Cover May 12
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furniture journal
may 2012
A r e a l Tu r k i s h delight: Samet DP's Biesse installation progresses Friz for BA Maka magic
Decorative Panels Turnaround Ad Feb 12 A4 v3:Layout 1
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the decorative panels group
3-5 day turnaround ready to go!
We deliver fast to keep your business on the go.
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From order to delivery, we offer 3-5 day lead times on over 100 decors - manufactured to your specification
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Available on more than 100 different board sizes including chipboard/MDF/Plywood and dp-lite hollowcore substrates
Century House, Premier Way, Lowfields Business Park, Elland West Yorkshire, HX5 9HF
T: +44 (0) 1484 658341 F: +44 (0) 1484 658812 E: sales@decorativepanels.co.uk www.decorativepanels.co.uk
the decorative panels group YOUR PERFECT PARTNER
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cover photo This is Visionnaire - subtle tones of Rijeka Oak partnered by vibrant colour from the new Express Unicolours Collection from Kronospan. Information: marketing@kronospan.co.uk www.kronospan.co.uk
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editor: Melvyn Earle email: editorial@FurnitureJournal.co.uk 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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27 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
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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
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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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business news czech this A proven team with a fully-matched range of edgebands is at your service and ready to deliver. fmc china nears More space, more exhibitors, a more business-like atmosphere and two concurrent exhibitions make China the place to visit in September 2012.
contents
01 Contents May 12
a star from the east Mike Clouting explains the philosophy behind the success of David Clouting Ltd. turkish delight Doing business in Turkey brings tangible benefits - and a whole new dimension which has to be experienced to be appreciated. handle stars Leather, solid pewter and styles from traditional to avant garde are just some of the latest looks in decorative hardware. pick of the products FJ's choice of the best for the furniture industry. zoom® ahead with egger Egger has launched its Zoom® collection to the furniture industry. advertisement feature the future looks bright for particleboard manufacturer Sonae Industria (UK) is looking forward to an exciting year ahead. no con fusion There's no con, just fusion with Döllken's Fusion Edge laser edgebandings.
advertisement feature w12 - two distinct shows, one massive business opportunity This October the W12 Working with Wood and Working with Design exhibitions at the NEC Birmingham will offer a unique business opportunity for exhibitors and visitors. northern lights Biesse's installation of machinery lines at Decorative Panels' new 175,000 sq ft components factory is exactly on schedule. in pursuit of perfection Furniture Journal visits BA Components' Doncaster factory to see the new Friz line. make it with maka With a quarter of a century of five-axis experience in the wood, metal and plastics industries behind it, Maka has more to offer CNC buyers than most. inside story RW Machines of Bicester explains the inner workings of Giben's Edge KE03 professional edgebander. classy combo Auditoria chooses a Morbidelli combined CNC router and edgebander machining centre from SCM UK. machine shop Latest news from the machinery world.
02 Business News
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Schattdecor has received the TOP DESIGN award at Poznan’s Area Design Event. Schattdecor was the sole décor company to receive one of the awards, which was granted for the design and execution of the digital print Paint Splatter. The theme of the Arena Design show was sustainable design and the jury for the awards was chaired by French designer Francois Azambourg. Paint Splatter was chosen because it demonstrates that an industrial item can have the character of a unique product. Originally devised for flooring and taking its inspiration from an artist’s studio, the décor interprets splatters and streaks of paint on a coarse paper surface. Claudia Kuchen, Head of Design at Schattdecor accepted the trophy on behalf of the company.
business news Combilift enjoyed a night to remember at the FLTA Awards for Excellence where the company won the innovation award for the second time for its Rough Terrain RT forklift and the Combi-CB scooped the first and only Victor Ludorum prize, described by the FLTA as the winner of winners in the 18 year history of the awards. To mark London 2012, the event had an Olympic theme and was co-hosted by Olympic champion Sally Gunnell. The Victor Ludorum was chosen from every winning entry in all previous awards in the Environment, Ergonomics and Innovation categories. The final votes were cast by those attending the event – and even the trophy was something special. The Archimedes (or Archie) statuettes awarded to winners are cast in bronze by sculptor Les Johnson. The gold plated Archie awarded to Combilift is unique and was created to mark the Association’s 40th year. Launched in 2011, the RT truck was originally designed in collaboration with Keyo Agricultural Services, one of the largest suppliers to the poultry processing sector. The Combi-RT was the first purpose built machine designed for the exacting demands of this industry. The compact multi directional counterbalance transfers the four way principle into a small counterbalance truck for the first time. This development which is designed for operations handling a mix of palletised and long loads has become one of Combilift’s best selling models. Sam Moffett of Comblift accepted the awards on behalf of the company.
ZOW 2012 REVISITED
Polyrey laminate in PO66 pearlescent has been specified for retail display units in the Stephen James BMW motorbike showroom in Enfield. Nottingham based design and shopfitting company the SGI Group specified the laminate in Surf texture to accentuate the products on display. The texture and pearl effect offer greater visual depth and interest than plain white. Being flexible to fabricate and easy to maintain, laminate was the ideal choice for display podiums, pigeon hole display units and mid height merchandising units. The finish also works well with the showroom black, white and silver theme. 01923 202700 www.polyrey.com
Not a solid colour and not a wood grain but best described as an abstract, Free Style is a print from Alfatherm developed in cooperation with Confalonieri and is already well established in several markets. The impact at ZOW was so positive Alfatherm added three colourways to the Stock Express range. Alabaster, Stone Grey and Brown Grey are based on Egger colours allow Free Style to be used with Alfatherm’s new matt Velluto solid colours as both foils use the same surface finish. Call 01948 668000, or for samples email info@alfafoils.co.uk
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
International Trade Fair for producers of Upholstery, Window & Wall Coverings
is organised by Textirama vzw, Poortakkerstraat 90, BE-9051 Gent, Belgium Phone +32 9 24 38 450 - fax +32 9 24 38 455 - email: info@moodbrussels.com
MOOD-12-ADV-Furniture.indd 1
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Above: Ing. Alexandr Alexandrov joined Hranipex as European Sales Manager and is now Managing Director of Hranipex UK. His backround includes warehouse design and planning.
czech this A proven team with a fully-matched range of edgebands is at your service and ready to deliver.
H
ranipex is making no secret of its arrival in the UK. The Czech edgebanding manufacturer has been busily matching the latest collections from Kronospan and Egger to ensure its 700+ stock of ABS décors is not only as comprehensive as possible, it’s also available on 24 hour delivery from a new UK base in the heart of England. “We can bring a huge cashflow advantage to larger companies and free up storage and factory space for them by keeping the stock they need in our warehouse,” says MD Alexandr Alexandrov. “We can supply them every day on a justin-time basis, as necessary, with exactly the product they need at that time - and eliminate the possibility of production stoppage due to shortage of the right edging. For companies requiring large stocks, our main warehouse in the Czech Republic holds over 200 million metres and we will dedicate an area in our new UK warehouse to carrying the exact stock manufacturers need. We can supply anywhere in the UK from here.
“For smaller companies, we offer rewinding from the rolls of any length from one metre up - it’s the perfect service for those requiring small quantities.” The UK team - currently six but expected to double within a year - is backed up by efficient order and stock control systems and the new warehouse, which was already fully stocked days after occupying the building in early January, is computer controlled and geared for immediate dispatch. In addition to enquiries from large and small manufacturers, Hranipex UK is open to negotiations with potential UK distributors. Find out more. Call 0121 767 9180.
New base: Unit 5, Elmdon Trading Est, Solihull.
Above: Pavlina Winn - Office Manager - deals with personnel, accounts, suppliers and customers, their enquiries and orders. Below: Radim Prihoda is Warehouse Manager. His job is to ensure you get what you want, when you want it.
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fmc china nears P More space, more exhibitors, a more business-like atmosphere and two concurrent exhibitions make China the place to visit in September 2012.
urchasing groups from Vietnam, India and Mexico will bring 30-40 furniture manufacturers each to FMC China 2012 from 11-14 September, Shanghai. The Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association (TWMA) and the Italian Woodworking Machinery Association (ACIMALL) will each have more than 30 exhibitors participating at FMC China 2012 and the organiser is now contacting furniture associations around the world in order to attract more such groups. FMC China 2011 successfully moved to Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, at which overseas visitors increased by 50%. It is believed that the move will not only offer better conditions for exhibitors and visitors, it will also create a stronger and more professional, independent one-stop sourcing platform for woodworking machinery and furniture raw materials. In 2012, FMC will use Hall 4 and the total area will be 71,000 square metres, representing an increase of 20% over last year. 850 exhibitors are expected in 2012, an increase of 14% over last year. More than 70% of the available space has now been allocated. The exhibition covers many areas including woodworking machinery and
tools, office furniture supplies and gas springs, upholstery furniture components and supplies, furniture coatings and chemicals, cabinet and wardrobe fittings, furniture lighting, hardware and fittings, furniture inspection and panels and surfaces. According to the organisers, “FMC Premium features uniform display upgraded stands without hindrance from walls and with catering service furnished. It provides exhibitors and visitors a harmonious, relaxed environment for concentrated business communications.” Furniture China 2012 will run concurrently with FMC China 2012, from 11 to 15 September - one more day than FMC China 2012. It will use the new Halls N1-N4, four more halls than last year. According to the organisers, “600 more furniture manufacturers as exhibitors will be in Furniture China in 2012. There will be a total of 2,500 furniture manufacturers with 350,000m2 exhibiting at Furniture China 2012.” For further enquiries, contact Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo International Exhibition Co. Ltd on 86-21-64371178, email: fmc@ubmsinoexpo.com or visit www.fmcchina.com.cn
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FURNITURE JOURNAL MAY 2012 • 7 “The new warehouse in Braintree is twice the size of our present site,” says Mike Clouting.
a star
from the east
M
ike Clouting isn’t the kind of guy to exaggerate his company’s achievements. Just the opposite, in fact. Yet, in its own quiet way, David Clouting Ltd., the company he bought from his father in 2006, has instigated a quiet revolution in the decorative surfaces market, influenced the policies of big players in the European décor sector and quietly persuaded a global giant to change course - all in less than a decade. That’s no mean achievement. It’s all the more amazing when you consider, though Mike has trebled the size of the company since he took over as managing director, it still only employs 23, spread between two sites in Witham, Essex, and Dewsbury, in the heart of Yorkshire’s Woolen District. It all began in 1985, selling paper foils, melamine edging and PVC. Two years later, David Clouting had secured the Bausch agency. But it was the recession of the early 90s that marked
the real turning point: “We got a real leg up when the coffin industry changed over from veneer to overlacquered paper foils,” recalls Mike, with a wry smile. “Father did very nicely.” The next big step came in 1997 when the company tied up with LG Chemicals to supply PVC foils but, despite the fears of the major European producers (some of whom dropped prices almost immediately by as much as 20% when they discovered LG had entered the UK market), David Clouting Ltd took almost nothing from the Koreans. The product wasn’t right for the UK market, Mike recalls. He smiles as he thinks back to the early days: “Even after five years, though we had a massive price advantage, we were only selling half a million a year,” he says, the amusement growing as he recounts the story. “If only the competition had known!” The turning point came in October 2000 when LG’s Korean Vice President
“We’re not a super-slick, all-style-and-no-substance organisation. We sell good products at reasonable prices. We try to do what it says on the tin.”
Mike Clouting
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Above: Glasen is a decorative film that laminates onto the back of glass. Right: Caxton Furniture product by Woodberry Brothers & Haines Ltd.
Above: Interior films, such as Twister, are a growing part of David Clouting’s business.
arrived in the UK unexpectedly. “He wanted to know what we needed to get the product into the market,” recalls Mike. “By January 2001, he’d split the design team into two and given the European side a budget to buy designs and cylinders. We started with two designs from Süddekor - one was Stilo Walnut. I went to Kronospan and they decided to run with it. That started the trend in matt woodgrains. It also marked a turning point in people’s perception of LG. Suddenly, they were no longer seen as copiers; they were designers." LG now offers close to 60 patterns from European printers. “The gloss boom was also lucky for us,” continues Mike. “The Japanese were not able to sustain lead times. We were in a position to step in with short lead times at a time when others were talking 16 months.” It was not long, rumour has it, before David Clouting Ltd was tipped as the number one vinyl distributor in the UK. 2006 saw Mike buy the business from his father - but that was only the start. “We had bought Coverwise, a Leeds-based distributor of edgebandings, merged them with David Clouting and opened a trade counter so we could supply small and large manufacturers,” he says. “But the big break came when, in 2007, we took Edward Quant from Cova. He’s been instrumental in developing our relationship with the board companies. He’s now our Commercial Director.” Expansion has all but turned David Clouting Ltd into a miniature version of LG Hausys with a product portfolio as diverse as flooring (from LG), Glasen (a
decorative film that laminates onto the back of glass which “surpasses anything on the market for high quality gloss” and can even be used for sliding wardrobe doors), LG Interior Film and other commercial specification products which have had architects beating a path to their door. As new LG products have made their debuts, so David Clouting Ltd has taken them on: “It’s difficult to find a better high gloss than LG’s PET,” says Mike. “Gone are the issues that traditionally plague calendared PVC. LG has spent millions on extrusion lines and put everything in a double clean room. Their goal is to produce the best in the world.” The next month or so will see David Clouting Ltd move to new premises. “After 14 years here, we’ve run out of room,” says Mike. “The new warehouse in Braintree is twice the size of our present site. Everything we sell is ex-UK warehouse stock, available on next day delivery and, at our present rate of expansion, there just isn’t the room here to service customers properly.” It might sound clichéd but David Clouting Ltd is big on service. “We employ nice people and we try to work with our customers to give them the level of service we’d like ourselves,” says Mike. “Staff turnover is low. We’re not a super-slick, all-style-and-no-substance organisation,” he adds. “We sell good products at reasonable prices and offer our customers a lot of flexibility. We try to do what it says on the tin.” To find out what David Clouting Ltd could do for your company, call 01376 518037 or visit the website www.davidclouting.co.uk
8287-Clouting Ad - All products2_Layout 1 21/03/2012 13:59 Page 1
Glasen Interior Glass Film
inspired innovation for interiors De co
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T: + da yf Dav 44 (0) or id C 137 6 lou inf ting 5180 orm Ltd 37 E . Pe : m ati a rry on Roa rketing d, W @d on a itha vidc ou m, lou rp Ess ting . ex rod CM co.uk 83 uc UD W: ww tr w.d an avid ge clo utin g.c o.u k
see our full range at davidclouting.co.uk
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Samet’s founder and CEO, Saldiray Kiziltan.
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FURNITURE JOURNAL MAY 2012 • 11
turkish Doing business in Turkey brings tangible benefits - and a whole new dimension which has to be experienced to be appreciated.
A
huge, satisfying smile spreads across his face as Saldiray Kiziltan recalls the humble beginnings of his thousand-strong company. The last 39 years have been a long and eventful journey, peppered with heartache and joy, pride and passion. He tells a very personal story, tracking the political events of 1974 through international trade embargo to opportunity. There’s a playful humour in his voice when he remembers the Turkish kitchen manufacturer who, starved of foreignmade hinges, and with nowhere else to turn, provided the first major order for a product he had no idea how to make. But then, just as now, Saldiray would not let a customer down, especially not a friend. He’d accepted the challenge. With determination, he and his partner set about the task of designing and making exactly what was needed. And they delivered on their promise. It’s that very determination to uphold his word, that uncompromising integrity, that helped Saldiray build the Samet of today. And those guiding principals run
delight
through the company from top to bottom, connecting every employee. Remarkably, though his penthouse office in Istanbul is now bigger than his first workshop, the man who, together with a partner, gave his name to Samet remains modest, approachable and refreshingly easy to talk to. He is Turkish. His company is Turkish and the spirit of Turkey - the warmth, the openness, the friendliness and the willingness to go that extra mile - is embedded in every fibre of the company that bears his name. In Samet’s four factories, giant presses stamp out the components of a range of hinges, slides and lighting that has been designed by the company’s 120-strong R&D team. With typically Turkish trust, they discuss prototypes openly, present new designs with enthusiasm and unveil plans and processes with unexpected frankness. Such is the Turkish mentality. They trust and hope for yours. They give generously without expectation. It brings an unexpected pleasure to the business of doing business.
Main picture, above: Pressing slides for the new Smartbox in one of Samet’s factories. Above: Samet designs and manufactures not only the slides, hinges and lighting elements in its range but also the machines which make them.
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Walk through any one of Samet’s four factories and you can feel the very genuine pride every employee feels for the products they make.
Emrah Ucar demonstrates the benefits of Samet’s range of lighting.
Above: Plastic specialist, Ertekin Aktas, shows Area Sales Manager Hande Kaya one of the 174 parts which make up a Samet slide.
One of Samet’s latest hinge designs.
Checking and pairing slides.
Left: Quality manager, Deniz Bilgen.
Most of the machines which manufacture and assemble the 174 separate parts in every drawer slide have been designed by Samet’s engineers and built in Samet’s engineering workshops. The moulds which form injected plastic components are designed and made by the same skilled team. Controlling every aspect of the design and production process (right down to manufacture and maintenance of machines) means quality can be guaranteed - and that brings another smile to Saldiray’s face. He’s an engineer and he revels in precision and smoothness, finish and function. Every component, every process is checked and tested rigorously at every stage. And when the product is finally assembled, examples are tested again in purpose-built machines that torture and stress to standards well beyond those laid down by the LGA. The result is a product which is designed and manufactured to perform tirelessly for consumers but which is also appreciated by engineers. That same team is often called upon to build special machines for customers to help reduce assembly times, or solve other production issues - and they relish such challenges. “We are engineers,” says Saldiray, speaking through an interpreter. “We make a lot of products, even the tools and machines necessary for hinge and slide production. We design our own product, then we design the machines to make it. We are open to develop anything.” Samet’s product range already includes single and full extension slides and hinges which cover most domestic and contract applications. In the
showroom, a photograph of a little girl curled up in the bottom drawer of a drawer stack hints at substantial carrying capacity. In other areas of the display, soft closing slides glide effortlessly to a silent stop, cosseting contents with a gentle braking action, while those for handle-less applications spring forth enthusiastically to the sound of a well-engineered click. The range of hinges includes the Star Track brand, with its short and longbodied options for pillar mounting, and the Stamm brand - products from an Italian company which Samet bought some time ago. With options including all standard opening angles, 45 degree hinges, the Star Mini for bathroom applications, a 15 degree corner option, glass door hinges and a version for thick doors of up to 40mm, Samet would seem to have the market pretty well covered. But they are not sitting on any laurels. With typical Turkish openness, and maybe just a hint of pride, a new development is introduced: the prototype of a very, very neat soft close hinge that will undoubtedly raise the bar when it’s launched. It’s no secret that prices of Turkishmade products are generally extremely competitive. Saldiray makes no secret of the fact. “We always try for the best - and for a better price!” he quips. But clients who buy into Samet get a lot more than superbly-engineered, LGAexceeding products with slim price tags. It’s possible to arrive as a customer; it’s impossible not to depart as a friend. And perhaps that’s what really makes Samet different. For details of Samet’s products call Ney on 024 7630 8100.
Samet A4 Advert
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D i s co v n ew Z e r t h e O co l l e c O M ® tion: www. egg er.co.u k/ zoom
“OUR TRIED & TRUSTED RANGES USED TO BE GOOD ENOUGH FOR MOST CUSTOMERS. NOT ANY MORE.”
With trends changing so quickly, margins being eroded and customers expecting more choice and better reproductions, can your business afford to ignore the latest, incredibly realistic designs? EGGER’s new ZOOM® collection contains an array of new finishes that must be seen (and felt) to be believed. Order your free swatch at www.egger.co.uk/shop
15 Dec hardware
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Hettich has launched the first ProDecor handle range to be tailored specifically for the UK market. Ranging from traditional to trend setting styles in a variety of materials, the ProDecor UK Collection suits everything from mainstream to more avant garde tastes. The collection of 80 designs comes in various colour and size options, bringing the total offer up to 200. The entire UK range is available on an ex stock basis with overnight despatch if needed allowing a fast response to last minute requests. Sample boards and brochures are available. 0161 872 9552 www.hettich.com/uk
handle stars
German Quality delivery from stock technical service
Leather, solid pewter and styles from traditional to avant garde are just some of the latest looks in decorative hardware.
With its warm colour and natural lustre, pewter is a favourite choice for traditional handles. Finesse Design offers handles in solid pewter, a material that is 100 percent recyclable and will not corrode. The company also offers door and window hardware and accessories. 01207 500050 www.finessedesign.com
Holy Inspiration Inspired by a recent visit to a church in Italy, Steve Roberts, MD of Turnstyle Designs chose a scroll design for the company’s latest range of cabinet handles. Part of the leather range, the Scroll cabinet handles are solid brass bound in hand stitched leather. They come in round or square profiles and the stitching can be visible or hidden. The smallest handle is 100mm long and the largest 200mm. 01271 325325 www.turnstyledesigns.com
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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A handcrafted look makes skai Sonoma Oak from Hornschuch the perfect choice for this bedroom furniture from HPP. Its distinguishing marks are discreet planking and a balanced play of colour. The solid wood appearance is enhanced by judiciously placed signs of wear and saw marks. Sonoma Oak is available exclusively in the UK and Ireland from Marlborough Furniture Surfaces. 01327 877646 www.hornschuch.com
pick of the products FJ’s choice of the best for the furniture industry. Silentia soft close hinges from Salice feature 12mm cup drilling and are a popular choice for performance and reliability. The Silentia range provides smooth and silent closing for all types of furniture door and is available for angled, wide opening and blind corner specifications. Salice Futura concealed drawer runners are suitable for all drawer opening applications, both with full and part extension to the cabinet side. Choice of soft close and push to open as well as the Unica option that combines both makes Futura the ideal runner for almost any unit. The innovative Bertoluzzi co-planar sliding door system has a real wow factor and is a favourite in top German and Italian kitchens. For more information on the complete Salice range call 01480 413881, or visit www.saliceuk.co.uk
On trend décors are the theme from Schattdecor. Riyeka Oak has realistic negative pores and features crossfires and tiny knots. Santana Oak is a natural looking, subtly rustic décor that has fine pores and attractive detailing in the form of tiny knots and long cathedrals. Oak is a top choice this year and the attractive grain of Santana Oak makes it suitable for many different applications. Also new in oak is narrow planked Verzasca Oak, which has occasional small knots, a finely pored oak texture and lovely swirls in the figuring. 0049 8031 275 2779 www.schattdecor.de
IDS has updated its popular Tuscan solid wood worktop range with new timbers and leading eco credentials. The new timbers are Brown Ash and Bamboo in the premium 40mm thickness. Bamboo is 100 percent sustainable and is an attractive timber with a block effect when used as a worktop. Brown Ash is available in 3000/4000mm by 650mm worksurfaces and as a 2400 by 900mm breakfast bar. Bamboo is available in a 3000 by 7650mm worksurface and as a 2400 by 900mm breakfast bar. The range is supported by a new brochure, a sample display stand and there has been a direct mail campaign to kitchen retailers. 08457 298298 www.idsurfaces.co.uk
MORE FROM ACCURIDE Accuride has increased its already large range of off the shelf slides to incorporate features such as self close, push to open for handle free drawers, locking and disconnect mechanisms and dampened soft close. The soft close 5321EC slide carries loads up to 100kg and can be used on 1m wide drawers. You can see the complete range as an e catalogue at www.accuride-europe.com, or call 01604 761111.
17 Linak_Combilift ads
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18-19 Egger
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Egger has relaunched its Zoom® collection to the furniture industry. Packed with trend setting décors and innovative new products, the new Zoom® concept also includes a strong focus on service and all of the ways that Egger is looking to help customers to achieve more by saving them time and money.
H3753 ST22 Country Montana Larch
zoom ahead with ®
E
H1372 ST22 Natural Aragon Oak
gger’s product offering has something for everyone. The huge selection of matching products allows customers to identify precisely the right product for the right application at the right price – meaning that budgets can be stretched further which may help to win business. Every single one of the 108 décors on offer from Egger is available from stock in 18mm Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC) laminate and edging, making it simple and easy for customers to find exactly what they need. Egger can also manufacture additional thicknesses in MFC and well as Melamine Faced MDF on request. An extended range of edging has now been introduced so that for the first time ever Egger will be able to offer customers a selected range of 0.4 and 0.8mm ABS edging. This can be fabricated either by hand or by using an edge bander. Lightweight boards are growing in popularity and have benefits in both design and installation. Egger offers
Eurolight® boards in a range of 38 and 50mm thicknesses. A chunky look combined with low weight and high strength means that Eurolight ® is perfectly suited to a range of sectors including retail kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms as well as office furniture and shop fitting. As part of the Zoom® collection, Egger now offers FD30 and FD60 fire door cores that are fire resistant for a minimum of 30 minutes and one hour respectively. Texture is now as important as colour choice. Egger has introduced three new textures focused on making surfaces more tactile and ultimately more natural. The brand new ST10 ‘Authentic’ texture takes woodgrain décors to the next level and is a very realistic rough matt finish for wood and material reproductions. ST18 ‘Waveline’ is a new horizontal texture bringing new levels of depth to melamine faced boards and has a very modern solid wood appearance. The high gloss finish ST30 range includes 14 décors available in both MFC and MF–MDF with matching 2mm ABS edging especially suited to uni colours
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Eggers' virtual design studio Distributors have been categorised according to which Egger products they stock and can be either Gold, Silver or Bronze stockists. This allows customers to quickly identify the right distributor – aided by using the newly developed Availability Guide, which tracks down the distributor once the décor, product, structure and thickness have been entered. ST10 'Authentic'
Egger Virtual Design Studio software allows finished roomsets to be visualised in detail. By creating roomsets with high definition décor scans customers can save time and money on prototype building and photography costs.
ST18 'Waveline'
egger and premium woodgrains. The ST30 range is ideal for carcasses and end panels. Groundbreaking advances have been made in the quality and realism of Egger’s décors, making it possible to offer a competitive, low maintenance alternative to solid wood and real wood veneer products. Egger has updated the Zoom® range which now includes 108 décors, 32 of them brand new. Natural woodgrains and earthy uni colours have become increasingly popular and with this in mind Egger has developed Natural Aragon Oak H1372 ST22 which is seen as a successor to the very popular H1334 Light Ferrara Oak. This elegant oak has a highly defined natural grain with cross fires and subtle planking. Also new is Country Montana Larch H3753 ST22 with warm brown tones that work well with earthy, natural uni colours. Tirano Pearwood H3114 ST9 is a warm, striking décor that is ideal for large applications such as sliding wardrobes and wall panelling. F425 Beige Linen with its ST10 surface texture creates high quality finish that is perfect for furniture design and shop fitting. 0845 606 8888 www.egger.co.uk
As well as in house trend forecasting, Egger has commissioned external trend research and offers free in depth reports on what is new and what is likely to come along soon. Trend News will be released three times a year to update customers. The company has also developed sample support sheets that are sent out with requested samples. There is a booklet for each colour world, offering product information, full board scans of the décors and possible colour combinations and alternatives.
A new information packed website provides every possible detail and fact. Customers can visit the sample shop and search by texture, colour, tone and colour world. Brochures etc can be requested through the site and order history can be viewed.
A wall chart and swatch box have been developed to aid customers. The wall chart offers RAL, Pantone and NCS information for all uni colours and has full board scans for woodgrain décors. The swatch holder has décors in large sample pieces.
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The future looks bright for particleboard manufacturer Sonae Industria (UK), one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of chipboard and decorative melamine panel products, is looking forward to an exciting year ahead.
espite being affected by a fire in June 2011, Sonae Industria (UK) was able to call upon the significant support of its European group network to provide alternative sources of board for its UK customer base. This enabled the company to meet most of the existing demands of its clients, whilst also facilitating the uninterrupted continuation of its added value production line. Now back up and running to around 80% capacity, Sonae Industria (UK) is on course to hit its target of full
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production levels by the mid year. Sonae Industria’s full range of products is now available from the UK plant and the business continues to pursue its ambitions of becoming a leader in the decorative panels sector supported by its global innovus range. Innovus is now available in over 15 countries worldwide and is launching in both Portugal and Spain in May 2012. Going forward, Sonae Industria (UK) has appointed a new head of sales, Gerard Feenan. Gerry will be looking to build on the strength of the existing relationships and will continue to focus the business on its development plans for the innovus range. Gerry said: “We have exciting but challenging times ahead of us, we understand that the marketplace is facing a difficult climate at present and we need to fully understand the future needs of all of our clients more than ever. However, being able to provide the full range of products from our UK base will help ensure guaranteed availability to customers both existing and new.” Commenting further on the situation he said: “All companies face
challenges, however, through the team’s determination and resilience coupled with support and cooperation from the rest of the group, Sonae has overcome them and emerged a stronger business overall. This achievement is testament to the strong relationship that exists between the workforce and customers. “However, sincere thanks must go to those key customers for their understanding and flexibility in working with the business whilst it organised alternative sources of supply. Equally, apologies go to those that weren’t able to be fully satisfied and as a result were inconvenienced. It has certainly been a very heartening experience for me to get feedback from existing customers, kitchen manufacturers and distributors alike who have been appreciative of the difficulties the business has experienced, impressed by the way it has handled the situation and now eager to recommence ordering.” For more information contact Gerry Feenan on 0151 545 4000. Or visit www.innovus.co
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22.03.12 11:09
Individuality with Digital design.
The Digital-Edge by Döllken. Edgebands from Doellken allow more bespoke creativity. A newly developed technology enables individual motifs (logos, photos, messages, graphics) to be printed onto thermoplastic edgebands for the first time. Explore new design details and set yourself apart from the competition. ● Benefit from Digital-Edge as a communication platform for advertising and corporate identity/corporate design ● We will print every motif you would like on to the edgeband ● From as little as one roll order /finish (75m) ● Brilliant edgeband design in world class quality. Please find inspiration or choose a theme from our design library under www.digital-edge.de
Innovation powered by Representative Office Döllken-Kunststoffverarbeitung GmbH c/o BauschLinnemann UK Ltd. Widow Hill Road · Heasandford Ind. Est. · Burnley · BB10 2TB · UK Phone: +44 (0)1282 686861 · Fax: +44 (0)1282 412361 info@graham.kennerly@doellken.com · www.doellken.co.uk
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no con fusion W
ith over 25,000 colours and décors in numerous textures and dimensions - and a range which includes ABS, PVC, PP and PMMA - the Döllken stock range, like the number of matches with panel finishes, just grows and grows. The advent of laser edges and the work done by Homag on laser edging has seen Döllken expand into seamless laminating with its Fusion Edge, a laser procedure developed by Döllken, which works without the need for hot melt adhesive. For around two years, Homag’s KAM straight line edgebander for rectangular components has been running smoothly with laser edgings. Customers using this technique give very positive feedback about the good processing safety and the flawless look. This technology is now available for BAZ working centres, which can produce curved components, ideal for the office furniture industry. The BAZ machine is equipped with a diode laser and, in principle, is similar to a Laser-KAM. Due to the increased complexity in terms of required laser power, joint quality and flexibility, Döllken chose to concentrate on the proven PP Premium quality for its Fusion Edge product for the BAZ. A co-extruded Fusion Edge manufactured in typical work surface dimensions of 28 x 3mm
has a very high initial adhesion coupled with good flexibility, which ensures that tight radii can be produced. In numerous experiments with the machine, manufacturers have produced external radii of 30mm at speeds of 34m/min. So what other advantages are there to laser edging? Adjustments to glue dosage become a thing of the past. Likewise, storage of adhesives and unnecessary set-up costs become obsolete. Coextrusion of one edge from two layers makes it all possible. How does it work? There are two layers, a base décor layer in 0.6 to 3mm thick acrylonitrilebutadiene-styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and a thin, integrated functional layer that adheres to the panel. The functional layer is melted with the assistance of a highperformance laser and bonds seamlessly to the panel. Thanks to the close bond between edge and panel, there is a better seal when compared with panels which use typical adhesives - and a better water and moisture resistance. See for yourself. There’s no con. Just fusion. For more details or technical information, call 01282 686861.
There’s no con, just fusion with Döllken’s Fusion Edge laser edgebandings.
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W12 - two distinct shows, one massive business opportunity This October the W12 Working with Wood and Working with Design exhibitions at the NEC Birmingham will offer a unique business opportunity for exhibitors and visitors.
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n October at the NEC the W12 Working with Wood and Working with Design parallel exhibitions will take place offering the furniture, joinery and associated sectors a unique business opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, show and understand new technologies and materials generally build successful relationships for a strong future. Exhibitors and visitors to both shows should maximise their opportunities to get the most out of the overall event – here are some pointers: The two W12 events are far more than just 4 days – they are just the realisation of careful planning for exhibitors who wish to make the most of the events and they can engage their visitors and prospective customers in many ways in the run up. October may seem some way away but it’s not, especially in terms of media deadlines. Even if the details of your exhibit are yet to be finalised it’s already time to get in touch with customers to remind them of your presence at W12 and try to get appointments going. Conversely visitors can already start planning how to get the most out of their time at the shows by looking at the ongoing press publicity and look out for mailing and e-messages from exhibitors. No one can put too much value on the face-to-face opportunities that shows will offer – make sure you find out who will be visiting you and ensure they know who to ask for by name on the stands. The W12 organisers are well along their road of rolling editorial and display promotions in the main trade press – use these opportunities to communicate by contacting
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W12 – CHECKLIST This is a handy checklist as time shortens and momentum builds up to W12 in October Think about your pre-show marketing now (deadlines run 6 weeks ahead)
Enter DIMA now
Draw up contact lists of personal invitations Mail and email customers details of exhibits Get your catalogue entries and advertising copy in sooner rather than later Closer to the show contact the organisers for tickets to mail to customers Contact W12 PR Matt Long to help get your message out Set up face-to-face appointments closer to the exhibitions Use W12 logos on your marketing Send images of new exhibits to W12 PR division Plan stand signage now – not the night before! Set up systems for recording visits and making after-show contacts Plan interactive activities and live demos so they run like clockwork Working with Design – plan and enter your DIMA entries soon Order “Sold at” signage from organisers closer to the show Send out “hot” reminders and make last minute appointments in September
The prestigious Design in Manufacturing Awards (DIMA) have already drawn significant interest. Exhibitors at W12 Working with Design should get their entries in as soon as they can despite the July 31 deadline. Entry conditions and guidelines as well as entry forms can be accessed on the W12 website – www.w12exhibitions.com – and can be sent to Matt Long at matt@kyalami.co.uk Queries should be directed to Matt Long by email or on 01483 274626.
Organise any on stand hospitality or hosting now Plan for any services – water, electricity and lighting – as soon as possible
REMEMBER KEEP US INFORMED ABOUT YOUR EXHIBITS – CONTACT MATT LONG AT matt@kyalami.co.uk
The distinguished judging panel will be looking for material, components, concepts that contribute significantly to the originality and commercial success of the final product in which they are involved.
W12 PR man Matt Long (matt@kyalami.co.uk) to get involved. If you’re doing your own PR and advertising use the W12 logos on your material to draw attention to the effort you’re making to exhibit. Working with Design exhibitors should be planning their entries for the prestigious Design in Manufacturing Awards (DIMA) now – see the W12 website for details or contact Matt Long on 01483 274626. At the event present a welcoming aspect that entices visitors onto the stand. Use strategic signage to highlight new products or innovations and flag up successful deals and sales with signs that will be made available by the organisers. Visitors want far more than a mere shop window at an exhibition. Make as much effort as possible to make it an interactive experience – plan to offer visitors the chance to feel and touch materials and components, set up for live machinery demonstrations and present exhibits within the context of the advantages they offer going forwards. The importance of strategic follow-up after the shows cannot be over emphasised. Many people are very enthused at the time and moment, only for the daily routines to quickly overtake ideas that may have germinated at the show. It’s vital to follow up leads and conversations while they’re “hot”. This is very much up to the exhibiting company to be pro-active – even if direct business doesn’t result the established relationship will bear fruit in the future. Remember both W12 exhibitions are coming up fast – make the most of opportunities in the run-up so that you hit the ground running from the off in October. Contact us!
DP Components Final teaser 3:Furniture Production
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the decorative panels group YOUR PERFECT PARTNER
setting the stage for high performance
reserved for drill line
reserved for edgebander line reserved for edgebander line
175,000ft 2 reasons to choose Decorative Panels Machinery installation is now well under way at Decorative Panels’ vast new components facility. Brand new state of the art sawing systems, the most advanced edgebanding lines, and through feed drilling cells all featuring pioneering mechanical handling equipment are being commissioned.
· · ·
State of the art brand new production facility Increased production capabilities enables faster turn around and competitive pricing Knowledgeable, experienced staff to assist from concept to completion
Machine trials have begun with kitchen and bedroom carcase panels as well as fascias and shelving components. With a capacity of over 500,000 panels per week the facility will be one of the largest in Europe.
the decorative panels group Century House, Premier Way, Lowfields Business Park, Elland West Yorkshire, HX5 9HF
T: +44 (0) 1484 658341 F: +44 (0) 1484 658812 E: sales@decorativepanels.co.uk
www.decorativepanels.co.uk
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Not so long ago, Decorative Panels’ new factory was an empty space. Now, vast Biesse lines with automated production cells fill the floor.
northern lights B
right green Biesse logos punctuate the vast, open spaces of Decorative Panels’ new components factory in Elland. It’s been a long and costly journey but at last there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. “The installation is exactly on schedule,” says Decorative Panels’ delighted MD, Guy Metcalfe. “By working closely with the Biesse project engineers, the commissioning of the various lines - including cutting, edging and drilling lines - means that we have already started production in various points of the factory.” According to Robbie O’Neill, Biesse UK’s Commercial Manager, this is exactly the kind of multi-faceted project Biesse has equipped its UK branch to handle. “It’s involving us in supplying new machinery, moving several older Biesse machines, automating production and designing the software to integrate all the systems into one highly flexible factory,” he says. It’s a testament to both Biesse’s staff (without whose creative ideas on production and knowledge of machines and processes Decorative Panels objectives might not have been realised so efficiently) and Decorative Panels’ staff for providing such a concise brief. “Decorative Panels set out with certain criteria they wanted fulfilled,” Robbie explains. “They wanted to expand capacity and automate without losing any people. At the same time, the quality of their products had to be increased without any cost penalties for
customers. They wanted flexibility and the ability to cope with new materials, such as Hollowcore and high gloss, without penalty. And, of course, they wanted to be more efficient and increase capacity. But, perhaps just as importantly, they wanted to be sure Biesse would continue to deliver the same level of service they’d become accustomed to over the years, as they knew the new plant would make them even more reliant on us than in the past. “All our machines come with a fiveyear warranty,” he adds, “And we have a technical helpdesk here in the UK which is absolutely free. We’ve also increased our parts inventory in the UK to £2.7 million to provide the highest levels of service to UK customers like DP.” The factory has been designed to provide maximum flexibility as well as the ultimate in efficiency - and to prove that, all the machines were tested with DP’s materials before shipping to the UK. “The performance specification of all the new machinery was very detailed,” says Guy Metcalfe. “All machining centres have output criteria set that were initially proved during runup in Biesse’s factory in Italy. When fully operational in Elland, the output of the factory as a whole will mean that Decorative Panels Components could potentially increase its panel capacity levels by well over 100%.” Supervised by a dedicated Project Manager, Alessandro Piccafuoco, whose job is to liaise with suppliers of
Biesse’s installation of machinery lines at Decorative Panels’ new 175,000 sq ft components factory is exactly on schedule.
Biesse’s Commercial Manager, Robbie O’Neill.
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Right: A fully automated first pass strip edgebanding cell, comprising RBO Winner feeder/stacker and Biesse Edge Stream SP1 edgebander.
The machinery installed at Decorative Panels’ new factory includes not only new machines but also several of DP’s newer existing machines which Biesse engineers have moved from other sites, integrated and automated with custom-designed software.
Top: A high-production Biesse Stream edgebander, equipped with patented gluepot-free adhesive system, is prepared as part of a production cell. Middle: Decorative Panels Group has invested in several beam saws and had others moved to create an auto-rip system. Bottom: One of several Biesse Techno drills, this machine has been integrated with with an RBO feeder/stacker.
everything from extraction and tooling to glue, Biesse UK has designed a factory that facilitates high volume and low to medium batch productivity. “The factory is split into two production funnels,” Robbie explains. “The high volume production funnel includes a fully automated strip sizing plant, comprising of a Selco WNT750 beam saw and a RBO Lifter unloading system, producing massive volumes of strips to then feed the 1st pass combination edgebanders at the next stage of the production. The primary 1st pass edgebander is a BiesseEdge Stream SB1 combination edgebander installed in a fully automated cell using RBO Winner loaders and unloaders. Once the strips have been edged the on the long sides of the strips, the completed packs are automatically ejected from the 1st pass edgebanding cell and transferred to one of two fully automatic cross cut cells. Each cross cut cell consists of a RBO Winner loader and a Selco WNCR cross cut beam saw allowing automated feeding of the strip packs into the beamsaws. Once the strips have been dimensioned at the cross cut beam saws, the stacks of components are transferred to the 2nd pass edgebanding cells. These cells will size and apply the required edging onto the short sides of the components. The primary 2nd pass edgebanding cell is made up of an RBO Winner loader and unloading system and a BiesseEdge Stream SB2 combination edgebander. With the panels now edged, any panels that require boring are sent to the through feed boring area where four through feed borers can be set up to process the large batches. The primary through feed borer cell includes a Biesse
Technologic FDT and RBO Advantage loader. The finished components are then transferred to packing. “The low to medium batch production funnel consists of a flexible angular plant beam saw for the sizing of the panels, which is a Selco WNA 600 Synchrologic equipped with assisted unloading. The edging is made using a number of combination edgebanders which have the ability to process both 1st and 2nd pass edging some of which have automation consisting of RBO Winner loaders. Flexible drilling solutions, dependent on the size of the batch, include a Biesse Skipper 100 and a Comil Insider, both of which are through feed pointto-point drilling solutions. Once the drilling is completed the products are dispatched to packing.” “Decorative Panels had a lot of existing Biesse Techno drills,” continues Robbie. “We added an RBO Advantage feeder to one of the drills, increasing output by 50% whilst reducing labour. One of the major benefits of the redesigned factory is that it is capable of delivering small batches, big batches and mixed batches with equal efficiency.” “Decorative Panels Group has worked with Biesse many times over the years with a large number of successful installations already in place,” concludes Guy Metcalfe. “They are a tried and trusted partner who have again proved this during the current installation - which is without doubt the largest the two companies have worked on together. The installation is exactly on schedule.” Decorative Panels: 01484 658341. Biesse UK: 01327 300366.
FJ Visonarrie Ad:Layout 1 03/04/2012 09:55 Page 1
VISIONNAIRE-Y THINKING
The latest Fresh decors in Melamine Faced Panels open your mind to new design directions. This is Visionnairesubtle tones of Rijeka Oak partnered by vibrant colour from the new Express Unicolours Collection. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just one example of the amazing design freedom youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll enjoy with Fresh 3. For samples or the inspirational Fresh 3 brochure contact marketing@kronospan.co.uk or visit www.kronospan.co.uk Visonnaire Decors > D5502 Rijeka Oak > U7123 Lemon Sorbet
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in pursuit of Furniture Journal visits BA Components’ Doncaster factory to see the new Friz line.
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t always sounds like one of those horrible clichés when people say they want only the best finish, doesn’t it? But Brian McCracken, BA Components’ MD, means it. He’s fastidious; as demanding of the company’s new half million pound Friz pressing line as he is of any other of BA’s often novel processes. There’s a stack of test panels big enough to fill a warehouse with kitchens, all meticulously stored to indicate which adhesive was used to laminate which materials onto which substrate and at which settings. But why would a company that’s forged a successful name for itself as a door manufacturer need such a laminating line? In truth, it’s a pretty shrewd move. Brian explains: “We have two sites, one in Cookstown and the other in Doncaster. In Cookstown, we manufacture minimum
perfection order quantities to suit kitchen dealers. We offer a range of products and have put together a package including marketing support with a dealer locator which drives consumers to them. It’s our own product. In Doncaster, we don’t have our own product. We produce to specification for volume customers. We’re producing five-piece doors, profiles, acrylic laminated-edged doors, components which are cut to size, drilled and end-capped - whatever the customer wants. We can laminate onto any core from 8-80mm thick, including honeycomb products, solid mdf, FR or external grades of mdf, metal... you name it. We also supply sheet materials to other producers of doors and to shopfitters. We can supply mixed orders to our larger customers with small quantities from Cookstown and large quantities from Doncaster.
Main picture: Brian McCracken inspects a panel as it comes off the new Friz line at BA’s Doncaster factory. Above: Meticulous attention to materials and settings during testing has left BA with a small mountain of panels for subsequent reference and analysis.
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“We didn’t want a double-sided line,” says Brian, “...but we still offer doublesided lamination, either from sheet or from roll.”
Below: UV inspection of adhesive coat.
Below: The Wandres anti-static system.
Below: The Nordson glue system.
Below: Teknek anti-static system.
Cookstown also buys laminated product from Doncaster - for example, the panels for Zurfiz acrylic-faced doors.” Motorshow enthusiasts will even have the chance to see immaculate black gloss Senoplast laminated by BA and supplied as flooring on one prominent stand at the upcoming show. The label on the side of BA’s line reads Friz FKW150 but this is no off-theshelf machine. Brian, together with brother Kieran, Lee Clarke (who heads up the laminating division) and the Friz design team created this line to meet the exacting standards required by the most demanding of high gloss materials. Why Friz? “Because Friz came out best for gloss lamination,”explains Brian. “They started from scratch with a line to make a mirror finish rather than offering a bolt on. The design was a partnership but it was their MD, Olaf Rohrbeck, who really made the difference: he looked at the method - how we wanted to work - and what raw materials we wanted to use. “Olaf also looked at cleaning and preparation, then came up with a design to our specification which included the cleaning systems we wanted. Dealing with static is almost a black art but, combining our knowledge and experience with theirs, the Friz engineers have dealt with it. It’s still a battle - it’ll always be a battle but our number one priority was quality and you can’t achieve that without the best equipment, the best preparation and the best materials.” Installed last October, the line bristles with UV dust-detecting lamps and anti-static systems which start at the adhesive application stage. There’s a
unique system from Wandres, another from Teknek - and a special adhesive application system from Nordson. “We didn’t want a double-sided line,” says Brian. “The management issues are too much for us. But we can still offer double-sided lamination, either from sheet or from roll, and we can laminate materials from 0.2mm right up to 30mm thick,” adding proudly, “It’s a very flexible system.” As he’s talking, Brian’s attention starts to drift towards a panel that’s just come off the press. He peels back the protective film and scrutinises, swaying back and forth so the lights show different areas of the surface. The smile says it all. It’s good. Very good. So good that BA already has customers queuing up to take advantage of its new facility from as far away as China. For more details call BA’s Doncaster factory on 01302 890555.
Friz line: Highlights FKW 150 profiLine version • High-precision glue spreader machine, patent-registered, to be used both for PUR and white glue. • Pressing calender with special pressure technology for high-gloss materials. • Newly developed combined adhesive contact cleaning system for both sheet and roll-fed materials.
Inspired . . . New Colours, New Stylesâ&#x20AC;Ś New door styles and colours from Bella By BA. Quality, Great Design and unrivalled support. Available in kitchen, bedroom & non standard sizes.
Tel: 028 8676 4600 E: sales@bacomponents.co.uk
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make it
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Examples of Maka’s speciality - five-axis machining on display in the demonstration and training area. Left: Several of the machines in the main factory were destined for the UK.
With a quarter of a century of five-axis experience in the wood, metal and plastics industries behind it, Maka has more to offer CNC buyers than most - and Maka doesn’t just make special machines to order.
with maka M
aka is a name you probably know quite well. A German company with its roots in the woodworking, plastics and aluminium industries, it’s well known for supremely engineered routers - especially custombuilt, bespoke machines. Somewhat unfairly, Maka seems to have acquired a reputation for working exclusively with larger companies. Stefan Stark, the company’s European Sales Director, is anxious to address this perception. “Many people think we only deal with the big guys,” he says, “And some potential customers are put off because of this. It’s true, we do make special machines but high end bespoke machines for special operations account for only about 10% of what we do at Maka. 40% of the machines we build are standard machines which have been modified to create bespoke solutions without the premium price of a special machine but the remaining 50% are standard machines from our range. “We offer three main types of machine,” he continues, “A fixed bed,
moveable gantry machine; a portal-type machine with fixed bridge, moving tables and either three or five axis multihead; and a bridge centre-type machine for such as roof and timber-framed house construction. 98% of all the machines we build are five-axis. We have 25 years of experience of manufacturing five-axis machines. We also have nesting machines with high powered vacuum tables for very heavy duty panel processing, typically for use with high density materials where high precision is essential.” Aside from the build quality, which really is no compromise, Maka offers several technological advantages. “With our machines,” says Stefan, “several machining operations overlap, reducing process times. We’re taking automotive working practices into the woodworking industry and the result is huge time-savings. “Take our new PE90, launched at Holzhandwerk 2012, for example. This brand new fixed bed, moveable gantry machine is part of our standard range.
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Maka has two factories in Nersingen. The factory on the right houses a demonstration and training area, equipped with various machine types.
Above: High speed and precise machining demand a rigid guide system, and very fast setting. Maka’s new NC Table changes within 30 seconds. Below: European Sales Director, Stefan Stark.
We can offer a 33 or a 51 place tool changer but the tool changes do not slow the machine down because it is preparing for them whilst machining. A shuttle unit takes the tool to the head, so the changeover literally takes six or seven seconds.” The system also detects the tool being used and compensates for any errors made by the programmer, preventing such as over-speeding. “All the operator has to do is select the tool he wants. The machine does the rest.” “The CNC table on the PE90 is a new design. It’s servo-controlled on all pods and rails. Each beam has a separate gearbox, rack and pinion system and an Absolute measuring system which requires no referencing. The bars move only when required - and to an accuracy of 50 microns - and all four beams and 12 pods can be repositioned in 30 seconds. Machining starts as soon as the first bars are in place, again saving time. “Additionally, on each pod is a vacuum and a pneumatic circuit. The pneumatic clamps replace toggle clamps and are ideal for difficult components. The pneumatic clamps will move out of the way automatically to allow continuous machining of edges, enabling chairs and table legs to be made easily. “The PE90 offers a feed rate of 100m/min and z-axis speed of 60m/ min. Acceleration is increased to 5m2 per second compared with 2m2 per second on a typical machine. At this speed, safety mats and bumpers are ineffective, so we changed the security
systems, making them contactless. We mounted a safety scanner on the bed of the machine which monitors three zones. A second camera detects movement and slows the machine if anyone comes too close.” Such high speed demands a rigid guide system and here, the PE90, like all Maka machines, is driven on both sides of the gantry on hefty rails. Take a look around the factory and it becomes immediately obvious that everything about a Maka is designed and built to last - and that’s probably why Maka engineering is to be found in the plants of some of the most prestigious automotive brands. But if all of this advanced technology sounds way too up market to be in your league, you may be surprised to note that a lot of artisan companies have done their sums and also bought Maka. Why? “Compared with a three or four axis machine, which requires additional, expensive aggregates,“ says Stefan, “Maka’s 5-axis machines can work out less - and they uses only standard cutting tools. The Siemens 840D, and BWO controllers enable you to use any existing software package. You’re not locked into a particular package, again saving on new software. Time and cost savings in the machining processes, plus a true working cube which is the largest in its class, have made our machines very popular with smaller companies as well as larger ones.” Why not make the comparison for yourself? Call Maka UK on 01952 607700 and ask for Iain Young.
CNC - Spezialmaschinen
¬ New Machine Concept
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www.maka.com MAKA Machinery UK Ltd · Unit C5 · Horton Park Ind. Est. · Hortonwood 7 · TELFORD TF1 7GX Phone +44 (0) 1952 607700 · Fax +44 (0) 1952 670405 · Email: info@makauk.com 01 3881 Anzeige News engl.indd 1
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inside story The Giben Edge KE03 is one of a line of professional edgebanders from Giben which delivers multiple functions, such as a robotic system which processes four corners at once, through clever design. But the ‘clever’ design isn’t gimmicky; it includes some quite unique features, such as an absence of electrics under the machine for easy cleaning and a cabinet which is on the end of the machine for easy access. The KE03 features one inverter per station and uses proprietary parts for less expensive maintenance without compromise. The automatic feeder can take different widths of edgeband automatically according to the thickness of the panel being processed. It really is feature-packed - but not with novelties; rather with real, functional benefits which deliver time-savings on all levels.
Giben Edge KE03
Left: Clear, concise displays allow the operator to see exactly what is happening at any point while the operating system allows each station to be selected separately and settings stored for easy retrieval in the future.
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FURNITURE JOURNAL MAY 2012 • 39
With more than 25 years’ experience in the UK market, RW Machines of Bicester has flourished as an independent supplier of woodworking machinery. Working with many of the prominent names in the industry, RW offers CNC routers, edgebanders, panel sizing equipment and printing and packaging
machinery. Other fields of activity for the company are presses for carcase assembly and membrane pressing of vinyls to fascias. 01869 244943 sales@rwmachines.co.uk www.rwmachines.co.uk
Above: It’s not just the electronics that are designed to increase productivity, the whole machine bristles with carefully thought out features to save time cleaning down. The cabinet, for example, is located at the end of the machine for easy access and the underside of the machine is entirely free of electrics, making it easy to clean around.
Left: The KE03 can be equipped with a robotic system which processes four corners at once - multifunction replacing corner rounding. The robotic scraper engages automatically depending on the radius selected.
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classy combo A
Auditoria chooses a Morbidelli combined CNC Router and Edge Bander Machining Centre from SCM UK.
uditoria Services manufactures retractable platforms, telescopic seating, theatre seating and lecture theatre seating systems. The company has recently expanded its factory space, buying the unit next door to accommodate a powder coating plant. Keeping abreast of the latest manufacturing techniques, the factory also uses up-to-date welding equipment, CNC fabric cutting machinery, additional CNC woodworking equipment and panel saws. Previously, all panels manufactured by Auditoria were made out of MDF that required edge shaping, sanding and spray finishing but the final result often needed hand finishing on site. Auditoria's Managing Director, John Penistone Senior, comments, "We wanted a better method to edge all our straight and curved panels and to be able to offer our customers a wider range of colours on both surfaces and edges. Because of the large dimensions of some of our panels,
small contour edge banders and trimming machines were not an option and, as we already had an SCM Sliding Table Panel Saw, we contacted SCM Group UK in Nottingham to see what they could offer." Auditoria was offered a Morbidelli CNC Combined Routing and Edge Banding Machining Centre - the Universal HPL Edge - and, after demonstrations, an order was placed for delivery in the Spring of 2011, just before Auditoria's busy production period. The Universal HPL Edge has a heavy duty construction with a highly rigid closed structure and a mobile upright that ensures the machining unit has a balanced support, is stable and is resistant to the most severe machining conditions for high performance and precision. On it are mounted an 8.5kW routing head with a Rapid 18-position rear mounted automatic tool changer, a 26-spindle vertical and horizontal drilling
41 DPS_TM_ConLog ads
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unit and edge banding equipment, with movement in the 'X' and 'Z' axes on prismatic guides with recirculating ball screws. The machine has a 4900 x 1850mm table with 2 working areas for pendulum machining and 12 aluminium support bars on which a range of differently dimensioned vacuum cups can be located. Digital displays on each support bar enable rapid positioning of the bars in 'X' axis and the vacuum cups in 'Y' axis allow for very fast setting up times. A new, removable, aluminium solid work table has been supplied that will enable the nesting of panels. The table is in 3 sections for ease of loading on to the machine and it will be mounted on the lower vacuum cups, each section having its own high volume vacuum feed from the vacuum manifold and two 250m3/hour vacuum pumps. The easily removable 5kg edge gluing unit optimises the glue consumption and improves quality. It is equipped with a sensor to ensure it is constant topping up. The edging materials are automatically fed to the edge banding unit from a magazine that has a capacity of 6 different edgings or colours that can be selected individually and fed automatically to the application head. Auditoria uses 2mm thick PVC edging. Heating lamps keep the edging flexible when rounding sharp corners. Sensors measure the exact length of edging to be applied and the length is automatically cut with an integrated saw unit with an 8 degree angle, ensuring a perfect joint without overlap. Trimming of the top and bottom
edges is performed by a special combined trimming and scraping unit facility, fed from the tool changer, which saves changeover times. The tools automatically adjust themselves for panel thicknesses of 16mm up to 60mm. Programming is carried out by the Morbidelli's machine operators using Genio CAD/CAM supplied by SCM. General Manager, John Penistone Junior, concludes: "We are very impressed with the Morbidelli and the installation by SCM's engineers. As this was very new technology to us, we had a few initial hiccups, but from then on, and with the help of SCM engineers, the machine has provided us with all our straight and curved panels." For more information, call SCM Group (UK) Ltd on 0115 9770044 or visit www.scmgroup-uk.com
â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can now offer [our customers] whatever they want in terms of shapes and colours," says John Penistone.
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44 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MAY 2012 AXYZ International has launched its latest Pacer series of machines. Available in a choice of three sizes to meet different production requirements and the most popular sheet formats, the machines have all the attributes of earlier Pacer products and represent the ideal upgrade for owners of previous systems who are looking for higher performance and higher productivity at a realistic price. Key design features include a heavy duty solid steel base and gantry with a substrate clearance capability of 150mm (expandable up to 400mm), helical rack and pinion drive system with direct drive servomotors and ball screw control on the Z axis for smoother and backlash free motion. Also included is the latest seven segment A2MC machine controller with Ethernet connectivity and 4GB onboard memory. There’s a wide range of optional production tools including a seven or 21 station automatic tool change system, twin or triple cutting heads, the latest AXYZ AVS Camera Registration System and a misting unit. The routers will cut and profile at a feed rate of up to 25m/min for all commonly used materials plus non ferrous metals, plastics, aluminium composites and laminates. Full on site training and support is provided by the AXYZ International team of technical engineers. 01902 375600 www.axyz.co.uk
machine shop
Latest news from the machinery world.
THREE OF THE BEST FROM FELDER
Felder’s industrial brand Format 4 has just introduced a new panel saw series. The Kappa 400, Kappa 400 A Motion and Kappa 400 E Motion machines replace the Kappa 40 and are packed with design features. Customers will be able to choose the specification to suit their exact needs and have the machine custom built. Highlights such as the maintenance free X-Roll sliding table and Easy Glide saw tilt unit remain with six year guarantees. Manual or CNC controlled saw units and 2 axis scoring units are available options as well as various outrigger specifications. With a maximum cutting height of 133mm and competitive pricing, the Kappa 400 has a lot to offer.
Designed to cater for a wide range of applications from entry level to customers with high production needs, the MATE CNC Router is the latest product from C R Onsrud. Continuing the C R Onsrud tradition of rigidity, with a reinforced steel bridge, twin one piece steel vertical supports and dual drive service motors, the new MATE Series CNC Router offers the performance expected from this company. Bed sizes are 8 x 4 (2464 x 1245), 10 x 5 (3050 x 1524), 3m x 2m (3050 x 2050) with 12hp-24000 rpm HSD spindle and eight or ten position linear tool change. There is a two year warranty. 01442 264411 www.ateng.com/www.cronsrud.com The Felder G500 series of edgebanders includes the G500, G560, G570 and G580. Users benefit from impressive features such as a feed speed of 11m/min for coiled and solid 0.4-8mm edging. The machines can process material from 140mm long and 8-60mm thick. All have a 2kg Teflon coated gluepot with a 12-minute heat up time and quick change facility. Optional radius scraping, glue scraping and polishing units are available. The G560 performs pre-milling, the G570 corner rounding and the G580 does both. Users can opt for easy manual set up or automatic change of up to four settings in the X-Motion variety.
AXYZ International is a leading supplier of high performance routing, engraving and cutting systems to the industrial woodworking, furniture, joinery and panel processing industries. Their latest product is a helical rack and pinion drive system as an optional production enhancement for all AXYZ Series machines. Installation of this powerful new tooling device is claimed to reduce wear when compared with conventional rack and pinion drive systems. It will also significantly increase feed rates, leading to smoother, quieter and more accurate cutting, even in demanding applications. Unlike conventional rack and pinion drive systems, the new AXYZ system operates through multiple gear teeth at all times. This decreases wear on the system as a result of more even distribution of the load over several gear teeth, and increases the working life of the system. When specified as an optional production feature on AXYZ Series machines, the helical pinions would normally be driven by a high performance servomotor operating via a precision planetary gearbox to deliver a rigid and more powerful drive system with little or no backlash and to also enable much higher feed rates and more precise cutting. 01902 375600 www.axyz.co.uk
The Format 4 Perfect 710 premium single sided edgebander is the choice for companies looking for maximum production, precision and ease of use. Choose the E-Motion for a colour touchscreen and fully automatic set up with 99 pre-programmed settings. Units are fully adjustable to 1/100th mm from the control panel so there is no need to open the machine. The Perfect 710 processes both coiled and solid strip edging from 140mm long and 8-60mm thick at an impressive 12m/min feed speed. Options such as premilling, radius scraping, polishing, spraying, infrared heat lamp and more allow for customisation.
Call 01908 635000 now, for a demo. www.felder-group.co.uk
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