FJ Mar 2016

furniture journal

march 2016

On the cover: Clark one of Interprint’s new Six Pack of décors Interview: Walter Schatt Woodgrains & Prints Saws and sizing Starbank’s new Viessmann

march 2016

making a space a room

4 THE FATHER OF FOILS

26 FOUR SIDES, ONE TOUCH

Walter Schatt may sit at the pinnacle of one of the world’s largest décor printing companies but its success is as much the result of his attitude to people as it is to developing the right product at the right time.

Accurate four-sided dimensioning, simple one-man operation: that’s what Weinig’s Cube delivers.

6 SIX OF THE BEST

cover photo Clark - one of the new Six Pack of décors from Interprint.

Story: pages 6-9.

Get more from your Furniture Journal download CP Clicker and scan page 25 & 46!

Interprint’s 2016 Six Pack of inspired and carefully researched décors have been launched - and aren’t they absolutely fantastic?

10 COMEBACK CLASSICS The emphasis is on woodgrains with classic species returning and they’re central to Egger’s newest décor introductions.

12 MAKE A BEELINE FOR B9

.co.uk

editor: Melvyn Earle email: Melvyn@FurnitureJournal.co.uk Direct Tel: 01502 733438

circulation: Marie Earle email: Circ@FurnitureJournal.co.uk www.furniturejournal.co.uk

CBP0001892402162700

deco foil 3D Forming Veneers for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture

deco foil

contents

We offer an exciting range of contemporary and traditional styles, all with excellent board matches Find out more about our exciting range of contemporary LG Hausys PVC foil materials for kitchen, bedroom and bathroom

By using Carbon Balanced Paper through the World Land Trust on this publication we have offset 1306kg of Carbon & preserved 110sqm of critically threatened tropical forests.

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, 2016.

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 published by: Craftsman Publishing Company Ltd, Landings House, Lound Road, Blundeston, Suffolk,

Call: +44 (0)1376 518037

NR32 5AT, England. www.craftsmanpublishing.co.uk

28 INSIDE STORY: COMBI-WR4 The Combi-WR and Combi-WR4 are Combilift's smallest models and the first purpose-built pedestrian reach stackers with the capability to work in very narrow aisles of 2.1m.

30 SCHELLING WITH ALTITUDE Storage and production are linked seamlessly with order processing via EQ software thanks to a new Schelling VS12 Board Storage system and fh4 saw at Panorama Kitchens.

33 MAKING AN IMPACT

In stock and ready for delivery at David Clouting are new colours to the gloss and matt décor ranges as well as the ‘painted look’ B9 textured print.

A two-year extension to a massive refit contract gave Arken the confidence to invest in new machines - but the company needed to be up and running fast.

14 TREND RESEARCH

36 BIESSE: 7-SERIES SAW

Heike Schlosser, the head of Surteco Group’s Décor team, decodes the myth behind trends and gives a few hints of her own about the direction of décor designs for 2016/17.

The WN 7-Series panel-sizing centre from Biesse bristles with innovative features designed to cope with largescale operations

19 HIGHLIGHTS: SDS A few highlights from London’s Surface Design Show.

From vertical panels saws to beam saws for high production environments, Holz-Her has a lot to offer.

20 ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

42 TOTAL CONTROL

The UK hasn’t had a dedicated components exhibition for more than a decade - one reason Montgomery is introducing Elements alongside W16 this coming October

Swiss made, the Striebig Control is one of a range of vertical panel saws that’s proving popular with British furniture manufacturers

23 STICKING WITH TENSOR

Products and news in brief.

George Morgan describes Quin Global’s TensorGrip L12 adhesive as “an all-round workshop buddy that gets you out of sticky situations”.

We visited Resin, his workshop in Downton, to find out why.

38 FEATURE-PACKED SAWS

44 SNIPPETS

46 CURVOMATIC Videos, specifications, demonstrations - they’re all Interactive on page 46.

47 ON THE BOIL 25 QUIN GLOBAL L12 videos, specifications, demonstrations - they’re all Interactive on page 25.

Starbank’s new factory will be completely sustainable, thanks in part to a new biomass system from Mawera UK Ltd.

25th

EDITION

2016 MAY 24-28 - MILAN, ITALY FIERAMILANO - RHO FAIRGROUNDS 25TH BIENNIAL WORLD EXHIBITION FOR WOODWORKING TECHNOLOGY AND COMPONENTS FOR THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY

YOUR WORLD YOUR BUSINESS

YOUR SHOW

25th

Since 1968

EDITION

2016

Xylexpo celebrates its 25th edition

Xylexpo has reached an important milestone with its 25th edition.

Established in 1968, the event immediately established itself as important international meeting for those operating in the wood industry. This importance was also recently highlighted by the italian gorvernment, which included it among the country’s most strategic trade fair events.

Today, Xylexpo continues to rank among the top worldwide events held on even years thanks to a vast presence of major international companies with the latest technologies. Furthermore, the selection offered at Xylexpo not only includes woodworking tools and machinery, but also technologies for processing composite materials, as well as semi-finished products and components for the furniture industry.

xylexpo.com info@xylexpo.com

read more on: xylexpo.com

ACIMALL

4 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 5

the father of foils Walter Schatt may sit at the pinnacle of one of the world’s largest décor printing companies but its success is as much the result of his attitude to people as it is to developing the right product at the right time.

A

pproachable, warm, generous, open, kind, thoughtful, modest, quietly-spoken... These are perhaps not quite the words one might normally associate with the boss of a 600 million Euro turnover company.

But as I sit in front of Walter Schatt, the man who gave his name to arguably the largest décor printer and producer of impregnated papers in the world, the warmth in his smile and the spontaneity and self-effacing honesty in the answers he provides without hesitation to my questions underline that, although he sits at the very pinnacle of an industry

giant he and his fellow director, Reiner Schulz, have grown from the ground up, Walter Schatt is both extraordinary and unique. His whole approach to growing a business and to working with people turns the hard-nosed, cut and thrust Dragon’s Den image of the route to success on its head. And there are lessons in his approach for all company directors.

One after another, he recounts the events in his early life that shaped the Schattdecor we see today, peppering each anecdote with a generous dose of humour: “I was a farmer boy,” he

recalls. “Just a simple farmer boy. When you work on a farm you learn a lot of things. Times can be hard. People help each other.”

It’s a theme that recurs throughout our discussion.

Eventually, youthful eagerness for adventure and the enjoyment he’d derived from two years of school English took him away from the family farm, first to Paris (where he worked as an au pair and a chef for a French family before qualifying as a waiter and an interpreter) and then to England. “I met an English guy who suggested a

job as a hospital porter,” he recollects.

“I was offered the position of auxiliary nurse at Paddington General Hospital.”

A broad smile creases his face. “It was the most important year of my life, looking after people in a public hospital,” he adds. “I enjoyed that. ” Fluent in English and French, Walter returned to his native Germany and found work at the printing company Masa Dekor. “I was hired because I spoke two languages but they didn’t really know what to do with me, so they sent me down to the printing lab where I learned to mix colours,” he says. “That was 1967, the year I first went to Interzum. It was an exciting time. Then they decided to put me in sales and I started to make contact with office furniture people. I was talking to them about laminated finishes. It was right at the beginning of melamine furniture for the office. I was there for 15 months. I went to a competitor for a short time, then the Kunz Group hired me. They wanted to start a factory for impregnation and printing. It was there I learned to be an entrepreneur.”

In 1974, unable to progress his own ideas and confounded by the attitude of management to employees, Walter set about the task of pulling people, equipment and investors together in a bid to establish a new company. That new company was Süddekor. “Our main investor was Mr Kochsiek,” says Walter.

“With his machines, my ideas and a staff of eight or ten, we set off in search of business. We started low key, just a few décors. I was doing sales, development and dealing with technical issues. It was a busy time.”

Ten years on, problems started to emerge. Walter acknowledges his partner was an exceptional printer but he lacked the desire to grow with the business.

“We were printing with edged rollers. We couldn’t print in register. Without register you can’t have quality. You have to print grain on grain.

“It was about the same time that the Japanese arrived in Europe with a totally different quality. Printers in Europe were from the wood industry. The Japanese used rice straw pulp and solvent-based inks. The quality was much more natural and they had the technology to print in register. Our competitors started to buy Japanese cylinders but they were working with short cycle resins not a solvent system. The ink ended up on the press plates and it was a disaster. With waterbased inks you can’t print on rice straw so we had to find another way.”

The breakthrough came in 1985 when, having left Süddekor with Reiner Schulz and established Schattdecor, a modified décor paper was developed

that worked with water-based inks. “At last we could engrave like the Japanese and print on European décor paper that was good for an industrial feed speed,” recalls Walter. “We were printing for high speed impregnating and we had a quality that did not exist in Europe at that time. Everybody wanted to buy from us. That was when the chipboard industry exploded and we were ready with the right product. At the same time we started using organic pigmented inks.

They were a real headache because of metamerism.”

Near disaster followed success when Schattdecor started overprinting with white pigment to reduce extreme metamerism. “Fortunately we had a lot of good will with our customers. We’d printed 25 tonnes in one lot and supplied Thermopal and Kaindl. It was fine in daylight. We didn’t realise until later that in artificial light it was a disaster. What choice did we have? We had to call them and tell them there would be a problem. You need to face problems, talk to people, stand upright.

We survived and one year later the problem of metamerism was resolved.”

Working in close partnership with suppliers and customers has been central to Schattdecor’s success and much of that has been down to Walter Schatt, though he’d more likely deflect the credit for it if asked. He may be the figurehead of a company that’s poised for 50% growth in the next ten years and already lays claim to a 25% world market share but the more time I spend with him, the more I realise the secret of Schattdecor’s growth and success are as much the result of his people-centric leadership as they are the product of a natural entrepreneur who astutely predicted a new phase in the design and manufacturing of furniture. He genuinely values his staff, their goals and ambitions. He trusts in their abilities. He believes in giving them time to assimilate the Schattdecor culture and find their niche; the time to find and grow their own strengths so they can become successful. And he is committed to their success and invests in it. Such people skills are rare indeed.

The “simple farmer boy” who grew up in an environment where people cared about each other and then went on to care for others has learned to use the lessons life has dealt him and created from them a unique environment in which people are valued and creativity, invention and technology flourish.

As we shake hands and he heads for another meeting, I can’t help thinking what a genuinely nice guy Walter Schatt is. It’s been a real pleasure spending time with him and a discussion I will remember for a very long time.

6 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 7

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six of the best S

Interprint’s 2016 Six Pack of inspired and carefully researched décors have been launched - and aren’t they absolutely fantastic?

ix brand new décors have been announced in the wake of Interprint’s Furniture Days - and behind the new ‘Six Pack’, there’s a simple story: in our busy lives, nothing is more valuable than time; the decisive moment is ‘now’; ‘less’ is the new more.

From a wealth of textures, colours and wood types, Interprint’s designers created and selected six trend-setting décors with international success potential for 2016. Unique in the sector is that their recommendations are based on feedback from 200 companies of the furniture and derived timber products

industries during the Interprint Furniture Days 2015.

Authentic, strong in character and experimental, the new 'Six Pack' presents texture and colour in a way that gives even more distinction to the look and feel than the wood type itself and a simple change of colourway, is enough to transform the impression instantly.

In Eureka, here is an Oak with the potential to become an urban trendsetter. The natural, authentic character of the décor is enhanced by its distinctive pore structure, which

Pordoi

8 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 9

k lar

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Veneto

Ravello

Clark

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Ravello

ne

transforms it, providing a new level of elegance.

The grain of the fine Swiss stone pine, Pordoi, enhanced by multi-faceted play of colour with knots will bring mountain stream freshness to your furniture designs. It is both calming and evocative. It’s so authentic it seems to smell of the forest.

Altendorf is an an heroic epic of a tree. It has real character, emphasised by the cutting blades of a circular saw and a sand-blasted finish. It is experimental décor art at its best.

Contrast this with the smoothness of Veneto, a marble structure with river-like arms and mountain ranges. A lively cloud effect of grey and brown shades can be found in large unobtrusive repeats. It does not have to be for a Renaissance villa in Florence. Veneto fits elsewhere.

to

The handsome Ravello will take any room by storm. The colour and texture are reminiscent of planks, faded by sun, that have been given a change of context. Relaxing and designed to exude comfort, Ravello is an exotic wood that’s become European.

Clark is an outstanding maple: robust, independent and wild. It is a design to be worn with confidence that’s perfect for large fascias. But don’t try to match panels. Be bold. Cut it where you want.

Make a feature of the variety it offers.

Inspired, carefully researched and confirmed by those in the industry as best-sellers-to be, Interprint’s Six Pack is designed for success. For more information visit the Interprint website: www.interprint.com/sixpack2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 11

One of Egger’s new comeback classics is H3710 ST9 Natural Carini Walnut paired here with W1200 ST9 Porcelain

10 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

comeback classics A

H3730 ST10 Natural Hickory paired with W1200 ST9 Porcelain and U636 ST9 Fjord in this stylish kitchen. H1399 ST10 Truffle Riverside Oak (right) paired with U702 ST9 Cashmere makes for a light and airy office while H3450 ST36 White Fleetwood paired with U636 ST9 Fjord are showcased in an outstanding modern bedroom.

new take on timeless classics forms the centrepiece of Egger's latest décor introductions - and the emphasis is on highly-realistic woodgrain finishes.

Available in laminate, melaminefaced chipboard and ABS edging, seven new woodgrain décors complement the company's recently revamped worktop range to create a timeless look that is right on trend.

Egger's head of décor development, Elliott Fairlie, believes traditional woodgrains have fallen out of favour recently as kitchen manufacturers opt instead for matt and gloss unicolours particularly in European-inspired designs

- in a growing trend seen recently with the company's popular new PerfectSense products. “But as print and texture development improves, we see the popularity of classic species returning, which is why we have added some exciting new designs to our range with what we call our 'comeback classics' - a modern twist on some old favourites,” he said.

“Our new oak and walnut décors have become much more interesting, and we have even seen a return of hickory, where the imperfections and subtle interplay of colours produce a stunning look reminiscent of crown-cut oak.

“Another look finding favour in many new designs is an increase in the use of solid colour as frontals, with woodgrains being used as more of an accent. This might be in the form of worktops, splashbacks, end panels or open shelving.”

Included in the ten new introductions is a new versatile solid colour that is neither white nor grey, but instead a cool new blue called Fjord that Egger expects to have long-lasting appeal when used as a combination colour. It features an ST9 finish that adds a modern tactile feel.

For more information on the latest décor introductions call 01434 602191 or visit www.egger.com

The emphasis is on woodgrains with classic species returning and they’re central to Egger’s newest décor introductions.

12 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 13

Examples from the

b9

llecton

make a beeline for panels. New to the lineup is Fjord (in the foreground of the main picture), a B9 emboss to match Egger’s U636 Fjord.

Ideal for both membrane pressing and flat lamination, B9 is fully FIRA certified and can be supplied ex-stock in rolls of 1450mm wide x 200m long (0.4mm thickness), or in whatever length you require. Alternatively, choose your own colour with David Clouting’s Make-to-Order service, available with a minimum order length of 2,000 linear metres.

If it’s gloss and matt in a range of on-trend unicolours you need, take a closer look at David Clouting’s Hard Coat PET collection for flat lamination.

Described as having “a similar look to acrylic panels in gloss and supermatt”, the Hard Coat PET collection provides significant improvement in scratch and marr resistance when compared with regular lacquers and comes at a price

that makes it a realistic, cost-effective alternative to other gloss and matt panels. Colour matched to existing press grade foils, the Hard Coat PET range currently available ex-stock includes White, Pale Cream, Albaster, Oyster, Cashmere, Mussel, Light Grey and Graphite Grey in both gloss and supermatt (part of the range is pictured above) with matching edgings. Available in one roll quantities (400 linear metres x 1250mm) or made to order from 3,000 linear metres (that can be a mix of supermatt and gloss).

Also in stock at David Clouting are several new colours in premium high gloss and silky matt. Denim (background of the main picture) is designed to match Egger’s U540 Denim.

For more information on B9, or the Hard Coat PET range, contact David Clouting Ltd on 01376 518037, or visit www.davidclouting.co.uk

In stock and ready for delivery at David Clouting are new colours to the gloss and matt décor ranges as well as the ‘painted look’ B9 textured print.

Premium High Gloss in the new Denim colourway

S

ome like it deep, some like it smooth, others simply can’t resist silky. Whatever your preference, deeply textured, high gloss or silky matt, the new range of décors from David Clouting is now in stock - and there are new colours and new matches to titillate and delight.

For pressed panels with a super soft feel there’s little to beat the authentic painted wood look of B9, a print combined with a superb oak wood texture that can be seen (and almost felt) from several feet away. The new B9 painted wood range is now being stocked in eight colours that reflect the latest trends in the UK KBB sector.

Currently available are: Porcelain White, Ivory, Mussel, Stone Grey, Cashmere, Light Grey and Graphite Grey. The lighter tones are already strong sellers with Cashmere and Grey colourways growing in popularity as furniture

Hard Coat PET Co

B9 in the new Fjord colourway.

14 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 15

Heike Schlosser heads up Surteco Group’s Décor team.

Heike Schlosser, the head of Surteco Group’s Décor team, decodes the myth behind trends and gives a few hints of her own about the direction of décor designs for 2016/17.

On this page: The ideas behind ’Related’.

trend research E

very year we hear from different décor experts whose job it is to predict the colours and themes that will be found on the furniture consumers will be offered tomorrow.

Designer Heike Schlosser heads up the Surteco Decor team, observing and analysing social, cultural, scientific, technical and design directions, visiting exhibitions, trade fairs and specialist events and maintaining contacts in related fields. Looking over the horizon is important, she says, because no trend develops in isolation.

It is always set within the context of wider society. Issues like sustainability give rise to megatrends that in turn provide an umbrella for short-term trends. We see many in the consumer

and fashion industries first but they quickly filter down, driven by a desire for change and progress. Trend scouts begin the hunt for innovations, mainly in the urban environment. Using garnered information, they create trend guides that are subsequently interpreted by leading designers who show at the major fashion shows, before being disseminated and discussed in the media and in blogs.

The resulting new fashion is produced within a very short space of time and quickly reaches the mass market.

Colour codes, technical innovations and materials are simultaneously developed in a similar way across other industries, usually in co-ordination with other sectors. In this way, colours

that set the trend in the automotive industry can also be found in the interior design sector in modified form.

Styles mix and new life and context are breathed into familiar trends.

“The phenomenon you can see everywhere at the moment is above all, there is a big mix out there!,” says Heike Schlosser. “You might say that the clear, distinctive image which clearly characterises a style or epoch has been abandoned and elements from all periods and styles are being mixed up and combined to generate something new. This is leading to the creation of new hybrid materials and objects: plastics are being combined with natural components; residual materials are being given added value

16 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 The ideas behind ’To Be’.

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by upcycling. We call this observation 'One' in our trend statement. The ‘One’ trend has two directions: 'related' and 'to be'. This is also a play on words and together they coalesce to form 'related to be One'.

“Retro-chic and industry look in real time urban living and a well-developed affinity with technology and connectivity play a major role and define the trend direction ‘Related’.

Smart phones set the pace. Life is transparent, mobile and flexible. This contrasts with the yearning for heritage and the desire for sustainably manufactured or recycled products.

Retro-chic comes together with the industry look and combines innovation with culture.

“The world of colour is witnessing lots of metal shades and some of these provide very effective accents. By the same token, dark woods and marble awaken comforting memories.”

Based on an elegant elm wood in a walnut colourway, the décor design Leander Mobile from Surteco Dekor radiates enthusiasm for technology and traditional homeliness, while the classical Marmo Romeo works perfectly with the material mix of this trend style.

“The second trend direction, ‘To Be’ is all about emotions. An individual's own home constitutes a sanctuary offering the opportunity to withdraw into an oasis of calm. Authenticity, pleasing materials, artisan craftsmanship and tangibly beautiful materials play a big role. Technology is only a means to an end. This world features understated, light colours, a great deal of white, pastel hues, Country Style, Ethno Look, and woods with natural, calming textures.” The décor Ibsen Beech from Surteco Dekor is designed to fit perfectly into this world and combines natural, freshness with playful, lively flowers and variations of knot.

Marceau in off-white is Nordic in its purity and elegance. It’s all about living beautifully and fits well with the ‘Related’ trend.

The current trend statement from Surteco provides a guideline for 2016 and forms a platform for new developments. Moving forward to 2017, Surteco intends to publish its new trend statement every two years to coincide with Interzum. For more information, or a copy of the Trend Statement 2016, contact Surteco UK on 01282 686850. www.surteco.co.uk

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 19

Exposicam srl Via G. Carducci, 12 • 20123 Milan • Italy Tel: +39 0286995712 • Fax: +39 0272095158 info@exposicam.it

www.exposicam.it INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF COMPONENTS, SEMIFINISHED PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES FOR THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY

18/21 October 2016

highlights

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20 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 21 Background: Décor foils, interior films and edgebands from David Clouting.

Stand N410.

Edgebandings from Elements exhibitor Ostermann. Stand

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essential elements The UK hasn’t had a dedicated components exhibition for more than a decade - one reason Montgomery is introducing Elements alongside W16 this coming October.

W

hat does it take to set up a brand new exhibition? A good deal of courage and a lot of persuasion, for sure. But that’s exactly what the team at Montgomery is endeavouring to do: provide the UK furniture sector with a centrepiece of its own where furniture manufacturers large and small can find components and materials to inspire and stimulate the imagination. It’s called Elements, the venue is the NEC and it will run from 2nd-5th October 2016.

“We're working to create a show that is truly innovative and an asset to the industry,” explains Elements’ Events Manager, Lisa Campagnola. “Elements

boasts its own strong identity and crucially, its own marketing message, giving us the ideal opportunity to create a show that will offer a lasting legacy in the furniture sector.

“In recent years, furniture components have been overlooked but they are vital to design and application,” explains Nicola Swaisland, Regional Sales Manager at Tente UK. “We cover a variety of industries so for a company like Tente UK, attending a new show that targets a wider audience will allow us to make our presence greater in the market.

“By creating a dedicated components show that will run alongside W16, it

offers attendees a one-stop-shop approach to furniture design. This is a great advantage for companies like us that have many strings to our bow.

Elements will give us an opportunity to increase our exposure to the whole UK market and allow us to show the industry what we have to offer.”

Keen to create a fresh approach to trade fairs, the show's three interactive zones will promote the industry in a new light. Situated alongside the Best Practice Zone and Competition Zone, the show's Innovation Zone will showcase newly launched products and innovative design concepts, offering visual stimulation to its visitors and a

unique way to engage in the beauty of furniture products.

Ronan Haslette, Managing Director of wood veneer specialist Merena adds, “This new take on a furniture show is guaranteed to bring ideas to life and show visitors just how dynamic wood can be. An exhibition like this will open up endless design possibilities and bring the beauty of wood to life. Why wouldn't you want to be a part of it?”

The Elements exhibition will be taking place from the 2nd-5th October 2016 at the NEC. For more information please visit www.elements-expo.co.uk or follow @Elements_Expo on Twitter for the latest exhibition news.

Innovative Tenso rGrip adhesives from Qu in Global. Stand K5 05.

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 23

sticking with

tensor

George Morgan describes Quin Global’s TensorGrip L12 adhesive as “an all-round workshop buddy that gets you out of sticky situations.”

We visited Resin, his workshop in Downton, to find out why.

G

eorge Morgan is a designer and maker of furniture who embraces all that modern technology has to offer. Traditionally schooled and every inch a perfectionist, he’s run Resin, his own furniture-making business, for 19 years and has made it his personal hallmark to use locally sourced timber that he kiln-dries on site.

A traditionalist he may be, but when George saw what Quin Global’s TensorGrip adhesive was capable of it prompted a complete rethink of the way certain aspects of his furniture were made. Take curves, for instance: “We

were asked to make a circular bar for a wedding,” he recalls. “Without TensorGrip, we’d have had to make a large former, vacuum-form all the curved sections, then vacuum the veneers. Using TensorGrip adhesive, we were able to make a circular structure to which we fastened a multi-layered birch ply face on site using TensorGrip L12 adhesive. It is an incredibly strong adhesive that bonds very quickly, so there was no need to make a former. Then we veneered the ply using a

24 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

Tack the ply to the former, spray TensorGrip L12 onto the veneer and the ply, wait 1-2 minutes for the adhesive to tack off, position and press substrates together, apply pressure using a laminating roller.

paper-backed veneer that we applied with TensorGrip LP64 adhesive. The result was excellent, it saved 75% of the time we would normally have expected to spend on the job and it revolutionised the whole process. When TensorGrip grips, it really grips!”

To prove the point, George had prepared a small demonstration: using the same thick birch ply he used in the construction of the bar as an example, he tacked it to a curved former, sprayed a piece of veneer and the ply with TensorGrip L12 using the free spray gun he received with his first purchase and as soon as both were tacky, he paired them up and rollered them down. “Look!” he said, removing the pins that held the ply to the former a couple of minutes later. “It’s not properly stuck yet and this is far too early to be taking the pins out but already you can see that this narrow piece of veneer is holding the ply in a curve - and the veneer is only half the width of the ply.

“If you have to make quick jigs, you can use L12 for that. Making a curved drawer front becomes easy: you just pin a ply to a former, then stick your veneer down with L12. Once you learn to trust it, it’s fabulous. It gives such confidence.

It’s a real workshop buddy that gets you out of sticky situations.”

George admits, he has tried other adhesives but hasn’t found anything as effective as TensorGrip products. “With L12 you get one shot at it because once it’s stuck, you can’t get it apart.

The ply breaks before the glue line.

“People try to compare it with other adhesives. It can’t be compared. This is

like a new tool in the workshop. You can use it for curves, you can use it for flat surfaces. We bond 18mm board to 6mm board and lip it. Normally, you’d have to put that in a press for an hour.

Now we can bond it in ten minutes. It’s a different way of manufacturing; a game-changing product that all cabinet and furniture manufacturers should be looking at.”

George is also full of praise for the support he’s received from Quin Global in Scotland: “Their tech guys are brilliant,” he says. “They will suggest things that make manufacturing so much easier. With a product like this, there’s so much potential that you need proper backup. They really go out of their way to provide that.”

Is there a flip side? “You do have to be careful with over-mist,” he cautions, “But we always use paper to shield the area when we’re spraying.” Spraying closer eliminates this.

“I like the canisters [Co-Rez]. You don’t waste a drop. You just put them on the bench and go. They never block until they’ve completely run out.

Sometimes you need to flush the gun to get an even web before you start a job and you do need to be sure you get the right nozzle but they’re really great, very convenient.”

Demonstration over, George gives the gun a quick spray with Tensor C101, one of a range of adhesive cleaning products produced by Quin Global.

“They make some great cleaning products,” he adds, clearly impressed.

“The wipes are good, too.”

For more information, scan the page (right), or call 08453 812233.

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four sides, one touch Accurate four-sided dimensioning, simple one-man operation: that’s what Weinig’s Cube delivers.

The Cube: so small and light it can be moved around the workshop with ease. Pictured in Weinig’s showroom with the Cube Mech stacker.

I

f precision, four-sided dimensioning is what you need to do, there is no simpler way to do it than with a Cube,” says Jack Bowers, Product Manager (Planing and Moulding) at Weinig’s Tauberbischofsheim site.

“The Cube has been designed to be productive from the moment it’s delivered - no expensive training, just one touch on the start button and you’re away.”

The design of the dense composite base of the Cube means it can easily be moved around the workshop if necessary - it is “a little marvel that can be operated by one person,” he says.

Place the timber on the feed bed, choose the finished dimensions you need and a series of laser lights projected onto the workpiece will highlight your spindle settings immediately, showing exactly

how much timber will be removed in order to provide the size you need.

“With a Cube, you optimise the settings before processing starts,” says Jack, “Enter the size and width, check the dimensions with the laser and push it through. That’s all there is to it. You can see before you machine the workpiece what it’s going to be like when it comes out of the other end.

You’ll know straight away if the material can be finished properly on all four sides. The laser avoids improper cleaning of expensive timber, reducing waste. The goal is zero blemishes and maximum yield.”

The simple-to-set MoulderPreview software enables fast changeover from one dimension to another, even while the spindles are running. If you want to process multiple pieces, Weinig

offers a very efficient automatic stacker that collects between ten and 25 finished pieces. You’ll even save energy on extraction with a Cube - up to 60%!

So what can a Cube do for you?

Producing 90 degree right angles with a jointer and planer used to be a job for specialists that demanded up to seven operations. It’s made all the more difficult (and risky) if the workpiece is small. With just one operator, the Cube will create straight, dimensionally accurate, precision 90 degree right-angled workpieces time and time again in a single pass. "It delivers maximum productivity, maximum precision and maximum efficiency in the simplest way possible,” says Jack. “Operation is intuitive and fast - a great little machine.”

For more information call 01235 557600 or visit www.weinig.co.uk

Below. Fast and intuitive, everything about the Weinig Cube has been designed to make it easy for a single operator to use.

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FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 29

inside story

Call 00353 47 80500 www.combilift.com

Push button control on the tiller rotates the wheels parallel to the chassis for both placing and picking a pallet. Once the pallet has been placed/picked the operator presses the button again, rotating the rear wheel parallel to the tiller. This minimises general manual strain but also enables the operator to remain at the side of the truck rather than at the rear, improving forward visibility.

Operator safety is improved as the operator is not positioned between the truck and the racking, reducing the risk of incidents in tight and/or narrow aisles.

Combi - WR4 Walk this way...

C

ombilift has a reputation for coming up with ingenious solutions to solve all manner of issues in the world of handling and storage and the company has done it again with the introduction of its “Walkie Reach” range. The Combi-WR and its multidirectional counterpart the Combi-WR4 are Combilift's smallest models to date and the first purpose-built pedestrian reach stackers with the capability to work in very narrow aisles of 2.1m.

Following the success of Combilift's Aisle-Master articulated truck range, the Combi-WRs were developed to address the demands from customers for cost effective narrow aisle pedestrian machines for handling lighter loads and as an alternative to small ride-on forklifts. Their versatility means that they are suitable for handling pallets and longer products and they offer a high level of operator comfort and safety when placing and picking in narrow aisles.

Incorporating the benefits of AC technology in the traction, pump and steering motors, the WR models have a load capacity of 1,450kg with lift heights that can be tailored to individual requirements. Training operatives to use the Combi-WR range is cost effective and straightforward as 3 or 4 operatives can be proficiently trained in one day. A pedestrian truck can also offer a number of benefits from a safety point of view when working in areas where other personnel or the general public may be present.

The Combi-WR4 was the winner of the UK FLTA Award for Ergonomics, testimony to Combilift's commitment to provide the best possible environment for the operator.

Combilift made its name in the materials handling sector with the introduction of a revolutionary product - the Combilift; the world's first engine powered, all-wheel drive multi-directional forklift. The Irish manufacturer has gone on to develop numerous solutions for all manner of loads, the latest of which is the CombiWR range of pedestrian trucks.

Above. Dual Side by Side front wheels allow easier execution of 90 degree turns and eliminate tyre scrub.

Below. With its unique patented multi-position tiller, AC electronic power steering and fingertip controls, the WR4 is effortless to operate. Twospeed operation is controlled by a rabbit/turtle switch and speeds can also be adjusted or customised to suit the level of the operator's experience.

Key features...

The Combi-WR4 is available with High Visibility 3m, 4.2m and 4.9m mast options and a tilting fork carriage, shown right.

Various mast options are available and the mast is removable for easy transportation.

All masts are fitted with a polycarbonate mast safety shield (main picture, left).

Mast function is controlled by a smooth and powerful 5kW AC Mast Function Motor.

AC technology is also used in traction, pump and steering motors. The Combi-WR4 is fitted with a 2.5kW AC Traction Motor.

30 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 31

The fh4 delivers 150 metres per minute travel speed in the X and Y axes and 60 metres per minute in the Z axis.

Panels from the mezzanine are transported by a board lift carriage (left) and placed on a bespoke scissor lift (below right) that lowers them to the infeed table of the waiting fh4 saw.

schelling with altitude T

Storage and production are linked seamlessly with order processing via EQ software thanks to a new Schelling VS12 Board Storage system and fh4 saw at Panorama Kitchens.

he warehouse has become a critical component in the quest to achieve manufacturing excellence.

Material storage and the synchronisation of material movements between the warehouse, production and other operations leads to huge efficiencies, quality improvements and cost savings and that’s precisely why Panorama Kitchens decided to invest in a new Schelling fh4 cut-to-size saw and VS12 Board Storage system. The new VS12 means Panorama can now link its storage facility and production with its order processing via EQ software that delivers a seamless integration of data processing.

With limited ground floor space in the factory area, there was only one solution for Panorama: to build and utilise a mezzanine floor. This meant designing a bespoke scissor lift infeed

on the ground floor that worked with a board lift carriage on the mezzanine floor. The design phase demanded complex structural calculations to ensure the engineering and steelwork were fit for purpose. Schelling used inhouse design software to simulate material movements within the building and the result was a tailormade concept.

The design and operating concept of the fh4 saw and VS12 board storage system places the focus on ease of handling, ergonomics, safety and most importantly the independent functioning of the saw and board storage system. Even though the two areas are separated by protective grids they can continue running even if the other side is switched off. Boards can be continuously cut by the saw while the board storage system is collecting

and loading the next batch onto the infeed table. For Panorama even further productivity was achieved with HPO and XBoB software. This optimisation and remainder management software ensures a high material yield and no wastage. All remnants are recorded in XBoB and labelled before storage. For each new job, the optimisation system checks for suitable leftover boards in the area storage system and plans these into production.

With VS storage zones of up to 16 metres wide and 100 metres long and only 10 centimetres between each stack, it is no wonder that Roy Rotheram, the MD of Panorama Kitchens, is over the moon with the new purchase. Gone are the days of a forklift driver searching and splitting a stack of boards to get to the desired panel, then man-handling it in the production area. Even with over 40

different kitchens in the range, the automated board storage system copes effortlessly. The system knows exactly where every panel is located and delivers it to the saw, saving time, reducing the workload for employees, eliminating the possibility of damages and improving the productivity of the saw.

“Let's face it, it's been a challenging project with limited space,” commented Markus Freuis, Managing Director of Schelling UK. “It’s very satisfying when the same factory space delivers over 30% more production.”

Roy Rotheram is also delighted: “Looking back, we are about to celebrate our 50th anniversary next year and based on our recent production machinery investments, what better way could there be to ensure that we will be around for many more years to come?”

Schelling UK: 01937 586340.

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 33

Simple-to-understand displays make Arken’s Sigma 90 Impact an easy saw to work with while the pneumatic blade changing on the versatile saw carriage (below, right) reduces down time.

making an impact A

rken is a company that’s expanding - and rapidly. A specialist in point of purchase displays, Arken has grown from its Newmarket site, equipping a new additional factory in Sandy in order to fulfil an extended contract for beauty displays for a major high street retail chain. The contract, which will see the company producing cabinetry for 6-700 shop refits over the next two years, provided the confidence and stability for Arken to invest in new machinery - but, having placed the order at the end of November 2015, it needed to be up and running by the middle of January.

“Arken already had Morbidelli in its Newmarket site, so when we were approached for a beam saw, a point-topoint and an edgebander - all to be commissioned by January - we knew we had to move fast,” confirms Roger Gabb,

SCM’s area sales manager. “The work Arken needed to do was very repetitive so, although they already had nesting in Newmarket, we conducted some trials in the workshop and it turned out that, although it meant more work for the operator, a beam saw with a pod and rail point-to-point was much faster.”

Arken decided on SCM’s Sigma 90 Impact, a beam saw that Roger describes as a “solid, middle-of-the-range workhorse”.

It’s a substantial machine with a 4.5 metre x 4.3 metre bed - probably larger than Arken needs right now, but one that could be commissioned within the timeframe and offered the all-important speed needed for the refit contract.

“Cutting 2.8 metre panels with a bed size of 4.5 metres x 4.3 metres means the operator can use one of the side tables as a storage point,” explains Roger. “But

A two-year extension to a massive refit contract gave Arken the confidence to invest in new machines - but the company needed to be up and running fast.

34 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

Roger Gabb

With a bed size of 4.8m x 4.3m, Arken’s Sigma 90 Impact allows for future expansion and the provision of 13 places for grippers means the company can add additional units if it needs to process workpieces smaller than 140mm - a task the automatic side aligners (below) will help produce accurately.

there is plenty of flexibility in the machine and it includes features that will help Arken reduce downtime.

“Pneumatic blade unlocking is a key feature of the Sigma 90 Impact. It means no spanners and faster blade changing.

“Arken’s machine is also fitted with double automatic side aligners that are ideal for cutting narrow pieces. The piece is pushed against the fence on both sides of the cut for greater accuracy. Especially if you are cutting a number of pieces, the automatic side aligners will reduce the likelihood of the workpieces wandering off as they are being cut.”

Most of Arken’s work involves faced panels that benefit from the conical scoring blade on the saw carriage.

However, should Arken’s requirements change in the future, the carriage on the Sigma 90 Impact provides for independent raising of the scoring blade, reducing wear and blade changes when cutting unfaced panels.

“There’s another key feature to the saw carriage that also increases blade life,” adds Roger. “The main blade benefits from optimised height adjustment and rises to precisely the height required to cut the panel, or panels. Because the blade isn’t made to work when it’s not needed, blade life is increased.

“This particular model is fitted with a bigger-than-standard 20kW motor, so if

Arken wanted to cut a stack of panels, the saw will cope with it easily. It has a hard material locking device, too, so if they step up to harder materials, the machine will cut them easily. To cater for specific cutting patterns, it’s also fitted with 13 places for grippers but, as Arken is using quite large panels and producing pieces down to only 140mm wide, the seven grippers the Sigma is fitted with are sufficient.”

With its clear display, the Sigma 90 Impact is easy to program. The operator works from his cutting list, entering piece sizes into SCM’s ‘Cutty’ that produces a program for the number of sheets to be cut. A three-dimensional simulation shows which panel is being processed. The software can be upgraded to an Office version of Ottimo if a full-blown sheet management system is required with spreadsheets.

Arken’s Sigma is equipped with air flotation tables that help with front loading. Grippers take the panel to the back of the machine and feed it forwards after each cut. Off-loading is also at the front. SCM has supplied a vacuum lifter that will be retro-fitted once the floor has been strengthened.

“Given the tight time frame, it’s been quite a task to get everything installed an running,” added Roger.

“And the Sigma Impact seems to have made an impact already.”

Details: 0115 977 0044.

36 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 37

The pressure beam has a single structure for an even controlled pressure on the stack.

Side aligner integrated with the saw carriage for easy cutting of thin or flexible panels.

The WN 7-Series panel sizing centre from Biesse bristles with innovative features designed to cope with large-scale operations.

biesse: 7-series saw F

ew manufacturers these days have the confidence in demand for their products that enables them to establish a brand new factory and equip it from one end to the other with machines from one manufacturer - but that’s exactly what Decorative Panels Group did a few short months ago.

And key to an operation that involves intensive panel processing are DP Group’s Selco WNA 600 SynchroLogic angle plant, a Selco WNT 750 rip line saw and two Selco WNTR automatic cross-cut saws supplied by Biesse UK. The high performance, single cutting line Seven-Series saws are known for their innovative features, their accuracy

and their speed. Built on a heavy duty, normalised monobloc frame, the Seven-Series has been designed with special attention to the positioning of guideways and rollers to ensure the best possible balance of the saw carriage. This, says Biesse, together with a top guide positioned beside the saw blade hub, eradicates saws blade vibration and provides the best possible quality of cut.

The patented blade changing system is designed for swift operation and, for those who want the ultimate, there’s an optional robotic saw blade toolchanger that automatically replaces the main blade in seconds.

Blade raising is by brushless motor and a ball screw system that’s designed to ensure both accuracy and speed when adjusting blade projection. Linear movement of the carriage is by a rack and pinion system and brushless motor installed on the carriage itself.

The pusher carriage is also driven by a brushless motor system while the supporting table underneath is equipped with idle independent rollers to avoid any scratching of panels with delicate surfaces. The independent self-levelling grippers assure the firm clamping of panel stacks. Their special structure and the machine logic allow total ejection of a stack of panels

beyond the cutting line, facilitating their movement and the unloading of trim cuts . The pressure beam has a single structure for an even, controlled pressure on the stack. A side aligner is integrated into the saw carriage, enabling perfect alignment of thin or flexible panels and reducing cutting cycle times.

At the feed end of the Seven-Series, is a lift table with a special structure that enables panels to be stacked by forklift. A Selco-patented turning station rotates the stack, keeping them aligned to the reference point before and after rotation while panel clamping devices avoid any misalignment of the

stack during the rotation phase. The stack is aligned before and after rotation with two separate groups of squaring devices.

The Selco Seven-Series has two independent cutting stations enabling cross-cutting of the last strip while loading and rotation of the next stack is taking place. Staggered cross-cutting of narrow strips is also possible and an additional side support enables the cross cut to be made independently on strips up to 1200 mm wide.

For more information on the Selco WN Seven-Series, or for details of other Selco saws, call Biesse UK on 01327 300366 or visit www.biesse.com

Panel stacks are aligned before and after the rotation with 2 groups of squaring devices.

The robotic saw blade tool changer changes the main saw blade in just a few seconds.

An auxiliary pusher with NC side positioning and additional side support aid cross-cuts.

Staggered cross cutting of narrow strips is made easy with a 7-series.

Cross cutting of the last strip while loading and rotating the next stack to be cut.

Cross/rip cutting in the same cycle.

38 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

Right. Angle cutting is facilitated by the board being placed into the special V-shoe gripper in conjunction with the use of a positioning plate, driven into position. All the operator needs to do is enter the angles to be cut into the controller and place the corner of the panel into the V-shoe.

Below. The Tectra 6120 - one of a range of Tectra models available.

feature-packed saws From vertical panels saws to beam saws for high production environments, Holz-Her has a lot to offer.

B Above. Three clicks and you’re cutting with HolzHer’s optimisation software.

Below. Differences in panel thickness are automatically compensated for using floating clamps on linear guides.

ack in 1958, Holz-Her introduced its first wall saw, a robustly made machine that offered an exceptional price-to-benefit ratio - characteristics that remain the defining hallmarks of Holz-Her today. Holz-Her still makes space-saving vertical panel saws for both manual and automatic cutting, with or without optimisation software and label printing, but since the launch of its Cut 85 beam saw in 2002, the company’s portfolio has broadened to include high performance beam saws and in recent months, two new models have been introduced: the Tectra 6120 (shown on this page) and the Zentrex 6220 (next page).

Both the Tectra and the Zentrex range of saws are available in front or rear loading configurations and there’s a Dynamic version for direct masked loading from a panel management storage facility.

The Tectra offers book height cutting of 95mm, the Zentrex 130mm. Build quality is much the same. On the Tectra 6120

Classic, for example, you’ll find linear guides and fast dynamic drives, like those found on CNC machines. The rack drive is maintenance-free. The saw carriage is made from optimised and torsioned cast iron, while the pushers are precision welded and run on hardened linear guides. Differences in panel thickness are automatically compensated for using floating clamps on linear guides. And energy-saving E-Motors, combined with drives and aggregates that automatically switch off when not in use, ensure low energy consumption. “Saw carriages, sawing units and rip fences are held precisely by ground V-guides, preventing vibration,” adds Paul Nightingale, HolzHer’s sales manager. “This ensures clean and precise cuts over the long term.”

Depending on the model, the Tectra can be equipped with an electronicallycontrolled saw carriage for extremely short cycle times and a high level of productivity. “It’s ideal as cut-out

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 41

The Zentrex benefits from intelligent clamping.

Left. There's a unique aspect to the saw carriage of the Zentrex 6220 Performance model in that the saw blade moves without the motor.

equipment - for example, for cutting precise grooves.”

For deep book cutting and batch work, the Zentrex has been designed to work double shifts in high production environments. It has the power, the strength and the capacity to cope easily.

“The Dynamic model [shown left and above] facilitates direct loading from a storage management system in masked time, so it's suited to mass production of batch one,” says Paul. “The 6220 Lift is for large batch sizes as it helps the process of cutting in book heights.”

There's a unique aspect to the saw carriage of the Zentrex 6220 Performance model in that the saw blade moves without the motor. “The benefit is we can use extremely large motors - the Zentrex, for example, can be specified with a 25kW motor - without the need for them to be moved when adjusting the saw height, so the balanced integrity of the design is never affected by the cut height,” explains Paul. “It works by using a pulley system to keep the belt under tension.” The patented fixed main motor with electric lifting is extremely fast in operation and contributes not only to the short cycle times during the cutting operation but also to the very low energy consumption.

There’s even an ‘intelligent’ dust extraction system system that, coupled with air cushioned machine tables, helps

prevent scratching when cutting sensitive materials.

The Zentrex also benefits from intelligent clamping. “The workpiece and package thicknesses are detected automatically by the clamps, providing infinite automatic control of the cutting height and pre-positioning of the pressure beam. The result is better cycle time and cutting quality,” says Paul.

Holz-Her’s ‘three clicks and you’re cutting’ software makes the whole process very easy but the optimisation software will do much more: production schedule planning is carried out on the Zentrex models using QuickWorks. Paul describes it as “the perfect optimisation assistant as it does all your pre- and postcalculation as well as material management. Automation of operating procedures and data transfer from thirdparty programs and simple, fast creation of cutting plans means higher performance in cutting and ensures you’re always on the path to correct work preparation. Quickworks comes ready for connection to third-party software and storage systems.

An extensive range of accessories is available and includes, for example, a digital dimensions display to Holz-Her’s patented Supercut pre-scoring system.

Details: 01235 557600 or visit the website www.holzher.co.uk

42 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016

FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 43 Automatic swivelling of the 7.5hp motor is only one of many functions that support manual sawing.

The full-surface support wall of birch plywood has integral small workpiece support.

The Control can be operated by simply tapping on the screen.

Laser-assisted indication of the horizontal cut is standard.

Electronic positioning is an optional extra that’s fully integrated in the touch screen panel.

total control W

The saw beam is especially stable and built for longevity.

The solid, self-supporting, welded, twist-free saw frame has an integral TRK dust extraction system that Striebig says is 50% below applicable recommended values of 1mg/m3.

Auxiliary stop section with measure and three auxiliary stops for repeat cuts.

Swiss made, the Striebig Control is one of a range of vertical panel saws that’s proving popular with British furniture manufacturers - and not just for its precision and build quality.

hen space is at a premium but sizing large panels is still a necessity, there’s no doubt vertical panel saws have a lot to offer.

For Striebig, vertical sawing technology is both a passion and a mission.

Vertical panel saws are the only type of saw Striebig produces - and being Swiss, that’s a pretty strong hint to the standards of build quality and precision you can expect from Striebig.

Sold and serviced by Leicester-based TM Machinery Sales, the Control is one of a range of Striebig vertical panel saws that’s found favour with British manufacturers. It’s not just build quality, or precision that’s winning them over either: true to its name, the Control puts you in control with intelligence to match ergonomics. The Control can be operated by tapping on a 7.5” touch screen with self-explanatory symbols that guide the user through the menu and display only the functions that the saw is capable of delivering, ruling out incorrect operation. Cutting is performed automatically: the saw beam locks automatically, with pneumatic assistance the unit plunges automatically into the panel and

infinitely variable feed speeds of between 10 and 25m/min can be selected, ensuring a perfect match to the material being sized. The saw cycle is freely selectable. Panel end recognition, constant return speed of the saw unit and a digital measuring system on both axes are standard features, as is a USB port for importation of cutting lists. For those who prefer to take control themselves, automatic motor swivelling is one of many functions that are designed to support manual sawing.

The design of the twist-free, welded saw frame enables precision machining that Striebig claims is to an accuracy of 1/100mm. Small workpiece support is integral to the design and there’s an auxiliary stop section with measure and three auxiliary stops for repeat cuts.

The central support is automatically recognised and rollers are locked automatically during sawing.

The saw unit runs on play-free guides and the sturdy motor carriage mounting contributes significantly to high cutting precision, even when operating at maximum cutting depth of 80mm, or optionally 100mm. Although

the Control has a 7.5hp motor, careful attention to sound insulation makes this saw comfortable to use.

Chris Price from cabinet-makers James Burleigh purchased a Control 5168 to cope with the cutting of large dimension 3mm thick laminate panels.

With its maximum cut size of 4300 x 1680mm and maximum depth of cut of 80mm, it manages not only this task but, to Chris’s delight, the Control also trims the 40mm thick sections of the laminate-faced solid wood frames mainly oak or walnut - used in the construction of tables and benches.

“Although we bought the Striebig for laminate sizing, we thought we would try it out with a frame component and to our great surprise we found it did the job perfectly,” said Chris. “As with laminate panel sizing - we can put up to eight 3mm panels on at a time trimming the frames has now become a one-man job, freeing up someone for other work. It's a fantastic piece of kit which is totally accurate every time we use it.”

What better recommendation could there be?

Call TM Machinery: 0116 271 7155.

44 • FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 Left. For any process that repeatedly requires a tape measure, EasyStop from Weinig provides fast, repeatable measurement which is accurate to +/- 0.1 mm. Absolute position of the positioning stop is actively monitored by the software and extreme loads are compensated for by the integrated intelligent drive control; the hydraulic buffer means if you knock the stop the measurement will still be accurate. With modes for both Manual and List Operation, the operator can set a desired length, or save 10 lists with 20 lengths each for fast processing of complete sets. Comes with its own stand. Options for roller tables.

Details, call: 01235 557600.

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The new Makita VC2201MXI/VC2211MX1 M class dust extractors, powered by a 1,050 watt motor, are available in either 110v or 240v mode and deliver an air flow of 3.5m3/min to pull material into the 22 litre stainless steel tank. Featuring a selfcleaning filter system, the 16.3kg unit has a power take-off connection to run a power tool directly linked to the extractor so the extractor automatically starts up when the power tool is triggered. Details: 01908 211678.

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Above. When Rycotewood Furniture Centre decided to upgrade the dust extraction system, the work had to be carried out on budget, quickly and during term-time. The college originally wanted to remove the existing dust extraction system and replace it with an entirely new system, including all the high level ducting, fans, filters, etc.

However, Western Air Ducts came to the conclusion that the same improvement in dust extraction efficiency could be achieved by retrofitting their Inteliair™ and retaining all the existing extraction infrastructure, saving the college time and expense. Inteliair™ is an intelligent air control system that reduces operating costs, lowers carbon footprint and improves air quality by optimising the efficiency of dust extraction, fume extraction and ventilation systems through automatic and continuous monitoring of demand. By using the Inteliair™ system, extraction occurs only when and where required, so the original, underpowered system was able to provide all the extraction required at a fraction of the capital cost - and with potentially significant on-going energy savings. Rapid installation and a reduction in noise were additional benefits. Call Western Air Ducts on 1761 416700.

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FURNITURE JOURNAL MARCH 2016 • 47

on the boil Starbank’s new factory will be completely sustainable, thanks in part to a new biomass system from Mawera UK Ltd.

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here’s been a lot happening at Starbank since the panel specialist acquired an old factory adjoining its present manufacturing base in Warrington. “The site is 16.5 acres,” explained Philip Darbyshire, Starbank’s MD. “The factory is about 120,000 square feet, which gives us about seven acres still to develop. We started with ripping up floors, cleaning it back, removing asbestos.

Then we put 1000 solar panels on the roof. They will generate around 6570% of our electricity. We’ve installed a new biomass boiler for heat and a new voltage loss optimisation substation to improve our electricity usage. It’s all about making the site sustainable.”

Central to the sustainability of the new factory is a new biomass boiler system from Viessmann, supplied and installed by John Clissett and his team at Mawera UK. From beginning to end, the system is pretty impressive: it’s hard to miss the towering storage silo (right) as you approach the factory.

Constructed from concrete sections and towering above the new solar panel-clad roofline, its storage capacity of 900 cubic metres of wood dust and chips is sufficient to provide Starbank with heat for around six months.

Operation is continuous and all material is transferred via feed screws and barrier collection areas directly from the production into the silo, minimising handling. Storing through

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The gas boiler (left to right), the abatement multi-cyclone and electrostatic filter and the FSR boiler in the background.

Above. The hot water from both the Biomass and gas boiler is pumped into a low loss header for distribution into zones within the factory premises.

Below. Independently thermostatically controlled Sabiana heaters in each zone provide an even temperature throughout the factory.

the summer will enable Starbank to maximise wood usage in the biomass boiler, which will burn 35 tonnes per week during the winter months.

Wood chips and dust are transferred automatically to a distribution section within the boiler house that feeds the boiler (a Vitoflex 300 FSB-R-SE 950SE) that is capable of providing 160,000 kW hrs per week of heat. The FSR plant is automatically controlled by a flat moving grate with water cooling that’s designed specifically for use with dry materials such as MDF, chipboard and melamine-covered boards. Oxygen control is used to govern the combustion process and in the FSR that extends to control of two sections of combustion as well as recirculation and mixing of the flue gases with primary and secondary air to lower Nitrous Oxide emissions. The flue gases are passed through two sections of abatement - first a multi-cyclone that takes out the larger particles, and then on to an electrostatic filter that removes even the smaller particles before emitting to atmosphere. Both units have ash bin collection on the underside of each unit so dust can be removed cleanly and safely.

The biomass installation is backed up by a three-pass Viessmann Vitomax 300 gas boiler that provides a full capacity heating system and can also be used to top up the biomass installation if no biomass is available.

The Vitomax 300 is automatically started and stopped from the same system that controls the biomass plant.

The system uses pressurised water up to 110oC that is circulated around the factory in distribution pipes.

Pressurisation and expansion are controlled by a Flamco III automatic system. The hot water from both the

Atop the Viessmann FSR boiler.

biomass and gas boilers is pumped into a low loss header from where it is distributed to Sabiana heaters, each situated in different zones within the factory that can be adjusted independently via thermostatic controls. In the roof area of the factory are stratification fans which circulate the warm air, sending it from the high sections of the building to the lower areas to ensure a constant working temperature throughout the factory.

The brief to Mawera UK was to provide a total solution that would handle the wood dust and chips together with the feed systems to the boiler - and provide heat to the entire premises. Mawera’s solution provides a complete package from wood handling to heating of the premises and the plant takes into consideration the RHI (Renewable Heat Incentive) BSL (Biomass Suppliers List) and the LAPPC (PG1/12 July 2013) Permit.

Philip Darbyshire is very clear on his reasons for choosing Mawera: “We invited other tenders but what really swayed us towards Mawera were the installations we went to see. We saw several that were quite impressive and everyone spoke highly of them. When we went to see installations from some of the other boiler manufacturers, we didn’t get such good feedback and we came to the conclusion that you get what you pay for. Mawera does provide the Rolls Royce of boilers.”

Providing Starbank gets all the boxes ticked, the RHI will ensure the company gets payback on its investment in year four. And wouldn’t we all like a Rolls Royce that pays for itself in four years?

For further information on biomass boilers from Viessmann contact Mawera UK Ltd on 01543 258844 or contact Starbank on 01925 223965.