Furniture Journal July 2019 by Craftsman Publishing Co Ltd

JULY 2019

ON THE COVER: Gareth Atkin talks about his newly established agency, Preston Furniture Solutions, and introduces its portfolio at Interzum. Interprint: what’s next? 82 PAGES OF INTERZUM & LIGNA Trends and a new anti-copying initiative Fabulous new décors Grass: the ultimate slim lift Weinig’s amazing 3d moulder SCM: new entry level door solution Schelling on batch-size-one Automation from Biesse Micro Emission from Kleiberit

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JULY 2019

Contents 2

All set for Sicam

44 Peanut goes Ballistic

What’s Next?

46 Ligna Review

Interzum Review

48 Integrated Finishing

12 Trend Talks On the Cover Gareth Atkin talks about his newly established agency, Preston Furniture Solutions, and introduces its portfolio at Interzum. Story: pages 34-35.

14 Compact by Pfleiderer 16 Be Different with Saviola 18 Magnificent Metallics

Editor: Melvyn Earle email: Melvyn@FurnitureJournal.co.uk Direct Tel: 01502 733438 Assistant Editor: Olena Earle email: Olena@FurnitureJournal.co.uk Publication Manager: Eoin Costen email: Eoin@FurnitureJournal.co.uk Direct Tel: 01502 732515 Design: Leigh Brown email: studio@leighbrowndesign.co.uk Circulation: Marie Earle email: Marie@CPCbooks.co.uk www.furniturejournal.co.uk

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, 2019.

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: Barnwell Print

20 All that Glitters 22 Winner takes All

52 Woodworking Wonders

from Weinig

56 Seconds Away! 58 Maka’s Microcosm 60 Biesse: flat out for Efficiency 64 Schelling on Show

24 Be.Yond Board

68 Extracting Technology

26 Remarkable, unmarkable

70 New to Ney

Senosan

73 Lamello: Connecting

28 Renolit’s PET

30 When less is more

77 Taking to the Air

33 Sharing Success

78 ME for You

34 Starting Conversations

82 Ligna Showcase

37 The Power of Software

84 Reducing Risks with Rakoll

38 Interzum Showcase

86 Six Minute Miracle

40 Up, Up and Away!

88 Fully Compliant FSB

43 Häfele Splashes Out

91 Designing Efficiency

the Industry

Published by: Craftsman Publishing Company Ltd, Landings House, Lound Road, Blundeston, Suffolk, NR32 5AT, England. www.craftsmanpublishing.co.uk

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All set for Sicam Looking for something new and innovative in the wake of Interzum? You’ll find it at Sicam.

he 11th edition of Sicam, the International exhibition of components, accessories, and semifinished products for the furniture industry will be held in Pordenone from Tuesday 15th to Friday 18th October. And, if you haven’t already booked your hotel, I’d strongly suggest you do as the town, like the show, is always packed out for Sicam. This year will see the re-opening of hall 10, inaugurated last year. “We have reached a size that we consider to be optimal,” the trade fair’s organiser, Carlo Giobbi, explained. “It enables us to meet the needs of all the sector’s top players, who require sufficient space to give visibility to their broad range of products.” Although there are plenty, it’s not just well-known names who show their latest products at Sicam. Many niche enterprises are included in the exhibitor list – small to medium-sized companies whose products fit with the quality and design ethos of the exhibition. Sicam has become a magnet for companies wanting to show innovative and it brings together the best from the global

furniture industry in Pordenone every year. Sicam’s influence is clear to see in the furniture collections of the following year, and, with Eurocucina event coming up in Milan for April 2020, the 2019 edition of Sicam is set to have even more value for the kitchen sector. For those of you who may not yet have visited Sicam, the organisers make everything about this fair easy for visitors: there are special shuttle buses every 30 minutes that run from Venice international airport and an agreement signed with the local transport company ensures free public transport in Pordenone, providing easy mobility for those arriving from far away. There is online registration, already available on the event website, so you don’t have to waste time queuing at the entrance, and an easy-to-use App you can download on your smartphone that allows you to plan your visit and keep track of all of your contacts in the easiest, smartest manner. For more information, visit www.exposicam.it/en/ or, if you are reading this edition with the free Furniture Journal App, to register online, simply tap here.

15TH - 18TH OCTOBER 2019 PORDENONE FAIR

2019

www.exposicam.it

Exposicam srl Via G. Carducci, 12 20123 Milan • Italy Tel: +39 0286995712 info@exposicam.it

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF COMPONENTS, SEMIFINISHED PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY

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What’s Interprint takes a look into the future of interior design at the Design Post in Köln and launches its latest décor collection.

t’s always a pleasure to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Interzum and head across the road to the sanctuary of the Design Post for an hour or two. Calm, space and great ideas from the Interprint team always await, and this year was no exception as the decorative paper printer introduced its vision for the future under the motto Next. With Next, Interprint used the moment to present tomorrow’s interior design ideas, a future in which the boundaries between rooms become blurred, new décors and colours extend the array of possibilities, and

? new materials provide natural authenticity. What motivates people and where they spend their time influenced a presentation that encompassed five areas of life: Residential, Workspace, Hospitality, Retail and Health. Decreased availability and increased cost of living space in urban areas are blurring the boundaries between functional areas. In the home environment, rooms - and the furniture within them - are being designed with flexible use in mind, and accessories are playing an important role, changing the look of a room quickly and with little effort. Natural wood

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ARTISAN. The craftsmanship of the wood is in contrast to the cool industrial look of the current black trend, which is picked up again by the dark knots of the decor.

JANCO. No historic manor house ever managed without it: stuccowork ennobles the room in which it is found. Nowadays, reliefs and damask décors are once again right on trend and represent an eccentric counterpart to the concrete look of an urban loft style.

AMBERG. The Used Look and the dark colouring of this oak shows its lively past, but at the same time, it embodies a new future where its naturalness and smooth patterns will set benchmarks.

DIEGO. Inspired by the old Japanese technique shou sugi ban that exposes the wood to fire in a controlled manner. The result: blackened wood that stands for strength and durability while its neutral colour is compatible with every modern interior design style.

LETIZIA. A stone décor with contrasting structures, Letizia - Latin for joy – is a rugged dark stone that represents rest, safety and serenity.

GRETA. Precise herringbone patterning, symmetry and perfect proportions make Greta really eye-catching.

colours are in demand – even dark nuances are becoming increasingly popular. Décor printing allows a flexible response to create solutions for any budget. The demographic transformation, climate aspects, digitalisation – the factors that affect the future of work – are diverse. The rooms in which we work must accommodate new agile working structures. You live where you work and work where you live. But the generation Z also desires clear boundaries despite all flexibility. What is demanded is an architecture that is based on the networking idea, but

which also provides working space and simultaneously places of retreat. Designs for the future include warm, light or dark wood, stone, metal or ceramic textures, soft materials like fabric or felt combined with concrete. Fine metal meshes as an offshoot of the industrial style contrast with natural plants. People are becoming more restless but also want real interaction, so the main focus for the Hospitality area is on joint experience. Whilst the open-plan kitchen, dining and living room form the basis of evenings with family and friends, the city provides worlds of experience:

pop-up restaurants, craft beer, five-time roasted coffee – served in an interior that appeals to the senses. Interior trends that accompany this development exude DIY aesthetics where anything goes. Furniture and surfaces are more authentic and warmer. Wood, plants and other natural materials simultaneously form a symbiosis with jet black. The classic shopping is nowhere near a thing of the past, contrary to all forecasts. But it is changing because the retail trade must offer experiences in an era of online shopping. Concept stores are theme and

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TILBURY. Ceramic is back! Ceramics can adapt easily to shapes, colours and styles – and in the case of Tilbury, oxidised effects that create a dramatic, forceful sense of real handicraft with a touch of elegance and pure luxury.

ROCKS. Marble, once reserved for worktops, can now be found on fascias. Rocks has stayed true and exudes naturalness and fine marbling.

MONTEX. Lovingly designed from a potpourri of handmade things, heartfelt warmth and everything that is wonderfully imperfect in the world.

VELVET. Elegant and unpretentious, made of the finest yarn, Velvet has an unmistakable, pleasant, smooth feel – and this design really does look like velvet.

trend-driven. The café is now a place where you can buy not only a cappuccino but also the chair on which you are sitting, or the book through which you are browsing. Materials like concrete or metal perfectly accentuate the product. In the food area, wood and plants emphasise the naturalness and regional origin of the products. Digital prints emphasise the worlds where the respective product group is at home. The health topic has become a natural part of daily life. Sport accessories like

trainers and jogging trousers have conquered the world of fashion. Healthy living topics fill book and magazine shelves. Awareness and yoga in the morning are as much a part of the daily routine as a smoothie to go. The cuisine is influenced by superfood or clean eating. The resulting trend is a new naturalness in interior design. Materials like terrazzo, marble or stone are being combined with glass and green and complemented by metals or brass and gold hues that perfectly match the ontrend wood types.

All five areas of life have been interpreted by the Interprint team in a collection that includes some really stunning new décor designs – designs like Artisan, Janco, Diego, Amberg, Greta, Letizia, Rocks, Tilbury, Montex and Velvet. For more information on all the new designs, download the free Furniture Journal App and touch any picture in the digital magazine displaying a link sign. Alternatively, call Interprint on 0049 2932 9500 or touch info@interprint.de to send an email.

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8 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW It’s been a year of record breaking for Interzum 2019 with exhibitor numbers and visitor numbers up significantly.

Dieter Baumanns

t’s been a year of records for Interzum 2019, and certainly one of the busiest editions of the show I’ve been to in the last 26 years. Exhibition space had been increased by 15% to accommodate 1,732 exhibitors from 60 different countries – and that figure represents an increase of around 200 exhibitors on 2017. But just as significantly, the reach of this show has been extended: 69,000 visitors from 152 countries. The UK was among the list of countries showing an increase in visitor numbers, but nothing like the increase from Asia (up 53%), Eastern Europe (up 46%) and India (up 41%). New materials, technologies and design approaches were just some of the key areas the trade fair focussed on. The products on display ranged from fittings, surfaces and décors to textiles, glass and lighting – all the way through to innovative materials. The wide-ranging special events at the trade fair examined global trends such as sustainability, digitalisation and mobility, while the special Mobile Spaces event area explored how a

new understanding of mobility will influence vehicle interiors. We particularly liked the Tiny Spaces areas by Hettich and Blum outside the hardware and décor halls. Blum’s performers were demonstrating in revolving rooms how daily life could be in the smallest of spaces, while Hettich showed a classy interior that offered versatility – and space – to illustrate small room technology isn’t just a thing of the future. With events such as these, and the numerous interesting presentations on Speakers’ Corner, Interzum underscored its focus on groundbreaking ideas and highlighted their importance to exhibitors. One key area that it was good to see Europe’s most influential exhibition throwing a serious spotlight on was the issue of copying, and here, the décor giants have begun a muchneeded fightback against plagiarism. Protection against counterfeiting has been a sensitive issue in the wood products and furniture industry for many years, with décor counterfeiters costing the industry millions each year. Last Interzum, we brought you the

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 9

Blum’s Tiny Spaces display

Hettich’s Tiny Spaces display

Protected by watermarks

story of Hornschuch’s fight against a counterfeiter who blatantly copied its bestselling oak and showed it on a stand not 30 metres away. At this year’s Interzum, Schattdecor AG and Surteco GmbH joined forces to tackle this growing issue and, together, launched a new form of copyright protection designed to help manufacturers track down and even prosecute thieves. The new concept, which both parties hope will become a standardised, industry-wide method of copyright protection, is similar to a QR code and features an embedded watermark behind each design. Invisible to the naked eye, once activated, the data is read from a server, and, as well as offering potential customers additional information on the product via a free app, also allows manufacturers to track when the décor is being looked at and where. “We have been working with watermark specialist, FiliGrade on the development and implementation of this for the past four years,” explains Roland Heeger, Chief Technical Officer at Schattdecor AG. “This method

won’t completely prevent counterfeiting but we are creating the legal means and the basis for successfully tracking down the counterfeiters. Our intention is to offer this protection to our competitors in order to achieve maximum effect throughout the industry. In doing so, we will help bring the counterfeiters to justice. After all, the major, reputable décor printers invest heavily in R&D to produce trendy, successful, and marketdriven décors for their customers every year, and the counterfeiters take the easy way out and only counterfeit the décors after they have proved popular in the market.” Dieter Baumanns, Chief Executive Officer of Surteco GmbH adds, “Ultimately, we are all pursuing a common goal: forming a united front against piracy. This couldn’t come at a better time for us because it took one of these pirates less than 24 hours to see one of our new designs at the show and steal it from our display. Thankfully, we now have the technology to track the culprit. This problem is very much at large. We now need the

whole industry to get on board to help us fight this epidemic.” Anyone who is interested in joining forces with Schattdecor and Surteco against copying should visit www.filigrade.com for more information. Touch the blue text if you’re reading this article on a tablet or smartphone for an immediate link. Now in their tenth year, the Interzum Awards are renowned for highlighting ground-breaking innovations in the furniture industry while throwing a spotlight on quality materials, form, functionality and sustainability. Over 260 companies from 22 countries took part in the competition in a bid to win one of two industry awards: The High Product Quality Award, given to those who showcased products with exceptional form and function; and the Best of the Best Award, presented to those who showed outstanding design achievements in their field. Judged by six industry experts from design, material science and architecture, each product was merited on its innovation and ground-

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Top left: The 2019 award winners Top right: F8924 C1 Duo Edge from Egger combines a natural wood reproduction with a black marble reproduction. www.egger.com Above: Kristall Metallic is particularly suited to the surface area. www.niemann-moebelteile.de Right: ViZard by Ambigence. www.hettich.com

breaking design but only the very best of those who entered were honoured with an Interzum award. We haven’t room to show you them all but you can find more information at www.interzum-award.de There were many more products that weren’t entered and would have walked away with prizes – Grass would certainly have taken a top honour for its amazing, hides-inthe-thickness-of-the-panel Kinvaro T-Slim flap solution – but they, like scores of gems, were left for visitors to hunt out. Among the worthy winners who did take prizes, Egger won a ‘Best of the Best’ award for its new PerfectSense duo-edged lacquered boards that are available in a light or a dark

marble and have a warm-to-the-touch matt surface, while Niemann Moebelteile’s high gloss Kristall Metallic surface impressed the judges with its brilliance and depth. Metallic pigments in the surface reflect the light from the almost indestructible, break-resistant, abrasionresistant composite. It’s made from woodbased material with an acrylic glass coating. Innovative materials with special properties or an eco benefit were very much on the rise at Interzum 2019. One that the judges considered worthy of a prize was Aerowood from Schweizer in Austria. The stable, lightweight panels are made entirely from wooden wave veneer. Aerowood Light features a corrugated structure that makes

the product extremely strong but also very light. In contrast, Aerowood Compact is optimised for use in construction and the vertical waves in its core provide it with a high load-bearing capacity. Karuun is another innovative, natural material – this time extracted from rattan palm using a patented finishing process. Judges commented on Karuun’s eye-catching shine, which is created by the naturally porous structure of rattan. The material is translucent, permeable to air, provides sound absorption and can be moulded. The eco-friendly material can be used for a whole range of applications. On the hardware side,ViZard by Ambigence (sold through Hettich) is an

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Judged by six industry experts from design, material science and architecture, each product was merited on its innovation and groundbreaking design. Above: Aerowood, from Schweizer in Austria. www.schweitzer-austria.com

innovative flap fitting designed to fit into the side panel of a drawer that’s invisible on both the outside and inside of the unit. As well as being visually appealing, it also features a soft opening and closing mechanism – and it’s easy to see why this one made it to Best of the Best. Vibo is well know for its space-saving solutions but it was its new Fly Box that really caught the judges’ attention. The innovative corner cabinet solution features two compartments (positioned one behind the other) that can be pulled out from a corner cabinet in a single movement. The rear box, positioned in the corner, automatically folds out, allowing both compartments to be

extended fully from the bottom cabinet – very clever. Salice’s Excessories is a product line we first brought to your attention when it appeared at Sicam last year. The full collection is a branded range of bedroom accessories, including an individually configurable drawer system that took a ‘Best of the Best’ Award at Interzum 2019. The minimalistic design and fabulous finish of every element from the Titanium-finished drawers in different heights to the beautiful leather-bound hangars really makes this product something special, so it was no surprise when it caught the judge’s eye. If there had been a Most Luxurious Stand

Award, Salice, with its sumptuous brown carpeting, greenery and beautifully displayed cabinetry would surely have taken this, too. In the following pages, you’ll find plenty more products from Interzum 2019, including the very latest décor products, some of which also won awards. Some are so new that we’ve had to photograph them specially in order to bring them to you first. If they catch your eye, we’ve provided contact details and, in many instances, direct links through the Furniture Journal App as well so you can be first to get your hands on them! If you didn’t make it to Interzum 2019, the next interzum will take place from 4th to 7th May 2021 in Cologne.

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REVIEW

Trend Talks Furniture Journal talks to trend experts to find out more about the key trends emerging in 2019/20. Top: Research into alternative materials has seen a rise in cradle to cradle manufacturing – a key trend for 2019/20. Above: Julia Greven, Philla BrandXitement. Above right: Katrin De Louw, Trendfilter. Opposite page: Top: Designers are aiming is to use natural materials to counterbalance the over use of man-made materials in furniture manufacturing. Bottom left and right: Upcycling and recycling is a key area of growth for the industry.

aste not want not is a phrase not many of us would associate with furniture design but in a world where sustainable manufacturing techniques and eco-friendly materials are no longer seen as buzz words or used as clever marketing gimmicks, it seems fitting that trend analysts and industry experts are predicting the rise of resourceful furniture design in 2020. “The trend for Greenification has never been more compelling,” begins Philla BrandXitement’s trends expert, Julia Greven. “It’s a counter trend to city life that is seeing us go back to nature. There’s a massive trend for upcycling and recycling in Europe. This has been an area of development for many years

but today, waste awareness has never been more prevalent in design. The aim is to use natural materials to counterbalance the over use of man-made materials and try to reverse some of the damage we have caused our plant. “The idea that used plastics can be turned into structurally sound surfaces or food waste like pineapple and apple rind can be turned into fabrics, adds a new dimension to this trend. Reclaimed elements partnered with nature is going to be a big area of growth across a wide range of industries in 2020 and beyond.” Dr Sascha Peters from Haute Innovation believes this trend is an extension of our growing consciousness.“It reflects us as individuals and how we feel about the

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environment we live in. Designers are looking at ways to use what is around us and not interfere with our eco-system. Adaptive surface design is a great example of how the industry is embracing this trend. The surfaces have been created to reflect the organic behaviour of nature but designers have enhanced the idea by creating responsive materials that can be used inside. Oren Harari once said,‘Edison’s electric light did not come about from the continuous improvement of the candle,’ and this rings true for the furniture design industry’s continual development, too. “Pine cones are a great example of how designers and innovators are looking at nature for inspiration. Pine cones respond to the light

and moisture around them, opening and closing depending on the environment they are in. Now imagine if we use this idea when creating technology that automatically opens or closes windows or to create veneers that bend when they are wet. This trend is about embracing engineering and design and creating new ideas and areas of application.” Katrin De Louw from Trendfilter has researched the growing demand for new materials solutions.“We can now turn raw and plant based materials into creative fabrics ideally suited to the furniture manufacturing industry. Those with interesting properties such as fruit fibres, recycled glass, reused cork or old leather have the possibility to be turned

into usable materials. Tree bark can be turned into soft leather and glass can be tightly woven if melted down. Like many natural materials, the results are structurally strong with beautiful imperfections ingrained. We call this “cradle to cradle’ circular design thinking. It avoids waste and feeds production methods and lets designers focus on reusing and restoring materials time and again. There is growing demand for ‘value of origin’ manufacturing methods in all areas of design and it is a developing trend in the furniture industry. It’s certainly one to watch…” For more information on the trend experts mentioned, Furniture Journal App users can tap on their picture.

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REVIEW

Compact by Pfleiderer Some UK manufacturers may already have seen Duropal’s Compact worktop collection, but at Interzum 2019 it made its official European debut.

t’s always nice to hear when Britain takes first place. As far as Pfleiderer is concerned, the UK is the market of choice for pioneering new products, and according Pfleiderer UK’s Managing Director, Jason Taylor, he hasn’t seen an uptake as successful as the last collection Pfleiderer launched in 22 years with the company. “Interzum is the official launch of our Compact Grade worktops but we launched it in the UK in September 2018,” explains Jason. “Uptake has been amazing. Manufacturers have been quick to see the advantages – not just the cost savings but also, importantly, the reduced time involved in fabrication and the lack of a need for templating has meant we’ve

won a significant number of new projects in London and Manchester. Demand from both the studio market and increasingly from high rise developments as a replacement for stones and marbles has been immense.” Pfleiderer originally launched 12 décors with three core colours: black, white and grey. “ Our core technology means the colour consistency through the worktop is unsurpassed,” says Jason. “It makes a huge difference when you’re cutting drainer grooves, or shapes for islands, etc., as you don’t get distortion or burn through. One of the key benefits of the Compact Grade Worktops is the size available: the option of 640mm wide with the leading edge

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 15 Background: Nero Portoro over Oriental Stone on Crick base

bevelled, or 950mm wide with both edges bevelled. Both products come with individually packed, Duropal branded boxes so it’s well protected and it has the premium look about it. Pfleiderer UK also offers master sheets of 4100 x 1300mm that are ideal for breakfast bars, curve components, meeting tables and larger applications. “It’s proven very successful,” says Jason. It’s already stocked by key distributors in this format and at 4100mm in length and 1300mm in width, it’s the longest on the market, ideally suited to the mid and upper laminated worktop sectors.” As part of its Interzum Compact Grade Worktop product launch, Pfleiderer also

Top to bottom: Anthracite, Chalk, Light Grey, Bellato Grey, Carrara Marble

No distortion or burn through when cutting drainer grooves.

Dark Mountain Oak over Ponderosa Pine

Ceramic Rust over Metallic Brown

showed a supermatt texture that was first pioneered in the UK market last autumn – and a rather special UK-designed display stand that was designed to replicate solid stone. Jason confirms, “It’s very different to our Duropal laminate stands and it’s proved a real hit in some high end studios where they don’t entertain laminate worktops.” Also new for Interzum were 40 trend décors that were finalised in the first quarter to cross over Melamine and HPL collections. Included are stones, granites, several textile, woodgrains and fantasy décors, along with metallics. A new texture that’s been released is SD, or Sand Pearl. A development from the main furniture

market in Europe, it has a new texture that offers the performance of Pfleiderer’s minipearl texture combined with the appearance of a very smooth and tactile surface. Several other new textures were also being shown at Interzum that will be available in the UK before the autumn. For more information on Duropal’s Compact Grade Worktops visit www.duropal.co.uk and to fire the new trend designs for furniture boards www.pfleiderer.co.uk or call 01625 660410, if you are reading this edition with the free Furniture Journal App, tap the background picture to find your nearest Pfleiderer distributor.

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REVIEW

Be Different Stunning stand, stunning décors – and new marbles join the woodgrains for which Saviola is best known.

ne glance at the background image should tell you instantly whose décor product it is. The texture, the gloss level, the way the grain structure has been applied to the planked design and the colour combine in a new Chalet Oak that screams Saviola. “We started from a solid wood door and the goal was to create a real alternative to solid wood with strong planked structure and rustic colour for a modern kitchen,” designer, Daniele Merla, told Furniture Journal on the stand. He’s acutely aware that the market for woodgrains is declining in the volume-driven mid to low price melamine market, but at the top end rustic woodgrains are still very much in demand. “Our benchmark for Chalet Oak is

the high premium Italian kitchen product where the solid wood optic is still very strong. We are talking about modern furniture, where woods are combined with metals, glass, stone, or marble.” On a stand that was intentionally different – and 100% recyclable to emphasise the ecofriendliness of Saviola products – several new woodgrains were being shown alongside new textures in one of the open-ended display areas, but the big surprises came in the last area. Here, a brand-new collection of marblebased designs was being shown in flat form as well as miniature room cameos. “In living rooms, we are seeing a lot of black and anthracite, not the typical white marbles we’ve seen in the past,” commented Daniele.

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Black Mustang

New Marbles on display

The Saviolab

Castle Walnut

with Saviola “Modern interpretations are dark colours and matt surfaces. A marble has to look and feel like a marble and we are being as authentic as possible because there is no room for interpretation.” Black Mangusta, with its sparkling metallic patterning and occasional white veining, is a stunning décor with a finish that replicates the smooth surface of a genuine marble. It’s a major departure for Saviola, but true to form, it’s authentic to the last detail. The stand itself symbolised the Saviola ethic. Divided into three stages, visitors were first taken through the Saviolab, where the emphasis was on the recycled materials that go into the company’s raw boards and the elements that influence Saviola’s designs. The

second stage was entitled Metamorphosis and here, visitors found illustrations of the materials that influence the designs: experiments with pattern and texture, combinations of existing textures and new designs, new textures and existing designs, or completely new textures and new designs. Some were in production and available while others served to illustrate what is possible. Particularly striking were the new Aurino décor with Chalet texture and the Chalet texture with Chalet Oak décor (background image). In the third stage, Saviola presented inspiration for designers, illustrating how the décors could be used with symbolic displays representing the kitchen, the bedroom and the living room alongside full-size laminated panels.

Throughout these three areas the emphasis was on environmental products. “Everyone is talking about environmental products,” commented Daniele, “And this will influence our world. We have a 100% recycled product, so we have a strong position to push our product more than we have in the past. We also see in colours and structures that everything has to look as natural and as eco-friendly as possible, and there is no doubt, this green movement will influence the next developments we see coming to market.” For more information on Gruppo Saviola visit www.grupposaviola.com/en/ or for designs available in the UK, contact Deralam on 01257 478540.

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REVIEW

Magnificent

Metallics The metallic trend is gathering pace and for manufacturers who want antifingerprint and anti-scratch, there isn’t much to beat LG Hausys new brushed metal décor films.

n a stand that encapsulated décors ranging from supermatts and antifingerprint surfaces to a brand new 3d formable film that will surely grab the attention of manufacturers producing supermatt doors with complex inset handles, one emerging product group from LG Hausys stood out head and shoulders above the rest: an expanding and rather spectacular collection of metallics, some of which will be available soon through David Clouting Ltd.

“Metallics are undoubtedly the most important new products on the stand,” David Clouting’s Sales Director, Edward Quant, told Furniture Journal. “We’ve brought two of these metallics into the UK and versions of what you are seeing here have been trialled by major producers. From about August, we’ll be able to offer a brushed stainless steel and a brushed light bronze that have been developed from LG’s whitegoods and appliances technology. The unique thing about both is they use a real

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 19

Below: A stunning black metallic, shown as a full height door alongside metallics with various structured surfaces on the LG Hausys stand.

metal film encapsulated in our Hard Coat product. Both come with anti-scratch and antifingerprint qualities as standard.” The prototypes of both products were first seen a couple of years ago but, since then, much development work has been carried out by LG. “Bonding real metals and films isn’t a straightforward process,” explains Edward. “It’s technically a very difficult product to make and it’s taken two years to get it absolutely right. Now the product is ready to take to the

market we’ll be offering 1250mm wide rolls in a thickness of 0.3mm with a primer on the reverse and Hard Coat on the surface. It will be available in full rolls and we are having matching edging materials developed.” It seems likely that other variants may also be introduced as the desire for metallic finishes gathers pace in the UK – and, on a personal level, there’s one product I’d really like to see introduced: a stunning black metallic that was shown in full height door

size alongside smaller samples on the LG Hausys stand. Bringing the black trend together with a brushed metallic Hard Coat product is a first for LG but it could really take on with imaginative manufacturers. To request samples and further information contact David Clouting Ltd on 01376 518037. If you are reading this edition with the free Furniture Journal App, touch the background image for a link to the David Clouting website, or touch here to request samples.

20 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

All that Glitters There are metallic wrapping grade décor foils and there are Kröning wrapping grade metallic décor foils. On the Interzum stand it was easy to see the difference.

f you need a metallic décor that works beautifully as a profile to contrast with, or complement the latest generation of woodgrains – or, indeed, if you need a showpiece décor that gives your furniture designs a real wow factor – one stand you shouldn’t have missed at Interzum was the Kröning stand. Kröning’s metallic profile wrapping foils are simply stunning and new for Interzum was a complete stock collection

that complements the company’s bespoke product offer. The reason Kröning’s wrapping foils stand out as different and more authentic than many is because they are based on real metal: “We are offering wrapping foil, and it is paper based, but the difference between our products and others is we use real, pure aluminium on the top and on this we make a print and lacquer it,” Michael Recke told Furniture Journal on the

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 21

stand. “From aluminium we are able to make a copper, a gold, a bronze, a stainless steel, a titanium – whatever the customer wants – and add embossing effects, patination or brush effects to the surface. “For special designs, we work with Hans Bösel.The developments he makes are generally to the final finish of our metallic effects. Once we’ve created the gold or the silver, he will adjust the gloss level and work on

the final lacquering and the brushed effect so it looks authentic.We can give our customers a design that works with every décor from the big producers. Manufacturers want a complementary colour for profiles and with our aluminium foils they can add warmth with gold and copper, or create cool, contemporary loft furniture with silver and titanium.” All Kröning’s wrapping foils are available in 650mm wide rolls, which, Michael says, is the

ideal width for cutting as it gives far less waste than 1200mm or 1500mm widths. Kröning is a member of the Surteco Group. For more information call 01282 686850, or visit www.uk.surteco.com Furniture Journal App users can touch the main picture in the App edition for a direct link to more information on real metallic foils by Kröning, or touch sales@uk.surteco.com to email Surteco UK for further details.

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REVIEW

Winner takes All Surteco adds the Interzum Red Dot Award to its growing collection for its Compact-Style edgeband.

f the CEO at Surteco has a shelf in his office for design awards collected by the company over the last couple of years, one can only presume it must be bending to the point of collapse – and for the company’s latest product, Compact-Style, three more awards have been added to the collection in the last few weeks. A perfect match between surface décor and edgeband has long been the holy grail of edgebanding producers, so it’s good to see Surteco widening the options it offers the market still further with a selection of really imaginative alternatives. Compact-Style is a

brand new edgeband collection that fits perfectly with emerging trends, opening new design possibilities for imaginative designers and providing real options to plain with plain or matching woodgrain with woodgrain. Combining a plain front with a Compact-Style edgeband adds a new and interesting dimension. On the one hand it provides a clean, modern, different look with an attractive contemporary design accent that will enliven an up-market product beautifully; on the other, it harks back to the halcyon days of fine, inlaid veneers when marquetry and stringing lines lifted the appeal of furniture

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 23

with added value design features. By incorporating a printed, inlaid panel that simulates dyed laminate into the design of an edging, Surteco has not only expanded its edgeband offer with an innovative idea that’s easy to incorporate, it’s picked up three awards in the process: At Interzum 2019, Compact-Style collected a coveted Red Dot design award by meeting such criteria as innovation, functionality, formal quality, ergonomics and longevity. The international jury discussed and deliberated, and in keeping with its motto “in search of good design and

innovation”, Compact-Style convinced the jury and got the dot. Quite a coup. The Red Dot was not the first award for Compact-Style, though. The German Design Council, whose aim it is to discover, present and recognise exclusive design trends, awarded Compact-Style the German Design Award, recognising the product as a firstclass submission that pointed the way forward in the international design landscape. Compact-Style was also among the winners of the Polish Diament Meblarstwa, where it also stole the Silver Saw Blade award.

There are many colour and style variants within the Compact-Style collection, including end grain and plyboard effects. To find out more, contact Surteco UK on 01282 686850, or visit www.uk.surteco.com Furniture Journal app users can touch the main picture in the online App edition for a direct link, or sales@uk.surteco.com to email Surteco UK for further details.

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REVIEW

Be.Yond Board

Boasting the same emission level as trees, Swiss Kronoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new panel product will take your green credentials to a new level.

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 25

f having the greenest of green credentials is important to your business and you actively seek out not only sustainable, ecofriendly products but products and materials that provide you with a genuine USP, we found one at Interzum that’s sure to capture your interest – and by the time you read this article, it will already be available in the UK through IDS. You’ll already be well aware of the health issues associated with particle board products as well as the benefits of manufacturing from FSC® certified materials. While the industry at large has done much to eliminate chemicals like formaldehyde from panel products and VOCs from its manufacturing processes, and the FSC® certification system has done much to ensure the timber from which it is made is sourced from responsibly managed forests, one company has gone above and beyond to create a particle board that will have you (and your customers) breathing even more easily – quite literally. Launched at Interzum 2019, Swiss Krono’s unique Be.Yond furniture grade particle board is claimed to have an emission level equivalent to the trees from which it is made: just 0.01 parts per million. And that, we think, is a world first; the most environmentally friendly product of its kind currently on the market. Be.Yond is exclusively available nationwide through IDS in the UK, with an MOQ of just one pack on any of the One World décors. The quality of Swiss Krono’s particle board products is already renowned. Through the use of rigorous processes during

manufacture, it is able to boast a level of refinement and purity that will make your cutting tools last longer between sharpening and provide superior machining characteristics, reducing damage and waste. But with Be.Yond, Swiss Krono has developed a whole new formulation of next generation bio-based adhesives for its latest board product, manufacturing with a bio-based Ecosynthetix adhesive system that uses Durabind biopolymers. It corresponds to the strictest requirements in terms of indoor air quality, and that makes it an ideal product from which to manufacture furniture, or for interior projects, especially in sensitive areas. “We spend most of our lives indoors, which means that we are constantly in contact with building materials that affect our health and wellness,” says Georg Mäder, CSMO of Swiss Krono Group. “With woodbased materials that are manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner, Swiss Krono Group is doing its part to promote sustainable construction practices and healthy lifestyles. Wood and wood-based materials are natural materials that contribute to a healthy interior climate.” Be.Yond is made from a minimum of 98% natural wood materials, it exceeds Carb Phase Two standards and improves your LEED (green building certification) level. FSC® and PEFC™ certification are available and it is available in the full One World range of Swiss Krono décors and textures. For more information, contact Swiss Krono’s UK distributor, IDS, on 08457 298 298, or touch info@idsurfaces.co.uk to send an email.

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REVIEW

Remarkable, unmarkable A High performance surfaces can often be a compromise but not Senosan’s new antifingerprint supermatt.

sk any good development engineer who works on décor products for a surface finish that’s got really good supermatt properties, a high chemical resistance, scratch resistance and antifingerprint properties and it’s more than likely you’ll get a product that’s excellent at one, or maybe two of the above, but not so great at the others. There’s usually got to be some area of compromise. Senosan’s Manfred Oberkofler isn’t a man who likes the word compromise. He’s spent the last three years co-ordinating development on a brand-new product that’s

half the price of its nearest competitor and promises to give you the best of all worlds: tangible anti-fingerprint properties that were being proven on the Interzum stand with the olive oil test; supermatt with just the right contact angle to provide a silky softness; and scratch and chemical resistance that meet with the Manfred Kein Kompromiss standard. Launched on the Senosan stand at Interzum, Senosan Topmatt AF (AntiFingerprint) is a development of the familiar Topmatt product that benefits from different coating technology. “By changing the chemical formulation, using different additives and

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 27

Senosan curing times, we have been able to improve the haptics of the material,” says Manfred, “But it doesn’t just feel better, we have also improved the chemical performance of the material and you can see immediately that it is not possible to leave fingerprints on the surface. We are also using inline technology in clean room conditions – everything we do in house – so the finish of the surface is the best possible and there is no risk of contamination from dust.” On the stand were grey and white but the intention is for UK stock to include seven colours in the new Senosan Topmatt AF

collection by the end of the year. Although it is a premium product, to ensure a competitive price, the thickness of the new material has been reduced from 0.6mm to 0.5mm. It will be available in 1300mm roll form, or sheet form for flat lamination with PUR hotmelt systems. Non-stock product will also be available on six to eight-week delivery. For more information, call 01952 243999. Alternatively, if you are reading this article with the free Furniture Journal App on your smartphone or tablet, touch here to email Senoplast UK.

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REVIEW

Renolit’s PET New innovations in visual and tactile appeal from Renolit.

Halifax Oak

Renolit Gorcell

ET laminates provide a combination of excellent formability and durability – and this year, on a very striking stand, they were one of three focus areas for Renolit. “The mirror finish on the high-gloss version is just like a polished lacquer surface and gives the colour depth as if behind a pane of glass,” Thomas Tossmann, Business Unit Manager at Renolit Design, commented, referring to the finish of the new 2D and 3D PET laminates on show at Interzum. “The high-gloss surface feels just as smooth as it looks - it is endlessly smooth. And the supermatt texture feels emphatically flat, with visual and tactile appeal in equal measures.” Scratch-resistant, unaffected by fingerprints and easy to clean, Renolit’s latest PET introductions are ideal for furniture fronts and caravan applications where it is important to withstand knocks and bangs and retain a beautiful finish for a prolonged period. The Renolit PET Laminate 2D and 3D designs are both available from stock. Also brand new for Interzum, Renolit’s thermolaminate collections set the scene for sculptured furniture and demonstrated the versatility of Renolit Gorcell base material combined with Renolit Alkorcell in contemporary finishes and on-trend colours. A new innovative core material was presented with Renolit Gorcell veneer-flex

and Renolit Gorcell super-flex – two materials that are extremely light and rigid, with less than half the density of balsa wood. They can be formed to an internal radius of up to 20 millimetres, regardless of the direction of bend, and are 100% waterresistant. Coated with Renolit Cork-Stock, Renolit Wood-Stock or CPL/veneer, these new materials are ideal for interior fittings in caravans or yachts, for example, as well as for wet and humid areas. In striving for the most natural possible effect in decorative wood finishes, synchronised pore technology remains the ultimate choice, and for Renolit’s latest creation for 3D laminates, there is little to beat the Halifax oak finish. A visual as well as tactile gnarled effect is created, providing a natural and authentic look, especially in the Nature, White and Dark Tobacco shades. Sweet Chestnut also has much to offer, bringing an elegant yet rustic feel to living and sleeping areas. It is available in Chestnut, Bleached, Limed, Dark Grey and Black shades. For further information, contact Renolit on 01670 718222, email renolit.cramlington@renolit.com or visit www.renolit.com/design If you are reading this edition with the free Furniture Journal App, touch the picture marked with a link sign to watch Renolit’s PET laminate video.

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30 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

When less

With lift-up flaps currently undergoing a renaissance and design now as important inside the cabinet as outside, Kinvaro T-Slim from Grass ticks all the boxes.

f less is more, there’s no doubt the latest flap mechanism from the Austrian movement specialist, Grass, has everything going for it. By a long mile, it was the slimmest, sleekest, most discreet flap lift mechanism at Interzum 2019 and, though it wasn’t entered for an Interzum award, it certainly gets the Furniture Journal award for best in its class. It’s so slim that it disappears inside the thickness of a panel, making it the ultimate mechanism for any designer wishing to incorporate flap doors discreetly and provide maximum internal cabinet space inside design-led cabinetry. And that’s a world first.

The new Kinvaro T-Slim flap lift mechanism makes the dream of invisible fittings a reality. “We have been a furniture industry pioneer for over 70 years,” says Grass flap lift mechanism product manager, Harald Küper. “With Kinvaro T-Slim, we are adding a new chapter to our innovation history. After the invention of the first-ever concealed hinge for the double wall drawer, we have now developed a new dimension of invisibility with Kinvaro T-Slim.” Wide storage solutions with lift-up flaps are currently undergoing a renaissance.Whether fitted at eye level directly above the kitchen worktop, sink or cooker, above a desk or television in the living room, or next to the

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 31 Right: Kinvaro T-Slim really comes into its own with glass front flaps and aluminium frames. Below right: At just 12mm wide, Kinvaro T-Slim fits discreetly within a 16mm panel.

is more mirror in the bathroom, overhead wall cabinets with flaps are becoming essential design features.With the Kinvaro T-Slim, Grass engineers have managed to reduce the complex mechanism of a lift-up fitting down to an overall size of 12mm, reducing the minimum side wall thickness requirement to just 16mm – and it can be used with wood just as easily as MDF. But where Kinvaro T-Slim really comes into its own is with glass front flaps and aluminium frames.The fitting becomes one with the furniture. Made from nickel-plated steel, Kinvaro T-Slim’s five-part jointed hinge arms and matte shiny leverage elements follow a cleverly

choreographed sequence of forces that all but defy the laws of physics.The cabinet front is so easy to move that it appears to be lifted up by an invisible force, while the soft close technology, already proven millions of times over, ensures an elegant, gently dampened closing movement.With an opening angle of 107 degrees, the flap opens well beyond the user’s area of movement and it can stay open without getting in the way. It comes with an integrated opening angle limiting stay that prevents the front from being lifted up too high on overhead wall cabinets that are mounted directly below the ceiling. It can also be equipped with Tipmatic for handleless cabinet versions.

Kinvaro T-Slim can either be inset or overlaid and screwed on. No tools are needed to fit and remove the two-part covering pelmet and it’s easy to adjust after fitting, if required. It is attached to the front with a clip and the fully-adjustable spring tension can be adjusted from the front. Grass has launched the mechanism in three standard colours: Ice, Stone and Silver and a paintable covering pelmet is also available that can be painted to match the body finish. For more information contact Grass on 0121 500 5824. If you are reading this article with the free Furniture Journal App, touch here to see all Grass products.

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 33

REVIEW

Sharing Success T

he saying, ‘knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied’ is often cited but rarely practised in business but for Austrian fittings manufacturer, Blum, Interzum 2019 offered the ideal platform to promote the importance it places on working with its customers to create products designed for the industry, by the industry… Stepping away from the conventional business model of a functional fittings supplier, Blum’s product development and service offering are based on ongoing dialogue with its customers and partners. This holistic approach has led to the launch of its new online platform, ‘Blum Inspirations’. The portal, which has been created to inspire and educate a new generation of cabinet makers and furniture manufacturers, shares clever design concepts, unique ideas and innovation furniture solutions with its customers. It also shows visitors how new and novel furniture designs can be implemented with Blum’s range of space-saving fittings for the kitchen and living area, whilst offering helpful hints and tips along the way. Blum’s new “moving ideas” brand promise – also promoted for the first time during the show - reflects the company’s commitment to putting customer needs at the centre of its

thinking. It is dedicated to carrying out furniture surveys, identifying trends and sharing valuable insights with furniture manufacturers in a bid to create new products the industry need, whilst providing ideas and sharing experiences with its customers. This level of engagement has led to the introduction of a plethora of new product at this year’s Interzum including the new disappearing pocket door, a brand new drawerbox that will enable manufacturers to use a variety of different pull-out designs within one drawerbox, and its newly-updated Aventos lift-system, incorporating Blum’s Servo-Drive to the HK top hinge. Ben Cullum, UK Sales Representative for Blum adds, “We are entering a new era of collaboration with our partners. We are committed to customer research and developing new solutions for modern living and with support from our customers, we are certain our products will continue to lead innovation.” To find out more, contact Blum UK on 01908 285700, visit www.blum.com or, if you are reading this article with the free Furniture Journal App, touch any picture marked with the link sign to be taken to the ‘Blum Inspirations’ landing page.

Blum promotes the importance of customer engagement at Interzum.

Above: Blum’s new “moving ideas” brand promise reflects the company’s commitment to putting customer needs at the centre of its thinking. Inset: Blum’s new ‘Blum Inspirations’ platform has been designed to inspire and educate.

Blum’s Interzum stand focused on the importance it puts on customer collaborations.

34 furniture journal | JULY 2019 ValenItalia wooden drawer insert

REVIEW

Starting Conversations With his sights firmly set on the future, Gareth Atkin, founder of Preston Furniture Solutions, talks to Furniture Journal about his newly established furniture manufacturing agency and growing portfolio.

areth Atkin knows a thing or two about the furniture industry. He’s been involved in it since leaving school and has developed quite a passion for design, form and function. It’s no surprise that, with a keen eye for business and a sixth sense for scouting out new opportunities, the entrepreneur has secured himself an enviable list of furniture component manufacturers, who, with an experienced UK agent now on board, are keen to grow their market share in the UK. “As a UK agent, it’s my job to secure my customers’ business but to do that, I need to believe in what I’m selling,” begins Gareth. “From the off, I knew I needed to be selective about the companies I worked with. I didn’t

have the inclination to be all things to all men. I had a very clear idea of what I wanted Preston Furniture Solutions to be and I knew that meant targeting companies that offered something altogether different. They needed to have ideas, a clear vision of where they wanted to be and ambition to grow. These are the kind of companies that excite me and these are the kind of companies I want to work with.” With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Gareth has established long-standing relationships with key decision makers in the industry. In fact, it was his time working at Häfele UK, Crestwood Fittings and Landau Parapanthat provided the invaluable experience and knowledge he needed to establish his own agency in February 2017. Gareth walks me round Valenitalia’s bustling Interzum stand. It’s a company he’s known for a decade and now represents. He enthuses over the quality and style, pointing out the dovetails and on-trend, slimline features in their beautifully finished Oak and Walnut drawers and inserts. “My relationship with them spans over a decade,” he tells me.“And during this time, I’ve learnt about their production methods, experienced the level of

craftsmanship that goes into their product range and seen the company grow. I was eager to get them on board Within a few weeks, major manufacturers and distributors began buying Valenitalia’s wooden drawers and accessories and volume orders soon followed. A decision to extend their manufacturing facilities into the UK to assist with growing demand and a ‘just in time’ service was a clear indication of the success the company was experiencing in the UK. It was the perfect start for the Hull-based agency and, with key players in the industry coming on board, Preston Furniture Solutions started to grow. “Gruppo Confalonieri was next to sign,” grins Gareth, clearly excited by the idea of working with such a prestigious name in the Italian decorative hardware market. Now in its third generation, Gruppo Confalonieri specialises in the design and manufacturing of handles but, staying true to his company’s ethos, their product offering had to be different. “Gruppo Confalonieri’s products can never be described as run-of-the-mill,” says Gareth, as he presents me with a selection of highly textured oxidised metal handles that

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 35 Gruppo Confalonieri handle prototypes

Atim’s space-saving cabinet

ValenItalia dovetail drawer edge

embrace the trend for industrial-inspired design. “Their products excite me. Think marble veining, precious stones, concreate finishes and roughly chopped woods and you won’t be disappointed. Their portfolio is very design-led, appealing to high-end KBB manufacturers. It has the potential to open a lot of doors in the UK – no pun intended.” Already supplying well-know KBB manufacturers since managing the brand, Gareth’s next step is to promote the company’s stylish range and smart handle fixings to a wider audience. “Seeing really is believing in when it comes to Gruppo Confalonieri’s hardware range. They offer so much design scope and I’m keen to present them to furniture manufacturers and retailers who want to offer their customers something completely unique.” Preston Furniture Solutions also represents space-saving furniture solutions manufacturer, Atim SPA, luxury components producer, Furnital, functional fittings manufacture, Effegibrevetti, air purification solutions manufacturer, Check-up and Polish acrylic door and panel specialist, Sklejbud in the UK - and, following a successful introduction at

Interzum 2019, Gareth announced his company would also be representing the Italian lighting company, Forma & Funzione. So what is next for Preston Furniture Solutions? “I’m not afraid to say that I am an ambitious person and I want my business to thrive,” says Gareth. “I have secured some fantastic customers in my first two years of business who share my passion and enthusiasm for the products they are creating and the industry we are in. My next step is to find new ways to engage with new and existing customers and continue to get the right products in front of the right people. I want to build on my relationships with leading distributors and manufacturers but also introduce my portfolio to furniture makers, retailers and designers who are looking for new and innovative products that make them stand out from the crowd. Starting conversations and having the opportunity to showcase the products on offer are key areas of development for me and will enable me and my clients to build on our success.” For more information please visit www.prestonfurnituresolutions.co.uk or email gareth@prestonfurnituresolutions.co.uk.

Gareth Atkin

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JULY 2019 | furniture journal 37

REVIEW

The Power of Software I

magine a piece of software that has been tailored to your complete production requirements. A software solution that can be worked and re-worked easily and conveniently for special designs, one-off orders or on-going changes to your existing manufacturing methods. Now image that this software could be controlled remotely via the cloud or used on the factory floor when required. This is a reality for Austrian CAD/ CAM software specialist, CAD+T. Presented for the first time at this year’s Interzum and Ligna, CAD+T’s Configurator Professional (Configurator Pro) is the company’s first cloud-based software system for the furniture design and manufacturing industry. The new software offers a wealth a flexibility and different levels to its intelligence. As well as offering the fast creation and maintenance of products, the Configurator Professional is able to scale up (vertical scaling), allowing the user to add to an existing system and boost performance, whilst the system’s ability to scale out (horizontal scaling) means there are no limits to the number of servers that can work in tandem with the configurator. This offers great scope to both small and large production companies and allows each company to create system parameters that meet the individual requirements of their planning and production stages.

This vast flexibility is further increased through the ability of the configurator to generate graphical data and organise it into the correct fields using both rule-based and code-based options, with data completed by parametric or adaptive construction. The bespoke system also benefits from a configurable user interface, which allows the user to receive CAD/CAM data, optimised part lists, BOMs and user-defined work plans in just a few simple steps. Thomas Schwarz, Head of Development at CAD+T says, “Our new Configurator Professional software opens a lot of doors for our customers. There are no boundaries to design and it gives users the opportunity to combine design software and integrated servers to create bespoke, one-off pieces without any manual intervention. The configurator can manipulate data and rules independently to calculate the necessary geometry needed to create a bespoke item or special order quickly and efficiently. The functionality of this software, and its sheer flexibility, separates us from other software developers and has gained a lot of interest at Interzum and Ligna this year. This is a key area of growth for CAD+T and something we are continuing to develop.” For more information on CAD+T and its complete range of CAD/CAM software solutions visit www.cadt-solutions.com or email office@cadt-solutions.com.

CAD+T launches its first cloud-based software system at Interzum and Ligna.

CAD+T’s Configurator Professional (Configurator Pro) software.

38 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

Interzum Showcase

Left: On one of the most stylish stands at Interzum, Salice showed a range of innovations from the striking bedroom Excessories range first seen at Sicam (and now an Interzum award winner) to new drawer, door and flap solutions. “Excessories needs to be seen to be believed,” commented Salice UK’s Managing Director, Walter Gosling on the stand. “It’s a very high-end aesthetic product for bedrooms that will be followed by a separate range for kitchens and another for living rooms next year.” Alongside Excessories, Salice showed its new universal hinge for bonding to glass or for use with thin 8mm composite doors and a new 60k drawer runner for wide kitchen drawers. It comes with a simple, magnetic cover that makes the galvanised steel mechanism less obvious when the drawer is opened. Salice’s Evolift flap lift mechanism has undergone a transformation. Gone are the gas springs. There are two strengths covering doors of up to 18kg – but only one Evolift is needed for each flap door, providing a lot more space in the cabinet. Exedra, Salice’s pocket door system with cam-assisted sliding action and linear damping, has now been joined by Exedra 2. Although still a mechanical system, the action is quite special and needs to be tried to be appreciated. One touch and a 2.6 metre high, 750mm wide pocket door slips out of its pocket and closes, or slips back in with the slightest pressure. It was proving to be a real wow at the show and has many uses from kitchens to bedrooms and dressing room partitions. For more information, touch the picture with the link symbol if you are reading this with the free Furniture Journal App or call 01480 413831.

Right: Titus used Interzum to launch a new method of assembling rigid cabinets in the factory. Currently, the traditional method is glue and dowel. One of the challenges is you don’t know how much glue has gone into each hole. Cleaning also takes time. Titus has come up with a system of ultrasonic welding that vibrates at 20,000 cycles per minute, generates 180-degrees Celsius at each end of a plastic dowel and melts it into the chipboard. Two seconds and it’s set. There’s no curing time. “It’s all about the speed, the cleanliness and the strength of the process,” said Titus UK’s Phil Beddoe. “It’s about 30% stronger than wooden dowels and glue. We will be developing the range and are planning several pilot schemes before the system is officially launched. This product is for people who are making 4-5,000 cabinets and upwards per week. It gets more productivity out of your factory. We think we can get up to 120,000 cabinets per week of one line. It will be ready for roll-out in 2020. If you are reading this edition with the free Furniture Journal App, touch the picture to watch a video of the system in action. Alternatively, call 01977 682582.

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 39 Right: The UK castor specialist, Guy-Raymond presented two new products at Interzum: the GRX38 castor and the GRX65 C-Line. The GRX38 saves on space with its 38mm diameter wheels and low build height, while supporting up to 60kg per castor. The design of the brake pedal not only looks elegant, but also makes furniture easier to use as the foot brake can be released from above. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designed for use on storage units, beds and reclining chairs. The GRX65 C-Line castor, in contrast, is ideally suited to office chairs, cupboards and tables and features a concave wheel shape and thinner soft tyre. Details, call 01553 761 401 or visit www.guy-raymond.co.uk

Left: Castor specialist, Tente, picked up an Interzum Award for its elegant castor series, Anika, launched at Interzum. Inspired by simplicity and efficiency, this versatile new castor offers an innovative level of customisation for interior design. The removable wheel caps are available with matte, glossy or chrome finish and multiple colours can be used to fit with the device on which the castors are fitted. The housing and brake lever can also be coloured. Anika an offers an elegant and functional brake lever. All components are made from high quality EU regulated synthetic materials and comply with ISO 12528, 12529 and BIFMA. For more information visit www.tente.com/en-gb or call 01733 578111.

Right: Kiaro is a brand-new opening system from Italiano Ferramenta. For drop down doors, it offers furniture designers a minimalist, yet elegant solution that comes with the added benefits of easy installation and adjustment. Kiaro works with a wide range of door weights and dimensions. For more information, touch here if you are reading this with the free Furniture Journal App or call 0039 0434 428 211.

Left: A revolutionary system to cut large leathers with mobile wings (WPT) and a portal that can mount up to 4 independent cutting heads, with mobile portal and patented system WPT made its debut on the Teseo stand. The Eos Quad has with two to four independent cutting heads and movable wings (WPT) that can lower and rise in just two seconds, greatly increasing the ergonomics and production capacity of the plant. The patented WPT (Winged Plane Technology) system facilitates the inspection, the positioning of the leather and the collection of the cut pieces, while mobile portal, moving from one side of the plant to the other, allows a continuous production cycle with no downtime (nesting, cutting, collection). For details call +39 0734 628 818 or email info@teseo.com

40 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

Up, Up and Away! Ninka’s Qanto powered lifting tray system has really come of age with new features.

Up and down at the touch of a button.

A neat handle enables the tray containing the worktop appliance to roll onto the worksurface.

f I was to choose just one really outstanding product from the whole of Interzum to take home for my own kitchen, there’s no doubt in my mind what it would be: Ninka’s powered tray lifting system, Qanto. Qanto wasn’t new for Interzum 2019 – indeed it was launched at Interzum 2017 – but the developments Ninka has made to this brilliant product over the last two years have really brought it to life and, especially for those who like technology in their kitchens, will surely put it head and shoulders above pullouts. It seems most visitors to the Ninka stand agree, as feedback exceeded all expectations. Qanto is a very simple solution that will lift worktop appliances like food processors,

coffee machines, mixers, or other electrically powered kitchen aids out of a unit that fits neatly into a corner cabinet. From a kitchen fitter’s point of view, the one-piece construction is simplicity itself to fit: everything is in a supplied casing that only needs to be positioned beneath a square cut-out in the worksurface, fixed in place and plugged in. It is quite literally plug and play. And from a user perspective, it’s simple, practical, stylish – and a classic example of how technology should be used to add value to a kitchen. The original Qanto came with a useful plastic tray as the upper surface that raised from the level of the worksurface to reveal the

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 41

kitchen aid below it and lowered flush when not in use. The tray could be used as a storage area for jars, a breadboard, or decorative items, as required. By popular demand, the new version at Interzum 2019 had dispensed with the upper tray and in its place was worktop. When Qanto is in the concealed position inside the cabinet, now all you see is worktop with a neat brushed metal surround and a telltale electrical switch for operating the unit. It remains a useful space for lightweight items but the flush, continuous worksurface with discreet inlaid surround is now much more chic and up-market. Raising the unit reveals another new feature: in the original Qanto, unless it was a coffee machine that didn’t need to be moved, the user had to lift the worktop appliance off the lower shelf and onto the worksurface to

use it. That was fine until you had to move a heavy appliance. With the new version, Ninka has made the lower tray raise until flush with the worksurface and included a separate tray for the appliance. This moveable tray is equipped with rollers, enabling it to be rolled easily onto the main worksurface (and locked in place with a neat release catch) for more convenient, all-round access – and no need for lifting. Clever design of the moving tray means easy cleaning and because the electrical plug connection is affixed to the rising pedestal inside the Qanto, where it sits beneath a light, there’s no fishing around to plug your food processor, or your juice-maker in. It stays permanently connected and ready for use. Qanto was the star of a very different Ninka stand that emphasised open cabinets,

predominantly featuring the company’s Facia ID line, now expanded since its launch around four years ago to include different inlays from stainless steel and wood to prints, glass and even photographs. Ninka also showed a new, black cutlery insert – the latest addition to its Cuisio line – and a prototype five-part frame system for Connect. The frame can be customised by the user, or supplied ready to fit drawer boxes from major suppliers. We’ll know later in the year whether it will be going into production. For more information, contact Ninka on 0049 5222 9490 or Häfele UK on 01788 542020 for UK orders. If you are reading this edition with the free Furniture Journal App, touch the picture marked with a link sign for an immediate link to Ninka’s Qanto video.

A sleek and modern alternative to glass, acrylic and tiled splashbacks, AluSplash, made from recycled aluminium, is a versatile choice for those looking for an affordable and durable kitchen splashback material. Easy to clean & maintain; the coated surface has been carefully formulated to prevent mould and bacterial growth, making it a hygienic solution for all kitchens Folds around corners, which means it allows you to have a seamless run of colour in your kitchen AluSplash boasts a hassle-free installation process, saving you time and labour costs FIRA Tested and steam and water resistant so is safe to use behind gas cooktops, unlike acrylic splashbacks Available in 10 metallic colourways

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JULY 2019 | furniture journal 43 AluSplash Warm Grey

REVIEW

Häfele Splashes Out A

mong the new flap lifts, drawer fixing systems, lighting options and hardware at Interzum 2019, Häfele’s new AluSplash is something a bit different. The choice of kitchen splashbacks has generally been between the seamless finish of glass, the easy templating of acrylic or the heat-proof properties of tiles. With AluSplash, Häfele has introduced a revolutionary alternative, available exclusively through Häfele in the UK, providing a seamless run of colour that echoes the smooth, high gloss finish of glass - but at a fraction of the price. Available in a choice of ten metallic hues, (petrol blue, latte, black, warm grey, blueberry, olive green, ice white, ocean wave, brushed steel and space silver), AluSplash is the perfect choice for injecting a stylish splash of colour into any kitchen and it’s supremely practical, exceptionally durable, water resistant and FIRA tested for use behind all cooktops, including gas hobs.

AluSplash is an ideal solution for sustainability-savvy consumers. Not only is it non-toxic, lead-free and 100% recyclable – not to mention made from recycled materials – the manufacturing process also uses less energy than that of glass alternatives. Installation is straightforward and can be completed in just a few simple steps with a kitchen fitter’s standard kit. There’s a handy installation kit that can be purchased with panels and a YouTube video that provides step-by-step installation instructions. AluSplash installation training sessions are also available at Häfele’s Training Academy in Rugby. To find out more, visit www.hafele.co.uk. Aftercare guides are available at www.hafele.co.uk/alusplash. If you are reading this article with the free Furniture Journal App, tap the main picture for a link to Häfele’s training video, or the blue text to link up from your smartphone or tablet.

Stylish, functional and simple to install, Häfele redefines the kitchen splashback.

AluSplash Petrol Blue

44 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

The jig is for use with handheld routers

Three days into Interzum and Intelligent Fixings was facing an order for 10 million Peanut fixings.

Peanut

goes Ballistic

D Peanut fixings

Luke Thomson

ay three of Interzum, and with Ligna still to come, we caught up with an exhausted Luke Thompson on the Intelligent Fixings stand. “It’s been unbelievable, non-stop from the start of the show,” he told Furniture Journal. “We had orders on the first day for 20,000 components and we thought that was fantastic, but yesterday we had the biggest manufacturer in North America interested in using the Peanut. Today, it’s topped it all: one customer wants a container load of the P2 components – that’s ten million.” Luke, who invented the Peanut, is delighted with the reception of his two product lines, the Peanut P1 and P2. “The P2 is proving very popular because it’s less nesting,” he says. “Invisible components seem to be the way the market is going. People want a simple solution. Because ours fits between the cams and dowels and other solutions, it’s very popular. It’s very price competitive and it’s also a much easier product to use. Interzum saw the launch of Intelligent Fixings’ new router jig, developed for smaller

workshops who want the benefits of a totally flat-pack friendly fitting and a simple process to work with handheld routers. “We’ve made it incredibly simple to use,” commented Luke. “There are just two very simple pictures that show you how to use it and a carpenter will understand it in a couple of minutes. There are two lines that show where to centre your work. It uses a 30mm guide bush. You can machine the slots in the face, then we have a little adapter that will enable you to machine the dowels as well.” Designed for use with the P2, it uses the same machine tool as that used in a CNC. “We’re going to be selling the simple shapes for people who want to make their own jigs shortly,” added Luke. “It’s a great solution that locks, it’s very strong and it allows smaller guys who want a flat pack that packs perfectly.” For more information, visit Intelligent Fixings at www.intelligentfixings.com or, if you are reading this edition with the free Furniture Journal App, touch here to enquire by email.

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46 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW Robots, cloud-based technology, networking and augmented reality have outgrown the concept stage and are fast becoming the norm.

igna 2019 closed its doors on 31st May having hosted 1,500 exhibitors from 50 countries and 90,000 visitors from over 100 countries. While there were many new machines and technologies to be seen, smart, future-proof solutions dominated the stands and technologies considered to be visionary at the last edition of Ligna have now become reality. Automation, digitisation, robotics and integrated solutions that enabled companies of all sizes to meet current market demands and prepare for future challenges were to be seen on the stands of all the leading machinery companies Over 50% of Ligna visitors rated the importance of Industry 4.0 as being high to very high and the exhibition organisers report that some 40% of those surveyed were either upgrading their existing machinery or considering the purchase of new machines to reap the benefits of Industry 4.0 technology.

Manufacturers of wood processing machinery concentrated on automation and integrated systems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially on modular technologies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as a gateway to digitisation. Concepts encompassed every stage from planning and design to production and monitoring and the latest generation is designed to be as easy and intuitive to use as a smartphone. The rise of the robot was very apparent at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ligna with robotic technology becoming the norm from materials handing to collaborative processing by humans and machines, and every stage up to surface finishing. Surface finishing is becoming increasingly integrated into the overall production system. Automated guided vehicle systems are optimising materials flow, while centralised control modules are being employed to manage associated data for even the most demanding of single-batch production scenarios.

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 47

From the cloud technologies on show, it was abundantly clear that cloud-based data management has made the transition from proprietary systems to digital ecosystems. A growing array of digital assistance solutions now enables the use of production data for preventive maintenance, and production planning is getting more efficient all the time. It seems pretty certain that the vision of end-to-end cloud-based material and tool management will soon be a reality. Networking based on standardised communication protocols for all machines is another vision that is fast approaching reality. On that topic, the European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers (EUMABOIS) and the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) used Ligna to present a framework for a new P&W (Plug & Work) standard. The framework is a joint project by eight leading European manufacturers of

woodworking machinery. Several machinery manufacturers used Ligna to present allin-one solutions that efficiently brought together multiple stand-alone machines to create integrated process flows. Another key trend in the woodworking and wood processing industry is augmented reality – most notably the use of VR headsets and tablets to visualise work steps and machine states – and it’s interesting to see that more and more companies are providing augmented reality systems that provide potential customers with proof that their production goals can be met before any investment in machinery is made. Digital printing is a topic that’s been developing at an incredible rate of knots over the last few years, and not just with décor producers. As part of the Ligna surface technology showcase, visitors witnessed a new software that can generate even

extremely challenging decorative laminate layers, such as stone-look, in a single pass while maintaining an extremely high level of quality. This, and other developments, point the way forward as more and more companies seek out ways to differentiate their products and allow end users to put their own stamp on furniture designs. In the following pages, you’ll find new technologies, integrated systems, machines and processes that will crunch down your production time, make best use of your materials and even provide healthier working environments. With the Furniture Journal App, you’ll be able to watch video demonstrations and access additional information of those that interest you most. It’s available free of charge, worldwide, so don’t hesitate to give it a whirl. For those of you who might like to plan well ahead, the next Ligna will run from 10th to 14th May 2021 in Hannover, Germany.

48 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

The DMC System T

Integrated Finishing Combine a DMC System T with a Superfici Mini and a Sergiani 3d Form and you get a complete integrated finishing package for the smaller user who wants to produce doors or custom designed panels.

mong a raft of new technologies on the now familiar pristine white and blue SCM stand at this year’s Ligna exhibition, one display stood out for me – not so much because the technology was leading edge, but because it represented a complete process for the smaller manufacturer who wants to get into door or specialised panel production. The display I’m referring to was a relatively compact group of fully integrated machines from SCM’s sanding division, DMC, Sergiani and Superfici that, together, put automated door production and the manufacture of one-off patterned panelwork within reach of the smallest of workshops. At the head of the line was DMC’s now familiar DMC System T, an industrial sander that can be equipped to produce flat panels, contoured panels or shaped panels with

customised patterning on the face from solid wood or MDF, as required. Cleaned and fully prepared panels flow from the sander through to a Superfici Mini, where they can either be painted, or sprayed with glue ready for seamless transit to a Sergiani 3d Form press that will laminate them with PVC, PET or veneer. What’s really impressive is, because of the clever Industry 4.0 software behind each machine, it takes only one operator to run all three. A flat panel goes in at one end and either a painted panel or a laminated panel with custom patterning to the surface comes off at the other. Simple. Key to the whole operation is the DMC System T sander. In truth, calling it a sander is a bit unfair. It will sand - very well in fact - and if all you want to produce is doors, it will provide you with an immaculate finish all day long. But a

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 49

Left: The hand carving unit is equipped with knives. Above: The DMC System T can be equipped with all manner of brushes.

DMC System T will do much more than that. As Manolo Bertozzi, SCM Group’s Product Area Manager, a specialist in sanding, explains,“One of the most important developments we have unveiled at Ligna is the new version of our carving unit – the first unit in the System T we are showing. With this, it is possible to make contours on the surface of any panel.” There are other sanders on the market that will create surface patterning, including contours, but where the DMC really impresses – and this is why I say it’s a bit unfair to refer to it as a sander – is the way in which it creates the surface patterning. Rather than use grit as a cutting tool, DMC has developed a CNC operated carving unit (they call it a handscraping unit) that can be equipped with different types of tooling to achieve different surface effects.“The possibility to change type, position and quantity of knives further extends the flexibility in the pattern,” explains Manolo. “It’s a big advantage. Knives give greater consistency than grit. Grit becomes round very quickly and changes the effect as it is used. Knives don’t do that. But we also have another advantage: over the last four or five years we have gradually improved the software. Now,

once you have programmed the parameters, you get a preview of what the pattern will look like. We have more units that work in a synchronised way, and in a sequence, so the more units you use, the more it is important to be able to visualise the finished pattern.” You may not want the whole gamut of saw cut effects, woodworming, waves and so forth that DMC’s System T will produce, but even on the smallest version, these are possible. A typical System T for a small workshop might be equipped with two units, or three if you need more complex patterning or random finishing, but there are plenty of larger ones out there with up to ten.“We normally recommend five units for complex pattern work, like in the machine at Ligna, including brushing to achieve a smooth surface for spraying or pressing,” says Manolo.“More and more customers want to use the same unit with different tools or brushes, so we are also showing a DMC Eurosystem equipped with a new interchangeable brush at Ligna that will take many types of brushes for distressing, opening pores, or cleaning.” Adding a Superfici Mini – SCM’s entry level automatic spraying machine – will enable you to

either paint your panels and doors, or coat them with adhesive. This is quite literally a plug and spray machine for anyone who wants to make the move up from hand spraying to automatic spraying and it’s been priced to suit smaller users. “We are showing the Superfici Mini working with the DMC System T sander as an integrated solution,” Gloria Valtorta explained on the stand. “The Superfici Mini can handle different working programs and be fully connected, making things easier for the customer to handle orders and keep quality under control. All the parameters can be controlled and that means high quality and consistency, as well Manolo Bertozzi being able

50 furniture journal | JULY 2019

The entry level Superfici Mini at Ligna was equipped with four Wagner guns.

Gloria Valtorta

to control cost. More and more customers want this kind of integration.” If your need is for higher production, then you’d probably be best looking at the Superfici Bravorobot rather than the Superfici Mini, because this machine offers increased accuracy when glue spraying and it has the technology on board to cope with more complicated shapes. “Typically, for spraying adhesive, you would want one gun dedicated to edge spraying that has specific nozzles and a fan size that’s effective on vertical sides, and two guns on a robotic arm for the surface with different nozzles to apply very little adhesive,” confirms Gloria.“With the Bravorobot, the gun nozzle angle can be controlled for the edge but for the surface, the guns are fixed on the arm. We can select where to apply more glue and where to apply less glue very easily so more can be applied on the edges and a mist can be applied to the surface. We offer different nozzles to spray inside mouldings. It’s a very versatile machine.

To complete the integrated finishing picture, SCM showed its recently launched entry level Sergiani 3d Form press.“The Sergiani 3d Form is the new entry level model,” Carlo Ferretti, SCM’s Product Manager for presses confirmed. “We can offer various levels of machine up to the Sergiani 3d Form HP, our high productivity range, where we can add up to three trays. The operator can load the first tray and prepare the composition while the second tray is under pressure and the third tray is on the unloading area, reducing downtime to a minimum. With such a machine, a pressing cycle takes about two minutes depending on the material. Furthermore, we have a pin system solution that works without templates. We also offer solutions for automatic unloading and trimming to complete the production cycle.” One of the key features of the Sergiani 3d Form shown at Ligna is its versatility. It can be operated as a coupled cycle machine, combining pressure and vacuum, and with or

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 51

Membrane or membraneless pressing with the Sergiani 3d Form.

without membrane. “Without the membrane, the trays are closed and the vacuum is operated from the top platten so the PVC goes against the top platten, which is heated by oil,” explains Carlo. “The cycle starts with positive pressure from the top platten and vacuum from the bottom. This follows the shape perfectly. The passage of the temperature to the glue line is very even. “With the Sergiani 3d Form, you can also have a membrane pressing cycle. We have an intermediate flange that allows higher definition from fabricated shapes and delicate types of PVC, such as high gloss. The problem for manufacturers is, when PVC touches a hot plate, it can be damaged if it’s delicate, so it is best to use the membrane - but the membrane can mask definition. We have solved this problem on the entry level Sergiani 3d Form by including an intermediate flange. “The membrane sits between the PVC and the intermediate flange and from the flange we

can apply both vacuum and positive pressure. When the pressing cycle starts, vacuum between the PVC and the membrane is created so the PVC is against the membrane. This ensures there is no risk of wrinkling. Then we make the same cycle as before: the membrane and PVC are against the top platten, it reaches working temperature and we apply vacuum from the bottom and positive pressure from the top. Having the intermediate flange allows to have a second pressing cycle and apply positive pressure directly from the flange,” added Carlo. “The cycle is faster and products with tighter radius corners have better definition because of this second cycle. You get the benefit of membrane and membraneless simultaneously, to obtain utmost quality in an entry level range.” For more information, to discuss an integrated finishing system for your workshop, or to arrange a demonstration, call SCM on 0115 977 0044 or visit www.scmgroup.com/en

Carlo Ferretti

52 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW Powermat 2400 3d

Woodworking Wonders from Weinig Three-dimensional profiling from a moulder was only one of the latest advances shown on the Weinig Group stand.

n a Ligna stand of more than 5,000 square metres, Weinig Group presented some 55 different machines and systems ranging from the familiar Easystop and a new 550m/min version of the OptiCut, right up to the very latest Powermat with 3d machining capability, the new Conturex Artis and the new, lightning fast 300m/min profiler, the Hydromat 4300. Taking centre stage, the Hydromat 4300, shown with Weinig’s Servo Feeder, isn’t a machine for your average workshop, but for anyone who wants planing and profiling up to a feed speed of 300 m/min, the Hydromat 4300 is surely the ultimate. Solid design, a near indestructible feed system and HydroLock technology are standard on this top end

performer, though perhaps the most distinguishing features are the feed system with individual drives and the feed rollers and table rollers, that each have a diameter of 250 mm. Strong spindle drives and heavy pressure rollers ensure consistent production of top quality products, both with four-sided planing and with profiling, while WMC (Weinig Machine Control) allows the user to view all relevant production data on a central dashboard. The WMC interface is part of Weinig’s Industry 4.0 system and it connects every machine in the Weinig Group from the same platform, regardless of whether it’s a mighty Hydromat or an entry level Powermat 700. “It works like a tablet,” explains Weinig’s UK Managing Director, Malcolm Cuthbertson, from the packed Weinig Group stand. “You can

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 53

The Hydromat 4300

Holz-Her’s brand new multiple magazine.

set a dashboard for each individual operator so, if you want to see pneumatic pressures and feed speed and I want to see jointing intervals and some other statistic, we set up our own dashboards so everything is there when we log onto the machine. In addition to it being tailored to each operator, it provides all the setting information to put every head and pressure element, etc., into the correct position for a right-first-time profile.” One of the key new introductions on the Weinig stand was three-dimensional profiling. Add 3d profiling to a moulder and suddenly you’re able to produce complex components, like curved chair legs, or geometrically patterned surfaces on custom-shaped components at 10m/min or more. Be it conical, curved or 3d décor, the Powermat 2400 3d can tackle even the most demanding applications with ease. And it can do it with four-sided processing. The moulder is equipped with the Alphacam software, which allows the design of three-dimensional workpieces and the creation of a CNC program.Two of the upper spindles are used for axial and radial 3d structuring, while controlled spindles from the right and left make it possible to produce workpieces with a wide variety of contours and small radii. High performance can be achieved through machining during

throughfeed. Part recognition ensures optimum precision, but for extra peace of mind, machining can be simulated in advance. On the contour milling spindles, the Powermat is equipped with the new Weinig temperature monitoring system, which guarantees maximum safety during production. “Design your profile as a CAD drawing, put it through a post-processor and send it to the machine. That’s all there is to it,” assures Malcolm. “Handles, table legs, chair legs…it’ll do them all, and much faster than a five-axis. The only time when a five-axis machine would score was if you needed drillings underneath, but you’d still have to turn the workpiece over on a five-axis.” Straight components are one thing, but how exactly do you machine a curved component on a throughfeed moulder at upwards of 10m/min? It seems like a physical impossibility. “If you want to make a curved chair leg, it does not go in as a rectangle of wood,” explains Malcolm. “There is no datum fence to feed it in with.You have to feed it in with the two points of the chair leg against the fence. The first head machines grooves in the underneath and leaves one tongue hanging down that engages in a groove located in the bed of the machine. It can’t go through and wander because of the tongue. It goes through dead straight. The last stage is

to machine the tongue off and leave a flat surface on the bottom.” For a creative designer, whether it’s cladding, chair components or decorative woodwork, this is a machine that’s asking to be challenged and I’m sure we’ll see some innovative manufacturers coming up with new ways to create fantastic products with it. Another new machine on the Weinig Group stand was the Conturex Artis – and for those of you who may have disregarded the Conturex range because it’s for window production, I’d urge you to think again. The Artis is the new, entry level model and with an Artis you can produce anything from chair legs to really complex solid wood components, all in batch size one, with no jigs and no setup once the tools and the program are in the machine. Put your planed timber in at one end and from the outfeed end you can collect a component in two or three minutes that might have taken you half a day to make using traditional methods. “All the stages – four sides and both ends – are machined in one pass,” says Malcolm. “We talk about being able to machine on all six faces of a piece of wood. The finished component doesn’t need to go to a spindle, or a drill afterwards and the Conturex Artis works unmanned and unsupervised. By machining in a sequence that concludes with

54 furniture journal | JULY 2019

The sample produced on the Conturex Artis. The Conturex Artis on show (above) was equipped with one spindle (right) but a universal spindle can also be specified.

With the new thin-cut setup on the Variosplit 900 (above), lamellae of <5 mm can be cut (left).

the profiling stage, we are able to eliminate any breakout.” The Conturex Artis is modular.The show model was equipped with one spindle but a universal spindle can also be specified and the two will work in sequence, one machining while the other is collecting new tools. A particularly notable and, indeed, unique feature of the Conturex range is the Powergrip clamping system.Where most machines clamp, release and reclamp the component, the Powergrip system never releases the workpiece during the machining cycle, guaranteeing the accuracy of the piece. The second stage clamps grip before the first set release. Logical, sensible – and patented! Of course, the problem (in a good way) with all of these machines is they are fast, and to

maximise their potential in your factory, it may just mean you need to look at how efficient your first stage processing is.Weinig Group launched two new splitting machines at Ligna, the ProfiSplit 1100 for industrial applications and the VarioSplit 900 for smaller shops. The ProfiSplit 1100 has a 37kW motor and is designed for cutting heights of up to 400 mm. Special feed rollers enable it to achieve feed speeds of up to 80m/min and it’s possible to adjust the feed unit via the ball screw spindle for maximum precision.The combination of centre cut and angled cut functions opens up whole new areas of application. It’s an ideal machine for unmanned production, and is available as a single or twin version. Partner a ProfiSplit 1100 with the new OptiCut 550 Quantum automatic cross-

cutting and optimisation system and you’re really motoring.The feed speed of the Quantum is 550m/min! The VarioSplit 900 – also launched at Ligna – is primarily designed to meet the needs of smaller workshops.With the new thin-cut setup, lamellae of <5 mm can be cut. If required, the saw can also reliably rip material with a cutting height of up to 370 mm.The adjustable stop and the various pressure rollers make oblique cuts and diagonal cuts easy. For more information on any of the new Weinig machines at Ligna, call 01235 557600, or, if you are reading this article with the free Furniture Journal App, touch sales@weinig.co.uk to send an email. Touch any picture marked with a link sign to watch a video of the machine in action.

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56 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

Seconds Away! In a production environment, every second counts – and the new Lumina 4.0 Edition from Holz-Her is packed with new, time-crunching features.

Paul Nightingale

n a stand that bristled with new innovations and developments, centre stage for Weinig Group member, Holz-Her, was occupied by the Lumina 1596 4.0 Edition edgebander. And what a winner this machine is! The Lumina 4.0 Edition is stuffed with new, fast setting technology that really makes it a time-cruncher for manufacturers who want to get the most production out of a shift. “The graphical EasyOp system will save time, fast setting in the gap will save time, the multi-tool technology will save time and the multi-feed unit will save time,” commented Paul Nightingale on the stand. “And all these features add up to a significant advantage in production terms.” Holz-Her’s Setup in the gap technology enables different machining processes to be run at the same time on the edgebander. For example, the corner rounding unit or pivoting of the trimming unit can be

switched on without having to empty the machine for the set-up procedure – it happens automatically, without operator intervention, between panels going through. “The timesaving is twofold,” says Paul. “You don’t have to wait for a panel to exit, and you don’t have to stop the machine, take your allen keys out and change the tool. The machine will decide when it can make the change and how long it will take, and it’s sensor protected. The operator doesn’t have to set anything, especially if he uses a barcode scanner.” By coupling Setup in the gap technology with multi-tool technology on the fine trimming, corner rounding and profile scraping units, users of the Lumina 4.0 Edition gain a double advantage: the multi-tool system means the fine trimming unit comes equipped with two 2mm radius cutters, a 1.3mm cutter, an 8mm flat and a 45-degree chamfer all on one unit that enables you to

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Workpiece pull-in device with feed rollers.

“The new features reinforce our drive to crunch time by accompanying our three-minute heat up time and fourminute glue colour, or glue type change. We can switch from EVA to PUR, granulates to cartridges, giving users the freedom to change between laser, PUR and EVA within minutes.”

switch from processing 1mm to 2mm tapes in an instant without compromising the finish. “Traditionally, if you were using 2mm radius cutters, when you were doing 0.8mm and 1mm you’d use 2mm cutters to blend in a radius,” explains Paul. “But you’d end up with a flattened radius; a compromise that saves time. Multi-tool technology that switches over in the gap overcomes the problem and you get a perfect finish every time.” The new, intelligent operator guidance on the Lumina 4.0 Edition – named EasyOp on the stand – ensures even more intuitive adjustment of all cutter and shaper machining operations, and with this on board you’ll save oceans of time. In the old days, you had a set of coordinates when you were setting your fine trimming unit and your profile scraping unit. Any shifting upwards or inwards meant dimensions had to be entered to move the unit. With EasyOp, you see the panel and a graphic representation of the cutter. Move the radius of the cutter to the point on the panel where you need it and EasyOp calculates the axis values in the background and moves the unit into position. All the

Holz-Her’s brand new multiple magazine.

setting is done for you and the need for test samples becomes a thing of the past. A brand-new feature shown for the first time at Ligna was Holz-Her’s multiple magazine, capable of feeding in laser edging as well as conventional edging and selecting automatically. The magazine has six different standard edging channels capable of handling all edging thicknesses and heights independently – and it can be upgraded to include six additional channels for laser edging. But, cleverly, Holz-Her has also found a way to include a flexible channel that bypasses the autofeed system and is ideal for anything that’s required quickly, like a just-in-time special order. The multiple magazine allows automatic cycling between various channels, making it possible for you to fill channels one and two with identical edging material and switch from one to the next automatically for continuous, uninterrupted production. The Lumina 4.0 Edition at Ligna was equipped with a workpiece pull-in device with feed rollers aligned at an angle of 3 degrees that press the workpiece into the run-in linear guide, ensuring optimal workpiece

alignment. It’s a neat addition that, again, will save you time and material by ensuring every piece is correctly fed. The small part feed also allows small and narrow workpieces to be introduced into the machine while ensuring a perfect 90-degree angle – and it guides the workpiece completely until it is taken over by the machine. For higher productivity users, the Lumina 4.0 Edition was shown with the 5920 Return-Master – a boomerang system that will also work with the Sprint and Accura series edgebanders. Weighing in at two tonnes, it’s designed for endurance and a long service life, and it comes equipped with a tilting air cushion table that’s ideal when working with large panels. For more information on the Lumina 4.0 Edition, or the smaller Sprint and Accura models that are also now available with fast setting features, call 01235 557600, or, if you are reading this article with the free Furniture Journal App, touch sales@weinig.co.uk to send an email. Touch the picture marked with a link sign to read more about Holz-Her edgebanders.

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REVIEW

Maka’s Microcosm E

Maka showcases its industrial machining capability in miniature at Ligna.

ncapsulating in miniature the essence of its offer for large-scale industrial users, the Maka stand featured the Maka MK7 with a Maka driven robot that was directly driven by a Siemens controller. “It’s a compact live demonstration, illustrating many of the benefits we provide to users, including increasing functionality, as well as higher productivity,” Maka UK’s Managing Director, Iain Young, told Furniture Journal. “It’s fully Industry 4.0 compliant – we call it Maka 4.0 – and we have remote diagnostics in the machine to monitor such things as product quantities, cycle times and other data that help to automate production planning. Automatic labelling, laser marking with QR codes and scanning are also incorporated easily, along with handling, and secondary operations, such as drilling, sanding, and inserting.” The Maka MK7 is ideal for making one-offs right up to full production and the beauty of the system is it allows users to interrupt production runs at any time in order to slot in an urgently needed one-off. “Normally, that’s a massive cost to production,” commented Iain. “We are demonstrating that this can revolutionise your production system. Intelligence is moved into the office and you

become less reliant on the operators and the quality of machine setters. Everything is simplified.We can monitor maintenance requirements as well.The speed and precision come from the construction, drives, control, spindle and the unique five-axis head. “The control behind the machine and the clamping systems have been improved.We can move from vacuum to pneumatic to hydraulic clamping very quickly depending on the material needs – and there’s no need to buy everything on day one. Maka machines are designed to work tirelessly for 20 years, so we expect production requirements to change in that time. “We build in the flexibility, and connectivity with all the leading CAD/CAM providers.We also have 3D remote simulations for larger throughfeed solutions where your production system can be visualised in real time. It’s ideal for big batches with wide variations. Makas are built to last, but they’re not only reliable, they’re built to grow and adapt with the customer too.” To find out more, call Maka UK on 01952 607700. If you are reading this article with the free Furniture Journal App, touch here for a link to Maka’s website, or touch the main picture to watch a video of the MK7 in action.

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60 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

Biesse: flat out New technology was everywhere on the Biesse stand – but the emphasis was on automation and robotics. Above: Seven ROS - Robotically Operated Systems – were shown on the Biesse stand. Shown here is the Selco WN 6 ROS beam saw with an integrated robot for unloading and stacking. It also included a Winstore automated magazine which performs without operator intervention. Other ROS applications on the stand included cutting, boring, sanding and CNC machines, demonstrating how robots can be inserted into the production flow to provide extreme flexibility, optimise machining cycles and a high return on investment.

aking a tour around the packed Biesse stand, there were plenty of new additions to be seen to the company’s machinery range and numerous hidden improvements to familiar machines waiting to be discovered by visitors. However, the real emphasis at this year’s Ligna exhibition was not so much on individual machines, rather on the automation of processes – and for that, Biesse had plenty of solutions. “Everyone agrees they want to automate,” Biesse UK’s Robbie O’Neill told Furniture Journal. “But it’s never easy to justify the cost. One thing a lot of people don’t take into account is a universal measurement called

Overall Equipment Effectiveness, or OEE. It’s a formula that’s important to measure whether a process or a machine is efficient. One of the factors is quality. If your quality is 99.8%, that sounds amazing, but if you’re making parts and every two out of 1000 parts fails, that adds up to a lot of cost: you have to remake those parts and you don’t know how that’s going to affect the upstream process. It’s also money off the bottom line. When you automate, you stabilise the efficiency. “From efficiency and quality comes failure rate. That’s even finer. When companies start realising these are joined together, it helps their deliveries, their margins go up, their

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The Brema Eko 2.2is a great example of automation. It is a vertical drilling machine that can drill, route, use aggregates and dowel insert.

The new X3 Winstore is for companies that think they can’t afford an automated warehouse system. It can be coupled to a saw, or a nesting machine.

The Viet X Spin: “discreet automation” for the Viet Opera 5 and Opera 7 sanders that improves quality - and your OEE.

for Efficiency quality goes up, their customers are happier and their business grows. “On our SOPHIA platform, there is a predictive breakdown component that monitors machines. When something stops working within the parameters that have been set, we get a warning that something may fail. We can then advise and help to resolve the issue. As a side issue, we’re now measuring OEE – we can help the customer with a system that’s already built into the machine. Now, imagine if the whole industry had that. We’d have a bigger base of knowledge and would be able to lift the productivity of the whole industry.”

On this year’s Ligna stand, there were certainly plenty of product improvements that hinted at greater automation, or improved processing but were not immediately visible. Robbie calls them “discreet automation” – they make for more efficient, or more consistent results. As a simple illustration, Robbie cites the new planetary unit available for the Viet Opera 5 and Opera 7 sanders: “It’s a development of a unit we’ve had for many years that has been improved so it imitates the hand sanding process, which is really difficult to keep consistent, but provides the finish and the consistency,” he says. “That improves the

quality, which improves the OEE, which improves the quality of the business. And that’s just sanding. “Take a look at the Brema Eko 2.2, a vertical drilling machine that can drill, route, use aggregates and dowel insert. That’s a great example of automation. Most panels in furniture combine all of those processes, and with the Eko 2.2 you can automatically load, automatically unload it, give it a stack to work from, and it will work completely autonomously, allowing you to use skilled labour in other parts of the factory. You can now use your key people to run your factory, rather than make your product.

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The brand new Stream A Smart single-sided edgebander made its first appearance at Ligna, complete with AirForce compressed hot air edging system for zero glueline using laser edging tapes and a new Smart Touch 23” control.

“The same applies when we look at the Selco,” he says, pointing out the ROS version with the robot at the front end. “It’s completely autonomous. We’re showing this working with a stack that doubles its capacity. For many people who are working low batches, there’s always a discussion about whether nesting is a better option. Now it’s difficult to see where the line is. Saws have become more productive and efficient. Coupled with an automated, operator-free system that’s equipped with a robot, you get more consistency. More up time and more available time for the machine means better payback, better margin and profitability and they all feed into OEE.”

New for the show was the X3 Winstore, an automatic warehousing system “for manufacturers who don’t believe they can afford one”. As Robbie explains, “It can be coupled to a saw, or a nesting machine to improve sheet selection. In the past, companies with nesting machines looked on the machine as efficient because it was easier to manage, they could get more out of their machine and do other jobs. Now, that same machine can be supplied with a retrospectively fitted Winstore that will help them even more - and up goes their efficiency again. Efficiency can be further increased if machine downtime can be decreased, and here

Biesse’s SOPHIA has a lot to offer. In a stroke of genius that’s intended to familiarise as many manufacturers as possible with the benefits of a system that can monitor and advise when a machine component is in danger of failing, Biesse announced its intention to supply the system to every new Biesse user who is equipped with a PC. From now on, users will be able to open an App and see instantly the status of any machine in the factory wherever you are – and it will be free for a year so they can assess its value to their operation. For smaller manufacturers, the brand-new Akron 1100 edgebander was undoubtedly one of the main attractions on the stand. “Biesse

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Biesse’s brand new Akron 1100 – an edgebander that’s designed to be no frills but well built and sets a realistic benchmark for quality entry level edgebanding.

has never ventured down this route before,” commented Robbie, “It’s for the entry level market, but the quality and robustness are in line with the whole Biesse range. We’ve simplified this machine and are offering it in three configurations. You can choose to do a thin tape or a thick tape, corner rounding or no corner rounding and premilling or no premilling. That’s it. The slogan is edgebanding starts here. It will apply tape with a thickness of 0.4-3mm, some 6mm solid lippings, but mainly it’s a coil machine. The highest specification we’re offering has premilling, a glue section and a pressure section, end trim saws, a fine trimming unit, a multi-function corner rounding unit, profile scraping, glue scraping and buffing. We want the expectation for quality and performance to be much higher and with this machine, we’ve lifted the bar.” For more information on all the new additions to Biesse’s range, or to find out about OEE, call Biesse Group UK on 01327 300366 or visit www.biesse.com. Touch any of the pictures with a link sign if you’re reading this with the free Furniture Journal App to link to more information.

Not for furniture, but new at the show was Biesse’s Uniteam RC, an entry-level machining centre dedicated to the processing of beams and partitions for creating prefabricated panels and frame structures.

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REVIEW

Schelling on Show Lot Size One production, a new mezzanine storage system and a new IoT platform were among the highlights of the IMA Schelling stand.

ith so many different branches of panel processing now encompassed by the IMA Schelling brand, it’s impossible to cover everything that was new at Ligna in one short article. For that reason, I’m going to skirt around developments on the IMA side, ignore the amazing robot line that was loading and unloading a return system, and the door manufacturing cell. I’m even going to pass on developments to the Schelling S45 and the FH4 so I can concentrate on three key topics on the stand: Lot Size One, the new two-level VS12 storage system and Zimba. For Ligna 2019, IMA Schelling had completely revised the circular workcell concept of its Lot Size One panel cutting cell for batch-size-one production. The new compact circular workcell concept integrates innovative solutions into one overall solution that’s highly attractive, both from a technological and an economic viewpoint. Not only does the new system include leaner

processes, it also fits in reduced floor space, offers reduced cycle times and consumes far less energy than its predecessor. The new gantry-free circular workcell concept permits almost uninterrupted saw activity and the vacuum manipulators move the strips without lifting them from one circulator trolley with brush table to the next, facilitating a narrower return conveyor system. In addition to this, the second circulator trolley that transfers the strips to the saw, acts as a buffer. Since brush elements are used to convey the parts and the part transfer is performed without lifting, the return conveyor system is particularly suitable for fabricating small parts. Moreover, the new concept only has one workpiece infeed system with a pusher instead of two such systems. The pusher feeds the raw panel into the saw and, in a follow up process, also pushes the strips as well as re-cut parts into the saw. Hence, strip change times are reduced which leads to leaner processes.

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The new circular workcell concept allows for a continuous material flow, permanent utilisation of the saw and uninterrupted output. Depending on the downstream operations, all parts are automatically aligned before each longitudinal cut and transverse cut. The feeder and outfeed of the cell can be adapted to suit individual requirements, enabling both stand-alone solutions with manual take-out and full integration into the production line - with or without link to a panel storage system. The LS1 panel saw is equipped with an energy-saving Evolution drive concept with integrated chip deflector that dispenses with upward and downward movement of the sawing motor and saves energy. At the same time, despite its compact design and great motor power, large saw blade projection is possible. The integrated chip deflector allows for optimal offcut removal. Dust formation is reduced and the machine will stay cleaner.

A cutting gap closing device permits very narrow panel trimming and at the same time prevents offcuts from falling into the cutting gap. In this way, damage to the cable harness of the saw as well as unscheduled shutdown of the workcell and high costs that would result from the damage are avoided. One novelty, presented for the first time at the Ligna, was the electrically driven pressure beam, shown on the LS1. It offers several advantages compared with conventional pneumatically driven solutions. Neither pressure variation due to temperature change, nor pressure loss due to leakage can occur. Moreover, a torque regulation allows for an optimised, constant contact pressure force – and, says IMA Schelling, maximum safety standards can be guaranteed. Service is also improved because, unlike pneumatic cylinders, the motors and regulators of the electrically driven pressure beams enable remote diagnostics and make predictive maintenance possible.

Another advantage of electrically driven pressure beams is their energy consumption. It’s typically reduced by around 95 percent and that results in lower CO2 emission compared with conventional solutions. The short-stroke electrically driven pressure beam also reduces cycle times and hence increases capacity in the LS1 cell. It enables exact pre-positioning and initiates movements directly without having to build up pressure. Onlookers watching the LS1 cell in operation from the viewing platform cannot fail to have noticed the new VS12, two-level storage system – and this is something smaller users, particularly those with limited storage space, will also find especially useful. It’s effectively a mezzanine on which it’s possible to store panel stacks of up to two metres in height that frees up the space beneath for storage of frequently used panels, or for machinery. The upper level is accessed by a horizontal carriage with patented scissor lift – and the VS 12 now has

66 furniture journal | JULY 2019 revised storage software that reduces cycle times by around 30%. The weight-optimised two-beam design, with its roller way and gantry above the panel stacks, provides fast operation within a storage area of 4- 20m wide and up to 120m in length. The patented scissor lift will lift up to 4.7 metres, permitting the operation of storage systems located one floor above the panel cutting cell, while providing an optimal supply of material to the saw. Storage and management of the panels as well as of large and small offcuts are configured to individual applications. Depending on the order configuration – single jobs, large batches, continually changing, etc. – the panel stacks can be handled as homogeneous, dynamic or chaotic. In combination with the LS1 cell, panels are fed from the storage system to the LS1 saw and usable offcuts are automatically returned to the storage system. Small residual components are fed into and taken out of the work flow in a semi-automatic process, while cut pieces leaving the panel cutting cell are singulated, labelled, cleaned and stored in the correct orientation. Another interesting new development on the IMA Schelling stand was Zimba. Named after a mountain in Austria, this new IoT and service platform gives you target-oriented recommendations for efficient operation of the production chain and insight into exactly what’s happening inside each machine. Zimba will detect failures and delays as they occur and take action proactively, providing you with full transparency, and allowing better planning. The machine-oriented “Big Data Handling & Analytics” sector stands out because focus is not just on the data, it’s also on the action and recommendations resulting from it. These are provided in an individualised and role-related manner to people working in different areas of your business from the management to the supply chain. All data is optimised for fast access, provided to the right person in the organisation and, if required, a connection is automatically established with the IMA Schelling after-sales service. Malfunctions are identified, historical data is checked against the IMA Schelling data pool, and the result is increasing OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). For more information on Lot Size One, the VS 12 storage system, or how Zimba could help your business, call Schelling UK on 01937 586340. Alternatively, if you are reading this article with the free Furniture Journal App, tap the images marked with link signs for an instant link to videos of LS1 in action, the VS12 and Zimba.

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68 furniture journal | JULY 2019 AL-KOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-performance JET filter offers optimum filter cleaning whilst using the least amount of compressed air possible. Depending on the size of the unit, the cleaning process can take place while in operation or, on larger models, after the extractor has shut down.

Every model in the range is delivered ready for connection. Filters made of antistatic polyester needle felt material (BGIA-tested for dust class M) also come as standard and feature a snap ring lock for easy handling.

Launched at Ligna, the new contactless AL-KO ALC 21 sensor can be retrofitted onto any Power Unit model. Integrated into a dust-protected sheet steel housing, it has been designed to reliably monitors the level of the chip container via ultrasound and, once it reaches its maximum level, the machine alerts the operator and turns off automatically after 10 minutes if not emptied.

A fire extinguishing system come as standard on larger models (250 and above). The triggering of the extinguishing process is controlled automatically by a temperature sensor via the device controller. Manual operation is also possible.

Extracting Technology German dust extraction specialist, AL-KO Therm GMBH, presented its latest range of accessories designed exclusively for its mobile dust extraction series, the Power Unit, at Ligna 2019. Here, we take a closer look at what you can expect to find under the lid of the AL-KO Power Unit range. For more information on AL-KOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Power Unit series offered exclusively in the UK by TM Machinery Sales Ltd visit www.tmmachinery.co.uk or call 0116 271 7155. For the latest news, find TM Machinery on LinkedIn or follow @TM_Machinery on Twitter.

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 69

REVIEW

The complete Power Unit range conforms to the most recent regulations and is certified with the BGâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;GS test seal, in accordance with GS-HO-07 (with endorsement for residual dust concentration test seal H3). This means it can be directly installed without additional fire or explosion protection measures. Each unit also includes energy-efficient motors tested to IE2 standard and guarantees 100% air recirculation without loss of temperature (residual dust < 0.1 mg/m3). It also features sound-insulated air recirculation for optimum noise emission values. PLC controls are available, offering manual and automated start and can be modified to include machine recognition, slide valve control and frequency controlled operation.

AL-KOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Dust Compartment, first seen at Ligna 2019, has been designed to work in tandem with the contactless filling sensor. Before the container is changed, the Dust Compartment can be pushed into the housing to collect the dust. When removed, the remaining dust automatically falls into the container and a clever locking mechanism ensures safe and easy emptying.

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REVIEW

New to Ney Ney’s principals were out in force at Ligna 2019 with technology for the smaller manufacturer.

ew additions to Ney’s extensive machinery portfolio included six new CNC models from German machinery specialist, Lohmeyer. Available in the UK this summer, the new models (Baz 827n, 828n, 829n, 827nb, 828nb, 829nb) offer three bed sizes, the option of a drill block and the flexibility to work with 8 x 4, 10 x 5 and jumbo sheets if required. Mike Dunning, Product Manager at Ney says, “Lohmeyer are a great fit for us because their entry-level machines offer high quality German engineering to the smaller

manufacturer. What attracts our customers to the brand is the machines simplicity. They’ve been designed for quick installation and fuss-free handling. Each machine, regardless of the model, does exactly what it says on the tin. There are no expensive extras or unnecessary add-ons, instead each machine has a fixed specification. You know exactly what you’re getting when you place your order. We also stock standard parts in our warehouse and have next day delivery available, so servicing and aftercare is just as straightforward as the machine itself.”

Left: The Lohmeyer NCB2806. Below: The Concept Plus works off one blade. Bottom: The Vitap Eclipse 2.0.

GETS YOU CLOSER FOR PERFECTION. Italian manufacturer,Vitap also presented two new additions to their line-up. Available in the UK through the Coventry-based machinery distributor later this year, the introduction of the Eclipse 2.0 edgebander and Blitz 2.0 drilling and inserting machine are welcome additions. Mike says, “Both launches are a big step forward for Vitap. Unlike its predecessor, the new Eclipse 2.0 features an automatic feed for edgebanding and automatic feed for the trimming. This offers huge time-saving advantages, as well as increased efficiency, precision and the ease of us Vitap edgebander are known for. It’s received a lot of interest at the show. “The new Blitz 2.0 benefits from a whole host of features as standard. As well as software and an automatic device for injector cleaning and fast injector release for easy maintenance, it also includes three horizontal drilling heads and three vertical, a glue and dowels inserting unit and a high capacity vibrator to feed the dowels. It’s a complete package with a relatively small price tag.” Long standing principal, Paloni, also demonstrated two new panel saws at Ligna – the Concept Plus, which works off one blade and not two for minimal maintenance costs – and the KR Spin, which features its new Rotomatic system designed to offer safer, faster and more efficient handling of panels. A launch date has yet to be confirmed in the UK but the complete range is available to view on Ney’s website. For more information, visit www.ney.co.uk or call 024 7630 8100.

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72 furniture journal | JULY 2019

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JULY 2019 | furniture journal 73

REVIEW

Lamello

Connecting the Industry Lamello’s CNC partners were out in force at Ligna 2019.

he name Lamello is synonymous with jointing technology. On its Interzum and Ligna stands were solutions for fixing panels swiftly and easily, fixing shelves inside cabinets, jointing solid wood, and a full range of hand-held machines made by Lamello in Switzerland. Lamello users can now avail themselves of fast drilling and insertion on a variety of CNC machines made by Lamello’s partners that have been fitted with special aggregates and suit the needs of small craftsmen right through to flat-pack producers. We took the opportunity at Ligna to talk to several: Rainer Winkenstette, Application Engineer, Homag: “We have been engineering solutions with Lamello for eight years. We were the first CNC producer to work with Lamello and at this year’s Ligna, we were pleased to present our first Centateq N-600 nesting machine, which has been designed to automatically insert the Cabineo. We are the first machinery manufacturer to create an aggregate that not only drills and routers the panel but also inserts the fixings, offering an extremely efficient way to use Lamello’s connectors. In this case, one machine really does offer a complete solution and we were excited to show live demonstrations throughout the show. “This is one of many innovations we’ve designed to work with Lamello which is, in

part, due to the growing number of our customers using Lamello fixings. Homag has been a driving force behind automation in the industry for many years and partnerships such as this add value to our product line and benefit our customers massively.” Stefan Benkart, CNC Product Specialist, Holz-Her GmbH: “We were keen to show visitors just how versatile our products could be when partnered with Lamello’s P-System. Our stand featured several P-System ready machines, including the NexTex 4.0, which can be modified to suit the needs of the customers. It has been designed to work with the Clamex and Cabineo and offers a completely digitalised production cycle. Our software, which can be used remotely, makes it really easy to select or adjust a cabinet’s dimensions - it even calculates how many Lamello connectors you will need to use on each design – simplifying the whole process. Once the data has been transferred to the machine, the CNC will format and drill all vertical holes and grooves and will cut-out the necessary channels for the connectors on the edges or in ‘X’ and ‘Y’ directions on the surface. It makes the whole process extremely efficient and Lamello’s connectors are the ideal solution for customers who need the flexibility to flat pack their furniture without the quality being affected.”

Rainer Winkenstette

Stefan Benkart

74 furniture journal | JULY 2019

Reinhard Huber, Partner Manager,Tapio: “Building a partnership with Lamello is extremely important to us. Our aim is to connect the industry and create an ecosystem especially for the wood industry. Think of it as a digital shop floor that is open 24/7. We want to work with forwardthinking companies that understand the importance of being part of a community and work with them to create new business models in the market. We think Lamello is a perfect fit for us and its experience in the sector shows commitment to the industry.” Armin Brucic, Product Manager, Felder: “We want to work with Lamello because our customers want to work with Lamello. The Lamello range is extremely present in the industry and the brand has established itself as a market leader. It’s our goal to fulfil our customers needs – big and small – which is why we’ve created new software solutions and fully intuitive macros specially designed to work with Lamello’s CNC connector range. At Felder, we don’t just focus on Industry 4.0 and large scale production. We’ve introduced Craft 4.0 for smaller manufacturers and we are dedicated to offering solutions that are designed with smaller operations in mind. By partnering

Reinhard Huber

Armin Brucic

Johannes Ganner

Giorgio Galimberti

with skilled company’s like Lamello, we are able to collate our experience in the industry and continue to create a wider range of solutions for the furniture manufacturing and construction sector, whilst also offering alternative solutions unique to our customers.” Johannes Ganner, Sales, Gannomat: “We have been manufacturing woodworking machines since 1956 and during this time the way as the industry works has changed. Today, machine manufacturers are guided by the development of modern connection systems. Our experience shows us that we need to work with the best companies in the industry to stay at the top, and for us, Lamello is one of them. “Many of our machines can process Lamello connectors quickly and more efficiently. Our boring and hardware insertion machine, the Basica Variabel, is our universal drilling machine for the Cabineo, whilst our Express RTA can drill and insert two Cabineo fixings in approximately five seconds. Our Protec CNC machines can also process the complete P-System and the Cabineo, offering customers a complete solution.”

Giorgio Galimberti, Business Product Manager, Biesse: “All of Biesse’s machines are predisposed to work with Lamello’s connectors due to the volume of interest in its product range. We offer complete flexibility across our range and as such, we have the possibility to create solutions that can work with one or more of Lamello’s connectors. At Ligna, we presented the Brema Vektor 15 CS vertical boring machine. It features a built-in unit for inserting glue and dowels but the beauty of this machine is its flexibility. It has already been customised to insert Lamello’s Cabineo and Clamex connectors automatically, making it the ideal solution for batch one manufacturers. There’s also been great interest from high-production companies who are looking to improve productivity and reduce labour costs. We’ve calculated that this machine can insert one Cabineo every three seconds, making it extremely efficient. It’s this level of flexibility and innovation that makes Lamello an ideal partner for us.” For more information please visit www.lamello.com or contact Lamello’s UK representative, Shaye Chatfield, on 0789 1025 646 or email s.chatfield@lamello.com

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JULY 2019 | furniture journal 77

REVIEW

Taking to the Air

ince the arrival of Salvamac on the scene less than a year ago, Christian Salvador and his team have been pushing ahead with their Classic 40, 50 and 60 semiautomatic and manual cross-cutting saws and the SalvaStop that makes life easier for users of the manual saws. This year’s Ligna, however, was not just about saws. One of the key areas for Salvamac is the Air and Painting division, established by Christian and his partner Ziemowit Dolkowski. “By adding extraction units of different sizes from the Do-it-Clean sanding bench up to larger customised systems, we are able to give Salvamac customers a complete offer,” commented Christian on the Ligna stand. “We can offer ultra robust and efficient portable vacuum cleaners, bag or cartridge filters, as well as completely customised systems. This is the mission of the ‘Air’ division.”

At Ligna, Salvamac showcased its new filter units, the Compact Super and the Grande. The dust unit of both is made from zinc fixed with bolts, and there is an access door to the filtering sleeves, electric panel with wired cables and timers. A feature of the unit is the cleaning system that comes into operation for 10-15 seconds, around two minutes after switch off. Along with two examples – a portable unit and a larger extraction unit that demonstrated the quality of the product – Salvamac also showed a range of spray guns and accessories that complement its paint booth offer. For further information contact info@salvamac.eu or, if you are reading this edition with the free Furniture Journal App, touch the image marked with a link sign for a link to the Salvamac website.

Salvamac shows products from its Air and Painting Division alongside machines for solid woodworking.

78 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

ME for You Kleiberit’s newly launched Micro Emissions PUR will have you breathing easily.

f your operation involves flat lamination, profile wrapping or edgebanding and you’ve been considering a change to PUR adhesive but have been dissuaded by the cost of training, concerns over the potential risks from mishandling, or even the investment you might need in extraction to protect your operators, Kleiberit’s new Micro Emission polyurethane technology could provide the breath of fresh air you’ve been waiting for. And even for those of you who may already be using PUR, Kleiberit’s new ME product group, launched at Ligna 2019, has tangible advantages. The advantages of PUR have been well documented in Furniture Journal over the last couple of years and, in situations where your finished product is likely to be subjected to moisture ingress or heat – bathrooms and kitchens, for example – there is nothing currently on the market to rival the completely sealed finish a PUR adhesive

provides. However, like any chemical product, it needs to be handled properly with due attention to instructions on the label. Typically, PUR hotmelts has a monomeric content of 2-2.5% and with the formulations of some adhesive manufacturers, it can even be as high as 5%. When heat is applied during the bonding process, the monomers in these PUR formulations start to evaporate, giving off fumes. This risk is well known, products are carefully labelled, training is mandatory and manufacturers who use PUR have systems to catch the fumes at source so operators are not exposed. It’s perfectly safe if you have the correct exhaust systems in place. But for those of you who haven’t yet switched from EVA to PUR and want a simpler life without the investment in PURspecific protection and extraction, or even if you are using current PUR formulations and want to provide your operators with a zero risk operating environment, there is now an

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alternative that’s every bit as powerful as standard PUR but no longer needs the H351 warning on the packaging. Using some very clever technology, the PUR adhesive specialist, Kleiberit, has reduced the monomer content in its Micro Emissions (ME) formulations below 0.1%. What’s remarkable is they’ve managed to do this without any loss of performance, making the latest product range quite possibly the safest, most operator-friendly PUR currently on the market. “For a number of years, operators using hotmelt adhesives have been asking for a product that’s as easy to handle as the nonreactive EVA- or PO-hotmelt products they know but as powerful as normal reactive hotmelts,” Holger Scherrenbacher, the Head of Kleiberit’s Technology Centre in Weingarten, told Furniture Journal. “There is no chemical need for monomers in a PUR hotmelt - we need polymer bound NCO, not monomers -

but there remains a residual amount below 0,1%.The ME product is as easy to use and as safe as non-reactive hot melts.” Kleiberit has identified three key target groups that will benefit most from the new Micro Emissions PUR product group: laminators with flat lamination systems, edgebander users and profile wrappers. Flat lamination systems with rollers and open reservoirs are well protected from evaporation of fumes to the workspace during operation. Indeed, Holger confirms, “Many people will not change over if their lines are 100% safe because you can’t even measure the level with an isocyanate measuring unit close to the line when using any of Kleiberit PUR hotmelts. Also, if you apply our regular grades with a flat lamination unit and you open the hood, the measuring unit will show nothing because we’ve already reduced our levels to a very low rate anyway. But when you open it to clean, there could be some limited exposure

Holger Scherrenbacher

80 furniture journal | JULY 2019 ME products are available in all package options.

Bradly Larkan

to fumes and that’s where changing to the ME product will eliminate any possible risk.” Edgebanders have a small, open application unit that’s generally protected with an extraction hood and profile wrapping lines are invariably fully enclosed right up to the slot nozzle application, so pose little risk during application. Where the ME product scores is it eliminates any possible risk when the machine has to be opened, or the drum has to be changed – or, indeed, if the fan in your extraction system fails. So, what does it take to make the switch to Kleiberit’s Micro emissions PUR? Surprisingly, very little. “Principally, if you are already using PUR, you can use the same unit as you are using now but just change the adhesive,” affirmed Bradly Larkan. “This is a big plus. If you are not currently running PUR on your existing line, drop in a new glue unit that is moisture protected and run. “The ME product range is available in all our familiar packaging formats from blister

packs that consist of one tray of three 32g tablets that can be used in the smallest of edgebanding machines upwards. We have 2kg fibre drums, our 2kg tin offer, our 20kg pail offer and 200kg drums. ME can be packaged in any of those formats and the only difference you’ll see is there are no risk factors highlighted on the label. ME products come with the benefit of high performance bonding – the same performance as our other PUR products, safe handling, no labelling requirement and they are environmentally friendly. For any application that currently uses PUR, we have a Micro Emissions product to meet that application.” To find out more about Kleiberit’s new Micro Emission PUR offer, or if you need technical assistance with an adhesion issue, contact Kleiberit UK on 01530 836699. Alternatively, if you are reading the free, interactive online App edition of Furniture Journal, touch here www.kleiberit.com for an immediate link to Kleiberit’s website.

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Micro Emission (ME) PUR Adhesives

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REVIEW

Ligna Showcase

Left: Bürkle’s Robus Pro is a robotic system designed for base coat and top coat application, and application of solvent and water-based lacquer systems and stains. The moveable arms can be equipped with up to 6+6 guns and the Robus Pro comes with sophisticated recovery and belt cleaning as well as either oiled or dry filtration. It was one of two robotised systems shown on the Ligna stand. The compact roller coater with Yaskawa robot was presented as a compact illustration of the integrated solutions Bürkle is able to offer. For details call +49 7441 58-0 or touch here for a link to Bürkle’s spray coating lines if you have the Furniture Journal App.

Right: On a stand that bristled with new technology ranging from excimer matting for raised panels to spray and roller coating solutions, Cefla’s cost-efficient digital printing for 3D effects took centre stage at Ligna 2019. The flexibility of digital printing allows an immediate and appealing response to changing trends and fashions, with high potential for customisation. Cefla’s J-Print TD creates positive and negative tactile effects with outstanding realism and an affordable, reliable process using MyTexture surface texturing. It will also perform embossing in register (EIR), and prints in 400 dpi quality at speeds of up to 50 m/min. To see how the J-Print does this, download the free Furniture Journal App and touch the picture to watch a video on your smartphone or tablet. Alternatively, call 0116 240 1795.

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 83 Right: For the first time Koch presented its Uniflex-Pin Welding to an international audience. The NC controlled machine places and welds Coldmelt® dowels from Würth into light weight panels. Equipped with an ultrasonic welding unit which works with the WoodWelding® technology, it uses polymeric fixation elements, which are ultrasonically liquefied to generate a form-fit connection with a porous substrate material. This allows a cost efficient, fast and strong alternative to traditional fixation methods such as nails, screws, or glues and adhesives – and Coldmelt® joints can be placed at the workpiece edge, or at any point on the workpiece. For more information call +49 5202-990-0 or visit www.kochma.de

Left: If you’re looking for a blade that gives a flawless finish for demanding applications, take a look at Freud’s brand-new carbide Round Razors. The finish quality is only possible because of tight tolerances, bore centring and thickness, while premium roughness is ensured by state of the art grinding technology. The fine grain carbide (K01S) used by Freud is specifically formulated to achieve a high level of hardness and tenacity and the Round Razors are available with rounded corners, rounded edges or both. The formula guarantees the greatest resistance to wear and impact. Applications include spiral or helical heads for cutting wood. For details call +39 0432 551411 or visit www.freudtools.com.

Right: Mosca’s Evolution SoniXs MS-6-H is a high-performance strapping machine that completes up to five strapping cycles in 20 seconds. The MS-6-H straps products based on specific programs, or automatically selects the best strapping position. Define the parameters and a built-in sensor detects the height of a product before strapping. Users can adjust the strap tension to the sensitivity of the package and a choice of strap widths from 5-12mm gives additional flexibility. For details call 0115 9890209 or visit www.mosca.com Readers with the free Furniture Journal App will find a video demonstrating the Sonix MS-6-H by tapping the picture.

Left: With the powerTouch operating concept, Homag revolutionised the art of machine operation in 2013. At Ligna 2019, Homag showed the latest version, powerTouch 2, with a multi-touch monitor, where the machine functions are controlled using direct touch. The operation remains child’s play with many features similar to those of a smartphone or a tablet. Almost all Homag machines can be operated in the same way, so machine operation is now faster and more intuitive. The powerTouch2 image screen has a clearer, more transparent layout and the menu design allows the eye to take in all essential elements at a glance. The user can input information on the machine more quickly, delivering time savings of around 30% compared with the previous version. This is possible because of new features, such as automatic word completion, a pop-up keyboard that can be kept open and Windows-like functions such as the selection of common actions directly via the start button. Homag has further improved the traffic light dialogue so the user can directly influence the machine’s production readiness by selecting actions directly via the traffic light icon. For more information, call Homag UK on 01332 856500 or visit www.homag.com/en

84 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

Reducing Risks

with Rakoll

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New adhesive formulations for a safer environment make their debuts on the H.B. Fuller stand at Ligna.

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 85

his year’s Ligna exhibition saw the adhesive specialist, H.B. Fuller, launch several next generation adhesive solutions that will help you reduce hazardous emissions from finished goods – and one in particular even improves on nature. Available in the UK through Kenyon Group, and designed specifically for a range of woodworking applications from home and office furniture to interior doors and parquet flooring, Rakoll® 4933 is H.B. Fuller’s new D3 adhesive grade. Launched at Ligna 2019, it comes with the competitive advantage of helping you to obtain low hazard certification for your finished products as well as a number of technical benefits. Wood naturally contains and emits VOCs, including formaldehyde and, as you are probably aware, formaldehyde has recently been reclassified by the EU as a Carcinogen Category 1B. We’re not talking about a huge formaldehyde content in wood – typically, dry natural oak contains around 0.004 ppm - but in environments with a lot of new wooden furniture and flooring, such as schools, offices and hospitals, formaldehyde emissions can accumulate to create a toxic air environment. In the light of these growing concerns, H.B. Fuller developed its Rakoll® 4933, formaldehyde-free, water-based adhesive. “This latest addition to our trusted Rakoll® range gives customers the assurance of a strong and reliable adhesive that also

contributes to lowering the accumulated hazardous emissions in homes and workplaces,” commented H.B. Fuller’s Johannes Christiani. “Rakoll® 4933 also offers manufacturers other technical key benefits, including high initial strength, fast setting times, low volatile organic compound emissions and a medium pH-value, resulting in reduced machine corrosion.” Formulated for flat lamination of decorative paper, foil, veneer, HPL and CPL, it is claimed to offer better product stability (shelf life of at least a year), high initial strength and fast setting for better quality and fewer defects, and no discolouration compared with typical D3 adhesives. In parallel with the news on Rakoll® 4933, H.B. Fuller also used Ligna to launch Rakoll® 5010, a new low monomer reactive hot melt for flat lamination, developed to fulfil the requirements and demand of the market for non-labelling obligation with regard to hazardous substances, and a range of NEPfree primers for edge banding applications, to keep pace with the most demanding industry requirements, providing NEP, Toluene and THF free, as well as PVC free products within its new primers range. To find out how you could increase efficiency, cut costs and improve production output with H.B. Fuller’s latest adhesive formulations, call Kenyon Group on 0161 633 6328 or, if you are reading the App edition of Furniture Journal, touch here to send an email.

86 furniture journal | JULY 2019

REVIEW

Six Minute Miracle Taking an hour or more to load or unload containers? In six minutes, Combilift’s Combi-CSS will do the job for you – automatically.

Simple-to-use Combi-CSS control panel

ust imagine how much more efficient your operation would be if you could load or unload 40-foot containers in just six minutes without fear of damage. At best, it’s probably taking you an hour if you’re handling rough sawn timber – and if your products are flat-packed furniture or panel products, the probability is your operators will be taking even longer to avoid damage. But now, even if you’re only stuffing five loads a week, there’s an alternative from Combilift that’s so simple, so quick and so cost-effective it’ll have you wondering why no one has ever thought of it before. The prototype of Combilift’s Combi-CSS was first seen at the company’s 20th anniversary celebration event but Ligna 2019

provided the opportunity for its first real show appearance. The Combi-CSS, or Container Slip-Sheet model, is a simple-tooperate loading and unloading system that requires product to be stacked on a 15mm thick Hardox 500 steel sheet outside a waiting container. At the touch of a button, the slip-sheet is pulled by four hydraulic cylinders, taking the load right inside. Once the load is inside, hydraulic doors close, preventing the load from exiting when the slip-sheet is withdrawn. Simple, fast, automatic – and no damage. Unloading operations are performed just as quickly and easily: the trailer is backed up to the Combi-CSS and the slip-sheet is adjusted in height, as necessary, to unload the

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 87 Martin McVicar demonstrates the Combilift CBE4t.

container if it is still on the lorry. The doors are opened and the unloading sequence begins. First, the slip-sheet, which has a special chamfer to the leading edge, moves into the container, pushing gently under the loaded pallets until it reaches the front end of the load. With the whole load now on the sheet, the slip-sheet reverses, extracting the contents in their entirety. The model on show at Ligna had a slipsheet of 45 feet in length, providing ample space for forklifts to de-stack from the table while the next container is being positioned, and it was equipped with vertical guide rollers to ensure perfect positioning of timber before it enters the container, but Combilift will customise each Combi-CSS to suit your

operation. If your product is flat-pack furniture, worktops, or panel products, for example, you’ll want to align the load carefully before it enters the container rather than relying on guide rollers for final positioning, so a slip-sheet that’s marked up with lines might suit you better. Even the hydraulic doors and table length can be modified to suit your particular product and the Combi-CSS will load and unload any product up to 30,000kg in weight. In a word, it’s brilliant – and undoubtedly one of the most ingenious inventions to be unveiled at this year’s Ligna. Also making its debut at Ligna 2019 was Combilift’s brand new CBE4t multi-directional counterbalance forklift. What’s unique about

the CBE4t is just how compact it is for a fourtonne, all wheel drive truck. Designed for indoor/outdoor work, it has super elastic tyres, making it ideal for rough terrain, and because it’s electric, your operators will be able to work in a clean air environment. From a maintenance perspective, the AC electric drives mean no mechanical brushes to maintain and replace. Using 98% recyclable lead acid batteries, the CBE4t will operate a full 9-hour shift in continuous use. For more information on either the Combi-CSS or the CBE4t, call 00353 478 0500 or visit www.combilift.com, or if you are reading this edition with the free Furniture Journal App, touch the main image to watch a video of the Combi-CSS in operation.

88 furniture journal | JULY 2019

Fully Compliant FSB T REVIEW Viessmann’s well-proven FSB receives an upgrade for Ligna.

he FSB range of boilers from Viessmann, sold and maintained in the UK by Mawera UK, has been around several years now and has a reputation for reliability and efficiency. At Ligna,Viessmann showed the latest model FSB on which some of the functions have changed to lower the emission levels even further. This has been achieved through careful adjustment of the software, in particular the way it controls the flame temperature and the recirculation air, the mixture of primary and secondary air and the O2 control. “The program looks after the way different material comes into the combustion chamber and how the material burns,” explained Mawera UK’s Managing Director, John Clissett. “You don’t have to tell the boiler what’s coming into the chamber, it does that automatically. It measures everything and the program itself decides the quantities and speeds that need to go through the combustion chamber, how much air is recirculated and how much fresh air is introduced. “One of the problems when a boiler starts up is it creates a lot of humidity. Now,

on startup, we bypass the second pass and go straight from the first to the third so the temperature goes up quicker and we don’t end up with water vapour in the chimney. It’s a serious improvement. “Everything about the new FSB has been controlled more tightly, from the speed the fans run at and how they run to where it takes the recirculation air from. Everything is becoming greener, so we’ve minimised automatic cleaning of the tubes and even the seals are all now made from environmentally friendly material – and to make the point, they’re green. “In the UK, we lag a little bit behind Germany in regard to emissions but last December, another series of emission requirements came into force for new boilers. Existing boilers can continue running until 2029 but all new boilers have to be fully compliant. Viessmann is ahead of the game and, compared with its closest competitors, measured over a 15-year period, we’re also able to prove significantly lower running costs.” For more information on Viessmann’s new FSB, call Mawera UK on 01543 258844 or visit www.mawera.co.uk

JULY 2019 | furniture journal 91

Designing Efficiency F

ollowing the purchase of a second site for his growing fire door manufacturer business, Adrian Goldsbury, Owner of Door & Joinery Solutions Ltd, commissioned experienced wood waste extraction specialist, Dustraction, to design, build and install a new and highly efficient extraction system for his new factory and purpose-built spray room in Burton upon Trent. Already running a dust extraction system and filtered spray area in his Leicester-based factory, Adrian had clear objectives on what he wanted his new extraction system to achieve. “Our second site is a complete replica of our unit in Leicester and includes the same machinery, manufacturing processes and materials list as its sister site,” he explained. “This put us in a good position to fully understand the kind of system we needed and the size of the fans and motors required by our machinery to fulfil the job well. It also gave us a good insight into the areas we wanted our new dust extraction system to improve on.” Future-proofing the business was a key consideration for the 15-year-old company. “We had the foresight to purchase a second site off-plan three years ago. The business was growing and we didn’t want to start extending our lead times and turning business away,” admits Adrian. “We currently have the ability to manufacture 120 doors on

an eight-hour shift. The introduction of our second site means we have the opportunity to double this figure. We needed a system that could not only cope with these numbers but would also continue to work just as effectively if we were to expand our production facilities and add more machines to our extraction system. We were also keen to see a reduction in running costs.” After contacting three well-known extraction companies, Adrian was keen to work with the Leicester-based specialist, Dustraction. “Each company approached the brief very differently, opting for different motor sizes, booster options and varying energy consumption rates, but we’d worked with Dustraction before and we knew the level of knowledge and understanding they brought to the table. We also have an ongoing relationship with them as they COSHH test our equipment and have proven to be extremely thorough, consistent and reliable.” The design of the extraction system, which will handle a total air volume of 13,550m³/hr, consists of a Dustrax No 27 RV Series filter system. It features a tubular sock type filtering system and automatic shaker cleaning mechanism for the removal of surplus dust from the filter sleeves. The system’s V-belt-driven fan has also been specifically designed to handle woodwaste and thanks to a 37 kW TEFC motor, offers an

Dustraction’s Dustrax No 27 RV Series filter system ticks the box for fire door manufacturer, Door & Joinery Solutions Ltd

Dustrax No 27 RV Series filter system

92 furniture journal | JULY 2019

The new system is currently connected to 11 machines but has been designed with growth in mind.

The purpose-built spray room was designed with two heavy duty fans and disposable paper filters.

energy efficient alternative to larger motorised system whilst maintaining a high level of performance. A further two Dustrax 700 heavy duty V-belt-driven axial fans and disposable paper filters were also positioned in and around the company’s spray room to offer efficient filtration of paint laden air. “From quote to completion, the project took just seven weeks,” reflects Adrian. “The site was still being built when Dustraction started the project. They were able to visit the building, take measurements and conduct surveys without having to disrupt the business. They were also able to complete the initial ducting before the new machines arrived on site, and didn’t have to work cranes or cherry pickers around any machinery or have to worry about downtime caused by the installation.”

Adrian adds, “Dustraction worked meticulously to plan around our agreed completion date, and kept us well informed with technical drawings and updates on the build. The whole team was easy to work with and approachable. In fact, during the machinery installation, we realised that we needed to move a few of the machines on the factory floor. This meant the team had to adapt the design to work around our changes and move some of the ducting they’d fitted. There was no hassle involved. They were extremely accommodating and were happy to work the changes into the design. “Now the factory is fully up and running, I can confidently say that we chose the right extraction company to work with. We now have a system in place that works effectively with our current production needs and, thanks to the medium-sized motor and the

potential to add boosters onto the system in the future if new machinery needs to be added, we have the infrastructure behind us to grow. We’re also saving money on our energy bills and maintenance costs thanks to the technology behind Dustraction’s design. Our paint booth only requires the paper filters to be changed every so often and the dust extraction system requires a three-year service on the main bagging unit to make sure it is drawing the right level of air. Like all units, it is recommended that you change the filter but the system is a driverless motor that requires little interference. The complete system is a great addition to our factory and we will continue to use Dustraction to service and test our equipment on both sites.” For more information please visit www.dustraction.co.uk, call 0116 271 3212 or follow @DustractionLtd on Twitter.

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