive for companies such as yours to switch from tried and trusted panel processing methods, wouldn’t they? So consider this: Imagine if it were possible to process panels without the need for dust extraction. Imagine never needing to sharpen, or, indeed, buy router tooling again. Imagine the saving on energy if your machine only cost you when it was cutting and didn’t need the additional consumption of a vacuum system. Now imagine switching from one substrate to another at will - MDF, chipboard, wood, acrylic or whatever without changing tools or needing more than the briefest pause in the process. Imagine being able to cut the most intricate shapes, or the simplest of door designs, simultaneously etching surfaces - all with a half kilo
head that accelerates to 5G and machines a panel in a fraction of the time it takes a conventional router to do the same job. And imagine all that without the complexity of codes, yet with more reliability and speed than any router currently on the market. It may sound space age, unrealistic even, but in reality, it’s not as Dr Who as it sounds. The technology is already here, now. Prices are coming down and, according to the blue sky thinkers at Giben, whose boffins are pioneering the technology in the furniture sector, it won’t be very long before savvy furniture manufacturers start buying into what the automotive industry has benefitted from for years: lasers. “It’s already easier and faster to make a door on a laser,” says Giben’s managing director, Giuseppe Riva. His background is automotive engineering. He marvels that no one, until Giben, has had the foresight, or the courage, to introduce proven, high-speed laser technology to the furniture industry. “And,” he continues, “In an industry where the demand is for flexibility, efficiency, energy-saving and speed, the laser fits perfectly. “At Giben, we see the manufacturing of the future orientated around fewer machines in the process. With a laser, there is no dust because tooling is taken out of the equation. Only solid
trims from the original material are produced and that has a positive impact on waste disposal costs as well as on machinery for extraction. A laser will cut up to 60mm easily, challenging our own technology in saws. A saw will only be needed for books. Materials with delicate surfaces are becoming increasingly popular and handling them can be a problem. No vacuum is required to hold the materials still while cutting with a
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light?
laser, protecting the materials and simplifying the design of machines of the future. Power consumption is reduced because lasers are either on or they are off. There’s no standby. And if you want to engrave, it’s possible to do that at the same time on the one machine. “The laser will not replace everything,” he admits, “But it really scores where complicated shapes are required, or the raw material cost is high.”
As with any technology, when it’s first introduced to an industry, the cost is invariably high. How great the savings on extraction, tooling, energy and so forth are when speed and reduced waste are taken into account depend on individual processes but it’s almost certain that benefits will be felt in flexibility, accuracy, speed and the space a laser occupies. And for those who may be willing to sacrifice a little speed,
retro-fitting a laser head to an existing router or machining centre could provide an acccepatable halfway house until volume brings down cost. Laser heads can be bought for as little as 12,000 Euros. Now there’s food for thought. To find out more contact Giben through RW Woodmachines, either by calling 01869 244943, or by sending an email to sales@rwmachines.co.uk
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WOW AT A tambour system with a flat look - that’s the new Rauvolet PureLine from Rehau. We loved its classic linear design and the unobtrusive simplicity of the seamless, unsegmented exterior. Available for both vertical and horizontal use, the vertical system will be available from stock in 5 colours and 4 sizes from autumn 2012. Call 01989 762600 for more details.
the zow fac WOW AT Imagine a flatpack cabinet that requires no fittings, no glue, just a clean, simple joint to permanently fix walls, floors and backs in seconds. Unilin’s Uniclic technology moved from the floor to the cabinet at ZOW 2012 and now works with 90 degree fixing. Assembly is so fast it’s unbelievable - and sturdy. The flatpack of the future is here! Details, call +32 5667 2511.
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conomies have crashed, markets have tumbled, currencies have devalued - but never has there been a more positive ZOW than ZOW 2012. Burgeoning aisles, broad smiles from busy stands, hand shakes and deals provided the hallmarks of an exhibition that, since the inception of the ZOW concept, has gone from strength to strength. And, it seems, the exhibitors were as delighted with the response as the visitors were to see new products and meet old friends. So what were the trends for 2012? On the hardware side, drawers have grown wider and slimmer, if a fraction shallower, thanks to undermounted slides. Soft close, soft open and smooth action have become accepted as a market, hungry for quality and ease of assembly and adjustment, demands ever more from the main players. Their investment in new products and new manufacturing facilities ran into tens of millions of Euros. Internal organisation, both of drawers and cupboards, and the optimisation of space moved up a gear with super-slick pull-outs on several stands. At a more basic level, simple, repositionable, rubber-ended and mag-
netic dividers for cutlery drawers were to be found everywhere. Ergonomics was a word not often heard at this year’s ZOW, though the ErgoAgent concept kitchen, with its electrically-powered, rising-falling wallmounted cupboards and islands, and actuator-driven spice racks, was wooing the crowds on the Kesseböhmer stand. Handle designs ranged from sexy, tapered curves and flowing lines on Italian and Spanish stands to the outright whacky for children’s rooms. But, generally speaking, the quality of finish on most stands was high. The décors industry has seen huge developments in the last decade. Where once the emphasis was on definition, superlative printing quality and absolute realism from all the main players, today such standards are accepted as the norm. Attention is being diverted increasingly to tactile qualities. Remember the first real forays into texture with a peachskin finish by Hornschuch? Remember Toppan’s ground-breaking synchronised pore structures on foil? ZOW 2012 simply oozed tactile appeal from every printed pore, such was the breadth of finishes on wood-look décors.
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WOW AT This is DendroLight, a fantastic lightweight, solid wood panel product from Latvian company Dendro. Made by machining 60% of the wood away, it can be bent around corners and fixed with screws and glue. Very stable and a real star of the show. We understand it will be available through Lathams. Call 01442 849000.
ctor Now the race is on for depth and the market is demanding ever more rustic surfaces. Deep brushed effects, crossgrain saw-cut effects, even animal fur effects and abstracts were all at this year’s show. However, the most amazing, deep, tactile surfaces were to be found on the VD Werkstätten stand. These incredible pressings, some made from several layers of Alpi reconstituted veneer laminated onto mdf or plywood under extreme pressure, are featured across this double page spread and on the cover of this month’s Furniture Journal. They are truly fabulous. The interest in exotic timbers seems to have waned, replaced with colourreduced, subtle reproductions of European timbers ranging from school desk Beech to ever popular Oak. Elm is making a comeback. Putty colours and muted tones of cranberry and fern were frequently shown in accompanying unicolours, along with striking metallic effects and more sober fantasy designs, often based on nature. But will this year’s ZOW pave the way for a more optimistic industry? I think there is no doubt. It was a truly inspirational show. Well done to all!
WOW AT Sexy surfaces with enough tactile appeal to satisfy space age and rustic designs alike were the theme on the VD Werkstätten stand. These fabulous ‘wood’ finishes are achieved by pressing thick layers of veneer, or lacquerable foil, under high pressure, then laminating them onto plywood or mdf. Inset left, and spread across the left page, are examples of the many metallic effects seen on the ZOW stand. We understand Lathams will be distributing the product in the UK. Call 01442 849000.
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WOW AT Massive investment - and perhaps a little design genius - has born fruit for Hettich, whose fabulous Arcitech drawer system sets new standards for smoothness and stability. Easy-fit front panels, fast installation and easy adjustment make this undermount slimline system more than just good-looking. Details: 0161 872 9552.
With Arcitech from Hettich, changing drawer fronts takes a few seconds. Choose rails or slim sides they’re clip-fitting and super fast. Details: 0161 872 9552.
WOW AT WOW AT Now this product will give your furniture designs a real edge! New at ZOW from Ostermann, three fantastic LED edgeband designs made their show debuts. Although Ostermann’s UK branch doesn’t stock the backlights, it does stock the edgings - and they can be applied with any edgebander. Details: 0121 700 7440.
WOW AT In today’s kitchen, making the most of space is a profitable addition. With its easy access, extending front-free shelves, Peka’s Extendo really fills a niche and we really liked the smoothness and the feeling of real quality engineering of this unit at ZOW 2012. It’s a real star! Details from LDL on 0845 123 2288.
Need a hinge for thick doors? The refined and durable Tiomos from Grass offers 95 degree opening and comes with integrated softclose damping. A new addition to the Grass portfolio, it’s already been nominated as a red dot design award winner. Very neat, very efficient. For details call 01214 537623.
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WOW AT This is Movento, one of the smoothest, silkiest, slickest products ever to leave the Blum factory. Movento also offers easier adjustment with new 4d front adjuster. In addition to tried and tested height and tilt adjustment, gaps can be precisely and simply aligned without tools with the new side and depth adjustment feature. Available in carrying capacities of 40 and 60 kilograms, Movento is extremely stable and has excellent sag values. Call 01908 285700.
WOW AT Islands that rise to the perfect height, cupboards that slide effortlessly up and down the wall, spice racks that lift out of work surfaces when needed - that’s Kesseböhmer’s ErgoAgent concept, shown for the first time at ZOW. It’s brilliant! Call PWS for details: 01325 505555.
WOW AT Harmonised in terms of design, materials and colour, sleek and streamlined in appearance, Blum’s ultra-slim LegraBox has a synchronised glide, dynamic carrying capacities of 40 and 65 kg, excellent sag values and high front stability. The new concealed runner system provides enhanced user convenience and top-quality motion. It really does feel as good as it looks. LegraBox can be used for all applications, ranging from drawers or inner drawers to high fronted or inner pull-outs. Call 01908 285700.
WOW AT Look closely at the background picture. The lower part shows high gloss Senoplast foil scrubbed heavily with wire wool. The top part shows Senoplast’s Senosan AM1800TopX Hardcoat treated in exactly the same way. We were there during the attack to witness the resilience of TopX. It’s an amazing product - so amazing that the floor on the ZOW stand was created from squares of TopX and there wasn’t a footmark or a scuff on any of them. For the moment, only black and white are available but colours will be introduced over the coming months. For information visit www.senoplast.co.uk or call 01952 243999.
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Take a look at Elco’s Flexitray, right. Flexible storage with adjustable partitions was an on-trend feature at ZOW 2012 - and look at that amazing “Ferrari” finish! Non-slip rubber mats are included. Elco also showed a new drawer, Easyfit, which can be cut and resized as needed. Choose sides in plastic, glass, 80/100/140mm height. Call Elco on 0049 5241 9750.
The Turkish company, Samet, used ZOW to launch a new, safer drawer system called Smart Box with on-trend undermounted drawer runners and easy adjustment. “Anti-racking means up to 65k capacity with a quality feel,” says Noyan Ozkaya. There was also a new adjustable accessory option called Invario on the stand (inset). Visit www.samet.com.tr
Ideal for adjustable desks or small furniture applications was Linak’s small column, the BL1. Extending from 350mm, the stroke is 400mm and the BL1 will lift 250 kilos. For details call Linak UK on 0121 544 2211.
Guy Raymond’s new chrome 65mm castor, shown left, was first seen at Interzum. It’s now available with foot brake, brake-unloaded and unbraked options. Fantastic for office use! Also on show was a 30mm castor with soft tyres. Its low profile and sturdy design make 35 kilo loads a cinch for this neat black or grey castor. For more details call 01553 761401.
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Salice was in fine form at ZOW 2012 with a display of hinges, drawer and wardrobe slider systems. There’s now a new integrated soft close hinge called Salencia (above left) which has a cup depth of just 12mm - perfect for radius edged doors. Options include a 105 degree opening angle and angled solutions for 45 degree doors. Bang on trend was Salice’s Adar concealed drawer runners, shown above. Adar comes in push-to-open, soft close and Unica options. Unica offers push-to-open and soft close, perfect for handleless applications, or where electrical operation is too costly. Salice’s Bortoluzzi sliding door systems, shown left with Walter Gosling, provide a coplanar solution for doors of 20-100 kilograms. For the ultimate in luxury (such as Vauxhall Towers on South Bank which includes Salice’s Bortoluzzi systems in all its top end apartments) there’s a motorised version which operates either remotely, or from a pressure pad. 20 kilo and 35 kilo options are available. For details, call Salice on 01480 413831.
Crofts & Assinder launched three new handle designs at ZOW: Wellington (not pictured), Ludlow (left), and Windsor (below). The very tactile Cincinnati (right) also made its first show appearance. Ludlow (160/190 centres and a Tbar knob) is available in zinc alloy, chrome, brushed nickel and an iron product called Shrewsbury (128-190 centres) in lacquered iron and standard black. Windsor comes in cast iron black, English bronze and iron lacquer. Cincinnati comes in English Bronze, Iron and a Florentine Bronze and is available as a 32mm handle and 160-320 centres. For more details call 0121 622 1074.
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The more Roma and Egger align their portfolios, the more Perfect Match products arrive, it seems. Shown left by Roma are three panels, edged with Perfect Match - and it does exactly what it says without compromise. Roma also used ZOW 2012 to show its new collection of PMMA edgebandings, Acrimarc. Acrimarc is distinguished by a discreet, shiny, mirror-like strip which creates a nostalgic, almost 70s feel, harking back to the days of chromed highlights. The two-colour edgeband is Doppia. Roma is now able to offer flawless bonding with a range of laser edgbandings, launched at the show. Any thermoplastic edgeband in the Roma stock range can now be coated with PO or PUR laser-melt adhesive with no minimum order. Details from 01434 602191.
Targeting small to medium-sized furniture manufacturers with a vast range of cut-to-order edgebands on short delivery times is the mission of the Czech edgebanding specialist, Hranipex - and the big news from a very international stand at ZOW was that now there is a local branch of Hranipex in sunny Solihull! The UK managing director is Alexandr Alexandrov, pictured above left. We caught him on the phone whilst on the ZOW stand for an update as he was literally boarding a flight to the UK to take up the post. Alexandr confirms Hranipex Ltd is now open for business and welcomes calls on 0121 782 6248. Alternatively, visit Hranipex Ltd’s new website: www.hranipex.co.uk
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Snello is a neat, new towel holder from the Swiss company, Peka. Clips hold the towels in place above a rack for bottles. There’s even a soap dish. Fits in a narrow space that could otherwise be awkward to fill. For more details call LDL on 0845 123 2288.
This new hinge from Turkish company, Samet, brings quality features such as 3d adjustment of 2mm in any direction and offers 110 degree opening at an amazing price which is hard to beat. Visit www.samet.com.tr
Adhesive specialist Jowat’s successful product line Jowatherm-Reaktant® now has a new member, a polyurethane (PUR) hot melt adhesive which has been developed on the basis of renewable raw materials. For full details and specifications call 01785 330622.
Co-operation between Ligmatech and Packsize, in which Packsize supplies tools for the production of Ligmatech-made and badged machines, will see Homag Group member Ligmatech supplying all Packsize technology to the furniture sector from now on. For more information call Homag UK: 01332 856500.
Modern combines with a touch of retro in this elegant hook from Cosmov. On show were also many shelf solutions. Häfele represents Cosmov in the UK: 01788 542020.
We loved this elegant handle from Marella. Beautiful shape, refined finish. Call Häfele 01788 542020.
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Verzasca Eiche - Occasional small knots add to the rustic look of this narrowplanked furniture décor. Along with the finely-pored oak texture, the lively swirls of the figuring underscore this impression still further.
Schattdecor also used ZOW 2012 to launch Sonoma Oak (pictured here) and Nancy Elm and (far right, this page) in new trend colourways.
Enhanced realism in such innovative décors as the bespoke Carolina Oak as well as Canterbury Oak and Taormina Elm (above) continue to be important.
The motto "continuity in changing times" refers to Schattdecor's Pure Essence, Tomorrow's Souvenir and Industrial Heritage (above) trend themes, which are being continued into the new season.
Nancy Elm, now available in new trend colourways.
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Solino
Santana Oak
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chattdecor’s ZOW stand revolved around a theme of continuity in changing times. The motto referred to Schattdecor's Pure Essence, Tomorrow's Souvenir and Industrial Heritage trend themes, which it is continuing into the new season. New colour worlds and a new style have emerged in the past year, lending the styles a new signature look. All three each reflecting an enduring interest in old traditions, values and craftsmanship - will be merging and converging to an increasing extent in 2012/13. Pure Essence offers simplicity, functionality and concentration on essentials, plus a concern with sustainability, quality and fine materials. The result is a pure, modern aesthetic. A mix of filigree elements and heavy forms is becoming more apparent, with clear lines and fine surfaces creating a light and aesthetic effect in this timeless look. The colour concept in Pure Essence is as reticent as the muted materials, offering subtle hues of taupe, mud and greyish-brown. White and light grey underscore the subtly sensual style, with greyish powdered pastels accentuating the harmonious colour palette. The stone reproduction, Solino, is a typical example. Tomorrow's Souvenir highlights the increasing influence of the 50s and 60s. A rich mix of modern surface finishes, classical materials and vibrant colours
characterises Tomorrow’s Souvenir. The woodgrains are natural in colour, varying from pale, subtly greyed hues to glowing medium browns and shades of dark brown. Accentuation is provided by vibrant yellows, turquoiseblue, white and nuances of grey. The rustic Santana Oak décor is typical of Tomorrow’s Souvenir. Clear modern architecture sets the stage for the Industrial Heritage theme, in which antiques, treasured collector's items and worn-looking surfaces form a homely atmosphere. Old and roughlyworked items no longer characterise the style alone. Contemporary materials and items with traces of machining and visible fittings are increasingly determining the trend, as exemplified by rough-hewn worktables in stark contrast to upmarket brushed steel accessories. Patterns reminiscent of arts and crafts techniques lend a certain artisan charm to the theme. Dark woodgrain hues, black and sombre browns are much in evidence, contrasted by dark shimmering blue and the industrial, metallic hues of iron and copper. Neon red accents punctuate the technical feel of this theme. The rustic Avalon Pine characterises this theme. Schattdecor also used ZOW 2012 to launch Nancy Elm and Sonoma Oak in new trend colourways. For more details, call 0049 8031 275 2779 or visit www.schattdecor.de
A new signature from old values, tradition and craftsmanship on Schattdecor’s ZOW 2012 stand.
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Formica®Woods offers high quality finish and dramatic design .
Sculpted (like the main background picture, Microdot™) adds an interesting dimension to plain surfaces.
joining the dots F Formica was on trend at ZOW 2012 with stunning, tactile surfaces for horizontal and vertical use.
Formica, the Formica anvil device and DecoMetal are registered trademarks of The Diller Corporation.
urniture designers, manufacturers and specifiers demand material enhancements beyond style. They require design and aesthetic choices together with the necessary durable performance qualities which will provide customers with furniture that will stand the test of time. Formica® HPL is an ideal choice - and at ZOW 2012, Formica showed innovative, on-trend decorative surface finishes for any horizontal or vertical surface which are easy to clean, resistant to impact, heat and scratches and require minimal upkeep. One of the most versatile ranges within the Formica® Collection, Formica® Woods combine both inspirational and timeless looks with high quality finishes. The expanded range includes premium AR Plus® high gloss for a luxurious feel and added durability. Responding to the strong trend for glossy, reflective looks, this highly scuff resistant gloss surface also adds an exotic finish to luxurious new introductions such as Couture Wood and Vogue Wood. A popular finish designed to enhance the realism and appeal of woodgrains is Naturelle™. The matt velvety surface creates an elegant finish which emulates
the look and feel of smoothly-planed waxed timber and complements straight-grained or softly-planked woods. Texture is increasingly important; particularly with neutral palette combinations it can create a distinctive look. Formica Group also offers stunning premium textures such as Sculpted™ or MicroDot™. Beautifully tactile, Sculpted offers an on-trend look, answering the demand for sculpted, scraped and wire brushed surfaces. MicroDot is not only interesting to touch, but also adds a visual depth to a range of fashionable solid colours with an appealing optical effect from a distance. It offers a fashionable and modern surface, with subtle concave circles arranged in a tight grid formation, and a low sheen, satin finish. As one of its core sustainability strategies, Formica Group has taken significant steps to ensure that its products promote a healthy indoor air quality for homes, offices, schools and other interior environments and its products have achieved Greenguard™ Indoor Air Quality Certification. Call Formica on 0191 259 3000 or visit www.formica.co.uk
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Background: Extensive dark discolourations characterise this new interpretation of Esbjerg Beech. Right: Damara Zebra is the ultimate animal print with a realistic fur emboss. Below: An aged antique feel, a smooth Stylo emboss and limed effect made Sheffield Oak’s debut an instant succcess.
C Right: Avollino Ashy note the new texture which enables even deep pressing into contours for stunning effect.
hornschuch
ombining 2d and 3d furniture foils with upholstery materials, Hornschuch announced the arrival of a new area of expertise under the flag of “Skai Interior”. Alongside new woodgrains - oaks, elms, chestnuts and beeches, some with parallel embossing were new textures, even metallics added into matt effects at ZOW 2012. From almost untreated crack effects in Barrique Oak to matt-gloss interplays in the surface treatment of its new Esjberg Beech, Hornschuch showed its new collections on a stand that heaved with visitors. Big attractions were the deeply contoured effects of Avollino Ashy - and the playful Damara Zebra. Details: 01327 877646 or visit www.hornchuch.com
Above: Avollino Concrete is one of three designs (Ashy, Concrete and Rusty) which push the boundaries of surface texture and make even deep pressing with contours possible. Left: Skai Arona Elm offers a new type of rustic with its ARCO emboss, a newly-developed surface with matt-gloss effects and angular elements in various depths. Background: Barrrique Oak, making its debut at ZOW 2012, also has the ARCO emboss.
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Fonda Maple
Interprint’s ZOW 2012 stand was teeming with visitors.
Coast Line
interprint, naturally S Picard
Natural details and a used look were the main characters of Interprint’s Growing Ideas theme at ZOW.
apwood, pores, flowers, cracks, knots - they were all to be found among the Growing Ideas theme on décor specialist Interprint’s ZOW 2012 stand. Natural details and a used look made the latest designs appear more authentic than ever. Four new décors made their debuts on the Interprint stand: Ocean Side (the main picture, above), Picard (left), Fonda Maple and Coast Line. Picard, says Interprint, has what it takes to be a best-seller. It’s an oak with a brushed surface which includes dark cracks, knots and mirrors. There’s a white negative pore effect, suggesting an aged and matured timber. With Ocean Side, sapwood and heartwood form an important duo in a design which sets new standards. There’s an
intense, yet harmonious relationship between sapwood and heartwood elements and, like Picard, Interprint chose to use negative pore effect to add a smoked appearance to a décor which will work well with the on-trend greys and olives of up-to-the-minute unicolours. Both Ocean Side and Picard are designs which give character to modern living spaces, yet have a tactile quality to satisfy touch as well as please the eye. Other new designs making their debuts at ZOW 2012 included a planked, highly flowered maple called Fonda Maple and a completely matt oak with a strong 3d character called Coast Line, which again uses Interprint’s signature reverse pore effect. For more details call 0049 2932 9500 or visit www.interprint.de
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FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2012 • 25 Left: Knot and flower-free, Maison Elm is a new Italian-style print with a pearlescent effect. Right: Walliser Oak makes the most of the natural dark and light grain with register embossing. Below: Following the trend towards a lighter rustic look is Clermont Maple, a subtle design with light knots.
impress Desira Ash as a wonderful, slightly burned effect in the colouration which intensifies the colours to brilliant effect.
“
A
t this year’s ZOW we launched our new design concept 2012/2013 The 4th Dimension - which we interpret as the environment in which we move. Our approach is an emotional one being what and how one may feel through the different stages of lifetime; and how perspectives change to let moments appear in a new light,” commented Liane Klauke, Head of Marketing, on an Impress stand that was awash with visitors. On the stand were six new collections - and a short, easy to understand film is now available to accompany the new concept. You’ll find it at www.impress.biz/time/en
Matt and gloss are available in the striking, limed-effect Kigali Wenge. It proved to be a real attraction at ZOW 2012.
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ew woodgrains, new lacquers, new embosses - and a fabulous Opaco supermatt make the Italian company, Alfatherm, well worth a call. Alfatherm has been expanding its range recently and now offers an extensive stock range of on-trend designs at very competitive prices. Among the newest of the new at ZOW were high gloss and scratch resistant 2d PVC products as well as several practical fantasy designs in the latest muted colourways. The theme to the woodgrains was “Bringing Nature into the Home” and the latest foils exude rustic charm. Pasolini Elm, Mara Oak and Aragon Oak fit perfectly with today’s trends. Alfatherms’ new finish, Velluto Colori (unicolours) matches perfectly with Egger. For further details call Alfa Foils Ltd on 01948 668000. For samples email info@alfafoils.co.uk
Above: Aragon Oak has a wonderfully deep grain with tactile appeal. Left: A new print from Confalonieri, Mara Oak has a rustic appearance and is offered in two finishes and a choice of three colours. One finish is a linear texture while the other provides a saw cut effect from vertical and horizontal embossing. It’ cold be described as ‘contemporary rustic’. Below: Not a solid colour, not a woodgrain, Freestyle is an abstract which comes in two surface finishes and three colours - Alabaster, Stone Grey and Brown Grey - based on Egger colours.
Below: Pasolini Elm is a new print in co-operation with Confalerioni which offers a horizontal design in three colours. The soft liming effect and half crown planks offer an elegant appearance. The light colour matches Kronospan while the brown matches Egger. Grey Pasolini Elm mixes with the new Velluto matt colour range. Below right: Working in co-operatio with Impress, Alfatherm has created Bodega, a décor with beautiful, fine graining and a soft, tactile finish.
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FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2012 • 27 Lagoon
Fern
Putty
renolit
Claudia Hiepel
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laudia Hiepel is Renolit’s Munichbased designer. Touring the stand at ZOW 2012, she points enthusiastically to the main trends - 3d films; deep pore embossing; soft, muted unicolours; and natural wood finishes. “There are two megatrends,” she explains. “The first is deep embosses, such as our latest innovation, Okasha, which allows you to see and feel exactly the same thing. It’s based on a combination of oak and ash pores and looks like real wood with wide-spaced rings. The second megatrend is ‘non colours’; reduced grey tones, greatly softened tones, like in fog - and the fashion and colour trends in the coming season will reflect the weather.” Renolit SE’s Corporate Design Management, together with the French stylist RCM, has developed three new colour concepts with the titles Fog & Snow, Wind and Rain. “There are no contrasts in fog and no sharp contours in snow, as if the world is viewed through a misted up glass,” says Monika Fecht, Head of Corporate Design Management. Ceramic and Putty (above) both belong to Fog & Snow. The colour spectrum Wind offers an almost inexhaustible number of blue
tones from light to dark, weak to robust. Dark red tones such as Cranberry (right) provide contrasts with Lagoon (above). Green tones define Rain with new variants such as Fern and Stone providing balance and contrast with harmonising wood décors such as the new Swiss Elm (background picture) which Renolit showed prominently at ZOW. “We are showing four new Elms, all colour reduced,” continues Claudia. “In recessions, markets become frightened and conservative. Colour reduced interiors look valuable without being extreme. “Deep structures in wood décors, such as saw-cut and brushed surfaces, imply a certain solidity; something to cling to in uncertain times, perhaps. We have several deep embosses on the stand. Oak remains popular, especially with our Sawcut structure.” But for those who are not afraid of a little adventure, Renolit’s Cobra taps into the new trend for irregular stripes and geometric shapes in blues, beiges and greens. Renolit has also introduced a new concrete structure, Moulins, with discreet block prints in cool colours. For further details of all the new décors - and samples of the 23 new stock items - call 01670 718222.
Launched at ZOW 2012 was a collection of three new product presenters covering the Renolit range.
Unicolour: Cranberry
Background: Swiss Elm.
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the decorative panels group
reflecting your ideas The ultimate in high gloss finish including “on trend” colours and woodgrains.
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FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2012 • 29 Right: Spot the difference? The example at the bottom is Senoplast’s Senosan, treated viciously with wire wool. The sample at the top is Senosan’s latest product, TopX, treated viciously with the same wire wool - and there are no scratches. Below: This Chiyoda print on 15mm hollowcore has a wood-look emboss and a heavy lacquer that will not fluff when machined.
decorative panels
R
ather than showing the full range of capabilities available from its factories, Decorative Panels, chose to showcase products from its lamination division at ZOW 2012. New products included TopX, an incredible scratchproof foil from Senoplast; a new 0.5mm foil which gives top end gloss at much reduced price; supermatt unicolours; new fantasy décors in high gloss; and a new laminated hollowcore which offers fluff-free machining, yet still provides a wood-look emboss and a price advantage. It’s a company known for staying ahead - and Decorative Panels is one of the few still to be investing massively to bring you the best for less. Call for details on 01484 658341 or visit www.decorativepanels.co.uk
Above: Looking for a really super supermatt finish? DP is offering various trend colours and showed three of the latest on its ZOW stand. Right: Low key but loaded, the DP stand at ZOW was in a prime spot.
Below: Between high gloss PVC and top end Senoplast for price, this new 0.5mm from DP, launched at the show, comes in every solid colour - and DP can apply it without risk of telegraphing.
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Left: Four new product categories make choosing the right edgeband easier. Below: Döllken’s stock programme, compiled over 15 years, has grown to more than 2,000 options.
döllken W
Above and below: Fusion-Edge beats hotmelt for heat and waterresistance - and it offers the possibility of a 3mm radius with zero bond line.
ith a stock programme of instant edgebands extending to over 2,000 items in every conceivable thickness, embossed or otherwise, and supply chains from the UK to Australia, Döllken is well placed to provide the exact edging you need in just 72 hours. But, as ZOW 2012 proved, there’s more to Döllken than a stock programme, perfected over 15 years: new production facilities mean that the company is now able to offer practically any width and finish across four new categories - Classic, Special, Exclusive and Premium. If you don’t need emboss, only a plain unicolour or wood décor, look at Classic; Special contains neons, stones décors and 3d PMMA; for more colours and special embosses, focus on Exclusive; or for 3d with emboss, high gloss to level 5 and duo gloss, explore Premium. In addition, Döllken will supply Digital-Edge, printed digitally from your own 360dpi digital image. They will even put it into repeat for you and digital is great for short runs of such custom products. Döllken will even print digital images on specially extruded embossed materials. The 3mm radius hasn’t taken off in the UK yet but, with Döllken’s super new Fusion-Edge, water resistance and heat resistance which better hotmelt and a zero bond could make it more appealing - especially for those with a BAZ Workcentre who work in the office sector. For more information on the latest from Döllken call 0044 1282 686 878 or visit www.doellken.co.uk
Digital-Edge is perfect for short run custom designs
DLK0223_ANZ_PRAEGUNGEN_GB_FJ_RZ 21.12.11 12:50 Seite 1
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The diverse texture options from Döllken. Döllken edgebands offer the perfect symbiosis of optics and haptics. Profound and striking surface structures in natural optics The materials take on a new lively dimension More than 20 different texture options with optimal decorative finish Available for all edgeband materials and panel surfaces Also available as crossgrains – the edgeband combination, which carries the decoration and texture of the panel across the long and transverse sides Ideal for the modern surface trends such as saw-rough or crossgrains
Order sample edgebands at www.doellken-kv.com
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Awesome !
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Europe’s largest Online Shop for edgings Nature and fantasy merge to form a harmoniously lively combination in Camelot from Thermopal. Petals and leaves creep out of bare concrete or plastered surfaces, reinforced by Select (structure 42). More details at www.thermopal.com or call 0049 7561 890.
Q Matching edgings to more than 20,000 board references of Europe‘s leading board suppliers – Cross references can easily be found online or in the current catalogue Q 0RUH WKDQ HGJLQJV DQG SURĂ€ OHV LQ VWRFN Q %HQHĂ€ W IURP D GLVFRXQW RQ HYHU\ RQOLQH RUGHU
Elm is experiencing something of a comeback. This wood dĂŠcor by Thermopal offers pure nature with whole grain in an elegant, modern design. More details at www.thermopal.com or call 0049 7561 890.
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Could LG Hausy’s Odessa Oak (left) be the ultimate sawcut emboss? Or maybe your preference is for the more linear Milford Elm? Different grades from heavy emboss to standard finish mean these décors can be used for carcases and fascias. Also on the LG stand was the Platinum Collection of metallics for flat lamination, some with matt/gloss embosses. Call 01376 518037.
New décor highlights on a busy Süddekor stand included a natural, rustic oak with a distinctive patina called Merlin Oak (top). The lack of planking or cut cathedrals give this décor a unique personality. But for unashamed luxury, take a look at Hemingway, left. This fabulous chestnut has no knots but exudes warmth, giving a calmness which is perfect for modern living. More information from 0049 7333 9550.
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Oak still leads the way Alfa Foils Ltd has added a new 3d foil in an Oak wood grain to its UK stock range. Made by the Italian company Alfatherm this print is an exclusive design co-operation with the board producer Egger and will be available in Natural Aragon Oak (Egger H1372) and Sand Grey Aragon Oak (Egger H1375). The embossing structure used on this foil matches Egger ST22. The design has a very natural linear appearance but also has the interesting characteristics of a more mature wood and can be used in a wide variety around the home. Georg Styr of Alfa Foils believes that oak is still firmly established in the market as the number one wood grain and that this new décor is a very clever fusion between the traditional and contemporary markets. 01948 668000 info@alfafoils.co.uk
surface attraction Latest ideas, colours and finishes in surfacing and door fronts. Solid value from Hanex Hanex solid surfacing, exclusively available from IDS, is featured here in S-008 N-White on a super-size bar top with slab end details demonstrating the product’s design and fabrication flexibility to make a stand-out statement in a retail environment. Hanex 12mm acrylic material can be seamlessly jointed, thermoformed into 3d shapes and even back-lit offering designers free rein to design and realise signature looks for project interiors. The Hanex palette is available in 100 finishes including plain colours, sparkling and natural stones and translucent finishes. The product comes in sheets sizes 12mm by 3680mm by 760mm on all décors, and 6mm by 2490mm by 760mm on the specialist ranges. Hanex can be followed on Twitter www.twitter.com/hanexuk and the website www.hanex.co.uk offers unrivalled speed and ease of sample ordering, with samples despatched the same day. Brochures, comprehensive technical information and certification are easily downloaded. Full specification support is also available. Hanex is exclusively distributed by IDS nationwide, the UK’s largest surface materials distributor ensuring fast and flexible delivery. 0845 603 7811 julie.warner@idsurfaces.co.uk
Further securing its position as a leading manufacturer of kitchen worksurfaces, Wilsonart International is set to launch a brand new laminate range. The Wilsonart Synergii range will offer a compact collection of 24 select décors that will include an impressive combination of new and classic designs as well as exciting new surface textures. Mainly offering a 4.1 metre surface length solution, the range will also include three High Definition (HD) décors in 3.6 metre lengths. The glossy and illuminating HD designs manufactured with Aeon Technology provide three to four times the wear resistance of a standard laminate. These exclusive designs sit alongside detailed marble prints, realistic stone textures including the brand new ‘Roche’ finish and dynamic real wood alternatives. With coordinating breakfast bars and accessories available throughout the range, as well as four non-matching splashback designs to add contrast and colour, Wilsonart Synergii is the next step in Wilsonart’s innovative approach to its product offer. Working in partnership with Hills Panel Products, Llandaff Laminates and James Latham, the range will be stocked in entirety by these three appointed distributors. Please enquire with your chosen distributor for further information and product availability.
Wilsonart • 01388 774661 • www.wilsonart.co.uk Hill’s Panel Products • 0161 628 6100 • www.hpponline.co.uk Llandaff Laminates • 029 2077 7333 • www.llandafflaminates.co.uk James Latham • 0116 257 3415 • www.lathams.co.uk
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Touchy feely Polyrey Polyrey’s Origine Premier laminate collection offers designers a real feel good factor thanks to interesting textures such as Extra Matt, Grain and Epimat. These mirror wood in different ways including flowery grained, rough sawn and smooth freshly sanded, with the consciencesoothing advantage of offering the look and feel of real woods without harming tropical or precious timbers. Added to that are the benefits of high performance, colour consistency, easy maintenance and FR rating on request. The range includes 41 laminates in sheet size 3070 by 1320mm and is ideal for retail shopfitting, hotel and furniture applications. 01923 202700 polyrey.uk@polyrey.com www.polyrey.com
German Quality delivery from stock technical service
More doors from Apex Apex launched five new door finishes at KBB, bringing the total to 50. Each one is available across the full range. The Cambridge, one of five new door finishes in a Shaker style with a bevelled inner frame can be seen in Dakar, a subtle earthy colour in an eggshell finish teamed with a new sculptured bow handle, finished in a burnished bronze colour. Also new to the Apex range is an eclectic selection of contemporary and traditional handles. 01704 896600 www.apexinteriorsystems.co.uk
Get fresh in the kitchen Bushboard’s laminate splashbacks now include a zingy new lime green option that combines fashion and functionality with the practicality of a seamless laminate surface on the areas between worktops and wall units and, as shown here, on a hob panel. Fresh and fashionable, the Lime Green splashbacks are available in two sizes of 3000 by 600 by 8mm and 1500 by 1200 by 8mm giving the flexibility for midway areas and hob panels. They are very easy to install with simple joinery skills and can be fixed in place and joints professionally finished using Bushboard’s BB Complete range of colour-matched adhesives. Stuart White, Managing Director at Bushboard says: “These laminate splashbacks are an ideal way for a retailer to deliver fashionable design on a budget. Glass is very in vogue at the top end of the kitchen market but laminate can achieve similar looks far more cheaply and with much easier installation.” 01933 232 272 samples@bushboard.co.uk www.bushboard.co.uk
HANS BRÜGMANN GMBH & CO. Screw Manufacturer Auf der Heide 8 21514 Büchen · Germany Tel. +49 (0) 4155 / 81 41-0 · Fax: -80 www.rampa.de · mail@rampa.de
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36 • FURNITURE JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE MARCH 2012 Daltons Wadkin see W12 as a major opportunity to promote their activities as a distributor and manufacturer of a wide range of woodworking machinery from both European sources and their own manufacturing plant in the UK. Director Alex Dalton was positive about both the opportunity and the timing of the show: “In a currently uncertain economy one thing that is certain is that W12 will take place in October and our company will be a major part of it. “Whatever the market trends during 2012 Daltons Wadkin will be in a position to meet with our expanding customer base and promote both Wadkin manufacture and the high profile equipment for which we are UK distributors. “The show will also provide a further opportunity to highlight our expanding support services and training activities which are becoming increasingly important to our business.” “In addition to the established machinery brands with which we are associated such as Stenner, Salvador, Elcon, Altendorf, Kuper, etc, we shall be introducing further innovative equipment new to the UK market and look forward to promoting these exciting products to what we hope will be a receptive W12 audience.”
Working with Wood is important for all manufacturers
T
alking to both signed–up exhibitors and manufacturers planning to visit W12 Working with Wood and the parallel Working with Design shows, there is already a sense of anticipation and even impatience to get into 2012 and get things moving. The W10 show underlined the strength of the ‘W’ events in times of economic uncertainty. Despite the 2010 backdrop buyers came to seek out new suppliers – able to offer cost reductions or increased breadth of product and market. W12 looks set again to provide its well established landmark boost to the market. One trend or theme that constantly crops up in discussions is the need for Working with Wood to offer the broadest possible range of machinery, solutions and systems. Kitchen and furniture manufacturers tell the W12 team that the upper end of the market is holding up well and in Ireland the economic forecast is for growth of one per cent. Very often this sector is served by the smaller, niche but highly skilled specialists – not companies that would necessarily be investing in large, high volume production equipment. These companies come to W12 Working with Wood to seek out the latest high-tech but smaller solutions that will offer their operations new advantages in flexibility, operating cost reductions and improvements in final product quality. Alongside the very large stands of the big industrial machinery suppliers – who, by the way, also offer a wide range of entry level options – visitors will find the best shop window for the smaller manufacturer. Two such exhibitors are the Axminster Power Tool Centre and the Hoffmann Machine Company.
Axminster Power Tool Centre has taken on the UK agency for the top quality range of Italian manufactured Griggio machines for the small to medium sized workshop. Andy Cross, Head of Trade & Commercial Sales at Axminster says that in the continuing tough economic situation many companies are moving away from highly specified and over-priced machinery and instead are investing in good solid products that do the job.
Above: The Griggio sliding table saw.
Above: Set of Hoffman keys.
“With Griggio as our new partner we are able to offer a good range of modern machines complementing our own Axminster Industrial Series.” Andy Cross, Head of Trade & Commercial Sales, Axminster Power Tool Centre
Hoffmann has traditionally had one of the busiest stands at all the past “W” exhibitions. This buzz of activity is generated by Hoffmann’s famous dovetail key jointing system which is so versatile and solution-providing that it is used in the most diverse cabinet and joinery applications and in industries beyond. Small businesses across Britain using the Hoffmann system will more often than not tell you they first saw it demonstrated at W6, 8 or 10! Another fast changing section that affects all manufacturers is that of energy and wood waste disposal. W12 Working with Wood will be the definitive event at which to explore and understand the fast moving technology and legislation that affects everyone. Mawera, Ranheat and Inventair are just three of the specialists who will be meeting with the industry in October. It becomes more important to make a date at the NEC from October 7–10 all the time!
LATEST EXHIBITOR SIGN-UPS Allwood Machinery (Essex) Ltd Stanley Bostitch UK Ltd Fire Safety International Stakapal Ltd IMA UK Ltd Busch UK Ltd Advanced Machinery Services Ltd Charvo Ltd ITW Finishing Systems Ltd KLAES UK Ltd LATEST EXHIBITOR SIGN-UPS
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FURNITURE JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE MARCH 2012 • 37
W12 Working with Design moves ahead with innovative Awards competition THE JUDGING PANEL FOR THE DESIGN IN MANUFACTURING AWARDS 2012
Judges are, from top left, clockwise: Sue Calver, Project Manager, Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) John Legg, Editorial Director, Gearing Media Group Eddie Chue, Commercial Manager, Stoneham Kitchens Plc Martin Allen-Smith, Managing Editor, Designer Magazine.
For more details on W12 Working with Wood and Working with Design read the May issue of Furniture Journal or contact Huddleston Events Ltd direct.
Tel: 01629 530998 Fax: 01629 530 999
A
s W12 Working with Design continues to attract enormous interest and expand, the W12 team have been hugely encouraged by the way in which signed-up exhibitors and interested participants have bought into the concept of why design is so crucially important in the manufacturing process and success of the final product. As a direct result, the organisers Huddlestone Events have launched a prestigious Awards competition that will be judged by a panel of leading industry experts. The Design in Manufacturing Awards will be claimed by the best judged entries that fulfil a number of criteria but principally the central concept of design being the core success of a manufactured product that can be commercially brought to market. This will include individuality of the product, its inherent quality and performance and any edge that gives it a commercial advantage while offering the final user tangible benefits. In essence, a design that sets a finished product apart from the rest. Entry forms and full details will be sent out to all exhibitors in due course and the judging will take place before the exhibition begins. The Design in Manufacturing Awards will be presented to the winning entrants at the W12 Working with Design exhibition at the NEC from October 7-10 2012.
Email: jenny@huddlestone.co.uk Web: www.w12exhibition.com
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38 • FURNITURE JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE MARCH 2012
Right: A reception area built by the Hertfordshire company for a London firm of architects.
Left: Cabinet maker Felice Iannone with the Striebig Compact at Manufacturing by Design.
striebig’s compact solution
A
highly successful manufacturer of high-end bespoke commercial furniture has solved a bottleneck in its sizing operations with a Striebig Compact vertical panel saw. The saw has also delivered more accurate sizing and better use of workshop space. Manufacturing by Design creates hand-crafted furniture for some of the UK’s leading design and building practices, commissioned for blue chip clients in the retailing, banking and hospitality sectors. Managing director Tony Juchau set up the business in 1992. The company has expanded steadily since then, culminating last year in a move to 9,300 sq ft premises in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. It has 20 employees, including eight highly skilled cabinet makers. “Despite all the talk of gloom and doom in the media, business is buoyant at the moment and we have a good order book,” said Mr Juchau. Amongst recent prestige jobs have been retail installations for Diptyque, the French perfumers and makers of luxury scented candles, and the fitting out of Graff Diamonds’ new flagship store in Bond Street, London. The company has also been commissioned for installations in Europe, the Middle East and the United States. It was because of the steady increase in demand for its work that a second saw was needed in the workshop.
Striebig smooths the way for up-market furniture maker Manufacturing by Design. “We have a panel saw which was not able to cope with the increasing amount of sizing we needed to do on it,” said Mr Juchau. “As most of our work starts off with panel sizing, this was causing major problems further down the line.” After deciding to invest in a second machine, Mr Juchau and workshop manager Chris Lawley agreed that a vertical panel saw would save on workshop space. “From reading the trade journals we soon realised that Striebig was considered the bench mark to aim at,” said Mr Juchau. “The two other manufacturers we looked at in addition to Striebig offered cheaper machines but they were far less well-built and not as robust,” said Mr Lawley. “They were also not as simple to set up, which is important as almost all of our work consists of one-offs.” They then talked to Striebig’s UK agent, TM Machinery Sales, about which model would be best for their needs. “TM suggested that a Compact would do the job well, so I went to look at one used at a local kitchen cabinet maker,” said Mr Lawley. “Seeing it working and listening to the positive views of the operators clinched our
decision to buy. It’s amazingly accurate and cuts perfectly square every time, which is not the case with the panel saw which needs to be checked and reset from time to time.” Manufacturing by Design’s Compact 4164 sizes various sheet materials, mainly veneered boards and MDF, plus the occasional acrylic sheet, ranging in thickness from 19 to 38mm. The machine is the smallest in the nine-strong entry level series with a cutting range of 3100 x 1644mm (10ft x 5ft) and a maximum depth of cut of 60mm. Featuring automatic moving backing support and with a powerful 3.9kW motor, it has exceptionally efficient integral TRK dust extraction that surpasses current European health and safety legislation. Useful accessories chosen by Manufacturing by Design included a scoring saw for laminates and a 600mm strip cutter for repeat cuts. Felice Iannone, one of the company’s team of cabinet makers, said most of the panel sizing work is now being done on the Striebig: “As well as being simple to set up, we get a totally accurate cut every time and it’s far easier to load the biggest panels on to it than on to the panel saw. It has made panel sizing much, much easier.” Sales enquiries to Matt Pearce, T.M. Machinery Sales, by phone 0116 271 7155, fax 0116 271 5862, email sales@tmservices.co.uk or visit www.tmpartnership.co.uk
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Laser Edge delivers a flawless finish.
Browns 2000 is using an SCM Stefani machine to apply Laser Edge Mirror Gloss polypropylene edge banding on new Glacier doors.
get a leading edge with rehau W
ith Homag and SCM both now producing machines for the application of Rehau's Laser Edge edgeband, a growing number of customers are investing in the new technology because they feel it will give them a ‘competitive edge’. One such company is Northumberland based Browns 2000 which is using an SCM Stefani machine to apply Rehau’s Laser Edge Mirror Gloss polypropylene edgeband on a new range of premium acrylic wrapped doors that are branded Glacier. The company chose Rehau Laser Edge because it could meet the very exacting specification required for the new Glacier brand. Feedback from customers has already been so positive that it is planning to expand the range. In fact, Browns 2000 is so impressed with the Laser Edge concept that it is also investing in a second new edgebanding machine from SCM which will have interchangeable applications offering both Laser and PUR options. Rehau’s Laser Edge technology offers a genuine alternative to traditional hot melt adhesive – delivering a perfect finish and no visible glue line, which can compromise board performance. As the name suggests, Laser Edge uses a laser welding process in place of conventional
hot melt adhesive to deliver a seamless moulded look. The standard adhesive applicator inside the machine is replaced with a highly efficient laser which melts the lower polymer layer of the coextruded Raukantex Laser Edge edgeband and enables it to bond seamlessly to the substrate. The success of the original Raukantex Laser Edge edgebands in polypropylene prompted Rehau to expand the range with new materials and more décor variants and it now includes the ABS and PMMA polymers. This means it can be used with Rehau’s premium edgebands such as the Mirror Gloss being run by Browns 2000, Magic 3D and Impressions, offering a wider range of striking textures, colours and finishes. Rehau has produced a new information pack for manufacturers interested in finding out more about Laser Edge. As well as product information and details on machine manufacturers, this contains a sample of board with Laser Edge edgebanding to demonstrate the quality of finish which can be achieved and an innovative, interactive brochure. Please call Martin Rover-Parkes at Rehau to receive a copy on 01989 762671 or email martin.rover-parkes@rehau.com
Rehau’s Laser Edge edgebanding technology continues to impress kitchen, furniture and board manufacturers with the flawless finish it delivers on any narrow board surface.
Many companies are investing in technology to apply the new edgebanding.
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40 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2012
out of this world A
new Galaxy beam saw has been added to the constellation of SCM Group machines at Idess Retail, a Harlow-based company that delivers solutions to the retail, commercial, banking and leisure markets. Production Manager, Tim Harper, comments, "With an existing beam saw and a wall saw, we were experiencing capacity issues, so we decided to install an additional beam saw, as our business is continuously on the increase, and we are currently working 24/7.” A new Gabbiani Galaxy T3 110A 45 beam saw (main picture, above) was delivered and installed in August 2011. The Galaxy has a 4500mm cutting width capacity and a rear panel lifting and feeding system (fed by powered rollers) that is loaded with a pack of board by fork lift. The panels are automatically pushed off the board stack by pushers on the saw's rip fence, which runs on THK guides, and onto the saw’s rear table, where they are pushed against aligning stops located in the table. Clamps on the rip fence grip the panels as the aligning stops disappear, then trim before successive rip cuts are carried out. The rear table is fitted with large diameter nylon wheels that reduce friction on the panels, eliminating chipping and damage. The cut panels are fed onto a series of front air flotation tables that can be
Panel handling made easy with Gabbiani’s Galaxy.
Idess Retail opts for a new high specification Gabbiani Galaxy beam saw. positioned easily to suit the operator. As the rip fence and clamps retract to the rear of the machine, the panels are easily turned through 90 degrees for subsequent trimming and cross cutting. An automatic side aligner, with a 1200mm stroke, pushes the panels against the cross cut fence ensuring the panels are perfectly square. The Galaxy has a pressure beam with a new mechanical design providing a higher, more uniform pressure on the panels, with optimum extraction of shavings and sawdust and easy maintenance. Also included is an innovative saw blade carriage with electronic lifting running on THK guides. The optimised blade stroke and pressure
beam stroke reduce any unnecessary movements that cost valuable production time. The saw carriage and blade run on prismatic guides. Maximum rigidity and perpendicular movement of the blade with respect to the stack of panels reduce friction and wear on the materials even at the highest running speeds. Electronic setting of the scoring blade is fast and the exact adjustment of the scoring blade is by means of electronically driven motors, according to the values set by the operator with the PC. The main saw motor is 25HP and drives a blade with a 110mm projection. The saw carriage speed is up to 165 metres/min and the pusher speed is 95120 0metres/min. A label printer (inset picture) is located by the programming station for bar code printing. The Galaxy's PLC takes care of the running of all the machine devices. The management software Wincut, operating in a Windows environment, has been especially developed by Gabbiani and is easy to use. Optimisation software offers a maximum number of 30 lines per programme with 500 pieces per line and four controlled cut levels. The cutting cycle is shown with three-dimensional simulation and production reporting is automatic. To find out more call 0115 977 0044 or visit www.scmgroup-uk.com
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The patented X-Head is one of the highlights of Bütfering’s product range.
mid size bütfering B
ütfering is adding a new series that falls between its 300 and 100 models of wide belt sander. Logically called the SWT 200, these are designed to suit the requirements of small to medium size shops at a very attractive price/value ratio. With a sanding belt length of 2150mm, the range is compact and offers a choice of between one and three sanding heads controlled via a Touchscreen terminal. “Built according to strict quality standards, the new 200 series has it all,” says Ingemar Bauersfeld, the company's product manager. “With constant passline a standard feature, longer and heavier parts are more easily handled; and with a frequency inverter drive to the final sanding head, the machine becomes suited to lacquer sanding applications as well as calibration and veneer. Additional space is provided for structuring or part cleaning accessories, if required.” At the Nürberg show, a cross section of the Bütfering "toolbox" will be on display. The patented X-head will be one of the Highlights, as it combines
three different sanding units in a single head. Dependant upon application, a steel contact roller, segmented pad, or chevron belt is utilised. This choice gives even a single head machine tremendous flexibility and brings the many advantages of using chevron belt sanding within reach of smaller manufacturers. These, say Bütfering, include the ability to use much finer sanding belts for preparation of high gloss, and the elimination of oscillation lines. Bütfering has also been busy developing its green credentials with Sorb Tech models of the SWT 500 series, and ecoPlus. Bütfering will demonstrate how its machines offer increased production, while preserving natural resources and minimizing energy consumption with innovative technology such as the pulse system air-jet cleaners used to prolong abrasive lifetime. This patented system is integrated into the dust extraction system, and up to 30% savings in compressed air consumption can easily be achieved. For more information call 01296 613985
Bütfering’s new mid range wide belt sander makes its debut.
Bütfering’s new SWT 200.
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super sigma I
f yours is a small to medium sized company and you’re ready for a beam saw, SCM’s most successful machine, the Sigma Impact, has recently undergone improvements and refinements which make it even more competitive. The new Sigma Impact 87/107 has a new design and a robust structure with a shape and a framework carefully designed to ensure any vibration is absorbed by the ground. This further improves the quality of the finished cut. With a generous 87 or 107mm saw blade projection, it is supplied in 3200 x 3200mm dimensions up to 4500 x 4300mm with the option of a rear lift table (P version). The solid machine base provides precise carriage movements and, together with THK guides for the raising and lowering of the saw blades, it ensures a high quality of finish. Air flotation tables at the front assist with loading heavy full-size panels and also turning and removing stacks of panels that have been cut. They are particularly useful when delicate panels have to be cut. The mobile tables can be moved easily. Included as standard is an innovative and automatic panel
SCM’s most popular production saw gets new features for 2012. aligner. There’s even a twin version for aligning in front and behind the cutting line. The saw blade carriage runs at up to 150 metres/min and up to 120 metres/min on the rear pusher with the High Speed Kit. Ideal ergonomics are provided by the remote control panel, cyclical speed ensured by empowered automatic detection features of the panel length, width and thickness by using photocells. The success of a machine is partly down to ease of use and operation. The saw blade changeover system uses a
pneumatic selector that enables the saw blades to be changed quickly, without using keys, spanners or having to unscrew tools. Electronic setting of the scoring blade from the PC also improves setting times while the saw blade has a self-teaching upstroke feature, which reads the height of the panel pack and calibrates blade height. The new graphic layout on the PC screen is easy to use and the Control System with PC/PLC is available as a standard feature. A post formed panel or worktop cutting unit, a grooving unit, a device for execution of slots in a panel or door and a panel labeling system are also available as optional equipment. Netline, thanks to the efficient integration of SCM machines and dedicated Software, sorts out the Furniture Manufacturing Process, assisting you along the complete “Line”, starting with a 3D presentation through to the final delivery of furniture to the customer. The Sigma Impact 87/107 integrates perfectly within this process. For further details, call SCM on 0115 9770044 or visit the company’s website, www.scmgroup-uk.com
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44 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2012 The T75 PreX from Ottobeuren sets new standards in performance and flexibility. With its tilting range of 2x46° the T75 has a saw blade with a diameter of 550mm and a cutting height of 204mm. A powerful 7.5kW motor, that can also be equipped with a variable speed control, guarantees that the cutting height of this machine can be used efficiently. Thanks to numerous innovative solutions the operator is free to execute each angular cut at the cross-cut fence and at the rip fence exactly the way it is best for the task at hand or the workpiece to be machined. The tilting drive as well as the saw blade arbor bearings differ significantly from all previous technical solutions. Refinements include increased motor horsepower of up to 11kW (15 hp) and a cutting angle with an accuracy of 0.01 degrees. The T75 PreX’s saw blade arbor is moved from two sides, which is the only way to move the heavy trunnion over an angle of 92° so precisely and reliably. “Most sliding table saws in use today can only tilt the saw blade to the right or not at all,” says marketing director Michael Mühldorfer. “Our T75 PreX can also tilt the saw blade to the left by up to 46°, which amounts to an unique angular cutting range of 92°. And the machine still reaches a cutting height of approximately 130mm measured vertically from the table, which is very important to the operators.” 0049 8332 911 144 • www.martin.info
CRAFTSMAN’S CHOICE
Right: Daltons Wadkin offer a comprehensive range of Beam Saws from Nimac including the entry level TEMA ST model featuring a cutting length of 3780 mm and pusher stroke of 1870 mm. This is a very useful size at a competitive price. The machine incorporates PLC touchscreen control and a cutting height of 65mm and is of a compact size to suit smaller workshops. The manufacturers claim a 0.1mm accuracy and this Beam Saw incorporates an inverter control for cutting speed, prismatic linear guides and of course a scoring unit. The PLC memory stores 100 programmes. 0115 986 5201 www.daltonsmachines.com
saw far, saw good Our round up of the latest saws.
BEST BUDGET BUY
Above: Economical and efficient, the PS315 Panel Saw is the latest addition to the Startrite range. The PS315 is a professional panel saw for the small to medium sized business, the perfect answer for easy and accurate cutting of panels. It has very high spec for a machine in this price range. An ultra-rigid rip fence is set on a substantial fence rail and can give a 1270mm cut to the right hand of the saw. The extremely rigid and smooth running beam will give excellent accuracy, even in a busy commercial environment. It has a 120mm scoring blade, which is powered by a separate motor, essential for more demanding work. The squaring table is a generous size and the fence, with its two flip over stops, can be extended out to 3200mm 01246 561 520 sales@startrite.co.uk www.startrite.co.uk
A cleanly cut square edge prior to splicing is an essential for cabinet makers working with natural wood veneers for use as high quality veneered panels. The Langzauner LZ 5/2 series of veneer saws offers the ultimate precision veneer cutting solution. Combining sawing and milling in a single, quality-engineered machine, these saws provide efficient chamfer-free cutting of veneers; achieving accurate and clean square-edge joints, every time. The milling and saw carriage move together in forward and reverse; the saw cutting slightly oversize on the forward stroke and the milling head machining a perfect edge on the return stroke. With the ability to cut single leaves or packs up to 40mm in a single pass, as well as performing cross cutting operations, the LZ 5/2 saws are extremely versatile. The series includes three models, all of which are available in a choice of four cutting lengths from 3,050mm to 4500mm. The saws are simple to operate, extremely reliable and easy to maintain – the only consumables required are saw blades and disposable tips for the milling head which are quick and easy to change. Starting with the manual feed LZ 5/2 model, the series continues with the LZ 5/2E featuring electromotive auto-feed, automatic saw blade adjustment and size correction. Top of the range is the LZ 5/2A veneer saw, incorporating all the features of the LZ 5/2E, but with the addition of a fully-automatic sequence controller, moveable front support table and enclosed safety covers. It has a 200mm saw blade, which runs at 10,000 rpm, and a 40mm capacity milling head. Other features include: variable speed feed; pneumatic lifting & lowering of the saw and milling units, which travel on hardened and ground precision guides; automatic saw blade adjustment; and pneumatic pressure beam, including compensating gear rack. Langzauner veneer saws, hydraulic hot plate presses, edge sanders and pad sanders are sold in the UK through exclusive distributor CD (UK) Ltd. 0113 201 2240 • info@cdukltd.co.uk • www.cdukltd.co.uk
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Steve Matuska at Dustraction: “Does the EU have a control system that works better than the existing COSHH legislation?”
lowering the limits S
teve Matuska at Dustraction believes the EU may be planning revisions to Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) which could reduce hardwood dust in the workplace from 5mg/m3 to 3mg/m3 - or possibly even as low as 1mg/m 3 . Part of an EU revision of the Carcinogens & Mutagens Directive, it follows an 18 month implementation programme which could become law in the UK in 2014. Steve says that such a regulation would be virtually unenforceable. The problem, he says, is that the HSE, who will probably head up negotiations on behalf of the UK, are “out of touch with reality and don't have the resources to police any such standards”. “I doubt that equipment supplied by the UK LEV industry is any different to that in France, Belgium, or anywhere else,” he says. “So the ability to meet an improved OEL standard, here or in mainland Europe, is either based on better work practices and training or different measuring methodology - or is perhaps just the usual paying of lip service to the law.” Wally Gilder, one of Dustraction's UK trading partners at Flextraction in Leicester, continues, “A difference
between UK and Europe could be that air recirculation is banned in some Euro countries. I would question whether it is known what current working levels actually are in the UK, since probably 95% of all installations are never measured - even though it is a requirement for carcinogens. And even if money were made available to subsidise OEL reductions in the UK, what different or better equipment and services are there available?” “So far as I know,” Steve Matuska continues, “There is no way to distinguish between hard and soft wood dust, so existing methods to measure inhaleable dust of any kind will come up with different results. In France, I believe, wood and panel processors are subsidised to get down as low as 1mg/m3 while British manufacturers are not - and that too makes for a somewhat uneven playing field. “Perhaps,” he ponders, “The EU has a control system that works better than the existing COSHH legislation ...?” If you’d like to find out more, contact Steve Matuska on 0116 271 3212 or send an email direct to Dustraction at steve.matuska@dustraction.co.uk
The European Union seems set to reduce OELs on hardwood dust...but is it enforceable? Dustraction’s Steve Matuska and Wally Gilder give their views.
46 Adverts
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CONTROL LOGIC Spark detector designed for dust collection systems to protect storage silos from the risk of fire. 20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - Italy Tel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764 E-mail: controllogic@controllogic.it - Web: www.controllogic.it
Sparks fly at high speed. They travel at a hundred kilometres per hour along the ducts of the dust collection system and reach the silo in less than three seconds The CONTROL LOGIC SPARK DETECTOR is faster than the sparks themselves. It detects them with its highly sensitive infrared sensor, intercepts and extinguishes them in a flash. It needs no periodic inspection. The CONTROL LOGIC system is designed for “total supervision”. It verifies that sparks have been extinguished, gives prompt warning of any malfunction and, if needed, cuts off the duct and stops the fan.
CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.
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BeModern’s new Mawera FSR2600 Biomass boiler provides heat for vast production and office areas.
Enhanced Capital Allowances, remote control and protection of the environment were all part of the Mawera package for BeModern.
biomass for bemodern A
s one of the largest manufacturers of fireplaces and suppliers of bathroom furniture, with over 500,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space, BeModern* has to take its responsibilities for the environment seriously. Protecting the environment was as high on the priority list as developing a sustainable business when the directors ratified a deal for the installation of the very latest Biomass boiler from Mawera. BeModern opted for a Mawera FSR2600 boiler plant with distributing and pumping facilities. The specification also included a new storage silo discharger with transport systems to the boiler house. De-ashing and automatic tube cleaning was installed as part of the standard equipment. The boiler, with two-stage combustion systems, recirculates the flue gases into both primary and secondary combustion stages to ensure positive emission limit control which
falls well within the PPC legislation, regardless of the size or quantity of materials being burned. A continuous, remote monitoring system monitors the EPA emissions. The remote access also allows full boiler control. BeModern’s production director, Greg Bloodworth, is delighted with the new installation. “We needed a boiler that provided the required heat for our vast production and office areas,” he said. “We’ve invested in a leading biomass system that reflects our stance on protecting the environment and looking after our workforce.” At the end of the installation, full EPA and efficiency tests were carried out on the plant by independent consultants. The thermal efficiency of the system enabled BeModern to claim enhanced capital allowances on the whole installation. To find out how Mawera could help your company, call 01543 258844 or visit www.mawera.co.uk
* BeModern Marketing Department: 0191 427 4072
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Right: The bag filter plant was specially designed and custom-built by Dust Control Systems. The workshops are sited on separate floors, making the extraction system tricky to design. Below: All machines are fitted with ECOGATE automatic motorised gates. Extraction from the wood machine shop is controlled by two ECOGATE greenBOX12 controllers.
designed for learning T DCS overcame the problem of limited space for the filter and fans when fitting a new extraction system in the newly built design facility at Loughborough University.
Students and staff use the new workshop facilities at Loughborough University.
he two wood workshops at Loughborough University are used for the construction of prototypes, helping to turn design ideas into reality. There is a wood preparation shop on the ground floor, and a wood machine shop, housed on the second floor. Equipment in the wood preparation shop is restricted to use by university technical staff and includes a wall saw, dimension saw, crosscut saw, two routers, planer, thicknesser and a grooving machine. Within the machine shop there are a total of 24 woodworking, sanding and finishing machines which students use in the construction of design prototypes. The requirement for a dust extraction system was set out by mechanical and electrical contractors, Imtech G&H, and called for an internally-sited filter capable of extracting from all machines on both floors. It was also an essential requirement that the system must provide low-noise operation and be energy-efficient to run. A major constraint placed on the plant’s design and installation was that the filter and fans would have to fit into very limited space on the ground floor. Also, the route for ducting between floors had been established when the building was designed and meant that all main ductwork had to in place ahead of other trades. Dust Control Systems designed a scheme that centres round a custombuilt bag filter that fits the available space, and features their computerised
ECOGATE ® energy-saving extraction optimisation system. The high-efficiency bag filter has a capacity of 23,000m3/hr and is fitted with 160 tubular polyester needle-felt filter bags Filter cleaning is by ‘shaker system’ and waste is collected in quick- release bins beneath each filter section. As the filter is housed inside the building it is fitted with spark detection equipment to prevent the possibility of fire by spark ignition. The system employs two main fansets – 7.5kW for the wood preparation shop and 22kW for the machine shop. Energy saving measures involved the fitting of variable speed drives to each fan, and machines in the workshops were fitted with ECOGATE automatic motorised gates with sensors. The system employs two ECOGATE greenBOX12 controllers in the machine shop and one in the wood preparation workshop. The sensors signal the controller to open or close gates as machines come on line or shut down. The greenBOX12 detects changes in extraction load and adjusts the variable speed fan drive accordingly. The result is a highly-efficient dust extraction system, which operates at reduced noise levels, and provides precise extraction volumes only when needed. It is expected that the ECOGATE ‘on-demand’ system will reduce power usage by around 60 percent when compared with a traditional fixed-speed system. For more information call 0800 040 7116 or visit www.DCSlimited.co.uk