China’s Booming Wood Market
Bearings For The Biomass Boom
Surface Treatment For Greater Resistance
Getting The Best From Beams
Furniture Design And Manufacturing Asia Established Since 1986
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Furniture Design And Manufacturing Asia Established Since 1986
Contents MAY/JUN 2011 • VOL. 23 NO. 4
Focus
20 Solid Wood Inspiration
In an exclusive interview, Gong Xiao Dong of Wuxi Huamei Plate Processing shared his views on the Chinese wood flooring market. By Xie Jingxian
36
24 China’s Booming Wood Market
Imported wood materials remain as the key to this sustained growth according to industrial analysts. By Russell E Taylor, International Wood Markets Group
28 Bearings For The Biomass Boom
A more sophisticated approach that legalises and secures sustainable production by and for local people could help improve energy security, cut carbon emissions, protect forests and reduce poverty. By Duncan Macqueen, International Institute for Environment and Development
Technology 32
36
44
32
Getting The Best From Beams
PANELS
Large, wide-area indoor spaces present a challenge to traditional fire safety systems. Optical beam smoke detectors which offer great coverage and little aesthetic intrusion is a good solution. By Jon Ben, Fire Fighting Enterprise
40
Faster and more accurate machines to satisfy the demand for economical and sophisticated solutions are on the way. By Shiv Kumar Shet, Biesse Manufacturing India
Surface Treatment For Greater Resistance Development in surface treatment technology can help counter dimensional changes. By Dr Antonios N Papadopoulos, TEI of Kavala, and Dr George I Mantanis, TEI of Larissa
4 FDM Asia
MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Boring & Drilling: Unsung Workhorses
44
40
The Art Of Deception
Decorative painting can be used to create different effects on the appearance of wood products. With the availability of new materials, the only restriction on design is one’s creativity. By Lori Le Mare, Lori Le Mare Studio
ENQUIRY NO. 197
New partnership between Siempelkamp and HAPCO: short-cycle presses with German expertise manufactured in China
www.siempelkamp.com
Contents MAY/JUN 2011 • VOL. 23 NO. 4
WOODS & SUSTAINABILITY
58 Biocomposite: Competent Substitute Of Raw Wood Materials
As raw wood materials become scarcer, manufacturers are encouraged to explore the potential of available resources for the production of new valueadded products. By Loh Yueh Feng and Noor Intan Saffinaz Anuar, Malaysia Timber Industry Board
48
62
SURFACES & FLOORING 48
Sanding Machines: Woodworking’s Smooth Operators
The Digital Big Brother Sustainable management of forests can be realised with the aid of digital technologies. By Natalia Tee
More than 40 years after the first pneumatic straight line sander was patented, this range of machinery has evolved to provide flexible solutions to today’s sophisticated production processes. By Augustine Quek
Regulars 08 Editorial 10 Industry News 70 Calendar Of Events 71 Product Highlights 72a Enquiry Form 72b Subscription Form
72 Page
advertisers’ enquiry numbers.
Events & Exhibitions Exhibition Review: 66 TIFF 2011 67 Creativity Of Youth 68 Domotex
67
FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 54
Pretty Visual Effects On Wood Slices
Although they are usually thinner than 3mm, veneers are sometimes preferred over hardwood as the amount of wood resources used is reduced. By Natalia Tee
Established in 1986, FDM Asia, formerly Asia Pacific Forest/Timber Industries, is a business magazine on sawmilling, woodworking, woodbased panels and furniture manufacturing. The Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising material and assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited artwork or manuscripts. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the magazine, in whole or in part, is prohibited without the prior written consent, not unreasonably withheld, of the publisher. Reprints of articles appearing in previous issues of the magazine are available on request, subject to a minimum quantity. The views expressed in this journal are not necessarily those of the Publisher and while every attempt will be made to ensure the accuracy
62 and authenticity of information appearing in the magazine, the Publisher accepts no liability for damages caused by misinterpretation of information, expressed or implied, within the pages of the magazine. All correspondence regarding editorial, editorial contributions or editorial content should be directed to the Editor. The magazine is available on subscription in Singapore at S$126.00 (GST applicable) per annum by surface mail. Subscription by airmail to readers in Asia Pacific costs S$160 per annum; Europe and the Americas, S$230 per annum. For further details, refer to the subscription card found within the pages of each issue. For more subscription information, please fax to: (65) 6379 2806 or email: brendatan@epl.com.sg.
66 Member of Business Publication Audit of Circulation, Inc. IMPORTANT NOTICE The circulation of this publication is audited. The Advertiser's Association recommends that advertisers should place their advertisements only in audited publications. Incorporating:
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Tel: (65) 6379-2888 • Fax: (65) 6379-2805/6379-2806 • Website: www.fdmasia.com
Printer: Fabulous Printers Pte Ltd
6 FDM Asia
Associate Of of Associate
FDM Asia is published eight times a year (printed 2nd week of issue month) by
MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
The Academy TheChinese Chinese Academy of of Forestry Forestry
MICA (P) NO. 045/11/2010 • PPS 1204/06/2011 (020107) • ISSN 0219-2284
We are an expert supplier of MDF, PB and OSB production lines, with a good performance of 140 complete lines in China and export markets, due to our innovative technology and high accuracy of manufacturing ability.
Product in good demand: Size 4’ X 16’ and 18 layer multi-opening production line with 150,000 cubic meter capacity per year (samply factory can visit) Size 4’ X 8’ and 30 layer multi-opening production line with 120,000 cubic meter capacity per year (samply factory can visit) 100,000-200,000 cubic meter capacity per year continuous pressproduction line (200,000 capacity samply factory trail run in this year)
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Editorial Published by:
Eastern Trade Media Pte Ltd (a fully owned subsidiary of Eastern Holdings Ltd) Registration No: 199908196C
Light Beyond The
T
managing director
Kenneth Tan
kentan@epl.com.sg
editor
Gloom
here is a common sentiment through time that wood as building blocks for manufacturing and constructions would one day be replaced by counterparts with better properties and less restraints. However, wood’s longevity as a material is a testament to its merits. It is perhaps fitting that it has once again been given the spotlight to adopt a prominent role. Its potential as an environmentally friendly and renewable material requires no introduction. Researchers are now beginning to explore ways to improve its application. It appears that modern industrial treatment processes are merely scratching the surface of things. Enhanced knowledge in areas such as nano-technology has enabled insights to techniques that can strengthen the physical characteristics of wood and demolish current limitations. On the market front, China remains as an enormous buyer with an insatiable appetite for wood. Its increased demand for both wood raw material and processed forest products has sustained operations in US and Canadian sawmills, which benefited from declining Russian log exports. Despite the establishment of different trade barriers on Chinese wood products, export is still expected to maintain a healthy 20 percent annual growth rate. The growing global demand for wood, especially in the Asian region, has driven sawlog prices up. World wood consumption increased by 20 percent in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the figure in the same period last year. Wood consumption in 2010 has rebounded by 18 percent after hitting a 50 year low earlier. The outlook for this year is an optimistic one and so far statistics have been backing this up. Advancement in research and technology will allow broader application of wood and expand the boundaries of the material. With many Asian markets reporting positive figures that have surpassed that of the year before, the focus will now shift from that of recovery to growth. After being overcast by the gloomy shadow of last year, it is time for the industry to step out and begin to glow once more.
Tjut Rostina
tjutrostina@epl.com.sg
assistant editor
Wong Tsz Hin
wongtszhin@epl.com.sg
writer
Natalia Tee
nataliatee@epl.com.sg
editorial assistant
Lena Chin
lenachin@epl.com.sg
senior graphic designer
Agness Ng
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advertising sales manager
Sim Eric
simeric@epl.com.sg
business manager (China)
Ding Yongmei
neweastern_sh@yahoo.cn
assistant business manager (China)
Yumi Gui
neweastern_sh@yahoo.cn
senior circulation executive
Brenda Tan
brendatan@epl.com.sg
contributors
Dr Antonios N Papadopoulos Augustine Quek Duncan Macqueen Dr George I Mantanis Jon Ben Lori Le Mare Loh Yueh Feng Noor Intan Saffinaz Anuar Michael Buckley Russell E Taylor Shiv Kumar Shet Xie Jingxian
Executive Board chairman
Stephen Tay
group executive director
Kenneth Tan
financial controller
Robbin Lim
etm
Eastern
Trade Media Pte Ltd an Eastern Holdings Ltd company
Wong Tsz Hin
8 FDM Asia  MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Head Office & Mailing Address: Eastern Trade Media Pte Ltd 1100 Lower Delta Road, EPL Building #02-05, Singapore 169206 Tel: (65) 6379 2888 Fax: (65) 6379 2805 Representative Office Shanghai, China Office: Shanghai New Eastern Media Co. Ltd 15D Block B, Victoria Plaza, No. 1068, Xikang Road, Shanghai, P.R, China 200060 Tel: (86 21) 6276 8394 Fax: (86 21) 6276 4170
ENQUIRY NO. 239
I N D U S T R Y
Industry News
News
Don O’Brien, Ohio, US
MAY/JUN 2011
MTIB Endorses FDM Asia & FDM China Singapore: The Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB) has given their endorsement to trade publications Furniture Design And Manufacturing Asia (FDM Asia), as well as Furniture Design And Manufacturing China (FDM China). MTIB is a statutory board accredited
Exports Of American Hardwoods In MENA Reach US$72.7 Million
to the Ministry of Plantation Industries
Dubai, UAE: The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has revealed
provision of a conducive environment
that a record US$72.7 million worth of American hardwoods were exported
and continuous extension of quality
into the Middle East and North African (MENA) region in 2010.
services.
and Commodities that aims to enhance the sustainable growth of the Malaysian timber industry through the
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the
FDM Asia is the only BPA-audited
value of American hardwood exports for the period of January to December
woodworking publication in Asia-
2010 grew to US$72.7 million, with 46 percent increase in exports of US
Pacific with a circulation of 9,000
hardwood lumber during the same period.
copies per issue in South-east Asia
To date, Egypt remains the top destination for American hardwood
and an additional digital circulation of
lumber and veneers. The figures also report that veneer exports to Turkey
16,000. FDM China is subscribed by
and Lebanon have increased by 108 percent, amounting to US$3.75 million
26,000 professionals in China, Hong
and by 86 percent amounting to US$3.33 million respectively.
Kong and Taiwan.
Industry analysts are upbeat that growth will continue over the next few
In a statement, Dr Jalaluddin
years as activity in the construction sector is slowly picking up again. The
Harun said that MTIB endorses both
statistics also highlight increased growth in exports to other Middle East
magazines and hope this symbiotic
markets, such as UAE (104 percent), Jordan (103 percent), Saudi Arabia (26
cooperation will be beneficial for
percent), Egypt (63 percent) and Morocco (56 percent) for 2010.
both parties.
10 FDM Asia MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Industry News
HAWA Signs MOU With Italy’s CSM Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Italian association of wood manufacturers Centro Sperimentale del Mobile (CSM) to boost cooperation in research, marketing, training, design and wood processing technology. Under the deal, CSM will support HAWA in developing relationships with relevant institutions in Italy, including training organisations, and woodworking machinery and tools manufacturers’ association. HAWA, on the other hand, will support CSM in establishing contacts with HAWA members, including arrangement of factory visits and business talks. In addition, HAWA also signed a cooperation deal with Martini Venturi Italia, an Italian consulting firm, to support the activities between Vietnamese and Italian wood manufacturers. According to the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, exports of wood products from Vietnam to Italy though small had jumped from US$27 million in 2009 to over US$32 million in 2010. In the first quarter, wood product exports from Vietnam to Italy were estimated at US$15.5 million, up 17 percent compared to the same period last year.
Hanoi, Vietnam: Vietnamese wood product exporters have already signed contracts worth US$3.4 billion this year, equivalent to the amount achieved during the whole of last year, according to the Vietnam Timber and Forest Product Association. Most of the deals are for shipments in the second and third quarters, with more orders expected later. But the industry is struggling with higher costs of rubber wood, packaging, and labour. At the end of last year. the price of rubber wood, the main raw material, rose sharply due to a nearly 50 percent rise in latex prices. Farms that had been planning to cut down rubber trees for wood decided against it as the latex prices soared, leading to a shortage of wood. In January, the Association forecasted the year’s exports to top US$4 billion, a 17 percent rise over 2010.
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ENQUIRY NO. 212
your
Vietnamese Export Surpassed 2010
11
Tobias Mandt
Industry News
Global Demand For Plywood And OSB On The Rise Sydney, Australia: Despite some risks
for plywood consumption is higher
in the short term, an increasingly
than the forecasts for production, while
positive global economic outlook will
the rate of growth for consumption
drive the demand for plywood and
of OSB is lower than forecasts for
oriented strand board (OSB) over the
production. This suggests that there
five years from 2011 to 2015, according
may be an undersupply of plywood and
to industry analyst and economic
an excess supply of OSB, which will
forecaster, BIS Shrapnel.
likely result in considerable substitution
in the production and consumption
Production of plywood is projected
of plywood and OSB as the global
to increase from 71 million cubic metres
economic upturn strengthens. The
in 2010 to 84 million cubic metres in
economic upturn will be driven by
2015, and OSB from 18 million cubic
Timber Products Acquires Panel Products Division From Penrod
housing construction, furniture manu-
metres to 28 million cubic metres
Oregon, US: Timber Products Company
facturing and other sectors where
respectively, based on current
it has reached an agreement to acquire
plywood and OSB are used.
expansion plans and estimated capacity
the assets of the panel products division
utilisation rates.
from The Penrod Company.
Strong growth is forecasted
Global consumption of plywood is
of OSB in place of plywood.
predicted to grow at an average rate
By 2015, North Asia will be
Mike Clausen, the company’s
of about five percent per year, and
producing 54 percent of the world’s
VP of sales, hardwood plywood and
OSB at 11 percent over the five year
plywood, down marginally from 56
international division, will merge the
forecast period.
percent in 2010, and North America will
Penrod division into the timber products
be producing 77 percent of the OSB.
international division.
Tony Hisgett, Birmingham, UK
The rate of growth projected
AAA Reports Worldwide Rise In Timber Prices Boston, US: Global demand for timber has increased, resulting in higher prices across Europe, Japan, China and the US, according to a report by Alternative Asset Analysis. Worldwide demand for softwood lumber rose 18 percent in 2010, continuing a trend that had already been occurring in China and Japan since early 2009. Global wood consumption for the first quarter of 2011 is up around 20 percent on last year. The rise in prices was most notable on Douglas fir logs in the fourth quarter of 2010, with prices rising by 19 percent from a year before. In addition, hemlock sawlog prices were up by 25 percent on the year before. The prices of southern yellow pine lumber in the US were up 24 percent in March 2011 over the same period last year. Prices were also up substantially for Spruce Pine Fur lumber in Canada. Timber prices are forecast to continue to rise throughout the rest of 2011 in line with continued demand from China and expected demand from Japan.
12 FDM Asia MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Setting new StandardS in Spark detection VIsIt us at LIgna Hall 27 stand g09 / Hall 12 stand B36 / Hall 13 stand D06
ENQUIRY NO. 238
firefly EXIMIO
Industry News
Plum Creek Timber Company Announces First Quarter Earnings Of US$38 Million Seattle, US: Plum Creek Timber Company announced first quarter earnings of US$38 million, or US$0.23 per diluted share, on revenues of US$275
Knoll Released Positive First Quarter Results
million. Earnings for the first quarter of 2010 were US$87 million, or
Pennsylvania, US: Furniture maker Knoll
US$0.54 per diluted share, on revenues of US$317 million.
has announced results for the first quarter
The company expects to harvest between 15 and 16 million tonnes
ended March 31, 2011. Net sales were
of timber this year. During the second quarter, northern harvests are
US$220.9 million for the quarter, an
typically at their lowest level of the year as thawing spring weather
increase of 26 percent from first quarter
restricts harvesting activities. The southern harvest in the second
of 2010.
quarter is expected to be similar to the first quarter’s level. Manufacturing results are expected to be comparable to those of the first quarter.
Operating profit for the quarter was US$20.9 million, compared with US$9.4 million in the first quarter of 2010. Excluding
The company continues to expect 2011 income to be between
restructuring charges of US$0.5 million,
US$1.25 and US$1.45 per share, and anticipates second quarter
adjusted operating profit was US$21.4 million
income from continuing operations to be between US$0.25 and
for the first quarter of 2011, or 9.7 percent
US$0.30 per share.
of net sales, an increase of 64.6 percent when compared to adjusted operating
Umberto Dattda, Brescia, Italy
profit for the first quarter of 2010. Net income for the first quarter of 2011 was US$9.2 million, an increase of 318.2 percent when compared with the first quarter of 2010.
Georgia-Pacific To Complete OSB Mill Construction Atlanta, US: Georgia-Pacific (GP) has started the final construction phase at its nearly complete oriented strand board (OSB) facility in Clarendon county. The mill was part of the acquisition from Grant Forest Products last May that also included an operating plant at Allendale, and another operating plant at Englehart, Ontario. The acquisition totalled approximately US$400 million. GP will spend an additional US$30 million to complete the facility. The purchase and installation of the remaining equipment and infrastructure. Once completed, both Clarendon and Allendale (which also employs about 150 people) will supply markets across the eastern US with the versatile building material used in residential construction.
14 FDM Asia  MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
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amount includes a construction crew of more than 100 people, plus the
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ENQUIRY NO. 237
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Industry News
Biesse Named Reseller For Delcam’s ArtCAM Birmingham, UK: Delcam has appointed Biesse, manufacturer of woodworking machinery, as a reseller for its ArtCAM range of woodworking and signmaking software in the UK. The agreement will allow Biesse to supply ArtCAM Express and ArtCAM Insignia with its range of CNC machinery. ArtCAM Express is the entry-level version, for users new to CNC machining, while ArtCAM Insignia is a more advanced version for production machining. The agreement follows successful trials of the software with Biesse’s Klever machine during an open house event held towards the end of last year. Post-processors for the software have now been developed for the majority of the manufacturer’s range and proven on a series of sign examples.
DSM Forms Functional Materials Business Unit
Homag Reorganises Butfering
Beckum, Germany: Homag Group’s management board has decided to reorganise Butfering Schleiftechnik GmbH by implementing a closer cooperation strategy (shared services) and gradually merging aspects of the company with Weeke Bohrsysteme GmbH in Herzebrock, to boost and expand Homag’s involvement in the sanding product segment.
Heerlen, Netherlands: DSM will expand its
The step-by-step process of closer cooperation leading to a full-scale
innovation activities in the area of formulated
merger of the two companies planned for the medium term will leave the
coatings and composites with the formation of
Buterfing brand intact.
a DSM functional materials business unit. The activities of its current DSM Desotech business unit will be integrated into this new structure.
The reorganisation process will place greater focus on the core competence of wood sanding. At the same time, the group will be strengthening the sanding technology capability of its worldwide sales and servicing network. The gradual merger is due to be complete by the end of 2012.
DSM Desotech is a developer of UV-curable materials including DeSolite optical fibre coatings
on market trends pointing toward more
Stora Enso Invests EUR90 Million In Skoghall Mill
environmentally friendly and lighter-weight
Helsinki, Finland: Stora Enso is responding to
materials. It will continue development in
growing demand and expectations in the packaging
UV-curable materials with a strong focus
market by investing approximately EUR90 million
on Asia and other high-growth economies,
(US$113.5 million) in Skoghall Mill in Sweden.
and Cablelite inks for the telecommunication industry, and Somos stereolithography additive fabrication materials. DSM functional materials will focus
while also targeting additional high-growth
The investment will enable further development of the mill by securing its
areas for its innovation efforts, including:
competitiveness and safeguarding its wood raw material supply by improving
functional coatings and materials for solar
wood handling.
applications, functional wood coatings, and composite materials.
The company will build a new woodroom and woodyard at the mill with annual wood handling capacity of 1.9 million cubic metres. The investment is scheduled to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2012.
16 FDM Asia MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Industry News
Henkel Takes Over Purbond Joint Venture Dusseldorf, Germany: Swiss-based Purbond AG is now 100 percent owned by Henkel. Initially established as a 50:50 joint venture with Collano AG, also based in Switzerland, Purbond is a global supplier of polyurethane adhesives for load-bearing timber constructions. The company was founded in 2003 as a joint venture between Swiss adhesives manufacturer Collano AG and US-based National Starch Group. In 2008, Henkel acquired the adhesives business from National Starch, including half of the shares in Purbond. By purchasing the remaining 50 percent from Collano, complexes and sports halls, as well as bridges and wind
The Purbond brand will be managed in the future as
power plants. The competence centre in Sempach Station
a business area in its own right, thus strengthening the
in Switzerland, with its development, application technology
product portfolio for timber constructions. This includes
and sales functions, will continue to operate in the same
applications in apartment buildings, swimming pool
way as before.
ENQUIRY NO. 253
Henkel has now become the sole owner of Purbond.
For more information,please visit :www.yalianjx.cn
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA  MAY/JUn 2011
17
Industry News
Finnish Forest Industries Federation Appoints Director Helsinki, Finland: The board of directors of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation has appointed Tomi Salo as the director of the organisation’s Forests and Environment Sector. Tomi Salo had previously served as MD of L&T Biowatti, before which he worked for the company as a forestry services executive with responsibility for wood procurement. He has also served as a branch manager at the Trade Association of Finnish Forestry and Earth Moving Contractors.
Production Output Of Ilim West Grows By Nine Percent
UPM Sells Logging Company In Russia To International Paper Helsinki, Finland: UPM and International
St. Petersburg, Russia: Over the first quarter of 2011, Business Unit Ilim
Paper have signed an agreement concerning
West has manufactured 268,000 tonnes of pulp and paper products.
the sale of UPM’s ownership in Russian
This is nine percent more than in the first quarter of 2010.
logging company ZAO Tikhvinsky Komplexny
This includes 90,000 tonnes of market pulp, which is 19 percent above the performance over the similar period in 2010. Market containerboard production has gained four percent, amounting to 127,000 tonnes.
Lespromkhoz. According to the agreement, the operations, permanent personnel and logging license
Paper output has reached 51,000 tonnes. This is eight percent above
covering 184,000 hectares of forest area in Tikhvin
the first three months of 2010. A total of 16,000 tonnes of sack paper,
in the Leningrad oblast will be transferred to
25,000 tonnes of offset paper and 10,000 tonnes of paper for wallpaper
International Paper Russia Holding. The parties
manufacturing applications were produced. Pulp cooking has gained
have decided not to disclose the transaction
nine percent as compared with the first quarter of the past year,
price. The final closure of the transaction is
totaling 280,000 tonnes.
subject to the approval of Russian Federal
The total production output of OAO Ilim Gofra (corrugated board
Antimonopoly Service.
and boxes) in the first three months of 2011 has reached 28,198,000
UPM acquired Tikhvinsky in 2005. In 2007,
sq m, which is 54 percent more than in the same period of the
Tikhvinsky received FSC forest certification.
past year.
18 FDM Asia MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
ENQUIRY NO. 244
Focus
Solid Wood
Inspiration In an exclusive interview, Gong Xiao Dong of Wuxi Huamei Plate Processing shared his views on the Chinese wood flooring market. By Xie Jingxian
T
he Chinese wood flooring industry has been growing at more than 10 percent per annum. Increasing demand from North America, where consumers are beginning to embrace alternatives to the more traditional hardwood flooring, and Europe have sustained this growth. Of the total amount of wood flooring manufactured in China, more than 40 percent are exported. This figure is expected to rise. In an exclusive interview, Gong Xiao Dong, vice GM and production manager of Wuxi Huamei Plates Processing, shared his views on the Chinese wood flooring market. The market is currently dominated by laminate flooring and the latest trend is on laminate flooring that closely resembles that made of solid wood. These panels are designed with styles inspired by elements of solid wood. Within the Chinese domestic market, there is a shift towards a deeper type of embossment, sakura wood and a series of embossed solid wood panels. In order to cope with the demands of the market and expand business, the company introduced new digital printing system and surface treatment line. The research and development department is dedicated to designing textures for embossment floor, furniture plate, HPL plate, deco plate and door mould plate, among others. Consumers constantly crave for new designs. Hundreds of new patterns are introduced to the market every year to satisfy the different requirements of customers. The company hopes that with improvement in its press plates’ capacity, it can serve more fields and expand further in Asia and the rest of the world. FDM
20 FDM Asia  may/jun 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
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China Foma Mr Liu Qun, Chairman of China Foma Group, revealed the strategy of the group’s success in this competitive industry.
Please introduce the core business scope of China Foma Group? Mr Liu: China Foma, founded in 1979, is a unique large-scale state owned enterprise in the woodbased panel machinery industry. The core business of China Foma consists of MDF, PB and plywood production lines. We believe that the development of the wood-based panel machinery industry will be further expanded through continuous innovation. This includes four key areas: firstly, consistent combination of production, learning and research, and improvement of self-innovative capability of the enterprise; secondly, integrated multi-discipline technology development of hydraulic, electric, measurement and mechanic systems, and heat transfer; thirdly, expansion of equipment towards neighbouring industry; lastly, production upgrading and renovation are the key to maintain market competitiveness. The wood-based panel equipment is well recognised within the industry, please elaborate on the core technology in this field. Mr Liu: During the innovation period, China Foma is focused on the following sectors: firstly, change from single item to series production; secondly, change from the importing of technology to self innovation based on the principle of ‘one generation of production, one generation of development and one generation of forward thinking’. The core products of China Foma include: 1) chipper, the technical standard of China Foma’s Drum Chipper series is in a leading position in China with marketing share over 60%. 2) Flaker, China Foma Group has developed ring flaker which is suitable for the demand of large particle board production. 3) Refiner, through integrating advanced technology, China Foma’s BM series refiner offers high degree of automation. 4) China Foma started to develop sizing line, and subsequently developed 12 sanding and sizing production lines which have been used in Siempelkamp and Dieffenbacher continuous press production line. 5)
Mr Liu Qun, Chairman of China Foma (Group)
China Foma has successfully developed 4 ft high speed sanding machine. What is the current production level of China Foma? Will collectivised operation become an industrial trend? Mr Liu: In 2010, China Foma pushed forward the progress of major strategic projects which successfully accomplished the annual objectives. Achieved total turnover of over RMB4 billion with total net profit of over RMB350 million, economicvalue-added is RMB127.55 million. Both turnover and profit levels registered new records. In 2010, we changed the strategy from management to share holding, complete integration of overseas business undertakings with full support from subsidiary companies. The advantage of industrial chain synergy became more apparent. China Foma has done a large amount of work on business mode and innovation. In 2010, China Foma signed 4 new production line contracts, completed 2 production lines handing over, and in addition, completed installation of Kenya Comply’s 50,000 cubic metres MDF production line. Please give an introduction of your innovative sanding and sizing production lines? Mr Liu: Through years of effort, China Foma has established a new generation of sanding machine series which represent the highest technical standards. The new 8 feet plus 8 feet sanding machine was successfully launched in 2006. Later, we launched the first 8 feet
Last October, China Foma Group led the compilation of ‘Chinese Forestry Equipment Development Plan’, what is the significance of this? Mr Liu: For ensuring sound and rapid economic growth of Chinese forestry machinery, China Foma is nominated as the leading party to organise the compilation of ‘Chinese Forestry Equipment Development Plan’. Modern forestry industry needs support from modern forestry machinery. For this, the starting point of Chinese machinery development must be identified first by considering the current situation of the industry and global development trends. Then, based on innovation and integration of production, learning and research, enterprises are placed in a more important position during the transfer of scientific and technological achievement. Finally, the existing policy of subsidy to forestry machinery from national finance must be explored to enable forest machinery to develop in a fast and health way in the next couple of decades. What is your opinion on the current situation of Chinese wood process machine and forestry industry? Mr Liu: Experiencing a minor decline as result of 2008 global financial crisis, Chinese wood process machine market has been booming since August 2009. At the moment that international wood processing machine somehow stopped, Chinese wood processing machine become the only one with continuous grow. From the productivity global ranking, China is in the second place after Germany. From the macro-economic analysis prospective, wood processing machinery is an industry full of potential. By looking at market development trends, the prospect of wood-based panel machinery will be even broader. Under such circumstance, China Foma stresses on extending business scope and mode as well as renovating new products. The goal for 2011 is focused on products with large productivity, series and complete
characteristic such as V-type sanding machines, large capacity of flakers and continuous presses. In your opinion, what are the differences between Chinese wood process machine and foreign ones? Mr Liu: Firstly, the quality, automation level, energy saving and environmental protection for high-end products still cannot match the foreign ones; secondly, due to the lack of research on international markets, product design and production are still at low levels; thirdly, quality of complete equipment is still relatively low; fourthly, poor management, small scale, obsolete equipment, low standards are the common problem to many wood processing machinery manufacturers; lastly, poor competitiveness at international stage. Therefore, Chinese wood process machinery industry should develop new product with independent intellectual property right base on foreign technology and experience. Nowadays, common internationally adopted RPM, CNC, FMS, robot and advanced inspection technology need to be brought in for Chinese machinery industry. Please introduce to us the core ideology of China Foma? Mr Liu: The core ideology of China Foma is ‘Harmony, Diligence, Innovation and Self-improvement’. Harmony means that the company’s internal management shall be democratic and open, and respect individuals. Diligence means that company shall consistently adjust mechanism, provide employees more opportunities and harvest their encomiastic and creativity. Innovation means that company do not only improve scientific and management innovation, but also enhance the idea of company culture innovation. Self-improvement means that company shall rapidly enhance self-capability and strive to become a globally renowned special equipment manufacturer.
Innovative sanding and sizing production lines.
ENQUIRY NO. 259
sizing production line which is capable of equipping the continuous press line. In 2008, China Foma combined sanding and sizing together for a brand new production line in accordance with the technical requirements of continuous presses. Generally, the operating principle of this new line is that, after calibrating, fine sanding and polishing of raw board, the boards are stacked at 150 cm high and directly conveyed to sizing line for lengthwise and crosswise cutting to produce various finished boards. Meanwhile, it also has many merits like high productivity, high product quality, high degree of automation and energy saving.
Focus
China’s Booming Wood Market Imported wood materials remain as the key to this sustained growth, according to industrial analysts. By Russell E Taylor, president, International Wood Markets Group
A
Ernie, Beijing, China
ccording to the statistics released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), China's GDP hit RMB39.8 trillion (US$6 trillion) in 2010, and GDP growth jumped 10.3 percent year-on-year in 2010, boosted by a faster-than-expected 9.8 percent expansion in the fourth quarter. China's GDP growth rebounded to double digits within three years of the global financial crisis erupting, it was
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9.6 percent in 2008 and 9.2 percent in 2009. A quickly recovering economic scenario has created stronger market demands for timber raw materials and wood products in China during 2010. According to the initial statistics from State Forest Administration (SFA), the national forest industry production value, in total, has reached US$316 billion (RMB2.1 trillion) in 2010, representing an increase of 20 percent compared with 2009. Meanwhile, China log production volume in 2010 is estimated at 72.8 million cubic metres, up three percent compared with 2009. China wood-based panel production volume is estimated to have reached 138.7 million cubic metres, up 20 percent compared with 2009.
Growing Demand For Wood Imports China’s market demand for imported logs and lumber continues to soar in parallel with its economic growth. Wood products manufacturers in China have seen much stronger domestic demand (due to growing domestic consumption and the expanding housing market), and output has been increasing at double-digit rates since the second quarter of 2009. With Russian log exports to China declining from 25.4 million cubic metres in 2007 to 14.1 million cubic metres in 2010, other global sources of logs have not been able to meet the soaring demand of China’s processing industry.
Focus Chinese softwood lumber importers will continue to be Russia, Canada and the US, along with Southern Hemisphere radiata pine producers. However, as Russia plans to join the WTO, the log export tax will likely be reduced at the end of 2011. So far, there have been no announcement between Russia and China and any discussions could significantly impact the flow of logs.
Chinese Market Trends The following market trends highlight
value of logs, wood chips, furniture and sawnwood have all increased. • Wooden furniture is the biggest forest product exported from China: exports of wooden furniture in 2010 were 300 million pieces valued at US$16.16 billion, up 21 percent in volume and 34 percent in value compared to 2009. • The import of wood chips rose sharply by 67 percent in volume and 90 percent in value compared to 2009, reaching 4.65 million tonnes, poeloq, Freiburg, Germany
China’s total log imports in 2010 totaled 34.3 million cubic metres from all sources, as compared to 37.1 million cubic metres in 2007. With China needing an annual increase of about five million cubic metres of logs and still not even back to the levels of 2007, reduced log imports continue to stimulate lumber imports as an alternative to logs. Log imports from New Zealand increased by 35 percent in 2010, reaching 5.9 million cubic metres and the log import volumes from US and Canada were up dramatically in 2010, a 266 percent and 217 percent increase respectively compared with 2009. Chinese lumber imports continue to soar to record levels. Total lumber imports in 2006 were 6.1 million cubic metres and were 14.7 million cubic metres in 2010 (up by 141 percent).
Russia As Main Contributor Russia holds the largest market share of China’s lumber imports (30 percent), but much of this is from Chinese sawmills that have moved to the Russian side of the border. Russia is followed closely by Canada (27 percent), and other suppliers include Thailand (10 percent), US (10 percent) and New Zealand (3 percent). China’s lumber imports were valued at US$ 3.8 billion in 2010, up 65 percent by value over 2009. It is expected that Canada will overtake Russian in 2011 as the largest lumber supplier to China. In the last four months of 2010 and the first two months of 2011, Canada exceeded Russian export volumes for the first time and this trend is expected to continue. With Russia current 25 percent (minimum E15/cubic metre) log export tax, lumber exports to China should continue to grow given that total log exports to China can only rise at the current rate of some five percent per year, as such, not enough logs to meet China’s needs. The main beneficiaries of growing
Furniture remains as China’s chief wood product export.
just how big the Chinese market is, and how fast it is growing: • China’s consumption of timber and wood products is expected to increase by at least ten percent per year over the next four to five years. • Chinese importers are very confident of their domestic market growth and are on a global search for softwood log and lumber supply from offshore sources that can be more competitive with Russian wood. • According to China Customs, the total value of China’s trade in forest products soared to US$96.3 billion in 2010, 37 percent higher than in 2009. • The value of forest product exports surged 34 percent from 2009 to US$48.8 billion in 2010, while imports climbed 40 percent from 2009 to US$47.5 billion in 2010. • In terms of imports, the volume and
worth US$680 million in 2010. • The volume of imports of paper pulp fell 17 percent from 2009 to 11.37 million tonnes in 2010, but the value of imports rose 29 percent to US$8.8 billion. As both log exports and log prices to China continue their rising trend, there is now growing concern that Pacific west coast sawmills may face a new challenge as they begin to compete more and more with Chinese mills for logs. The unintended consequence of the Russian log export tax schedule, in combination with China’s surging demand for wood, has finally landed at the door of west coast sawmills. Private timberland owners, as well as timberland investment management organizations (TIMOs), are beginning to see higher returns for the lower-quality end of their timber harvest profiles in selling to China versus North America, www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA may/jun 2011
25
Focus level, exceeding the previous peak of 871,000 cubic metres from 2007. Germany, France and Romania were three of the largest log supplying countries in Europe to China in 2010. In terms of value, China imported US$196 million for log and US$201.9 million for lumber from Europe in 2010, representing 3.2 percent and 5.3 percent
Robin Zebrowski
not to mention the huge volume increases that have been taking place in sales to China. These massive import rates are for real, and they appear to be sustainable, as official China government five-year-plan forecasts call for log and finished wood products consumption to increase at a rate of eight to ten percent per year due
The Chinese government forecasted wood product consumption to grow eight to ten percent per year.
to growing consumer purchasing power and increased personal expenditures. However, given the log shortages in China, log and lumber imports will likely exceed these levels, with 10–12 percent growth rates more likely and possibly even higher. In other words, China’s growth rate is not expected to slow down, and more offshore supply will still be required.
Imports From Europe China's timber and lumber raw material imports have increased quickly from Europe during last two years where softwood and hardwood imports reached 1.3 million cubic metres for logs and 648,000 cubic metres for lumber in 2010, representing 3.3 percent and 4.4 percent respectively of China’s total log and lumber import volumes. The log import volumes from Europe in 2010 also achieved a new record
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respectively, of total China log and lumber import values. In the meantime, Germany was the largest supplying country in Europe of softwood lumber to China in 2010 with 121,300 cubic metres, an increase of 503 percent from 2009. The main softwood lumber species imported from Europe to China are mainly Red Pine and White Spruce from Germany, Sweden, Finland and Austria.
China’s Exports Looking at the reverse situation, China’s exports of wood products to the Europe market have also increased during the last two years. According to China Customs, China exported US$880 million or 1.5 million cubic metres of plywood to European markets in 2010, an increase of 43 percent in value and 45 percent in
volume from 2009. However, these are still much lower than the record level volume of 2.1 million cubic metres and value of US$1 billion in 2007. Meanwhile, Europe represented 20 percent of total China plywood export volumes in 2010, slightly below the 24 percent market share achieved in 2007. China’s wood products industry has developed quickly during the last decade. In terms of wood-based panel industry, China has more than 10,000 factories of wood-based panels with a huge capacity. In 2010, the total production volume is estimated to have reached 133 million cubic metres, about four times the total North American production of plywood, OSB, MDF and particleboard (and China has very small OSB output). The development of the wood-based panel industry in China has also largely boosted the development of plantations in China. Wood furniture still dominates forest products exports. China exported 204 million pieces or US$10.6 billion of wood furniture in 2010, representing an increase of 20 percent in volume and 39 percent in value compared with 2009. Wood-based panels, paper and paperboard, as well as wood doors all experienced large increase in exports in 2010. In contrast, China lumber exports decreased slightly by four percent in volume and one percent in value in 2010 from 2009, to 539,000 cubic metres in volume and US$340 million in value. A total of 7.5 million cubic metres of plywood valued at US$3.4 billion were exported in 2010. This represents a huge increase; 34 percent in volume and 35 percent in value as compared to 2009. US is still the largest destination for China plywood exports, representing 18 percent of the total China plywood export volumes; a 26 percent increase in exports as compared to 2009. Among the top 10 largest Chinese plywood export
Focus destinations, UK has the largest growth rate in plywood imports from China; up 71 percent in volume and 66 percent in value in 2010 compared with 2009. In general, 40 percent of China wood-based panels and wood products exports were for export markets, heavily concentrated in the markets in US, Japan, European Union, UK and South Korea, which also accounted for 65 percent of the total China wood products exports.
Future Of The Chinese Market In recent years, the main import countries have established different trade barriers for China wood products exports, such as CARB, Lacy Act, environmental certifications, etc. At the same time, the increasing production cost and RMB currency
appreciation have also put enormous pressures on China’s exporters. However, industry experts are still very optimistic on the future of China’s wood products exports and they expect that exports will maintain a 20 percent annual growth rate over the next 10 years, due to the recovery of global economy and relatively good competitiveness of Chinese wood products in international markets. China’s cumulative utilisation of foreign capital for the development of its forestry sector reached US$10 billion at the end of 2010. The main forestry actives utilising foreign capital include afforestation, forest product industry and forest tourism. By the end of 2010, some US$3 billion of credits have been provided by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Investment Bank, Japan and
Germany. These have been utilised for the development of the forestry sector in 20 provinces. In addition, Chinese enterprises have attracted US$6 billion of foreign direct investments for the establishment of 5 million hectares of forest plantations. Some of the leading forestry enterprises in China have been listed on the stock market to gain more access to international financing. Meanwhile, China has to date invested in some 130 forestry projects in 21 countries, particularly in Russia. More than 80 Chinese enterprises have purchased or rented forest land abroad for logging, primary processing as well as wood product and furniture manufacturing. The duration of these investments ranges from 5 to 70 years. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 4002
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Focus
Bearings For The
BIOMASS BOOM Trees ForTheFuture
A more sophisticated approach that legalises and secures sustainable production by and for local people could help improve energy security, cut carbon emissions, protect forests and reduce poverty. By Duncan Macqueen, International Institute for Environment and Development
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Focus
R
solved with more efficient processing and stove technologies. Biomass energy already makes up ten percent of the global energy supply and more than three-quarters of the world’s renewable energy supply. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that by 2050, biomass energy’s share of the world’s energy supply will reach 30 percent. The developed world is embracing the opportunity with a fast-evolving range of serious and sophisticated approaches to biomass energy. In Austria, 80 percent of new homes are equipped with wood pellet boilers. In Denmark, plans to become ‘carbon
Henrique Pinto, Recife, Brazil
ising fossil fuel costs and fears about energy security are driving a global search for energy alternatives, particularly those based on renewable sources that can reduce carbon emissions and help tackle climate change. Biomass energy, energy from plant or animal matter, fits the bill in many ways. Most biomass energy is based on wood. It is renewable and can meet rising demands as long as forests are locally controlled and thereby managed in a way that is sensitive to food security needs. If it is produced sustainably and burnt efficiently, it is also low carbon.
none of the near 100,000 people supplying charcoal to 93 percent of the population have been issued with a charcoal permit. Other countries rig production in favour of wealthy elites. For example, in Senegal, the forest department enforces quotas on charcoal supplies that have led to the 20 wealthiest charcoal merchants making an average US$300,000 per year compared with an average villager receiving less than US$3.50. These approaches do nothing to either stem increasing demand for biomass energy or create a sustainable industry. Instead, they drive production underground into clandestine or, at best, unsustainable, poorly paid trade whose scale provides rich pickings for bribery and corruption.
A New Approach Harnessing the potential benefits of biomass energy for development requires a new, more sophisticated approach that legalises and secures sustainable production and processing by, and for, the millions of poor people who use biomass for energy. In particular, this means putting
New ways of converting biomass into energy are increasingly cost competitive with energy alternatives at a range of commercial scales. There are other advantages too, particularly when it comes to meeting development goals. Biomass is accessible in even the poorest nations. Indeed, more than two billion people in developing countries already rely on woody biomass for their energy. Biomass can also be readily converted into all energy carriers (heat, electricity, liquid and gas) using basic technologies. It is labour intensive across the whole supply chain, offering employment options to reduce poverty. And potential health risks can be cheaply and easily
neutral’ in energy by 2050 include a doubling of biomass energy. And in the United Kingdom, plans to build new biomass power stations would expand demand for biomass from one million tonnes to 50–60 million tonnes (much more than the country can produce itself). But developing countries are much less prepared. Many governments still treat biomass energy as traditional and dirty, viewing it as a backward poverty trap, a threat to forests and a health hazard. Control over biomass energy is usually delegated to forest authorities, who often simply criminalise its production. For example, in Malawi,
madmolecule, Memphis, US
Wood for biomass energy can be controlled and managed sustainably.
biomass energy at the heart of national energy strategies and creating formal markets built on clear institutional mandates, secure biomass tenure rights for local people and strong investment in newer biomass technologies, including an active programme of research. It is not impossible. And even in www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA may/jun 2011
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jcookfisher
Focus
the developing world, we are starting to see one or more of the key ingredients needed.
Comprehensive Biomass Energy Policies For example, in Malawi, the government commissioned a Biomass Energy Strategy in 2009 which recognises that even with the most ambitious development of other energy sources, the country will still be 82 percent biomass dependent in 2020, and charcoal production will still double by 2023 as population rises. The strategy describes the need to quantify biomass use more accurately and make it more sustainable by providing clear incentives to increase biomass supply, create formal markets, improve the efficiency of end use, and enhance institutional capacity to oversee the strategy. While not yet approved, or integrated into thinking on climate change or poverty reduction, the new strategy marks the start of a more sophisticated approach to biomass.
Accurate Biomass Accounting In other countries, international agencies are raising policymakers’ understanding of the scale of biomass energy use
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and the potential rewards of legalising its production. For example, in Tanzania, a 2009 World Bank study showed that 80 percent of the country’s energy needs are met by fuelwood and that the charcoal sector generates an estimated US$650 million each year. This is more than ten times the contribution of major cash crops such as coffee and tea to the national economy. Perhaps more importantly, the study suggested that unregistered or unregulated activities cost the treasury about US$100 million in lost taxes every year. It would be unthinkable for any other industry to escape careful monitoring and tax collection by the state. Such one-off surveys can help raise awareness but they do little to effectively monitor the sector in the long term. For that, annual data on production and use are needed with regular surveys in yearly national energy plans.
Biomass Energy In Practice Making biomass energy strategies work in practice also requires governments to provide clear biomass tenure rights. The simple truth is that people will not plant or manage biomass sustainably unless they can be guaranteed commercial returns from their activities.
Clear Biomass Tenure Rights & Incentives In Niger, efforts to clarify biomass rights and responsibilities over the past two decades have nearly doubled the number of rural fuelwood markets, and increased the extent of managed forest. The legislation, brought in in 1992, focuses on: directed markets, where specific areas have annual harvesting quotas for deadwood, as agreed with the local community; and controlled markets, where a detailed forest management plan allocates management parcels and harvesting quotas for greenwood. The legislation also abolished the fuelwood cutting permit and instead levies tax on firewood transport, some of which returns to local forest management funds.
Investment In Technology Research & Development If secure tenure is important to make biomass energy work for development, so too are clear incentives and strong support for technology and research. India, a global leader in renewable energy, has already shown how investing in support measures for new biomass businesses can pay dividends. Such support includes waiving industrial clearances for new renewable energy industries, a five-year tax holiday for
renewable energy power generation projects, and soft loans for renewable energy equipment manufacturing. The results have been impressive. Several thousand small-scale biomass electricity plants have begun to serve off-grid rural communities under initiatives such as the India Remote Village Electrification Programme. Benefits include both a new energy supply and many job opportunities in producing and processing wood for energy. India is not the only country actively supporting biomass energy. A recent analysis by Bloomberg New Energy Finance concluded that in 2009, governments worldwide subsidised renewable energy and biofuel industries by up to US$46 billion, through feedin tariffs, tax credits, cash grants and other direct subsidies. However the sum seems pitiful
Solveig Osk, London, England
Focus treated fairly compared with other energy sources.
Future Approach
The world spent US$46 billion to subsidise renewable energy and biofuel industries in 2009.
compared with the US$557 billion that the IEA estimates governments spent in 2008 to subsidise the fossil fuel industry. With concerns over energy security and climate change, inequities of this sort should no longer be tolerated. If governments want to effectively harness the potential of biomass, it must be
Putting these four ingredients, comprehensive biomass energy policies, accurate biomass accounting, clear tenure rights and incentives for biomass production, and investment in technology and business research and development, together has the potential to deliver energy security, emissions reductions, sustainable forestry and poverty reduction. Small advances are being made in some of these areas to harness biomass energy more effectively across the developing world. But we need to massively scale up these efforts and fill the gaps to realise the true potential of biomass energy. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 4101
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Brad Gillette, Chicago, US
Brad Gillette,Chicago,US
Technology
Brad Gillette, Chicago, US
Getting The
Best From
Beams
L
arge, wide-area indoor spaces present a challenge to traditional fire safety systems: in order to effectively detect smoke over such a space, complex networks of multiple overlapping sensors will be required. Optical beam smoke detectors, on the other hand, are designed exactly for such situations: one single unit installed on a wall can detect smoke over an area of up to 1500 sq m. More coverage per detector means fewer detectors, with associated reductions to the time and cost of installation and wiring, as well as a reduced aesthetic intrusion. Mounting on the wall as opposed to the ceiling enables convenient access for maintenance, and a low-level controller further speeds and eases the process. A space that might need as many as 15 point detectors could therefore be maintained from one single low-level controller, as opposed to organising height access to 15 different spots. There is already a lively debate about the relative merits and drawbacks of different detection systems. A common theme is that beam detection may not be as reliable or trouble-free as other methods, however, this is almost always due to incorrect installation. Beams, in fact, can be much more suitable for some situations than other detection systems.
32 FDM Asia may/jun 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Large, wide-area indoor spaces present a challenge to traditional fire safety systems. Optical beam smoke detectors that offer great coverage and little aesthetic intrusion is a good solution. By Jon Ben, technical director, Fire Fighting Enterprise
Let There Be Light An optical beam smoke detector works on the principle of smoke particles interfering with the transmission and reception of a beam of infra-red (IR) light. A transmitter sends out a beam of IR light, and a receiver a set distance away measures the amount of IR light received. When smoke enters the beam’s path, the intensity of IR received is reduced. Once this reduction reaches a predefined limit the alarm signal is triggered and sent to a fire control panel. Most beam detector systems consist of a transmitter, receiver and control unit. The transmitter projects the beam, the receiver at the ‘end’ of the beam measures its intensity with a photosensitive sensor, and the control unit analyses and interprets the signal before communicating the detector’s status to a fire control panel.
Technology These three elements can either be entirely separate or completely integrated, depending on the system chosen. When the transmitter and receiver are in the same unit, a prismatic panel is fitted to the opposite wall where the receiver would normally go, reflecting the beam back to the source and further reducing wiring requirements. A good visual analogy is a torch beam of visible light: the beam expands outwards in a cone, its intensity dropping with distance from the central axis. Beam detectors essentially detect how much ‘darker’ the end of the beam has become due to smoke interference. In a torchlight, as with IR, beams can cross without scattering, which is what allows reflective beam systems to function. IR light is used as it is significantly affected by both smoke particles and the heat haze of a fire, and is invisible to the human eye, but somewhat less intrusive than an actual torch beam.
Common Solutions A minor, gradual increase in obscuration is not typical of smoke interference, but might well be due to dust and dirt build-up on the active surfaces. Software in more advanced beam detectors can detect this slow change, and increase the gain (a form of signal amplification) to automatically compensate for this. By contrast, sudden and very high beam obscuration is almost certainly a solid object in the beam’s path, and will trigger a ‘Fault’ status so that the path can be cleared. In this way, ‘intelligent’ beam detector systems are able to perform accurately and effectively over a long period of time and with minimal manual maintenance.
There are two fundamental types of beam detectors. End-toend systems have the transmitter and receiver on opposite sides of the area to be protected. They can be up to 100 m apart and the receiver can be connected to a control unit installed at ground level for easy maintenance. Reflective systems have the beam transmitter and receiver in the same housing (a transceiver), with a reflective plate on the opposite wall. This can still be up to 100 m away, and the plate is prismatic so that it will reflect the beam straight back even if it is not mounted perpendicularly to the transmission path. End-to-end systems are relatively unaffected by stray reflections from surrounding surfaces and obstructions near the beam path. A reflective system, although potentially susceptible to objects near its line of sight, is easier to install and requires less wiring as power is only needed by the single transceiver unit. Essentially, end-to-end beam detectors can operate effectively through narrower ‘gaps’, and will often be more suitable in more confined areas or those with many obstructions (‘busy’
ENQUIRY NO. 248
End-to-End Vs Reflective
Technology As a smoke plume rises it becomes less dense, which leads to a maximum operating height for point detectors since the particle density can fall below the alarm threshold. However, as a beam operates over a linear path, the density of the plume has no effect, only the total number of smoke particles in the beam path. As the plume widens, it involves more of the beam, making beam detectors more effective as height increases compared to other detectors.
Blowing Smoke
Fireray optical beam detector and transceivers.
roof spaces for example). For spaces where this is not an issue, reflective systems will usually be more convenient. In recent years, technology was also developed that allows the use of multiple transceiver heads running on one single controller. This enables cost-effective protection for larger areas, and improved coverage options for unorthodox indoor spaces.
Motorised vs Manual Adjustment Developments in beam detection technology have led to a choice between inexpensive simplicity and intelligent automation. Traditionally, adjusting the beam’s power and direction would have to be performed manually at the time of installation, and then maintained over time to compensate for dust build-up and ‘building shift’. This is where building elements can gradually move in very slight increments, affecting the beam’s aim and effectiveness. Recently, the option has become available to choose automated, motorised beam adjustment. This technology uses data from the unit over time to automatically adjust its direction and sensitivity to keep the beam accurately aligned and the signal at an optimum level. This is fast, reliable, and eases installation as well as reducing both the need and time taken for continued maintenance.
Right Tool For The Right Job By their nature, beam detectors cover a huge area, and thus require less units and wiring than other detector types, but there are other things to consider as well. Beams are less affected than other types of detector by high ceilings, harsh environments and airflow blowing smoke away.
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Similarly, airflows that might blow smoke away from point detectors’ tiny sensor chambers are going to have less effect on the long, wide detection pattern of a beam system. Dust and dirt build-up is taken care of by automatic beam signal strength compensation, and extreme temperatures have relatively little effect on the technology. There are even beam detectors suitable for use in explosive atmospheres. A related, but separate problem can occur when a rising smoke plume draws in surrounding air and cools rapidly as it rises, sometimes actually becoming colder than the air above it. In this situation, most commonly seen in high-ceilinged spaces, the smoke spreads out below the layer of warm air, as though trapped under an ‘invisible ceiling’ of its own. This is known as stratification, and it can render ceilingmounted detectors ineffective due to the lack of smoke particles reaching them. A typical solution to this problem involves installing supplementary detection at lower levels to detect the stratified layer or even the plume itself. Beam detectors are wall-mounted, typically up to 600mm below ceiling level, thereby giving them a significant advantage in detecting stratification layers.
Breathe Easy High Sensitivity Smoke Detection (HSSD) or aspirating systems are another option for large indoor spaces, however they suffer from their complexity and installation requirements. A network of end-caps, sampling pipes, brackets, elbows and labels must be designed, fitted and maintained, which can be costly and inconvenient. The aspirating pipe itself can also be quite obtrusive, and hiding it requires yet further cost and complexity from installing capillary tubes and drilling into the ceiling.
Golden Installation Rules As with almost all technology, an optical beam detector will work much better if it is properly installed and maintained. Most reported and ‘common knowledge’ problems with beam detection actually stem from improper installation and usage, but can be easily avoided by following some basic rules coupled with common sense.
Technology Stable Base Beam detector elements must be mounted on rigid, stable surfaces to limit the risk of misalignment: as with a torch, a tiny change in the transmitter’s angle will cause a large movement at the other end of the beam. Common problems come from mounting beams on potentially flexible building surfaces such as cladded walls or on freehanging assemblies. Even building purlins can move, particularly subject to ambient temperature changes causing contractions and expansions, so are not recommended as stable fixing points. So, if direct mounting onto brick or block walls is not possible, A good stable fixing surface it is recommended that beam components be installed onto secure, rigid metal-frame assemblies suspended from rigid steel joists (RSJ).
Reflection Perfection Reflective optical beam detectors can be affected by objects or surfaces close to the line of sight between the beam and reflector. Obstructions will not only interfere with the received signal, cutting the IR intensity, but could leave areas hidden by their ‘shadow’. If an obstructive surface were mistakenly used for alignment during initial installation, it would Obstructions can impair reflective leave the area behind it beam systems completely unprotected. Confirming correct alignment is therefore vital, with cover-up tests of the reflector a sound method for ensuring that the whole area is properly protected.
IR Interference Beam receivers should always be positioned to avoid other sources of IR light. In the first instance, where multiple beam detectors are in effect, each receiver should only have its associated transmitter’s beam falling on it. If it is within the beam of another detector system, ‘crosstalk’ can occur producing false ‘Fire’ and ‘Fault’ conditions. If two systems must be daisy-chained to cover a long distance, the transmitters should be mounted back-to-back
rather than the reflectors or receivers, so as to minimise interference. Other strong IR light sources, such as direct sunlight, can cause IR saturation whereby, much as with the human eye, it will be too ‘bright’ to function Correct ‘back-to-back’ properly. Normal fluorescent transmitter placement lights emit very little IR light, though incandescent bulbs, sodium lamps and camera flashes emit more; beams should be positioned to avoid such stray light falling directly onto the receiver.
Spacing Standards dictate the design and construction of optical beam smoke detectors. It is important to note, however, that beam installation is governed by the relevant National Code of Practice. Codes can vary by territory in their definition of the accepted width of coverage of a beam, and its allowable height from the ceiling. The operating range (linear distance) for a beam is dictated by the manufacturer’s design and the approval gained for each beam detector product.
Bump In The Night One last, occasional concern is that various ‘creatures of the night’, usually bats and owls, might set off false alarms by flying along the apex of a gabled or pitched roof. Although this could conceivably be a problem, some beam detection systems can have a delay timing set. This would then only send a fault or fire signal after that condition had been registered for a certain time: long enough for any flying trespassers to flit away again.
Light At The End Of The Tunnel In short, beam detectors are an excellent option for wide-area smoke detection, covering much larger areas than pointtype smoke detectors and with minimal wiring requirements compared to smoke aspirating systems. Different beam systems are available to suit different projects, depending on issues of cost, wiring and space. Possibly the most important point though is that even the best technology in the world is worth nothing if it is not used correctly, so following the golden rules for installation is vital for safety and success. Bearing this information in mind, optical beam smoke detection can, and should, be considered a leading light in fire protection systems for large indoor areas. FDM
ENQUIRY NO. 4103
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA may/jun 2011
35
Technology
Surface Treatment For
Greater Resistance
Fimb, London, UK
Dimensional changes when subjected to humidity and susceptibility to biodegradation have prevented wood from wider application. Development in surface treatment technology can help counter these effects. By Dr Antonios N Papadopoulos, TEI of Kavala, and Dr George I Mantanis, TEI of Larissa
T
he fibrous nature of wood has made it one of the most appropriate and versatile raw materials for a variety of uses. However, two properties restrict its much wider use: dimensional changes when subjected to fluctuating humidity and susceptibility to biodegradation by microorganisms. The varying moisture content of wood results in dimensional and conformational instability, which can compromise the performance of other materials combined with wood such as adhesives and surface coatings. Until recently, these shortcomings were addressed by impregnating wood with appropriate hydrophobes. Wood may also be modified so that selected properties are enhanced in a more or less permanent fashion. Changes to wood surface can involve chemical modification, biological modification using enzymes or physical processes such as plasma modification. The reaction is confined to the surface of the wood substrate and the accessibility of reagent and the subsequent clean-up of the modified material are easily accomplished. Surface modification of wood has been used to improve the ultraviolet (UV) stability of wood, to change the surface energy of wood, for example to reduce wetting by water and/
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Table 1: Summary of surface modification methods Modification method
Sample application(s)
Conventional chemical modification
Stability to weathering, compatibilisation
Chemical modification with bifunctional reagent
Polymer grafting, self bonding, stability to weathering
Surface thermoplasticisation
Self bonding
Coupling agent
Compatibilisation
Chemical activation
Self bonding
Enzymatic activation
Self bonding
Plasma or corona treatment
Compatibilisation, stability to weathering
or to improve compatibility with coatings or matrix materials, and to improve bonding between wood surfaces.
Surface Chemical Modification For UV Stability Wood degrades when exposed to UV light primarily due to the instability of the lignin polymer. Although clear coatings can be produced that are UV stable, degradation of the underlying
Technology Sherrie Thai, San Francisco,US
substrate results in premature failure of the coating system. There is a considerable body of evidence that chemical modification with certain reagents leads to an improvement in the UV stability of wood, although the mechanism by which this happens is not fully understood. Acetylation has also been used as a potential method for altering the chemical nature of the substrate, so that it is more effectively protected against exposure to solar radiation. Such protection is considered to arise due to the production of acetyl peroxide during exposure, which results in bleaching of the fibers. An alternative approach is to graft UV stabilisers on the wood surface, such as dihydroxy-benzophenone (DHBP). DHBP modification also improves the performance of coatings. In a recent research, the colour changes in wood surfaces, namely from the species Scots pine, fir, Bosnian pine, chestnut and cherry have been modified by a new nanoparticulate treatment. Colour values for both control and treated wood samples have been studied for each of the five different species. The results have shown a certain effectiveness of the anti-UV
Surface treatment can enhance physical properties and improve aesthetic appeal.
surface treatment used, while lower effects were due to ultraviolet light induced photodecoloration. The largest improvements against discoloration were observed in cherry wood. It was observed that anti-UV compound applied on chestnut was particularly less effective in respect to other species. It appears that the yellowness shows systematic trends with anti-UV treated samples.
Wide Belt Sander Manufacturer In China Good FRIEND, Best Win-win. BSGR-RP13C wide belt sander
– more innovative over traditional wood sander TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES • frame is fixed on the integral steel panel on both sides of the machine body in order to ensure its stable performance • equipped with FYH or ASA bearing from Japan, Schneider electrical elements from France, Autonics coder from Korea, Delta PLC system and branded touch screen from Taiwan. The high configuration ensures reliable and accurate performance of the machine • features high rigidity and stability, high precision and long service life due to its integral structure design.
Processing width: 40-1300mm Processing thickness: 2.5-80mm Speed of sand belt: 22;18m/s Size of sand belt: 1330×2250mm Dimension of the machine: 3000×2800×2020mm Weight: 3300kg
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Qingdao Friend Wood-working Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Add: 1st Yinghai Industrial Zone, Jiaozhou, Qingdao City, Shandong, China. Tel: +86-532-85270988 • Fax: +86-532-85270990 Email: sales@qdfriend.com • Web: www.qdfriend.com
ENQUIRY NO. 245
KEY TECHNICAL PARAMETERS • • • • • •
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA may/jun 2011
37
fishermansdaughter
Technology reduction in the surface energy (polarity) associated with acetylation is advantageous since this improves the compatibility of the fiber with the matrix material. • Reaction of the wood surface with a functionalised coupling agent to improve compatibility with low surface energy materials. The most commonly employed coupling agents are maleated polymers. Coupling agents are added to the wood fiber polymer ingredients and subjected to energetic mixing involving high shear in extruders or high speed mixers. The attached anhydride moieties are capable of reacting with the surface of the lignocellulosic fiber.
Silicon polymer can change the wettability of wood.
However, the UV irradiation appears to change surface yellowness of coniferous species more than hardwood species. The anti-UV treated hardwood surfaces (chestnut and cherry) yielded higher gloss than the anti-UV treated softwoods (pine and fir).
Modification To Render The Wood Surface Hydrophobic Silicon polymers are extensively investigated in order to change the wettability characteristics of wood. Modification with silicone reagents is found to render the wood extremely hydrophobic. It would seem that the high levels of water repellency achieved required only very low levels of siloxane on the wood surface.
• Bonding of a reagent to the wood surface in order to thermoplasticise the surface for self-bonding. In this case, wood is thermoplasticised using mainly benzylation. • Bonding of a reagent to the wood surface that provides the appropriate functionality for bonding sites. In this case, chemical modification of wood surfaces is employed in order to provide active sites to allow for self bonding directly, or to allow for covalent bond between wood surfaces via an intermediary reagent. An approach is to chemically bond a group that has a double bond present on the wood surface. It is then possible to graft monomers on to the activated wood surface using free radical polymerisation reactions or directly bond the activated surfaces together.
Surface Chemical Modification For Bonding In this case, chemical modification is applied for the purpose of providing a means of bonding between wood surfaces. Wood particles, veneers and so on are bonded together using an adhesive. Many of the adhesive systems currently in use are derived from non-renewable petrochemical resources and concerns regarding the decline of these resources are driving research efforts based upon the use of renewable sources, or to find means of directly bonding wood surfaces without the need for an additional adhesive agent. Various approaches can be adopted: • Altering the surface energy of wood to improve compatibility with low surface energy materials. The use of acetylation to improve the compatibility between wood fibres and thermoplastic matrices is widely used. In this case, a
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• Activation of the wood surface by the use of chemical reagents to generate surface free radicals. This involves the production of an anionic polymer that is then reacted with a suitably modified lignocellulosic material. Wood surface can be treated with Fenton’s reagent, ceric ion or the use of halide/peroxide system.
Technology
Application of chemical modification to improve surface properties.
Enzymatic Modification In this case, enzymatic systems are employed to form binderless composites. Enzyme catalysed bonding of wood can be achieved either by activation of lignin which is mixed with wood particles or by surface activation of the wood particles directly.
Treatments For Leach Resistance & UV Protection Several nanotechnology treatments can be employed to increase the biological resistance of wood to fungi and other destroying microorganisms. In recent work, Southern pine specimens vacuum-treated with nano-zinc oxide (nano-ZnO) dispersions were evaluated for leach resistance and UV protection. Virtually, no leaching occurred in any of the nano-ZnO treated specimens in a laboratory leach test, even at the highest retention of 13 kg per cubic metres. Protection from UV damage after 12 months exposure was visibly obvious on both exposed and unexposed surfaces compared to untreated controls. Greying was markedly diminished, although checking occurred in all specimens. Nano-zinc oxide treatment at a concentration of 2.5 percent or greater provided substantial resistance to water absorption following 12 months of outdoor exposure compared to untreated and unweathered southern pine. It was concluded that nano-zinc oxide can be utilised in new wood preservative formulations to impart resistance to leaching, water absorption and UV damage of wood.
Corona & Plasma Discharge Atmospheric corona discharge is used to increase the surface energy of wood surfaces by oxidative activation. Plasma
treatment results in an increase of hydrophobicity of the wood surface. It appears that the most promising area into wood surface modification is the self-bonding and weathering stability. Although, the use of enzymatic surface activation for selfbonding is attractive, it is unlikely that there will be commercial use of this technology in the short term at least. Little advantage appears to result from directly covalently bonding coatings to the surface of wood, in terms of long term improved weathering resistance. However, directly covalently linking UV stabilisers does appear to lead to improved performance. An option to bring about a desired performance improvement of solid wood is to exploit the solutions that nanotechnology can offer. Nanotechnology can be defined as engineering in very small scale. Employing nanotechnology on wood surfaces can result in a next generation of products having hyper-performance and superior service ability when used in severe environments, since it is well known that the cell wall of wood exhibits porosity of molecular scale dimensions due to the partial filling of space between the cellulose micro fibrils by lignin and hemicelluloses. The small size nanoparticles, of such nanotechnology compounds, can deeply penetrate into the wood, effectively alter its surface chemistry and result in a high protection against moisture. Nanoparticles actively repel water, blocking the decay of the wooden surfaces and eliminate the greening and mould that grows on surfaces, where rain and water leave their marks.
Nanotechnology Treatments For Hydrophobility The potential of reducing the hygroscopicity of solid wood by applying a new nanotechnology compound has also been investigated. For instance, the application of a new compound, namely SurfaPore W, an aqueous wood-water repellent, reduced the total sorption by 26.5 percent at saturation. The same compound was applied on commercial wood-based panels and repellent resulted in a large improvement in the thickness swelling of the panels. It appears therefore that nanotechnology compounds may be an option to reduce the hygroscopicity of solid wood and the thickness swelling of the wood based panels. In general, nanocompounds do not contain any preservatives or other hazardous solvents and can be applied as a primer before the application of varnish or any other coating. FDM
ENQUIRY NO. 4102
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA  may/jun 2011
39
Boring & Drilling:
UNSUNG
WORKHORSES Boring and drilling operations are important processes that accounts for 9-10 percent of production cost. Faster and more accurate machines that satisfy the demand for economical and sophisticated solutions are on the way. By Shiv Kumar Shet, business development manager, Biesse Manufacturing India
ProtoSpace
T
ailor-made solution is what every optimistic customer wants in a product rather than buying a standard item off the shelf. The slightest mismatch or an irregular fitting will create disgust and a deep sense of dissatisfaction among buyers. As such, modularity is a key factor in producing furniture in mass quantities. Drilling machines are important machines in a workshop. However, standalone drilling machines normally do not require as much care as other high profile machineries like routers or throughfeed edge banders. This is because a good drilling machine needs no maintenance unless they have been mishandled. In woodworking operations like the manufacturing of wood furniture or panels, it is important to ensure that matching component parts are fitted together appropriately. This is usually indicated with a marking by an erasable marker to identify the matching parts to be fitted on site.
Furniture Assembly In the past, special clamps, grooves and other kinds of joineries were used by skilled workers to fix pieces together.
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Later, these joints were strengthened with the application of glue, which improved the overall strength of the assembly. The advent of new ideas has introduced boring and drilling concept to aid assemblers for faster production without costly errors. Although, boring and drilling have been widely adopted in the last decade with the use of lathes and table mounted single spindle and standalone multi-spindle drilling machines, the focus is now on learning and understanding the new breed of drilling and boring machineries that utilise CNC technology. The International Furniture Research Group states that 9-10 percent of the total cost incurred in the manufacturing of furniture products can be attributed to drilling and boring operations. Modern production plants assemble their products using joints such as dowels and pins. These add to the total cost of the product which needs to be produced more economically, faster and yet flawless. Considering the above cost as a vital part in costing of the end product, manufacturers have to depend on machines which can deliver accurate and speedy production. Standalone multi-spindle drilling machines are the basic type of machinery that most plants have these days. These machines are normally of 21 or 27 drill spindles placed equidistant of 32mm apart on a common head. The drills are either of left–right or right-left combination mounted on drill collets or chucks fixed to a rotating gear inside the head.
April Killingsworth, Los Angeles, US
Panels
Panels These machines can drill vertically and horizontally but not simultaneously. The drawback is the time taken while making batch furniture of high volumes. They are later advanced to drilling machines which have multiple heads to do vertical drilling and a single horizontal drilling head with 21 spindles on each head. Both vertical and horizontal operations can be executed simultaneously, saving vital time and energy. A new breed of drilling machines is currently in use by most reputed furniture manufacturers around the world. Some of these machines are manually operated but feature special attachments like Digital Read Out (DRO) for accurate positioning and maintaining of depth. These are the most important aspects in modular furniture production to prevent possible losses and delay in execution of projects.
Drilling vs Boring
Ben Hosking, Sydney, Australia
Drilling is a process where a drill bit is used to cut through a solid material such as wood. Normally, drilling is not accurate as far as size and other parameters are concerned. It is used when a lot of tolerance can be afforded. It is not as accurate
ENQUIRY NO. 203
as boring. To achieve precision in drill hole, normally another procedure called reaming is performed with a reamer. However, this is not practical for wood-based panels due to cost and other logistic requirements. Boring on the other hand is an operation where large diameter holes are obtained. Normally, hinges required in cabinetry are executed on a multiple drilling machine with a steel bit to obtain the required diameter. Any hole with a diameter more than 35 mm should be produced through boring. CNC routers normally perform these operations with ease, accuracy and speed. www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA  may/jun 2011
41
Paul Johnson
Panels
Boring and drilling aid assemblers for faster production without costly errors.
The advantage of performing boring operations on a CNC router is that the programme is saved and can be retrieved anytime. Nesting operations involving designs with boring are preferably done with CNC routers. A simple router bit of diameter of eight or ten mm is often used when boring operations are performed. CNC routers manufacturers nowadays offer new configurations to customers with the inclusion of an electrospindle which can adapt to any aggregate to perform operations in more than 3 axis and boring heads with more than 35 spindles. Throughfeed drilling lines are also available for high volume producers of furniture like wardrobes, cabinets and other office furniture. When it comes to pure drilling and boring operation, nothing can beat ‘point-to-point’ machines. Their versatility is unmatched, with speeds of up to 1000 to 2000 inches per minute, they are twice as fast as CNC routers. A ‘point-to-point’ machine makes a good choice when drilling on flat panels up to 25 mm thick. These speedy machines are available with various options like table setting with vacuum cups, movable supports, multi-axis, multi-stations and automatic tool changing facility. A new concept for drilling on 2 panels stacked together such that they can be drilled simultaneously helps improve overall efficiency. CNC technology combined with latest software solutions enable different patterns to be drilled on each surface at the same time. Machines like the Skipper from Biesse, Cyflex from SCM and the BST series from Homag offer machines to match
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client’s requirements. Other machines like inserters are normally used in line drilling where dowels are inserted automatically after drilling. These versatile can speed up the assembly of furniture to a great extent.
Boring/ Drilling Machine Selection On paper, most machines are similar in terms of technical specifications. In reality, there is a whole world of difference when machines are compared physically. Factors like difference in design, weight, quality of motors/ materials, user friendliness and the supplier of the equipment are all points of consideration. Most importantly, it is crucial to understand the factory’s production capacity, floor space and the accuracy demanded by the product. These factors are the fundamental criteria for selection. Decision on whether to buy a single head or a multi-head drilling machine varies according to the needs of a plant. Depending on batch sizes and type of panels used, companies can zero in on the most appropriate machine. Those with high production capacity may opt for manually operated or electronically controlled throughfeed drilling machine. The continuous trend by designers to innovate new features in these machines is in progress every day. We all live in a material world and the demand for new products with exciting features a constant want of customers. The future looks good for those on the lookout for faster, and sturdier drilling machinery due to rapid advancement in construction technology. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 4201
Ride the steel wave No company has greater experience in steel belts than Sandvik. We developed the world’s first steel conveyor belt, the first stainless steel belt, and the first endless welded belt. And we put this experience into practice in a whole range of ways. We supply specialist steel belts for all
Hanover, 30 May-3 June, 2011 Hall 27, Stand F20
kinds of WBP presses - double belt, SOP, and rotation - as well as the smooth and textured press plates and endless press belts used to create the look and feel of today’s naturally inspired laminate surfaces. We help our customers improve productivity and reduce downtime costs
through our global service network, and we are constantly looking at ways to minimize the environmental impact of our operations. Put your trust in Sandvik, proven partners to the wood and associated industries for over 100 years.
We make it possible Sandvik South East Asia Pte Ltd 50, ALPS Ave, #04-00 Sandvik Building, Singapore 498782 Phone: +65 64773736 | Fax: +65 64773785 Email: sea.sps@sandvik.com www.processsystems.sandvik.com
ENQUIRY NO. 241
Cologne, 25-28 May, 2011 Hall 6, Stand B58
Panels
artOf
The
Deception Decorative painting can be used to create different effects on the appearance of wood products. With the availability of new materials, the only restriction on design is one’s creativity. By Lori Le Mare, Lori Le Mare Studio
D
ecorative painting can be used to transform wood substrates into, what can seem to be, a completely different element. What was wood, now becomes copper, marble, rusted iron, linen, concrete and semi precious stone. A cheap plentiful wood such as pine can become an exotic, rare wood such as ebony or zebrawood. Any type of wood, properly prepared can be a palette for innumerable varieties of decorative treatments. In the past 22 years, decorative painting, faux finishing and furniture refinishing have come a long way. Back in 1989, the history and awareness of surface design was not widely known. There were scarcely few books on the subject available to those keen on learning this craft. Among traditional oil-base techniques, faux techniques (marbling, graining, and the imitation of other organic materials such as ivory, sharkskin, malachite and lapis lazuli) are the more interesting ones, but they usually involve sponging, ragging and stenciling.
Mixing & Matching Alternative approaches were explored by utilising products from the paint and artist material industry. One of such experiments uses casein paints (milk-protein base) and combined them with oil glazes (which is against conventional teaching that suggests against the mixing of water and oil) to produce beautiful results. These finishes become popular for wall and furniture treatments. Other materials such as cementitious (lime and clay mixture) textures, aniline dyes (derived from a liquid found in coal tar), gesso (whiting (calcium carbonate) and rabbit skin glue), ‘water-glass’ (sodium silicate), ‘rottenstone’ (weathered ground limestone traditionally used in the polishing of metals),
44 FDM Asia may/jun 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
barium sulfide, cupric nitrate and ammonium chloride, shellac (derived from the secretion of the lac beetle), mica (shimmering metallic mineral) were used to create various effects. Cement and aniline dyes were combined to create a finish that, after being applied smoothly and dried, could be reactivated, allowing for the dyes to seep out and set. The finish had an organic, natural stone like quality and could be applied to almost any type of properly prepared surface. Other mentioned materials were used to create raised texture, crackle finishes, antiquing, patination of metals and barrier coats between layers of fugitive materials. These days such hand made materials have become second nature in the paint industry. Many companies now sell products for the decorative painter to create new, contemporary finishes but also (for the adventurous painter) to create hybrid finishes. It is relatively easy to use these products (following the instructions on the label) to create a successful finish, but it is not as easy and perhaps more creative to use these products in innovative ways by combining them with other products.
Panels
Application On Wood Surfaces Many pre-mixed products can be used to create different looks for furniture, walls, ceilings and floors. Modern Masters offer many acrylic base and flexible products that can be applied on furniture and wood panels (walls, floors and ceilings). However, cementitious products, such as ‘SkimStone’, should not be used over wood floors as the flexibility and expansion of these floors may crack the cement finish. Preparation of a wooden surface prior to receiving a painted finish should be paid particular attention to. Generally, an oil/ alkyd base primer sealer is used for interior and exterior wood surfaces, but shellac based primers such as BIN by Zinsser and acrylic primer/sealers such as Bulls-eye 123 by Zinsser for interior fibre board can be used as well. If any of the grain has been raised after priming, sand the surface lightly with 240 grit sandpaper and basecoat it in the appropriate basecoat colour corresponding with the desired decorative treatment. Most acrylic base textured treatments such as ‘Venetian Plaster’, ‘Metallic Plaster’ and ‘Texture Effects’ can be applied over a flat oil base primer. Acrylic base products have very good adhesion and flexibility and will adhere to a low-sheen oil (as in a primer). They adhere best over acrylic primers but there is no problem with them over FLAT oil base primers. In fact, for certain decorative treatments they work better on an oil base primer because the water in the acrylic is prevented from being absorbed into the substrate and softening it slightly. This can have a damaging effect on a finish if there is any type of manipulation of the surface while the texture being applied is wet. Allow the primer/sealer to dry thoroughly (at least 12 hours) before applying the first stage in the decorative treatment. Untextured finishes (that give the illusion of being textured) such as wall glazing, marbling and wood graining should be applied over a satin sheen base coat in the appropriate colour (this should still be applied over a primer). Generally speaking, when using a glazing medium, the
surface should be painted first in a satin or higher sheen paint. This paint can be acrylic or alkyd base. The higher the sheen level, the more working time the glaze will have. Glazing medium is crucial in most decorative treatments. Traditionally, a glaze is a slow drying, transparent, durable medium. Nowadays a glaze can be oil or acrylic base and because oil/alkyd is being phased out it is hard to find one. Glaze can be made using 3 parts turpentine, 1 part raw linseed oil and a few drops Japan or cobalt driers. The oil glazes have a wonderful viscosity but they are prone to yellowing and are noxious. Treatments using glaze have been around for quite some time and were used extensively in Europe in the 19th century. More contemporary finishes usually do not use any glaze.
Products For Various Finishes Metallic Plaster is a product that is easy to use. It is a thick acrylic medium that has mica and glass beads added to it as well as colour. The final finish has a lustrous, shimmering quality to it. Modern Masters has 50 pre-mixed colours that can be intermixed. The plaster can be applied and manipulated in many ways. Thin coats of varying colour can be applied using a trowel and simply left as is or the plaster can be rolled on and
ENQUIRY NO. 256
For instance, Acrylic Venetian Plaster is a product sold to create a marble-like finish. By applying thin coats of this plaster, using a trowel and burnishing afterward, a highly polished, shiny stone like finish can be created. However, this product can also be combined with an acrylic slow-drying medium (such as Modern Masters Extender for Latex Paint) and, after rolling it onto a surface, texture it by pressing and removing pieces of torn paper. This acts as a base coat for a coloured glaze application and when this process is finished, the outcome is that of a flat, distressed plaster wall and a very different look to the standard application of Venetian Plaster.
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Panels manipulated by dragging brushes or other tools through it. Texture Effects is another texturing medium. This product is like a plaster and has the addition of a fine aggregate. The product is wonderful for texturing surfaces creating a look of distressed plaster, raised ornament (trowel it through a stencil) or stone-like finishes. It can be tinted, rolled on and knocked down with a trowel then when dry, glazed. Metal Effects is a line of bronze base metallic paints that can be oxidised using the accompanying patina aging solutions. With these paints, wood can be made to look like green patinated copper, rusted iron or patinated bronze. The wood should first be primed with the Metal Effects Acid Blocking Primer then the metal effects paint and finally the patina solutions. SkimStone is a product made by RUDD. It is a hybridized Portland cement product that is coloured and applied in thin coats over floors, tables and countertops. It can also be brushed onto vertical surfaces. As stated previously, it is not recommended for wood floors but works well on wood furniture. The final result in the finish looks very much like concrete but depending on the colour can also look like African and English slate, sandstone and marble. Venetian Plaster comes in two types: lime and acrylic base. The lime base is not recommended for wood substrates as it is inflexible but the acrylic base plaster works well. This Venetian plaster is versatile and can be used traditionally to imitate high sheen marble or it can be manipulated while wet creating various finishes. Lace or cheesecloth can be pressed into it as can other objects such as feathers and shells. The former will give the decorative treatment a look of a fabric or tapestry while the latter imitates a fossilstone. The plaster can also be
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applied through stencils creating a look of embossed, carved ornament or it can be extruded through a pastry bag creating more intricate embossed ornamental designs.
Modern Approach Gilding or the application of metal leaf (such as silver, gold, dutch metal, copper and aluminum) has been used over wooden substrates for centuries. The leaf can be costly and is used mostly in small detailed areas, highlighting carved or decorative details on furniture. A modern day technique to applying a metal finish on detailed areas or on larger areas is by using a mica based metallic paint. These acrylic paints are non tarnishing and come in a range of colours. Metallic Paint Collection includes 50 pre-mixed colours and these paints can be applied directly over a primer to achieve a solid colour or can be mixed with an Extender to create a glaze that
will give movement and depth to the furniture or other wooden substrate. Ornamentation for furniture or other surfaces has traditionally been executed by hand. The design was drawn out on parchment paper and transferred to the surface using a pounce method (piercing small holes along the lines of the drawing and rubbing chalk through the holes). The design was then hand painted, gilded or glazed. A huge time saving contemporary method is applying ornament using laser cut designs. These designs are pre-cut to the specified size and applied to the surface by peeling off the backing paper and sticking it to the surface (one side has an adhesive on it). The design is then textured, painted, gilded or glazed and when the medium used is dry, peeled away and discarded. These designs can be costly but they make up in the time and labour saved in the process. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 4202
ENQUIRY NO. 214
Predictable suPPly. affordable Prices. That’s the way we do business at Weyerhaeuser each and every day. Our Northwest Hardwoods brand lumber is available in a wide range of grades that have been hand selected for maximum yield. This translates to more usable lumber and cost efficiency for you. And American hardwoods are in plentiful supply: the volume has more than doubled since 1953. USDA Forest Service 2007 Contact us for a quote today: Asiasales@weyerhaeuser.com
northwesthardwoods.com
Shanghai, China: 86.21.6249.9898 • Vietnam/Guangzhou, China: 86.20.3878.1570 • Hong Kong: 852.2865.5922 ,
and Northwest Hardwoods are registered trademarks of Weyerhaeuser. © 2011 Weyerhaeuser Company. All rights reserved.
Surfaces & Flooring
Sanding Machines:
Woodworking’s Smooth Operators More than 40 years after the first pneumatic straight line sander was patented, this range of machinery has evolved to provide flexible solutions to today’s sophisticated production processes. By Augustine Quek
T
he processing of surfaces, also known as surface grinding or polishing, is by far the most common method used to improve the surface quality and as preparation for further surface treatment. Sanding machines are used to finish a wide variety of surfaces such as wood, plastic or composites through the application of abrasive mounted on belts, discs or sheets. Sanding machines imitate in principle the sanding motion of manual sanding, but with higher operating speed and efficiency.
Modern Sanding Machines Modern sanding machines are available in many different forms, including contact-wheel and edge belt sanders, disc, drum, sleeve, orbital, planetary, surface, conveyor, stroke, pad, vibratory and oscillatory. Contact-wheel belt sanders consist of a driven contactwheel and a tensioning idler wheel or pulley. Abrasive belts are mounted on both the contact wheel and the idler wheel. Workpieces are then ground or sanded against the abrasive
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belt. Contact wheels vary according to the degree of finishing required. Edge belt-sanders (edge sanders), or sidestroke sanders are a type of edge belt-sander that combines a driven contact wheel and tensioning wheel or pulley with an intermediate platen behind an abrasive belt. Platen types vary by operation and are constructed of smooth, low-friction materials that reduce heating and limit thermally-induced belt damage. These sanding machines are usually stationary and feature a long, flat platen behind a horizontal belt-sanding surface. Disc sanders are abrasive-disc grinders or grinding-wheel face girders. Another common sander is the orbital sander or planetary sander, which vibrates in small circles in an orbital or planetary motion and is commonly used for fine finishings. Drum sanders and sleeve sanders are designed to drive an expanding drum that accepts abrasive sleeves. Surface grinding machines and conveyor sanders are used to grind flat and/or square surfaces.
Surfaces & Flooring
Programmable Options Many brands of sanders and sanding machines with computer numerical control (CNC), a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a Microsoft Windows interface are now available. Options
for sanding machines include: cabinets and enclosures, double-sided operation, dressing systems, dust collection and filtration systems, multiple heads, variable or multi-speed control, conveyors or continuous-feed mechanisms, load arms or robotics, and vacuum loaders. The latest features of a modern sanding machine can be seen in the SXE450 TurboTec, from German-based company Metabo. It is a 6-inch random orbit sander that can be switched from fast stock removal to fine finishing with the touch of a button. The SXE450 TurboTec can perform 8,400 to 22,000 orbits per minute at an adjustable orbit size of either 0.125 inch for fine finishing or 0.25 inch for stock removal. This adjustable oscillating circuit system, together with additional TurboBoost, allows the sander to deliver added power on demand for heavy-duty sanding, and applications that require high performance in the fast removal of stock, as well as in fine finishing and polishing. The TurboTec has a lightweight and comfortable handle design, with die-cast aluminium bearing housing and dustproof bearings. The rubber handle ensures a secure grip and dampens vibration for added comfort, while a removable
ENQUIRY NO. 258
Stroke sanders or pad sanders use a platen with the inverse shape of the moulding to be finished behind the belt. Vibratory sanders and oscillatory sanders use a vibratory or oscillatory motion during finishing operations. Flap sanders or sanding flap wheels uses a sanding attachment shaped like a Rolodex and used on a hand-held drill or mounted on a bench grinder for finishing curved surfaces. Many different types of specialty sanders and sanding machines are commonly available. Examples include scarifiers, power files, and scrapers, as well as products for extrusion or flow honing, thermal deburring or stripping. Sanding machines are also different with regard to automation and options. While manual sanders require manual loading, setup and operation, automatic sanders or indexing machines load the workpiece automatically and can be operated without user intervention.
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Surfaces & Flooring According to the company, the sander has an impressive power-to-weight ratio and its 9.5mm orbit provides fast and efficient operation. Paired with the 3M Hookit Disc 255P, the sander can be used for intermediate and final sanding on lacquered hard and soft wood, paints, solid surface materials and metal. With the 3M Hookit Disc 245 other functions can be performed such as satin finishing and light deburring, and is suitable for use on wood, metal, paints, fillers and plastics.
Development In Control Technology
There are many sanding options for different finishes.
front handle enables the user to guide the tool precisely with minimal effort. The sander has a 3.4A motor, weighs just 5.75 pounds and is 11.5 inches long, with a Velcro-faced backing pad, hexagon key and assorted sanding paper. Variable speed changes up to the tool's rated load of 8,000 rpm, is controlled by Variospeed (V) electronics, via a thumbwheel. The integrated dust collection system uses a washable Intec filter, with the option to attach a vacuum hose. Sanding machines are also multi-functional for a range of modern finishes. For example, the range of wide belt sanding machines from Italian company Costa can de-oxidise, de-bur and finish punched or laser cut parts. According to the company, the wide belt sanding machines use revolving brushes to drastically reduce the time it takes to de-oxidise, de-burr and finish laser cut parts before painting. These machines also cover many types of grinding/ polishing/ deburring or wet polishing work. Ergonomics of sanding machines has also improved. For example, 3M has a two-handed random orbital sander to improve handling and toughness in applications where extra leverage and power is needed. Designed to work with 3M's Hookit abrasive discs, the sander comes with a low-profile backup pad to provide a smooth, consistent finish and greater operator comfort. It has two-handed functionality with and without the removable side handle, with use of the handle being recommended for reduced vibration.
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Control technology has also been improved in sanding machines and incorporated in many automated processes. For example, a custom woodworking machine built using ethernet-compatible motion control components from Baldor Electric has automated the precision finishing of fret boards for US acoustic guitar manufacturer, Martin Guitar (CF Martin and Co). Dual sanding belts and a swinging workholder on the machine are controlled by a combination of linear and rotary servomotor axes. Four axes of motion provide ultra-precise and smooth machining that enhances both the speed and quality of fret board production. The architecture of the machine is based on a Powerlink compatible machine controller called NextMove e100. It controls all six axes of movement. Four are via Powerlink connections to Baldor MicroFlex e100 motor drives. Stop/start and speed of the two sanding belt axes (controlled by Baldor H2 ac drives and vector motors) are via digital I/O signals. Rotary axes are driven by Baldor BSM servomotors, with the linear motor axis implemented by a Baldor LMCF motor. According to Baldor, Powerlink simplifies the electrical design of the machine in that just one network cable links four motion axes. The other axes connect directly to the controller. The electrical architecture of the machine is based on a Powerlinkcompatible machine controller called NextMove e100. Programming can be done through English-like high-level commands on a Baldor Mint development environment for Powerlink, effectively providing ready to use software routines for much of the motion required. In particular, two simple lines of code interpolate the two rotary and linear axes controlling the swing-arm jig. This controls all six axes of movement: four via Powerlink connections to Baldor MicroFlex e100 motor drives, as well as stop/start and speed control of the two sanding belt axes (controlled by Baldor H2 AC drives and vector motors) by means of digital I/O signals. By using dual sanding belts and a swinging work holder controlled by a combination of linear and rotary servomotor axes, this machine now replaces a previous manually-actuated sanding process.
Kirby Urner
Surfaces & Flooring In conventional guitar production, fret board production relied on the knowledge and skill of highly experienced technicians. The board's straightness, and accuracy of the radius, makes a major contribution to the instrument's quality and playability. The required finish are produced by means of a special swinging jig that holds the fret board, and presents it to a motorised sanding belt. Two vector motors power the rough and smooth sanding belts. Two servomotor axes with ball screw jacks are used to raise the belts after the work piece has moved across the sanding faces. Finally, the swing-arm jig that holds the fret board is powered by two axes of motion: a servomotor to swing the fret board in an arc, plus a linear motion axis that moves the swinging arm across the sanding belts. The linear motion has a special layout of the magnetic elements that eliminates the tiny vibrations that can take place as the motor transitions between magnetic poles. This smoothness is also aided by a specially-designed stiff aluminum mounting frame.
Increased Efficiency In Production Different woods also benefit from variations in the sanding process. A touch screen human-machine interface lets operators load the optimum sanding routine. According to Martin Guitar, the machine has boosted the basic speed of sanding by around 60 percent, as well as virtually eliminating rework. Previously, around 40 percent of fret boards would need to go through the sanding process a second time to make sure they meet the quality of finish standards demanded by Martin Guitar. This has now been reduced to three percent, and Martin Guitar is in the process of investigating how modifications to the upstream wood milling process might lower this figure even further. Another example comes from German woodworking machinery specialist, Butfering Schleiftechnik. It uses Moeller Electric's MFD-Titan controller as the control system of its SWO range of wide-belt sanders, which are exported to countries all over the world. Butfering SWO wide-belt sanders perform high precision coarse, pre-sanding and final sanding operations, and are designed to process solid wood workpieces in a single pass. The units combine the functions of a sophisticated programmable relay with those of an electronic HMI panel in a single compact module, which is designed for panel mounting in a standard 65mm square aperture. The machines feature a modular design which allows them to be used in standalone applications, or to be integrated with automated production lines. The operation of the machines centres on an air sanding shoe, which must be accurately applied to and removed from workpieces travelling at speeds from 2 to 13 metre per second.
Modern sanding machines can be automated or manually operated.
This involves making calculations to compensate for the small but significant delay in the response of the pneumatic system. In addition to standard control and interlocking functions, Moeller Electric's MFD-Titan offers facilities for carrying out fast calculations, and the unit's integral display screen offers a 132 x 64 pixel area which can be used for any combination of graphics and alphanumeric characters. Further, the unit has eight user-programmable keys on its front panel which offer a convenient option for entering setpoints. The MFD-Titan system can also be readily networked with one another, or with Moeller Electric's easy800 programmable relays. This meant that future enhancements to the machines and modifications to meet specific customer requirements would be easy to accommodate. In addition, the open communications options offered by MFD-Titan include support for Profibus DP, DeviceNet, CANopen and other protocols, allowing SWO machines to integrate with almost any type of automated production plant. Globalisation means that global production systems now require the combination of highly sophisticated manufacturing processes with lower manufacturing cost. Sanding machines have become part of the global manufacturing process with improved ergonomics, flexibility, controls and automation. FDM
ENQUIRY NO. 4301
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TARGET! MEETING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS! When When the the numbers numbers have have to to count, count, FDM FDM Asia Asia will will help help you you meet meet your your business business targets. targets. 11 and and ONLY ONLY BPA-audited BPA-audited woodworking woodworking publication publication in in the the Asia Asia Pacifi Pacificc region region 25,000 potential potential buyers buyers and and business business partners partners are are waiting waiting to to see see your your products products && services. services. 25,000 Advertorial, eMail eMail Blast, Blast, Loose Loose Inserts, Inserts, Print, Print, Exhibition Exhibition or or eMedia, eMedia, we we customise customise Advertorial, programmes tailored tailored to to suit suit your your business business needs needs and and marketing marketing budget budget programmes Furniture Furniture Design Design And And Manufacturing Manufacturing Asia Asia Established Established Since Since 1986 1986
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ENQUIRY NO. 240
Furniture Design & Technology
Pretty Visual Effects on
WOOD SLICES
Jacques, Cape Town, South Africa
US Army Corps of Engineers, US
Although they are usually thinner than 3 mm, veneers are sometimes preferred over hardwood as it uses less wood resources. By Natalia Tee
54 FDM Asia may/jun 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Decorative Veneers Production
due to shortage of timber available for processing and manufacturing. From an environmental point of view, this technology is advantageous as furniture made with wood veneer uses less wood than one made with solid wood. Woodworking manufacturers are able to accomplish designs with this technology that are otherwise difficult or expensive to create with solid wood. Audin Malmin, Seattle, US
C
lassified under one of the major categories of veneers, decorative veneer is produced for its aesthetic surface appeal. Other applications include furniture and cabinetry. Some veneers are also used for profile wrapping, typically over MDF, for highend millwork applications. Sliced thinly from wood, usually thinner than 3 mm, veneers are typically glued onto various wood boards. Dimensional tolerance of veneer varies in different countries. The nominal thickness of veneers produced in Australia is 0.6 mm as compared to in Japan, where the thickness ranges from 0.2 to 0.3 mm. Decorative Wood Veneers Association (DWVA), which acts as the authority on decorative wood veneers and their panel products in Australia, identifies the importance of veneering technology
Manufacturing quality decorative veneer is exacting and costly. Veneer companies are selective in their logs. In the scenario when the log’s quality is lower than anticipated, the cost of manufacturing veneers exceeds the veneer’s selling price. This process is rendered harder when companies are not able to physically inspect the veneer trees. Selection factors to take into consideration consist of site, soil type, condition of the timber stand, its history and, visible and internal defects. Gum vein, rot and insect damage are difficult to detect from the log’s exterior surface. After the logs are selected, they are cut into flitches of desired lengths, which may be as long as 2.4 to 3.9 m. The log
Furniture Design & Technology quality and size determine the method of shaping the flitch and slicing. This is followed by heating in water vats or steamed to soften the wood, making them easier to slice or cut as well as improving the quality of the veneer produced. Heating or cooking schedule depends on the density of species and size of flitches. Temperature may range between 50 deg C and 90 deg C, while the heating time may stretch from 24 to 36 hours. Undercooked logs will not slice
smoothly while overcooked logs can become ‘hot cut’. It is important to note that lighter woods such as maple and ash easily turn brown if they are left to cook for too long. On the contrary, walnut has to be heated for extended periods to even the colour. The next process is slicing, followed by sweating, which allows the veneer to set overnight.
Sliced For Visual Effects Slicing is used to produce decorative
Quarter Cut
• Quarter log or flitch is mounted on metal frame • Growth rings of the flitch strike the knife at approximately right angles • Requires largest diameter logs, usually from tropical species • Average inclination of growth rings to the wide surface is greater than 45 deg C
Crown Cut
• Half log or flitch is mounted on a metal frame with the heart side flat against the guide plate • Frame moves up and down against the knife in a straight plane parallel to a line through the centre of the flitch • Knife moves forward the same distance as the thickness of veneer is removed • Repeated until entire flitch is converted into veneer • Suitable for wall panels and furniture because of the ability to match sequences of leaves in “book- and endmatches”
Half-Round
• Segments or flitches of the log are mounted off centre in the lathe then rotated against a knife and a pressure bar • Veneer is cut in a curved manner slightly across the annual growth rings • Modified characteristics of both rotary and flat sliced methods are visibly seen on the veneer • Able to produce a wider sheet of veneer from a given size of log compared to flat slicing • Suitable for producing veneer from young logs with smaller diameters • Usually used for species of oak as they have medullary ray cells • Cut at an angle of about 15 deg off the quartered position to avoid the flake figure of the medullary rays
ENQUIRY NO. 204
Rift Cut
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Furniture Design & Technology Suitable Substrate According to Composite Panels Association (CPA), which represents North American composite panel industry, composite panels are a preferred substrate for decorative veneers due to the superior surface qualities in terms of flatness, smoothness and free of knots and grain patterns. In addition, their dimensional stability and strength property are further enhanced.
Veneers can be overlaid with either heat-activated resins or cold press. Urea-based adhesive is mainly used in hot press systems due to its ability to make the panel more rigid, faster processing parameters and lower cost base. Local Louisville, Kentucky, US
veneers. Two logs from the same species may produce different visual characteristics if they are cut differently. This implies the method used to cut veneers is important in producing various visual effects. Quarter cut, crown cut, half-round and rift cut produce different grain patterns regardless of the wood species involved.
Audin Malmin, Seattle, US
Let’s Join Them Together Matching is the term used to describe the method by which the individual veneer leaves are jointed edge to edge into a layon in order to create the width necessary to cover the surface of substrate material. The method of match determines the final appearance of the panel. In essence, the choice of veneer colour and grain pattern produce decorative effects. Book, slip, reverse slip, diamond and reverse diamond matching are some of the methods of veneer matching. Book Matching: Based on the mirror image principle, successive veneer leaves are placed in a flitch that are turned over like the pages in a book, resulting in a series of pairs. A bookmatch is commonly seen on furniture where veneer with a strong figure, such as swirl mahogany or walnut is used, is suitable on cupboard doors or tabletops. Slip Matching: Successive veneer leaves in a flitch are slipped one alongside the other, followed by gluing the edges. The result is a series of grain patterns but no pairs. As all the faces have the same light refraction, there is uniformity of colour in the veneer layon. Reverse Slip Matching: In contrast, veneer leaves are slip matched then every second leaf is turned end to end. Generally used with crown cut veneers, this method balances crowns in the leaves so that not all the crowns appear at one end. Random Matching: This method disperses characteristics such as knots or gum veins more evenly across the sheet. The advantage from this method is that veneers from several logs may be used in the manufacture of a set of panels. Herringbone Matching: Veneer strips are used and matched to both sides of a centre line, resulting in the appearance of fish bones attached to backbone. Diamond Matching & Reverse Diamond Matching: A variation of quarter matching, this method is advantageous when the veneer is straight grained with not too much figure. While diamond matching gives off the appearance of a closed diamond, reverse diamond matching displays an ‘X’ pattern.
Cold press systems use polyvinyl acetates, casein and contact adhesives. Typically used for smaller production quantities, these systems are less rigid than heat-activated resin systems. Moisture content of veneer and substrate at the time of gluing and pressing is an important factor in achieving high quality panels. Moreover, it is essential that the moisture content of two materials to be held at about the same level in order to eliminate high stresses due to differential movement. In essence, using veneers is preferred over hardwood as the amount of wood resources is reduced, as such often termed ‘environmental-friendly’. Besides saving costs on transport and usage, decorative veneers appeal to customers who would like to see the grain patterns on the wood furniture. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 4401
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ENQUIRY NO. 251
Wood & Sustainability
Biocomposite:
COMPETENT SUBSTITUTE Of As raw wood materials become scarcer, manufacturers are encouraged to explore the potential of available resources for the production of new value-added products. By Loh Yueh Feng and Noor Intan Saffinaz Anuar, Malaysia Timber Industry Board
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alaysian timber industry is one of the major revenue contributor and significant foreign exchange earner for the country’s economy. Over the last few decades, the Malaysian wood-based sector has been an export-oriented industry. In the year 2010, export revenue from this sector reached RM20.5 billion
(US$6.8 billion) and plywood and furniture products were the ‘growth drivers’ of this industry. These two products accounted for more than half of all receipts from the total of Malaysia’s timber industry exports. Wood-based panel (WBP) products such as plywood, MDF and particleboard, contributed 32 percent (25 percent, 6
Malaysian Wood_Eng54x240.pdf
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4/25/11
Wood & Sustainability Natural Fibre Materials As Alternatives Natural fibre materials can be seen as good alternative materials for the local timber industry to produce valueadded composite products. Natural fibres have excellent physical and mechanical properties and can be used in producing composite products for various applications. The industry is therefore encouraged to explore the potential of available resources for the production of new value-added products that will enhance the industry’s growth, competitiveness and sustainability. Natural fibres which would otherwise not be utilised and therefore be considered as waste materials can be researched and developed into viable products which can be marketed both domestically and overseas. This would open up new areas of growth as well as a new industry based on fibres and biocomposite materials. Natural fibres are the next generation of biomaterials. The utilisation of biocomposite materials will gain momentum in the years to come as products manufactured from natural fibres and biocomposite materials gain popularity. These products C
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ENQUIRY NO. 252
percent and 1 percent respectively), while sawn timber, saw logs, moulding and joinery and others registered close to 36 percent of the total export value. In the tropics, Malaysia leads other countries in the export of tropical sawn timber and has become the world’s second largest exporter of veneer/ plywood after Indonesia. The rich biodiversity of Malaysia is imparted by diversity of timber species in the tropical rainforest. These timber resources is the source of income and work opportunities for more than 300,000 workers in the primary processing sector which produces sawntimber, plywood and veneer. However, the industry is now facing challenges of declining raw material supply. Highly dependent on primary processing and being export-oriented, the timber industry is vulnerable to the dynamics of local and international environment. Furthermore, concerns pertaining to the impact of the timber logging, environmental safety, sustainable and renewable material, and the awareness towards environmentally friendly materials are calling for paradigm shift in the industry towards greener technology and products.
Natural fibres can be researched and developed into viable products
Wood & Sustainability can be considered environmentally friendly green products since they are manufactured from waste materials which would otherwise be disposed of through incineration. Composite industry globally can tap into potential new products manufactured from this supply as the constraint of wood becomes increasingly evident. Current research findings have shown that in certain composite applications, natural fibres demonstrate competitive performance to glass fibres. Advantages of natural fibres over synthetic fibres like glass and carbon fibres are biodegradability, reduction of greenhouse gas emission, low energy consumption and utilisation, low cost, development of non-food agricultural based economy, low density and acceptable specific strength properties. Eco-friendly biocomposites have the potential to be the material of the 21st century and be a partial solution to many global environmental problems. The basic element for biocomposite products would be natural fibres. The term biocomposite is being used to describe
Biocomposites can be used as alternative building materials
as glass and carbon also fall under biocomposites. Biocomposites produced from natural fibre and biopolymers are more eco-friendly and are often termed as green composites. Biocomposites are emerging as a viable alternative to glass fibre composites, particularly in building, automotive and consumer products.
Insufficient Timber Supply An estimated 20 million metric tonnes
Waste materials can be made into functional products.
any natural fibre materials bonded with petroleum-derived nonbiodegradable polymer like polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and epoxies or biopolymers like PLA and PHA. Composite materials derived from biopolymer and artificial fibres such
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of natural fibres are produced globally. In Malaysia, there are huge amounts of natural fibre materials estimated at 9.83 million cubic metres per annum produced from wood residues. Residues from agriculture sectors such as oil palm amount to 46 million cubic metres per
year and coconut stems estimated at 3,200 tonnes per year. Malaysia produces more than 30 million tonnes of oil palm biomass annually in the form of oil palm trunks, oil palm frond and empty fruit bunches. All of these natural fibres have the potential to be used in manufacturing composite products for various end uses, especially in building construction and automotive. The use of natural fibres for technical composite application has been the subject of intensive research in both Europe and USA. Automotive components are produced from natural fibres like flax, hemp or sisal bonded with PP or PE. The adoption of natural fibres composites in this industry is lead by the following factors: price, reduction of weight and marketing, rather than technical demands. Currently in Malaysia, natural fibres such as empty fruit bunch and kenaf are being utilised commercially in biocomposite in combination with PP for automotive applications. Biocomposite products need to be further developed as a long-term strategy to make use of the tremendous wealth of natural fibres that are currently under-utilised. The declining supply of wood coupled with increasing prices of raw materials is causing concern and in this context, natural fibre materials can be seen as good alternative materials for the industry to produce value-added biocomposite products. Although at present the commercial applications for green composites are limited, especially for biocomposites for construction and automotive applications, ongoing research and development programmes in natural fibre-reinforced composite and biopolymers is likely to lead to further advances and opportunities in this industry. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 4501
印尼家具制造零配件展
Furniture Manufacturing Components Show 2011 25 11.23nal o i t a n r e t n arta I
Jak
Expo
w t . m o c . o g i a k . c a fm
http://i
Organizer:
Please Complete the Inquiry Form and fax to +886-2-2595-5726 Visiting
Kaigo CO., Ltd.
Company Contact Person
Email: event@kaigo.com.tw Tel:+886-2-2595-4212 Ext. 721 Aaron Turner Ext. 718 Jany Kao
Job Title
Address Telephone
Fax
Website
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etmE
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ENQUIRY NO. 247
I am interested in Exhibiting
Wood & Sustainability
Digital BigBrother The
Dariusz Dembinski, Slaskie, Poland
Sustainable management of forests can be realised with the aid of digital technologies. By Natalia Tee
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Geocaching
Wood & Sustainability
GPS receivers are one of the tools that forest managers can use.
Information Is The Key The goal of implementing forestry programmes is to protect ecological services and sustain forest development. As such, forestry programmes have to be implemented with accurate and transparent forestry information. Likewise, the Commonwealth Forest Congress states that information is one of
the keys to efficient forest management, and further progress towards sustainability may be achieved through better use of existing information technologies. Efficient management requires relevant, timely and accurate information. According to Canadian Forest Service, information is needed to monitor and report on a range of criteria and indicators of sustainable forest management. The ability to detect and monitor spatial patterns of forest changes over time provides data for modelling and even predicting future changes in forest health.
Transition From Paper To Digital Devices Previously, forest management involved single-variable growth and yield models that were presented as tables or diagrams on paper. Forest managers relied on continuous forest inventory and similar monitoring systems to assess management impacts and sustainability. The development of sustainable forestry has changed from insufficient forest resources, unbalanced forest age structure and inaccurate forest information, to the current use of digital technology. Today, digital forestry comprises systematically acquiring, integrating,
ENQUIRY NO. 180
A
ccording to the International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, the luxury of having the fifth largest forest area in the world allows China to undergo excessive logging of natural forests and make tremendous efforts in afforestation. This is due to the fact that any change in China’s forestry development will have an impact on the global ecological sustainability. Sustainability means maintaining or enhancing the contribution of forests to human well-being without compromising on ecosystem integrity, such as resilience, function and biological diversity. This concept is increasingly important as the United Nations moves to reduce the destruction of rainforests as well as meeting the demands of a growing global population.
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analysing and applying digital information to support sustainable forests. It links all facets of forestry information through a digital network. Forest information becomes more accurate and transparent, with reliable feedback from lower to higher forestry organisations. Adding on, contemporary forestry management seeks to achieve multiple purposes that require complex tools. These complex tools often involve mathematical models that do not have exact analytical solutions. Therefore, they cannot be used as traditional growth and yield tables. Although applying digital technology to forestry requires high initial investment,
Doc Searls, California, US
Wood & Sustainability
Flavio Takemoto, Brazil
Remote sensing provides an aerial view and forestry information like forest fire.
technologies in handling large amount of information.
Digital Forestry Remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and visualisation are some of the digital technologies used to promote sustainable forest. Indeed, adaptive management requires prediction systems to provide adequate information for efficient decision-making.
there are economic benefits in the long run within a forestry organisation. Pertaining to China, digital forestry concept was tested in Baihe Forestry Bureau in Jilin Province and Benxi City Forestry Bureau in Liaoning Province. Digital tools had helped to implement forestry programmes, use government funds, and balance short-term income and long-term sustainable development. The replacement of conventional analogue tools with digital ones had widen the local foresters’ knowledge, resulting in the effectiveness of digital
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Winrock, a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainable forest, believes that digital aerial imagery is crucial in providing quality forest management data. It uses laser rangefinders, GPS receivers and high-resolution digital cameras to capture three-dimensional landscape characteristics. These can be further translated into photo mosaics, digital elevation models, and automated classifications of vegetation. The result is an image of higher resolution than comparable satellite photographs.
Digital remote sensing
Data acquisition with increasing spatial, spectral, temporal, and radiometric resolution. It enables early detection of phenomena such as logging or fire.
GIS
Forest ecosystem management, fire management and control, forest access.
GPS receivers
Survey, mapping, consumer grade or handheld. Handheld GPS has positional accuracy within 5m of the true position.
Visualisation techniques
Displays trees, stands and forested landscapes in virtual environments of two-dimensional or three-dimensional static graphics as well as in animations.
Wood & Sustainability Emilian Robert Vicol
Timber Content Measurement With Laser TreeMetrics, an Irish software company, has developed a laser-based system that measures timber content of trees and a ‘virtual sawmill’ software that promotes cost-effective use of forest resources. The technology enables growers to sell their trees at an optimal price and for purchasers to improve their product recovery. The technology operates with the laser scanner emitting either laser beams or laser pulses across a measurement plot in the forest. As each beam hits an object, its response time is measured and co-ordinates are given. An average 30 m scan takes approximately ten minutes to set up and eight minutes to complete. Co-ordinates collected from each scan results in a database of specific measurements. Not only are the locations of the detected trees recorded,
characteristics like height, straightness and volume are analysed. Once the data is collected in the forest, it can be downloaded onto a computer using the software. The ‘virtual sawmill’ software processes primary data and filters unwanted data. As a result, the digital terrain model is provided, creating a three-dimensional profile of each tree. Data can be stored and future scans taken from the same position can be used to evaluate growth patterns. In addition, the data can be used in crosscutting simulation models to optimise the product recovery from a forest. The diverse range of technologies that can promote sustainable forest calls for advanced technologies. Data collected from different digital methods can help forest managers better understand forest health, as well as equip them with the knowledge of which trees are suitable FDM ENQUIRY NO. 4502 for logging.
Digital forestry programmes are both feasible and useful as they play an important interactive role in top-down forestry administration system. The analogue-to-digital transition in technology is expected to lead to the success of forestry programmes and transitions.
ENQUIRY NO. 108
Jakub Krechowicz, Gdansk, Poland
Data collected from different digital methods can help forest managers better understand forest health, as well as equip them with the knowledge of which trees are suitable for logging.
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA may/jun 2011
65
Images courtesy of Turnstone Singapore
Exhibition Review
Thai International Furniture Fair 2011 March 16 – 20, 2011 • Bangkok, Thailand
O
rganised by the Department of Export Promotion and supported by the Thai Furniture Industry Club and Thai Furniture Industries Association (TFA), Thai International Furniture Fair (TIFF) 2011 was held at BITEC from March 16 to 20, 2011. The show opened with great panache and demonstration of strong government support with the theme of ‘Finding Green Piece’ and the well-attended welcoming display was entitled ‘Eco Design in Thailand’. The opening was attended by American ambassador Kristie Kenny and Mrs Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, director general of the Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce, who revealed its proactive marketing strategy of ‘Small Order OK’ or ‘SOOK’. The strategy aims to attract more potential buyers with smaller orders. ‘Small Order OK’ in Thai means happiness, which was the show’s promise to visitors. Thai furniture manufacturers were happy to give equal importance to everyone attending the show, attempting to meet every need, even for those placing small orders. A centrepiece of the fair was a design pavilion dedicated to the American Hardwood Design Camp showing ten prototype
66 FDM Asia MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
furniture pieces designed by the young participants for small living spaces. This project, commenced last year, was a collaboration between the TFA, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, American Hardwood Export Council and the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA), Embassy of the United States Bangkok, Thailand. Many of the 220 exhibitors had foreign partners in either production or marketing. Deputy trade minister Along Korn said that “the Thai furniture industry has shown signs of healthy growth since the latter part of last year” In January this year alone, the industry generated a total export value of over US$88.62 million, a promising growth over the last year. The growth has been particularly more active in Asian markets such as Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and India; as well as in emerging markets with high purchasing power such as China, Russia and the UAE. For 2011, Thailand has set an export target of US$1.3 billion, or a ten percent growth over that of 2010. TIFF 2012 is scheduled to take place in March 2012. FDM
ENQUIRY NO. 4601
Exhibition Review
Images courtesy of Turnstone Singapore
American Ambassador Kristie Kenney
live in smaller apartments and houses as the cost of land and construction rises. Participants were mentored by furniture designer Promote Kitjamnongpan, advisor to TFA and MD of Maxfine. “They learned a lot in a short time”, he said. The overall objectives of the camp are to create experiential learning opportunity for Thai students from Design C amp stud ents at w various institutions and universities in ork product design to learn from experts in the field of furniture design and manufacturing, and to encourage the participants to work as a team in developing designs. It provides opportunities for the members of TFA to take part in professional furniture design development in a collaboration between academia and business. For the participants, there are additional benefits: in learning about design and the furniture oung industry, the furniture design processes, marketing tions for y Camp ti e p m o c s and esign e D v k ti o ia k it g knowledge and the manufacturing process as well n in a lot of t the Ba There are EAN countries, bu Michael Buckley, as developing their creativity and design skills. AS By
y t i v i t CreOaf Youth in e. designers ne with a differenc ingapore S e is o n Turnsto
T
he now annual Bangkok Design Camp project is a collaboration between the Thai Furniture Industries Association (TFA), King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), the American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) Promote Kitjamnongpan, and the United State Department of advisor to TFA and Agriculture (USDA), Embassy of the United MD of Maxfine States Bangkok, Thailand. The project provides University graduating students an opportunity to experience the furniture product design process in a real-world environment under the guidance of experienced professionals, and encourages them to design furniture products that are not only aesthetic to look at, but also functional and can be produced for real-life commercial use.
New Designs For Small Spaces This year, the theme was about designing furniture for small spaces in recognition of the fact that many people these days
Unique Partnership Unique to this design camp was the role of so many players. AHEC, as coordinators was able to solicit the donation of hardwood from the industry to support the project. One of the problems for many similar initiatives for young designers is the difficulty of finding professional prototyping facilities, which is essential to the whole process. In this case, nine companies in Thailand undertook the task and worked from their plants with the participants to produce prototypes for exhibition. Working behind the scenes is Jirawat Tangkijngamwong, secretary general of TFA and deputy MD of Deesawat Industries, with his energy and knowledge of the Thai furniture industry. Ten teams each with three participants from ten institutions and universities were selected to take part in the design camp programme which involved professor Boonsanong Ratanasoontragul, dean of the faculty. Jirawat Tangkijngamwong was the special guest lecturer for the event. The reception, attended by industry leaders and the media, was held on a dedicated stand displaying the finished designs. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 4602
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA MAY/JUN 2011
67
Exhibition Review
Domotex Asia / Chinafloor
Shanghai New International Exhibition Center • Shanghai, China • March 22 to 24, 2011
D
omotex Asia / Chinafloor, the event of the year for the floor covering industry in Asia, took place in Shanghai, China, from March 22 to 24, 2011. The 2011 edition was the show’s largest instalment with 1,060 exhibitors and 107,100 sq m of gross exhibits, a 15 percent increase of floor space compared to last year. The event also received 39,343 visitors over the three days. “The increase of pre-registration figures, up 80 percent over last year’s pre-registration figures, signalled to us that the attendance this year would be extremely business focused,” explained Kitty Bai, the event’s show director. While the aisles were crowded from morning to afternoon, the word on everyone’s lips was ‘innovation’. Innovative locking systems for luxury vinyl tiles were displayed in halls W1 and W2, carpet making demonstrations conducted by a Tibetan weaver and a Persian carpet display area highlighted hall E1, while flooring installation demonstrations were carried out for the first time at the event in Hall E7. The numerous product launches coming from Asian companies and the growth of the show may be indicators of the pending shift in the market, from the traditional dominance
by the US and EU to more demand in Asia, fuelled by China’s construction boom. Parallel to the trade show, numerous specialised events completed a program busier than in any other previous editions. The Wood Flooring Forum gathered 350 industry patrons. Organised for the first time, the ABBS Sustainable Building Design and Technology Forum was also a major highlight, attracting more than 300 renowned architects to discuss on ‘Regeneration of Green Building’. “The success of this year’s on-site rebooking programme with numerous exhibitors increasing their exhibit space anticipates a continuous growth of the show for the 2012 edition,” said David Zhong, president of VNU Exhibitions Asia. “For this reason and to measure up to the industry’s expectations, we will work towards shaping additional education and networking events to next year’s program, such as a bamboo focused summit.” The next edition of the show will be held at Shanghai New International Exhibition Center from March 27 to 29, 2012.
FDM
68 FDM Asia MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
ENQUIRY NO. 4603
Exhibition Review Charm Of Imperfection Quest For Sustainability Jerome Lizambard International Sales & Marketing Director VNU Exhibitions Sustainable wood flooring is increasingly becoming a concern for Asia and China, as people are now more careful about where a product is from, and whether there is a certificate to prove it. Mr Lizambard explained that from design building all the way down to product marketing, wood flooring manufacturers start by showing that the products come from a sustainable source. In fact, this year’s wood flooring conference held at the event, discussed on how wood flooring could market itself as a sustainable product. The exhibition has seen an increase in the number of exhibitors for the wood industry. Other than the traditional dominant laminates at the show, there is also a higher level of hardwood and engineered wood products.
ENQUIRY NO. 4604
Tom Van Poyer Sales and marketing Director Chinafloors Timber (China) The charm of imperfection as described by Mr Van Poyer, is the latest trend in wood flooring, with people beginning to understand that flooring made from real natural material looks imperfect, for example, planks with knots or a crack. Asian tastes are following European trends, with larger planks, oaks, natural looks, and matte instead of high gloss. “Oak used to be a very European thing and North American, but I think oak in Asia is certainly taking over the markets, because it is a very stable product, you can stain it, and it looks very natural,” he said. He further explained: “European oak by definition means more knots, more cracks, and more character, and luckily for us, the trends is in line with what I call the charm of imperfection, oak with natural matte finishes.” ENQUIRY NO. 4605
Demand For Lumber Matt Duprey VP Sales Hancock Lumber Rob Brown Managing Partner Western Lumber Company The demand for lumber in China has driven US companies like Hancock Lumber and the Western Lumber Company to look at export opportunities to the country, in order to keep a balance in the business. “China’s a huge market and there’s tremendous opportunities here, it’s just a matter of getting the right combination of people and personalities, and getting people to work together towards the same goal. Right now it’s a wide open market, and we’re trying to find the right people for the business,” said Mr Brown.
Mr Duprey added that they want to increase their presence in the region, and for this, they are looking for the right partners for their products. Currently, about 10 to 15 percent of Hancock Lumber’s business is in Asia and China. Western Lumber’s business in the last four years has gone from having 85 percent of its business in the domestic market, to 70 percent import or export. ENQUIRY NO. 4606
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA MAY/JUN 2011
69
Calendar of Events
2011
May
25-28: interzum 2011 Cologne International Expocentre Cologne, Germany Tel: + 49 1805 0770 50 Fax: + 49 2218 2199 1 Email: interzum@visitor.koelnmesse.de Web: www.interzum.de
30-3 June: Ligna Hannover 2011 Hannover, Germany Tel: +49 511 89 32126 Fax: +49 511 89 31263 Web: www.ligna.de
June 9-12: The 16th China International Woodworking Machinery (Dalian) Exhibition Dalian Star-Sea Convention & Exhibition Center, Dalian World Expo Plaza Tel: 86 411 82538681 E-mail: mariahcheng@dbfexhibition.com Web: www.sinoexhibition.com
29: 16th Southeast Asia & Greater China Convention American Hardwood Export Council Nanjing, China Tel: +852-2724 0228 Fax: +852-2366 8931 Email: info@ahec-china.org Web: www.ahec-seasia.org
July 7-10: Interwood Taipei World Trade Center Taipei, Taiwan Tel: +886 22725 5200 Fax: +886 22757 6245 Web: www.interwood.com.tw
21-23: WoodMach Cebu 2011 Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, Lahug City, Philippines Tel: (632)750-8588 Fax: (632) 750-8585 Email: info@globallinkmp.com Web: www.globallinkmp.com
20-23: AWFS Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas, USA Tel: +1 702-322-5700 Web: www.awfsfair.org
15-18: Cairo International Wood & Wood Machinery Show 2011 Cairo International Convention Centre Tel: +971 4 28 29 299 Fax: +971 4 28 28 767 Email: marketing@cairowoodshow.com Web: www.cairowoodshow.com
August 25-28: Cambowood 2011 Diamond Island Convention & Exhibiton Centre, Cambodia Tel: 886-2-2659-6000 Ext. 322 Fax: 886-2-2659-7000 Email: steven@chanchao.com.tw Web: www.asiamachinery.net
September 8-10: Woodworking Ireland 2011 National Show Centre Cloghran, Co Dublin Tel: +00 44 (0) 1474 536535 Fax: +00 44 (0) 1474 536552 Email: exhibitions@nelton.co.uk Web: www.nelton.co.uk
13-16: International Fair For The Wood, Furniture and Forestry Industries Expotrade Covention Center – Pinhais – Panara – Brazil Tel. +55 41 3027-6707 Fax.+55 41 3029-6486 Email: femade@hanover.com.br Web: www.feirafemade.com.br
14-17: FMC China Shanghai New Int’l Expo Center Shanghai, China Shanghai CMP Sinoexpo Int’l Exhibition Co Ltd Tel: +86 21 64371178 Fax: +86 21 64370982 Web: www.fmcchina.com.cn
To be considered for inclusion in the Calendar of Events, send details of event (name, date, venue, organiser contact) to: The Editor FDM Asia Eastern Trade Media Pte Ltd 1100 Lower Delta Road EPL Building #02-05 Singapore 169206 Tel: (65) 6379 2888 • Fax: (65) 6379 2805 Email: fdmasia@epl.com.sg Kindly indicate the events you are interested in and fax the sheet/s along with your details in the Product Enquiry Page to (65) 6379 2806 or enquire online at www.fdmasia.com
21-24: NHLA Annual Convention & Exhibit Showcase National Hardwood Lumber Association Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center Tennesse, US Tel: 901-399-7551 Email: l.browne@nhla.com Web: www.nhlaconvention.com
22-25: Aseanwood Woodtech 2011 Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Trade-Link Management Services Sdn Bhd Tel: +603 7842 9863 Fax: +603 7842 7863 Email: info@tradelink.com.my Web: www.tradelink.com.my
27-29: Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo 2011 Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, Canada Phone: 866-967-2015 Fax: 630-929-8994 Email: wms@heiexpo.com Web: www.woodworkingexpo.ca
28-30: Japan Home & Building Show 2011 Tokyo International Exhibition Center Tokyo, Japan Tel: +81 3 3434 1988 Fax: +81 3 3434 8076 Web: www.jma.or.jp
October 6-8: The Wood Machinery Exhibition Simmonscourt, Rds, Dublin Phone: (00 353 (0) 1 288 8821 Fax: (00 353 (0) 1 288 3127 Email: david@exhibitionsireland.com Web: www.woodmachineryexhibition.com
*All details subject to change without notice. Please check with organisers for updates.
Product highlights GreCon: Formaldehyde Emission Detector Gas Analysis System GA5000 is a laboratory system that determines formaldehyde emissions of wood based panels according to DIN EN 717-2. The gas analysis method is a quick measuring method in which the formaldehyde emissions of wood based panels are measured for four hours at 60 deg C. The GA 5000 system is operated intuitively via a touch screen display. To ensure correct and repeatable tests, the device uses modern digital components to monitor flow rate, temperature and pressure. These components make possible a more detailed display and check of the operating parameters. Besides the system itself, a comparison measurement is available, which allows user to compare the procedure during the execution of measurements with the measurements of an independent laboratory. ENQUIRY NO. P471
Tong Fong: Cutting Heads Cutting heads from Tong Fong work with four-sided vertical spindle moulders, copy shapers, double and tenoners, as well as CNC machining centres.
These products are able to withstand brute force cutting under heavey loads. The helical spiral design enables the cutters to handle uneven and warped surfaces. In addition, they are capable of cutting wide and thick timber with minimal cracking. These cutters eliminate breakout and burs while saving on electricity, generating a low noise output and elevating work efficiency. ENQUIRY NO. P473
Jowat: Adhesives
Wintersteiger: Thin-cutting Band Saw
Jowat-Toptherm 235.40 provides high shore hardness to the glueline, making it an ideal for all-round wrapping of panels with decorative finish foils. The adhesive is based on t a i l o r- m a d e polyolefin polymers (PO) and are designed for processing all standard wrapping and edgebanding materials. T h e s e polyolefins are characterised by good thermal stability that helps reduce cleaning and maintenance expenses. The low density and good hot tack of the hot melt adhesive also permits lower application amounts. These adhesives are superior to conventional EVAs with regard to the heat resistance levels.
DSB Twinhead NG is a multi-module, thin-cutting band saw with compact basic configuration that allows cutting widths up to 310 mm. A saw kerf starting at one mm enables a level of economics in the twinmodule basic version and represents an optimum priceperformance ratio.
ENQUIRY NO. P472
The saw owes its precision to its hard chrome-plated supporting table and pressure rollers directly above the cutting area that drive the unit. The constant stabilisation means that even rough-sawn blocks with longitudinal or latitudinal deformations, twisted, bend or cupped can be cut. ENQUIRY NO. P474
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA  May/JUN 2011
71
Advertising Index Enquiry Number
Sawing, drilling and milling aggregates for CNC machining centers for complete machining of wood, plastic and aluminium.
ENQUIRY NO. 243
Visit us at L I G N A Hall 26, Booth A29
ASIA BENZ GmbH Werkzeugsysteme Fon +49.7832.704-8500 wood@benz-tools.de www.benz-tools.com
CHINA Guangzhou Locus Fon +8613826124835 yangeemaju@pacific. net.sg
72 FDM Asia MAY/JUN 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Advertisers / Agency
Page Number
231
American Hardwood Export Council IFC
145
American Lumber Co
199 Bino (SH) Machinery Co Ltd
7
212 Baillie Lumber Co
11
243 Benz GmbH Werkzeugsysteme
72
242 China Foma (Group) Co Ltd
1
240 Chan Chao International Co Ltd (Vietnamwood 2011)
53 3
27
254 Dieffenbacher GmbH + Co KG
255 Dieffenbacher GmbH + Co KG OBC
253 DunHua Yalian Machine Co Ltd
17
238
Firefly AB
13
204
Fulpow Industrial Corp
55
249
Fagus-Grecon Greten GmbH & Co KG
21
225
Huntsman (Belgium) BVBA IBC
248
Homag Asia Pte Ltd
258
Holy Wood Industrial Corp
250 IMA AG Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
257 Internet Wood Glue Co Ltd
2
256
Jindal Wood Products Pvt Ltd
45
180
Jeffer Machinery Co Ltd
63
247 KAIGO Co Ltd
61
252 Malaysian Timber Industry Board
59
245
Qingdao Friend Woodworking Machinery Manufacturing Co Ltd 37
237
Surteco Pte Ltd
15
197
Siempelkamp Maschinen - und Anlagenbau GmbH & Co KG
5
239
Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo International Exhibition
9
241
Sandvik South East Asia Pte Ltd
43
246
Shanghai Qiulin Machinery Co Ltd
31
108 Taihao Woodworking Machinery Co Ltd
65
251 Technik Associates Inc
57
214 Weyerhaeuser Marketing
47
203 Wen Chih Machinery Industrial Co Ltd
41
244 Wuxi Huamei Plates Processing Co Ltd
19
Legend:
33 49 FC
Advertisers with e-Brochures
This quick reference guide is provided as an additional service. The publisher does not assume any liability for errors or ommission.
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No added formaldehyde. It’s the small things that count. I-BOND ® resins are the natural choice when trying to satisfy emission standards like CARB II and the Japanese F**** standard. I-BOND methyl diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) resins from HUNTSMAN are a family of powerful and fast curing, no added formaldehyde resins for the composite wood industry. They are used for bonding oriented strand board, medium density fiberboard, particleboard and wood fiber insulation boards. ®
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To find out more about the many benefits of the I-BOND ® range of resins, please contact us: Huntsman, No 452 Wen jing Road, Minhang Development Zone, Shanghai China 200245. Email: ibondwood@huntsman.com Telephone: +86 21 2403 7288.
I-BOND ® is a registered trademark of Huntsman Corporation or an affiliate thereof in one or more, but not all, countries.
ENQUIRY NO. 225
011 11 a 2 6. 20 n Lig 03.0 r , – ove F05 05. 30. Han ooth 7, B ll 2 G04 a H
Innovation has been in our genes since 1873
m e d i e n f o r m e r.de
PA N EL PL A N T S Even today, after more than 130 years, one thing above all drives us when we build complete lines for the wood panel industry: the development of concepts and technologies which not only satisfy but also delight our clients. To reduce material and energy costs, to boost productivity, or to ease the burden on the environment with intelligent solutions, for example. This is what we live for – now and in the future.
www.dieffenbacher.com
ENQUIRY NO. 255