Furniture Design And Manufacturing Asia Established Since 1986
MARCH 2011
EMERGENCE OF ENGINEERED WOOD FLOORINGS
Fast Booming CNC In Woodworking Industry
Space Management: Turning The Corner
The Path To Greener Pastures
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Furniture Design And Manufacturing Asia Established Since 1986
Contents march 2011 • VOL. 23 NO. 2
16
market report
16 China’s Imports Soar In 2010
Chinese wood products production increases by 20 percent, fuelling imports from Russia, Canada, New Zealand and US. By Russell Taylor, International Wood Markets Group
Focus
18 Short-cycle Presses: The Reliable Performer
A short-cycle press is often less talked about in the woodworking circles. New technologies have made these workhorses more compact, rigid and faster. By Shiv Kumar Shet, Biesse Manufacturing India
22
Kiln Drying Combats Moisture In Wood
With kiln drying, moisture in the wood is effectively removed without causing structural stress to the timbre. By Henry Lee
Technology 26
Fast Booming CNC In Woodworking Industry
Computer numerical control machinery is fast becoming commonplace in the woodworking industry since it is cost-efficient, improves productivity and performs tasks that were once thought to be difficult and labour-intensive in the past. By Dr Augustine Quek
18
FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY 38
Space Management: Turning The Corner
The scarcity of living space has shifted the focus of kitchen design from space utilisation to space management. Innovative designs and solutions will help drive the furniture industry forward. By Wong Tsz Hin
PANELS 30
Nested-Based Manufacturing: Keeping It Down
Technology is helping companies to reduce material wastage and lower production costs. By Michael Tham
22
SURFACES & FLOORING 34
Emergence Of Engineered Wood Floorings
Engineered wood floorings are favoured over solid wood due to its durability, sustainability and convenient installation method, explaining for the emergence of use at homes. By Natalia Tee
30 2 FDM Asia
march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
26
ENQUIRY NO. 197
New partnership between Siempelkamp and HAPCO: short-cycle presses with German expertise manufactured in China
www.siempelkamp.com
Contents march 2011 • VOL. 23 NO. 2
FEATURES
50 The Path To Greener Pastures As the world celebrates UN International Year of Forests 2011, the private sector may be the key to drive the industry to a sustainable future. By Wong Tsz Hin
42
54 Staying Competitive In The ‘New Economy’
50 WOODS & SUSTAINABILITY
A global research study of actions taken by manufacturing and distribution companies in Europe and North America. By William Johnston and Charlotte Darth, Lawson
58
42 Sustainable Forest Management In Asia: Status and Challenges Despite Asia’s high demand for wood and its dominance in global wood products trade, the development of the wood product sector in the region continues to suffer from a dwindling wood resource supply. The answer may lie in good forest management. By Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, FIWSc
Making A Lasting Impression
Globalisation has made the furniture market more competitive, causing the need to shift towards consumerorientated operations. Companies have to get into the minds of consumers to stay ahead. By Wong Tsz Hin
Regulars 06 Editorial 08 Industry News 68 Product Highlights 70 Calendar Of Events 72a Enquiry Form 72b Subscription Form
72 Page
advertisers’ enquiry numbers.
Events & Exhibitions Exhibition Review: 62 IMM Cologne 2011 Exhibition Preview: 63 MOYAF Inegol 2011 64 International Wood & Wood Show 2011 65 China Furniture & Woodworks 66 FMC China 2011
66
48 Case-Study: Staying Ahead Of The Game
Intelligent storage systems give local manufacturers the flexibility and automation they need to maximise productivity and remain competitive. By Barbara Schulz, Homag Australia
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Green Of The
G
oing green has been the talk of all industries in over a decade, and is increasingly becoming an integral part of any business operation, across all industries. With a focus on reducing carbon footprint, increasing efficiencies in the prevention of wastage, or even simply planting more trees, the business of going green has become part of a deciding factor in ascertaining a company’s repute in an expanding pool of environmentally conscious consumers. Universities and other tertiary institutions have each incorporated courses aimed at graduating individuals specialised in the area of sustainability. One of these is Stanford University’s Woods Institute for the Environment, which has recently awarded the ‘Leopold Leadership Fellowships’ for 2011 to 20 environmental researchers. The program was founded in 1998 to help academic scientists make their knowledge accessible to decision makers. Up to 20 mid-career academic environmental researchers are selected as fellows each year. A press release by Stanford said that the fellows would receive intensive leadership and communications training to help them engage effectively with policymakers, journalists, business leaders, and communities confronting complex decisions about sustainability and the environment. The importance of sustainability in the wood industry is emphasised, with the UN dedicating this year as the International Year of Forests. The declaration was made in 2006 to raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable forest management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations. All member states are encouraged to hold celebratory activities in respect of their forests through out the year to raise awareness at all levels. (Page 50) Asia was reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization to account for almost 20 percent of the global forested area, and the region is said to have the largest processing capacity for secondary wood products in the world. In a study by the International Furniture Research Group (IFRG) in 2009, Asia's biggest challenge in the future would be in ensuring a consistent supply of raw wood materials to meet its growing domestic demand. Dr Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam shares that the answer may lie in good forest management. (Page 42) With various sectors of the industry and governing bodies zoomed into the issue of managing a sustainable and environmentally friendly business climate, the industry is changing its outlook towards a greener, better tomorrow.
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Russell Taylor Shiv Kumar Shet Henry Lee Dr Augustine Quek Michael Tham Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam Barbara Schulz William Johnston Charlotte Darth
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Kenneth Tan
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I N D U S T R Y
Industry News
News
MARCH 2011
Vietnam’s Wood Industry Advised To Focus On Domestic Market Hanoi, Vietnam: The chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA) has urged local wood enterprises to turn their attention to the growing domestic market, according to a report by Viet Nam News. Vietnam’s wood export revenue is expected to hit US$4 billion in 2011. However, the association’s statistics have shown that although the country ranked
US Hits Chinese Furniture Manufacturers With Antidumping Duties flattop341, South Carolina, USA
fourth among wood exporters in Southeast Asia, only a mere 20 percent of wood consumed domestically are made by local manufacturers. The rest are imported from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand. The association has estimated that domestic demand will grow by an average of 15 percent per annum. The demand for high-end wood products in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi amounts to hundred of millions of dollars each year. Domestic manufacturers are urged to focus on the high to average income group to regain market share, using their familiarity with local requirements as an advantage. This comes after the increase in price of raw materials and tariffs threaten Vietnam’s foothold in overseas markets. Vietnam invests an average of US$1 billion for three million cubic metres of raw materials each year. The expenditure for raw materials stood at US$900 million in 2010. Only 20 percent of raw materials are supplied locally. The increase in prices of raw materials will likely raise the prices of finished products and reduce their competitiveness in the global market. This has prompted HAWA to advise manufacturers to divert their attentions to local demands rather
McKay Savage, Scarborough, Canada
than compete against each other in foreign markets.
Washington, USA: US Department of Commerce has released the preliminary results of antidumping duty administrative review for wooden bedroom furniture imported from China in 2009. The department has ruled that the furniture products under review were sold below normal value and as a measure to safeguard the interest of domestic manufacturers, preliminary antidumping duties of 16.24 percent have been imposed on 28 Chinese manufacturers. Final results of this administrative review are expected to be announced in June.
8 FDM Asia MARCH 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Industry News
Italian Woodworking Machinery Sees Increased Production In 2010 Michael Hiemstra, Canada
Milan, Italy: Italian woodworking machinery has observed a 23 percent increase in production in 2010 according to preliminary figures released by Acimall Studies Office. The latest figures indicate continual recovery of the industry but still fall short of the pre-crisis levels. Apparent consumption increased by 38 percent due to purchases in the first half of the year to benefit from tax allowance of the Tremonti Ter law. Import grew by 46.6 percent driven by increasing flow from China (up 35 percent) and Germany (up 61 percent). Export rose by 18.2 percent with majority of the products shipped to France, Germany, Belgium, Russia, Poland, China, Spain, US, Brazil and India.
Foreign orders are expected to grow
60 percent expect substantial stability
according to 40 percent of the sample,
and only 12 percent believe that things will improve.
The preliminary figures were
while 52 percent feel they will remain stable
confirmed by the trend of orders in
and eight percent anticipate a decrease.
Production is expected to enjoy
the final quarter of 2010. Domestic
Of the companies interviewed, 28 percent
a further growth of 10-15 percent in
orders have increased by 9.1 percent
predict a shrinking domestic market, while
2011.
compared to the same period in 2009, while foreign orders grew by 13.4 percent
percent compared to the October-
Dynea Acquires Romanian Company Rom Re Ro
December period of 2009.
with majority of the orders coming from China, India and the Middle East. On the whole, orders increased by 12.3
Helsinki, Finland: Dynea Chemical Oy
give Dynea the opportunity to focus
According to the quality survey, 44
has acquired the total capital stock
even more into phenolic specialty
percent of the companies interviewed
of Romanian adhesive manufacturer
areas.”
indicated a positive production trend.
S.C. Rom Re Ro Munteanu SRL in
Rom Re Ro is a market leader in
About 48 percent observed a stable
order to strengthen its presence in
specialty phenolic adhesive resins in
trend while eight percent saw decreasing
South Eastern Europe.
Romania with exports to Italy, Poland,
production volumes.
“We expect to see substantial
Serbia and Croatia. It develops and
The forecast survey, which provides
growth in this region in the years to
manufactures a wide range of products
an outlook on short-term industry trends,
come,” says Nina Kopola, Dynea’s
including urea and phenolic resins
shows signs of moderate optimism
executive VP and president of Dynea
for the woodworking industry, and
coming from abroad, supported by
Europe. “Romania is an interesting
novolacs for a variety of other industrial
positive figures from emerging countries.
country, with strong growth in our
applications. It has an annual production
On the domestic front, inactivity is still
customer industries and we are very
capacity of 50,000 tonnes.
the predominate attitude and should
excited about gaining a foothold here.
persist through most of 2011.
Furthermore, this acquisition will
The company will be renamed Dynea Resins Romania SRL.
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA MARCH 2011
9
Industry News
BSW Timber Launches Campaign For British C16 Timber Earlston, Scotland: BSW Timber has
Furniture Retailer Jysk Plans Expansion In Canada Vancouver, Canada: Danish furniture retailer Jysk is adopting aggressive expansion plans in Canada to rival the dominance of Scandinavian rival Ikea in the region, according to a report by CTV.
launched a major UK-wide campaign to
The company currently has over 40 stores
encourage architects and the building
in Canada and plans to open 20 new ones
industry to adopt British C16 strength
each year for the next three years.
grade timber.
With American retailer Target
The company will be hosting a
Corporation set to open 100-150 stores
industry is expected to become even
series of seminars across the UK to
in Canada by 2013, the furniture retail
more competitive in the near future.
promote the benefits of C16 timber. in the provision of machined C16 timber through the company’s EasiEdge product. Multi-million pound
EIA Urges Stronger Efforts Against Illegal Logging Håkan Dahlström, Helsingborg, Sweden
The company has invested heavily
investment in both planning and grading technology at the company’s mills across the UK has dramatically increased the availability of the product. Now the company wants to encourage UK-wide use of a product that the company believes has strong environmental credentials and can provide a major boost for the UK timber industry. “We want to change the way the construction industry thinks about strength-graded timber. Typically, architects over specify in the mistaken belief that
New York, USA: The Environmental
focused on stopping illegal trade to
the higher European C24 grade is a
Investigation Agency (EIA) has called
establish preservation of the world’s
superior product,” says the company’s
upon countries to make good on their
forest.
marketing manager Eve Johnson. “And
repeated pledges to address illegal
The IUFRO report notes that
while the higher strength grade is
logging and associated trade, and
developing countries are generally
needed for some applications, such as
establish strong policies to reduce
receptive to these new laws “because
load bearing support, we believe that
demand for illegal timber.
they are aimed at ensuring that products
the vast majority of UK construction
A report released at the UN meetings
produced in any particular country
products could use British C16 timber
in New York from the International
conform to the country’s domestic
without any major design issues.”
Union of Forest Research Organizations
requirements.”
Britain’s Softwood (Conifer) forests
(IUFRO) recognises that engaging
EIA calls for all nations to examine
are certified by the Forest Stewardship
businesses and government agencies
their laws, investment and consumption
Council (FSC), which ensures that
beyond country borders and forest
patterns and take appropriate measures
environmental as well as sustainability
sector is essential to ensure that
to ensure that they are not incentivising
targets are met, while at the same
rampant forest loss is stopped.
the continuation of destructive forest
time, increasing the amount of timber available for harvest year-on-year.
10 FDM Asia MARCH 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
The report highlights the important addition of laws in the US and the EU
practices and illegal logging around the world.
Industry News
Neon Tommy, California, US
US Fiscal Year 2012 Budget Continues Timber Funding
Washington, USA: US President Obama
Determination Act, which is commonly
for alternatives to counter the gradual
known as ‘county payments.’
decrement in funding and most likely
The figure reflects a 10 percent reduction
will have to resort to reduction in budget
from the current level. The budget includes
for other important services such as
a proposal to reduce funds by 20 percent
education and law enforcement.
a year in the subsequent years. At the
“The inclusion of funding for county
end of three years, funding for states
payments in the budget is a huge first
that receive less than US$10 million a
step for funding this critical commitment
year will be eliminated.
to America’s timber communities,” Oregon
has released his Fiscal Year 2012 budget
The inclusion of funding support is an
Senator Ron Wyden said. “But a 10 percent
which will continue to offer funding
encouraging sign for timber dependent
reduction in the current funding levels
support to timber counties. The budget
states in the US that are restricted in their
means that rural Oregon counties will
will include US$328 million to fund the
developments due to the high volume of
need to make serious cuts in funding for
first of a multi-year extension of the
state-owned land.
rural schools, law enforcement and other
Secure Rural Schools and Community Self
However, these states will have to look
essential county services.”
Philippines Declares Indefinite Log Ban Manila, Philippines: Philippine president
similar activities, provided that all logs are
from landslides that result from illegal
Aquino has issued Executive Order
turned over to the DENR for proper disposal.
logging activities.
23, which will impose an indefinite
An Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force will be
Philippine Wood Producers
nationwide ban on logging activities
established to ensure the compliance to
Association estimated that the country’s
in all natural and residual forests.
this order.
wood industry would lose about US$1
Natural and residual forests are
The Executive Order is issued to prevent
defined as forests composed of indigenous
further deforestation and protect communities
billion in annual exports of finished wood products.
trees, not planted by man. Ben, Devon, UK
Under this order, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) would be prohibited from issuing logging contracts and agreements in all natural and residual forests. The DENR would also conduct review and evaluation on existing agreements and contracts and terminate any that are found to have violated forest regulations at least twice. Sawmills, veneer plants and other wood processing plants are required to present proof of sustainable sources of legally cut logs for a period of at least five years to continue operation. The only exceptions to the ban are activities to clear road right of way by the Department of Public Works and Highways, site preparation for tree plantations, silvicultural treatment and
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA MARCH 2011
11
Industry News
dsb nola, New Orleans, USA
Canada’s Wood Industry To Flourish With Bio-Revolution Montreal, Canada: The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has released a breakthrough study that shows how the Canadian forest sector can become a pivotal player in the market by thriving in the new bio-age. The study demonstrates how the forest products industry of Canada is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the new bio-economy and exploit a potential global market of around US$200 billion for bio-energy, biochemical and bio-materials that can be extracted from trees. These products include everything from renewable fuels to lightweight plastic to non-toxic chemical and food additives. The report is the second phase of an exhaustive research
operations could increase the job potential by up to five
study on how to best position the next generation forest
times that of stand-alone bio-energy plants. The second
products industry by extracting maximum value from
phase shows that there are markets for these add-on
every tree. The first phase demonstrates the economic
products and it documents the path forward.
and job benefits of adding on new high-value products into existing lumber and pulp and paper mills. These integrated
FPAC is calling on government and the private sector to help build on the momentum.
islandjoe, Cebu City, Philippines
Finland’s Forest Industry Production Up In 2010 The Finnish Forest Industries Federation estimates that the value of forest industry production increased to over €19 billion (US$26 billion) in 2010, up almost 25 percent from 2009. The pulp and paper industry accounted for a majority of this, about €14 billion, and about €5.5 billion came from the wood products industry. Production volumes increased in all sectors of the forest industry. Finland produced 6.7 million tonnes of pulp last year, 22 percent more than in 2009. Paper and paperboard production rose to 11.8 million tonnes, up more than 11 percent from the previous year, while sawn timber production increased by 17 percent from 2009 to 9.4 million cubic metres. The forest industry of Finland has had to go through a trying structural change to maintain its competitiveness. The Helsinki, Finland: The forest industry of Finland recorded annual production increase of about 12 percent in 2010, but production volume has yet to rise to the level achieved in 2008. Pulp and paper industry production was up about 11 percent and the wood products industry’s production increased by
implemented measures have already yielded results. A recent investment survey conducted by the Confederation of Finnish Industries EK reveals that the forest industry’s domestic investments came to almost €650 million in 2010, which was nearly 25 percent more than in the previous year.
about 14 percent. The continuation of this positive development
Exports likewise fared much better than in the previous
after industry companies have finished implementing structural
year. Advance data indicates that the forest industry’s export
changes will depend on whether or not domestic costs are
volumes increased about 15 percent and the value of exports
kept in check.
almost 25 percent to around €10.5 billion in 2010.
12 FDM Asia MARCH 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Industry News
TimberWest Announces Land Acquisition On Vancouver Island Vancouver, Canada: TimberWest Forest Corp.
Ainsworth Completes Acquisition of Footner OSB Mill Vancouver, Canada: Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd. has announced the complete purchase of the remaining 50 percent of Footner Forest Products Ltd. (“Footner”) and its oriented strand board (OSB) facility in High Level, Alberta from Grant Forest Products Inc. Ainsworth now owns 100 percent of Footner. The purchase price of CDN$20 million (US$20.3 million) was paid
has announced that it has agreed to acquire 7,678 hectares of private timberland on southern
using cash on hand.
Vancouver Island from Western Forest Products
The OSB mill in High Level, Alberta was originally designed to
Inc. for US$22.2 million. Closing is subject to
produce 860 million square feet per year (3/8th basis). Production at
customary conditions. This will bring TimberWest’s
the mill was indefinitely curtailed in December 2007. Ainsworth will
total land holdings to 327,678 hectares on
keep the Footner mill on a care and maintenance basis until market
Vancouver Island.
conditions support re-starting production at the mill.
Global Wood Chips Trade Recovers From Sharp Decline Seattle, USA: Global trade of wood chips was up 25 percent
of approximately 33 million tonnes in 2008. This upward
in 2010 because of increased production of pulp and paper
trend was broken in 2009, when trade fell 17 percent from
products worldwide. China showed the greatest growth in
the previous year. In 2010, wood chip shipment volumes went
chip imports with an increase of over 400 percent in the past
up by 25 percent to reach a new high. This was primarily
two years, according to the Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ).
thanks to a substantial increase in demand for wood chips in
Australia continues to be the major exporter and shipped 11
China, as reported in the latest issue of the Wood Resource
percent more in 2010 than in the previous year.
Quarterly.
The international financial crisis in 2009 had a major
China has evolved from being a net exporter of chips five
negative impact on worldwide demand for pulp and paper
years ago, to being a major chip consumer, having quadrupled
products. As a result, the consumption of wood chips and
imports in just two years. The country now imports over 28
pulpwood for pulp production was lower, and global trade of
percent of all chips traded in the Pacific Rim and is the world’s
wood chips fell accordingly. However, in 2010, pulp markets
second largest importer of wood chips after Japan.
improved and global shipments of wood chips were up
Chris
substantially.
Trade of wood chips is still the highest in the Pacific Rim, accounting for almost 60 percent of the total global trade and
Wood chip trade had increased on average five percent
over 95 percent of water-born trade. The major exporting
per year between 2002 and 2008, reaching an all-time high
countries in 2010 have not changed much from previous years, with Australia being the biggest exporter followed by Chile, Vietnam, US and Thailand. These five countries together exported just over 19 million tonnes, or 22 percent more than the previous year, according the WRQ. A majority of the shipments were Eucalyptus wood chips destined for pulp mills in Japan and China. Trade of wood chips is likely to increase in 2011 as the global economy slowly recovers, and as a consequence, the demand for most forest products will improve. In addition, many energy companies in Europe are searching for new sources of biomass, which will further expand the overseas trade of wood chips, biomass chips and wood pellets.
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA MARCH 2011
13
Industry News
China’s Forestry Output Surpasses RMB2,000 Billion in 2010 China: According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the total
estimated at 1.33 billion pieces, almost the same as in 2009. The
value of forest industry output in 2010 in China is estimated
production of wood-based panels is expected to reach 138.74
to have reached RMB 2,090 billion (US$317 billion), up 20
million cubic metres, 20.2 percent higher than in 2009. Robin Zebrowski
percent over 2009, reports ITTO. Of the total output value, 37.8 percent or RMB790.1 billion is estimated to have come from primary forest industry (mainly non-wood forest products). The secondary forest industry (mainly SPWPs and bamboo products) accounts for 53.2 percent of the total output value at RMB1,112.3 trillion. Tertiary forest industry (mainly tourism and recreation) accounts for nine percent of the total with RMB188.9 billion. According to the estimates, the production of roundwood in 2010 is expected to reach 72.84 million cubic metres, up 3.1 percent compared to 2009. The output of bamboo is
Gabon Allows Exports of Log Boules
Ireland Wood Exports Up 40 Fold
Gabon: Gabon has allowed the exports of log cut boules
Moscow, Russia: Coillte, Ireland’s forestry and forest
with at least one sawn edge according to the ITTO Tropical
products company, reported of an almost 40 fold increase
Timber Market Report.
in the domestic wood processing sector since 2009. This is
Producers are taking trial orders for species such as
a result of the international demand for Irish construction
padouk which has good demand in China and attracted
sawn wood products. Construction sawn-wood exports
some interest in India. This additional demand for boules
from Irish saw mills have grown from approximately
is helping to clear the older logs from the ports. Old logs
5,000 cubic metres in 2009 to an annualised 200,000
are sawn into boules for export.
cubic metres plus in 2010.
Mirko Tobias Schaefer
Even so, Forestry Stewardship Council certified wood-based construction materials are still in high demand internationally with exports to the UK rising substantially over the past two-year period, which are what Coillte supplies from its forests. There is an approximate of 90 percent of Coillte’s panel products exports. In addition, it has seen an improvement in the UK and European markets during 2010. It also continues to export niche high value products to the US, Singapore and Australia in order to meet the According to analysts, the trade in boules is expected to strengthen as log producers and sawmillers are
needs of architects and specifiers for innovative panel products.
satisfied with the export prices of boules, despite the
There are 16,000 people employed in Ireland’s forestry
higher freight costs per cubic metre for boules than for
sector. It is expected that this employment number will
squares, which are offset by lower handling costs for
continue with a renewed focus on international business
importers and end-users.
and exports.
14 FDM Asia MARCH 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Industry News
Rafiq Mirza, Sarawak, Malaysia
Wood Prices In Sarawak Rise Due To Shortage Sarawak, Malaysia: From January to November 2010, Sarawak produced 9.27 million cubic metre of logs compared to 10.4 million cubic metres for the whole year of 2009 according to ITTO. Log exports from Sarawak amounted to 3.68 million cubic metres year-to-date November 2010, worth RM1.82 billion (US$600 million). India was the largest importer of Sarawak logs with imports of 2.05 million cubic metres valued at RM1.08 billion, followed by China with 547,000 cubic metres worth RM234 million, and Taiwan with 452,000 cubic metres worth RM216 million. Bad weather conditions and the impoundment of the Bakun hydroelectric dam continue to have an effect on log supply in Sarawak, pushing prices up. Concessionaires affected by this account for 20,000 to 30,000 cubic metres of the log supply per month.
and will not have a long-term effect on prices. Meanwhile, the Sarawak Timber Association expects plywood
The shortfall in log supply could push prices up by at least
prices to gain 15 percent in 2011 following a 10 percent increase
30 percent. However, the shortage is thought to be only temporal
in 2010. Due to the log shortage, plywood mills in Sarawak have been forced to operate at 70–80 percent of the full capacity. There
Ghana’s Wood Industry Earned 10 million Euros
are currently 35 plywood mills in Sarawak with the total installed capacity of 4 million cubic metre per year. Plywood millers in Sarawak believe that the traditional plywood markets in Japan, Taiwan and Korea are recovering and expect their order books to be full for the rest of the year.
Ghana: According to a report from Timber Industry Development Division in Takoradi, Ghana had earned over €10 million (USD$13.8 million) from exporting 30,168 cubic metres of wood products in December 2010. The report also included corresponding figures for the same period in 2009, which were €9.8 million and
FSC Certification In Finland Approved
37,594 cubic metres. This showed a growth of 0.2 per
Moscow, Russia: Forest Stewardship Council has delivered
cent in value and a decrease of 19.75 per cent in volume
a positive approval decision for the ‘FSC Finland Forest
respectively.
Stewardship Standard V1-1’. The standard was approved
Of the total value of €137 million in 2010, primary products such as poles and billet accounted for €6.8 million. In contrast, in 2009, €12.6 million from the total value of €128 million was accounted for.
on January 21, 2011 and will be effective starting from May 1, 2011. The approval of the national standard is a significant step for FSC Finland and FSC certification in the
Besides primary products, tertiary products registered
country. The FSC national standards are based on
at €10 million in 2010 while they registered €8 million in
the international FSC Principles and Criteria but adapt
2009. Secondary products, on the other hand, fetched €120
these to national conditions by adding country-specific
million in 2010 as compared to €107 million in 2009.
indicators, verifiers and guidance.
Emerging markets in Asia that include India, Malaysia,
The Certification Bodies are required to inform all
Taiwan, China, Singapore and Thailand contributed a
of their clients in Finland that they shall be assessed
total of €23 million in 2010. Specifically, India remains
against the revised standard from May 1, 2011. The
to be a leading importer of teak poles, billet and teak
intervening 3-month period between the approval
lumber. The ECOWAS market, which comprises of
and implementation of the standard is in place for
Nigeria, Senegal, Niger, Gambia, Mali, Benin, Burkina
Certification Bodies and forest managers to adapt their
Faso and Togo, absorbed €49 million of Africa’s €53
systems and management practices respectively to
million of wood imports.
the new standard.
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA MARCH 2011
15
Market Report Carson McNeal, New York, United States
China’s Imports Soar In 2010
Chinese wood products production increases by 20 percent, fuelling imports from Russia, Canada, New Zealand and US. By Russell Taylor, president of International Wood Markets Group
F
inal year-end statistics show that China’s imports of logs and timber have soared to new heights in 2010 as compared to 2009. China wood-based panel production volume, although it is already the largest in the world, is still estimated to have reached 138.7 million cubic metres, up by 20 percent as compared to 2009. China imported 34.3 million cubic metres, worth US$6.1 billion, of logs in 2010, demonstrating a growth of 22 percent by volume and 49 percent by value, as compared to 2009. In addition, of the total log imports, softwood log imports were 24.3 million cubic metres, which was up by 20 percent while the hardwoods were 10 million cubic metres, which was up by 46 percent. Besides importing logs, China also imported 14.7 million cubic metres of timber that demonstrates a growth of 49 percent in volume and 65 percent in value.
Imports To China Russian log exports to China were five percent lower in 2010 at 14 million cubic metres. This was followed by New Zealand at 5.9 million cubic metres, USA at 2.8 million cubic metres, and Papua New Guinea at 2.5 million cubic metres. Log imports from New Zealand increased by 35 percent in 2010, reaching 5.9 million cubic metres. On the other hand, the log import volumes from US and Canada escalated in 2010, by 266 percent and 217 percent respectively, compared with 2009.
Growth In Market Demand The increase in China timber imports in 2010 was attributed to a growing market demand for raw materials as well as to offset against decreasing log import volumes from Russia. A quickly recovering and expanding economic scenario in China during 2010 also explained for a bull market for exporters to China. Russia still dominated timber imports, supplying 4.4 million cubic metres in 2010 reflecting an increase of 40 percent from 2009. This was followed by Canada, 4.0 million cubic metres with an increase of 65 percent; US, 43 million cubic metres with an increase of 54 percent; Thailand, 1.41 million cubic metres with an increase of 38 percent; and New Zealand, 413,000 cubic metres with a decrease of one percent. It is expected that Canada will overtake Russia in 2011 as the largest timber supplier to China. In the last four months of 2010, Canada exceeded Russian export volumes for the first time and this trend is expected to continue in 2011.
Five-Year Outlook Over the next five years, according to China’s 12th five-yearplan, 2011-2015, China GDP growth is targeted at seven percent per year and personal income increase is also targeted at the same rate as GDP growth. It is expected that China's demand for raw wood materials as well as finished wood products will increase at a rate of eight to 10 percent per year due to the growing consumer purchasing power and increased personal expenditures. In essence, China is expected to become a more important market for international companies who can meet the quality and price expectations for Chinese timber and wood products over the next five years. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2001
16 FDM Asia march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
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.
Focus
Short-cycle Presses:
Reliable Performer T H E
Peter Pawlowski Pittsburgh, USA
A short-cycle press is often less talked about in the woodworking circles. New technologies have made these workhorses more compact, rigid and faster. By Shiv Kumar Shet, business development manager, Biesse Manufacturing India
P
robably the most widely used equipment in the panel processing industry today is the shortcycle press. This unsung workhorse in the woodworking sector is often less talked about. Popularly used in the lamination of particleboard, MDF, finishing foils or papers impregnated with melamine resin, these machines are versatile and are continuously updated by reputed manufacturers with state of the art technology. With the unprecedented and global demand for wood-based panels for the construction of furniture, building materials and other decorative applications, great speed in machines is required to produce laminated panels to cater to the worldwide demand. Global wood panel consumption is estimated to be
18 FDM Asia  march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
approximately 300 million cubic metres by the end of 2015. Such a great requirement of woodbased panels coupled with the alarming rate of depletion in forest lands all over the world has created a fear in environmentalists. This has prompted the invention of many new types of panels like oriented stranded boards (OSB) and composite panels; particleboard, honeycomb, ply boards, etc have emerged and are on the fast track to reach every furniture production house and wherever the use of such panels are required. Of late, laminated veneer lumber (LVL) has taken up extensive preference and usage in the construction sector. Alternatively, a new practice called the
Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) is rampantly being applied and the results have been convincing. There is a lateral thinking among purists which is directed to balance timber production with supply and thereby renewing the resource. Luckily, wood is a renewable material and its conservation must be treated with utmost priority.
Operation of Short-cycle Press With the invention of new technology in the production of man-made wood panels it is quite natural and rather obvious to give a presentable look to these boards with requirements to suit end users. Veneer or melamine sheets and other such layers are pressed upon
Focus these boards. In order to match the requirements of the market as far as the demand is concerned, a short-cycle press that can continuously process thousands of panels each shift is often desired by panel boards manufacturers all over the world. Reputed companies like Siempelkemp, Wemhoner manufacture short-cycle presses which can produce panels at about 120 m per min. Manufacturers like Pagnoni Impianti from Italy manufacture presses for particular types of boards which also include continuous pressing lines. A pressure of approximately 25 to 40 kg per sq cm is required for the production of 100-110 boards per hour. Short-cycle presses, or SCP as they are often called, operate on a general sequence as following:
Mechanical or robotic conveyor movement Foils, veneer or impregnated paper for pressing onto the boards Hot press, the heart of the system Elevating or lifting the panels, usually by pneumatic system
Heart Of Short-Cycle Press The press plate can be considered the heart of this system since it is the section that is subjected to continuous stress and strain due to the rapid movement at controlled temperature and heat. Normally, a press plate is made of thick stainless steel plates or Platens
Conveyor to release the finished panel after pressing Cutting / sizing Storage
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L U M B E R 4002 L EGION D RIVE / H AMBURG , N EW Y ORK 14075 USA /
PHONE
ENQUIRY NO. 212
your
Short-cycle laminating presses with a line consisting of elements from the board feeder to the laminating press body is often referred to as sandwich structure loading. The section after lamination can be an unloading section coupled to a board inspection, cooler, sorter and later to a stacker. Sizes ranging from 4’X8', 4’X9’, 5’X10', 6’X9’, 6’X14’ to sometimes bigger boards are obtained from SCPs. These boards are also called pre-laminated boards.
Panel storage
C O M P A N Y
716.649.2850 / 800.950.2850 /
FAX
716.649.2811
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA march 2011
19
Focus smaller machines to cater to their own demands. Bigger furniture manufacturers and suppliers of pre-laminated panel boards opt for the modern shortcycle presses (SCP) to produce huge requirements with ease, perfection and economy to maintain a reasonable price to market. There has been minimal advancement in technology in the construction of
cycle of a SCP is normally designed for 180-250 pressing cycles per hour. Small and medium level laminated boards manufacturers often use a cold press where the application of glue is manual or sometimes through a glue spreader that is subjected to a pressure of approximately 3-40 tonnes for a few hours. This system has been replaced by a hot press which applies a force of more than 80 tonnes for two to three minutes and increases production rates to higher percentages. These machines can also be constructed to handle many panels (say five panels) at a time and are called hot presses with multiple daylights. They are still being produced and sold all over the world. Small and medium furniture manufacturers often maintain these
SCPs. However, new techniques like multiple pistons for uniform distribution of pressure, improved heat distribution for uniformity in adhesion, and the use of hydraulics for the pressing operation of these pistons have created a more reliable and dynamic line. Above all, the greatest advantage is the minimum requirement of human labor, which adds to the pricing of the end product to make it more satisfying.
Horia Varlan Bucharest, Romania
that are hard chromed and made into different shapes as designed by the manufacturer. The size of such platens can be 2200mm X 5800 mm. The hardness of these plates can be anywhere between 45-50 HRC. The life of these plates can vary between 140,000 to 150,000 sheets before it has to be replaced or sometimes reconditioned. The press
Application of High Pressure Laminate These days, the advent of the highpressure laminate pressing lines (HPL) is in demand for the manufacturing of panels that use Formica and sun mica. These layers need very high pressure. Sometimes, HPLs are used in the making of industrial products
like insulation boards, printed circuit boards with copper clads (PCB) and other materials which require very high pressure. The production rates can often reach up to 12 million sq m of laminate. HPLs are generally bigger in construction due to added features like mould plate safety and uninterrupted power assemblies with little human intervention which are often preferred by buyers all over the globe. The sizes of boards obtained from the HPLs are more or less the same as the SCPs, except that HPLs are more often used in industrial application in addition to decorative and other purposes. Latest developments in pressing technology are for 3D applications. Great flexibility is offered by makers of such machinery. Most of the good machines for this purpose come from Europe. China and other third world countries have yet to make their mark in the market as far as the sales of such machinery is concerned.
Advantages of Short-cycle Press At the outset, we can confer that SCPs and HCPs offer advantages like: Automated lines for feeding of raw boards to stacking of finished boards Lay up of melamine paper for single and double side lamination Multiple board pressing lines in addition to the single type Electronically controlled process (PLC) to make faster changeovers in batch requirements with control from a simple office PC to the main machine via modem or local aided network (LAN) Customisation in final line in requirement of particular product on SCP or HCP FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2101
20 FDM Asia march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
ENQUIRY NO. 110
Focus
Kiln Drying Rodolfo Belloli, Italy
Combats Moisture In Wood With kiln drying, moisture in the wood is effectively removed without causing structural stress to the timber. By Henry Lee
R
aw, unprocessed wood contains high moisture content, which changes constantly to equilibrate with environmental conditions. Unfortunately, the tug-of-war between moisture content and fluctuating humidity levels can exert a toll on the structural integrity of the timber resulting in stress defects such as warping and cracks. To mitigate this situation, timber has to be dried to minimise the havoc that changing moisture levels can wreak. For optimal results, the drying process has to be conducted in a controlled environment, away from the vagaries of the sun and weather. The industrial standard is kiln drying; virtually all commercially viable timber is dried in industrial kilns.
Wood Is A Breathing Material Unlike other construction material such as granite and steel, wood is sensitive to atmospheric conditions. As a hygroscopic material, wood gains or loses moisture content due to changes in humidity. This is a continual process and all kinds of wood products absorb and desorb moisture from the surrounding air
22 FDM Asia  march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
until they reach their respective equilibrium moisture contents (EMC), a balance point between the wood’s moisture content and that of the surrounding environment. The reservoir of moisture is stored in wood in two main forms. They are free water in the vessels and/or cells, and bound water that forms an integral part of the wood cell walls. To begin with, free water circulates within a living tree and is steadily lost as soon as the timber is cut. Free water loss does not pose any significant dimensional changes to the timber owing to the fact that it is a drainage process. Once all the free water is released into the atmosphere, the timber reaches a state known as the fibre saturation point (fsp). At the fsp, timber usually contains moisture content of between 25 and 30 percent. In spite of fsp, timber may still hold more moisture content than normal atmospheric conditions, which averages around 10 to 15 percent moisture content. In order to reach EMC, timber will have to shed off its bound water content. More often than not, when left to Mother Nature, there is bound to be structural damage due
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Focus
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20 m/min
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Firing up the kiln A kiln is a building that provides a controlled drying environment and protects the timber from ever-changing weather conditions. The principle of kiln drying involves the employment of heat as a primary agent to remove moisture content from timber. Currently, there are three types of commercial kilns– conventional heat kiln, dehumidification kiln, and vacuum kiln. Industrial-scale kiln drying usually employ the use of conventional and dehumidification kilns whereas vacuum kilns are used in special applications and conditions.
Conventional Kilns Heat required for the drying process is introduced into conventional kilns using heat exchangers. Steam is the most common heat-transfer medium used for circulation. Evaporation in the timber is accelerated in this heated environment. Meanwhile, the humidity of the kiln is kept low by constantly discharging water vapour along with the hot air. Conventional kilns are energy intensive operations. This is attributed to the loss of heated air while discharging excess moisture. This indicates that the kiln interior needs to be continuously reheated in order to maintain a constant temperature.
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Dehumidification Kilns
Pre-heater for lasting quality
A dehumidification kiln uses a dehumidifier to dry timber. There are two parts to the dehumidifier. First, the heating coils in the dehumidifier maintain a high kiln temperature necessary to accelerate evaporation in the timber. Following that, refrigeration coils cool the hot moist air and remove excess moisture via condensation. While heat remains as the primary agent, unlike a conventional kiln, the dehumidification kiln maintains a low humidity level by condensing the moisture then draining it from the kiln in liquid form. This liquid drainage recycles heat within the kiln since the heated air is circulated within the kiln, instead of being constantly discharged in the case of conventional kilns.
QuickMelt for fast processing Glue joint scrapper for finish product Softtouch function for sensitive edges for impressive product quality Call us today to find out more… Tel.: +65 6369 8183 info@homag-asia.com
ENQUIRY NO. 219
to uneven drying rates and shrinkage between the interior and exterior of the timber. Kiln drying mitigates this by providing a controlled environment where the drying rates can be monitored. As such, timber can be seasoned to its EMC with minimal stress and damage. In fact, seasoned timber offers many advantages. The most notable advantage is weight reduction from water loss, which reduces transportation cost. At the EMC stage, seasoned timber is not only strong and stable, its gluing and nail holding properties are also at its peak. The lower moisture levels in seasoned timber also grant increased resistance to biological deterioration from fungal and insect attacks.
! W E N
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www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA march 2011
23
Focus The successful removal of moisture from its cellular structure is the key to maximising its
Andrzej Pobiedziński, Warminsko-Mazurskie, Poland
structural potential.
Vacuum Kilns For industrial purposes, the vacuum kiln is less commonly used due to its limited drying capacity. For the same load of timber, a vacuum kiln costs three to four times more as compared to conventional or dehumidification kilns. The vacuum kiln is considered to be a specialty kiln for exotic or difficult-to-dry wood species, as the combination of heat and reduced air pressure through vacuum action produces a very high drying speed.
It’s All About Scheduling Together with weather-exposed timber, stress defects may occur in kiln-dried timber if the drying rates of the wood exterior and interior are not closely monitored and adjusted at each drying stage. In essence, kiln drying is a delicate balance between temperature and humidity control of the circulating air to suit the state of the timber at any given time. However, by applying kiln-drying schedules, which is a series of temperatures and relative humidity that can be applied at various stages of drying, timber can be dried at the fastest possible rate without causing timber degradation.
24 FDM Asia march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Even so, choosing a drying pattern takes into the consideration of several factors such as wood species, thickness of the timber, sawing pattern, permissible drying degradation and intended use of timber. Firstly, the drying rate for each wood species is different as each possesses unique physical, mechanical and transport properties. Secondly, the drying duration is inversely proportional to the thickness of the timber. Thirdly, sawing pattern influences the distortions the timber boards undergo during shrinkage from bound water loss. Next, drying schedule is also dependent on the desired grade of the seasoned timber. An aggressive drying schedule can cause cracking and distortion due to rapid water loss, which is not suitable for seasoning superior or appearance grade timber. Lastly, the target final moisture content may differ according to the use of the timber. As an illustration, lower moisture content requires longer drying schedules. The desired timber surface in the final product determines the permissible drying degradation and hence the aggressiveness of the drying schedule. To summarise, the schedule should be calibrated such that stresses generated from shrinkage do not exceed the strength of the wood at any given temperature and moisture content. For example, a typical hardwood schedule would begin at approximately 45°C and 70 to 80 percent relative humidity when timber is green. Temperatures may even reach up to 82°C when its moisture content is 10 to 15 percent.
A Delicate Balance Timber is a living, breathing material. The successful removal of moisture from its cellular structure is the key to maximising its structural potential. Kiln drying is a complex balancing act of optimising drying rates without causing structural stress to the timber. The control of kiln temperature and relative humidity has to be matched by an intimate understanding of timber properties in order to achieve an optimum drying rate. Drying schedules are a boon to operators in maintaining this delicate balance as it presents in concrete form the operating conditions necessary for the kiln at various drying stages. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2102
Advertorial
Choosing?
S easy!
I read a Chinese story a couple of days ago. It is said that when a new born baby reaches their first birthday, the elders will give the baby something to pick out on their own, such as a book, seal, abacus, or toy. Each object represents a different meaning.
Book represents good studies, seal signifies a career as an official, an abacus means that he or she will be good with money, and a toy shows that the child will make merry.
We can conclude from the above that even from ancient times, we always have to choose. When children make a choice without any disturbance, they will choose what matches them. And, so do we.
service. Also, as per the example: buy a saw blade. Such as the two brands DIMAR and MTL.
For example, when you buy a saw blade for cutting, there are so many brands in the market, but which one would meet our criteria? How to buy with the lowest cost? That may be a problem for you.
Technique: MTL also has its own DevelopEngineer, and uses a set of vollmer machine and the alloy is make by CERATIZIT company. Such as band saw, the kerf width can reach 0.65mm. Deal with the only skill, can bring you long and perfect work time.
Four factors that may help are price, technique, function, and
Receives many years brand (MAO TAI LANG) MTL values, devotes in the researching and producing of the frame saw, finger joint cutters and saw blades, user-friendly design idea, strict product quality supervision system, warm service, try our best to give you best service, all only to. Extend the (MAO TAI LANG) MTL brand idea connotation. We already were engaged in this professional many years, has obtain customer’s faith, to be the tools brand with many users. But we won’t stop going ahead, we will learn hard to offer you better products, create more magnificent chapter. Address: International Woodworking City, lunjiao Town, Shunde District, Guangdong, China
Tel : (86) 757-27727565 Fax : (86) 757-80345399 Mail : harrison@sd-ruima.com.cn arron@sd-ruima.com.cn
Price: DIMAR, the price is for 6a, and the MTL is 3a
Function: If the DIMAR woke effect is 6a, then the MTL can reach 4a. With regards to work time, MTL can also reach 2/3 of DIMAR’S. Service: This part is important, just as mentioned, we always need some professional advice. MTL can give you the answer. Give MTL a message or call on what you want, and MTL can serve you with pleasure. On top of the four factors that may help you, the choice can be an easy thing for you. Just tell us what you want, and we can provide an advice for you. You just need to say A, B, C or D. ENQUIRY NO. 222
Gilbert Schotel, British Columbia, Canada
Technology
Fast Booming
CNC C
omputer numerical control machinery, commonly known as CNC, is a machine that creates parts with complicated designs and patterns faster and less labour-intensive than manual machine.
In Woodworking Industry Computer numerical control machinery is fast becoming a commonplace in the woodworking industry since it is costefficient, improves productivity and performs tasks that were once thought to be difficult and labour-intensive in the past. By Dr Augustine Quek
Advancement Of CNC Growing rapidly with the advances in computers, CNCs can be found performing work as lathes, milling machines, laser cutters, abrasive jet cutters, presses, press brakes and other industrial tools. Today, they even take the form of robot arms, automated carvers and multi-functional timber processing centres. This wave of advancement in woodworking machineries extends to relief modelling and CNC toolpath 3-D cutting. Features such as multiple axes, more powerful spindles, faster cutter speeds and touchscreen interfaces are commonly seen in CNC machines today. As a result, there is shorter production
26 FDM Asia  march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
time and lower cost, as manufacturers meet the customer’s stringent demand for quality and design.
Wood CNC machinery CNC lathes, routers, engravers and cutters are some examples of wood CNC machineries. They can perform different tasks such as cutting, shaping and engraving in order to produce a desired form of a block or sheet of wood. The computer attached to the CNC equipment ensures that designs made on the screen are translated onto the actual cutting and shaping.
Ozgur Ari, Turkey
Technology
One example is the CNC laser-cutting machine. It creates precise, intricate cuts while maintaining high speed and repeatability in complex cutting applications, which cannot be replicated by competing methods. Checkering on gunstocks can be accomplished simply with laser engraving.
CNC Software In Woodworking Industry
ENQUIRY NO. 203
Besides CNC wood machinery, CNC software can also be used in the woodworking industry to control a machine's movement. The instructions for controlling the machine are provided by a CAD module. In today's market, high-end software design packages are able to communicate with these machineries. Although such systems are expensive, many manufacturers have accepted the idea that this software is crucial in achieving high quality finished woodwork products thus embracing the software. The software is able to replace physical templates with digital versions. As such, manufacturers have the freedom of trying out design and assemblies on a computer before actually cutting into the material. In addition, they can modify a design on the computer or transform an existing design into a new product. Existing 2D & 3D furniture parts can be converted into a digital format. As a result, the digital version of parts can be transformed to produce a number of shapes and sizes for an original design. This way, a single furniture assembly becomes a complete furniture line. Therefore, the software provides much convenience for the manufacturers by quickly tailoring products to suit a particular segment of the market, thereby providing valueadded services. Vectric, a UK-based software provider, produces several CNC software such as VCarve Pro and Aspire. Both VCarve Pro and Aspire share similar design, toolpath engine and logical interface. www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA  march 2011
27
VCarve Pro is a flexible industrial strength software package that includes many design, layout and machining functionality used by commercial shops. Its features comprise of True Shape Nesting, Raised Prism machining, Auto-Inlays, Wrapped Rotary 4 axis machining user definable Tabs / Bridges, Ramping, Lead in / out, automated tools for identifying open and duplicate vectors and an advanced toolpath simulation engine. In contrast, Aspire is a 3D relief modelling and machining software for CNC routing and engraving projects, such as carving decorative ornate panels and doors, architectural mouldings and dimensional signage. The 3D component construction tools work with existing 3D models to design shapes. Another innovative software is the MillMaster Pro 2009, from Georgia-based Microkinetics Corporation. It is a 3-axis milling type CNC control and graphical simulation software that runs on a Windows computer. The CNC part program can be typed directly onto the editor screen or generated via a CAD/CAM program. The interactive mode allows users to see the operation performed graphically as each CNC line is typed, aiding in part program development or training. For documentation purposes, the graphics screen and the part program can be printed together or separately. True circular interpolation on any two axes and simultaneous linear interpolation on all axes are standard and full 3-D surfacing designs can be cut.
Wood CNC Routers Wood routers belong to a class of tools that are increasingly indispensable in woodworking. They have changed the perspective on how woodworkers approach their projects. Previously, tasks that were once labour-intensive to be profitable such as intricate patterning can now be done quickly and efficiently, allowing for mass production of intricately carved and machined pieces. CNC routers operate by having a computer to send motion instructions to an automated router that operates in several axes. Provision of a detailed step-by-step set of instructions enables users to quickly reproduce almost any image or pattern. This flexibility gives users the opportunity to create crafts, furniture and hangings with customised images. Moreover,
28 FDM Asia march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Damian Searles, Brisbane, Australia
Technology
the router is able to work with different kinds of wood by simply changing the router bit. More commonly used is the CNC router table. This table offers the ability to carve intricate designs either two dimensionally or three dimensionally. They can be distinguished in 3-axis or 5-axis machines depending on the mobility of the router head. An Indiana-based company, Thermwood, produced a 5-axis programmable CNC router that features Gen2 SuperControl, 7 HP Dual End Spindle of 3000-18,000 RPM, 24” axis Z vertical stroke. The control offers full five axis simultaneous motion, with five-axis tool length compensation and individual compensation for each axis of a moving gantry configuration machine. The control has a huge program storage capacity and uses the hard disk as virtual memory. It also keeps track of the frequency of machine use and alerts the user when lubrication or maintenance is needed. When routers are designed, built and used specially for carving wood, the term wood carvers can be used. CNC wood carving units are specialty units that are designed to remove material from the wood in more advanced ways, such as toolpath review, precision engraving and true shape nesting. For example, Rockler’s CNC Shark Pro Plus CNC wood carver is suited for carvings and machining operations on a large variety of signs, doors and other small projects. With a table measuring 28-1/2” x 36” made of robust steel and high-density polyethylene construction, it can take accidental impacts that would normally damage or destroy an aluminium or MDF machine. It also includes version 5.5 of the VCarve Pro software
Technology interface. In addition, it has enhanced controller with more power that allows up to 200 inches per min, increased travel on the machine with a max cutting capacity of 25 x 25 x 5 inches, automatic on and off software control of router, and pendant control capability.
Processing & Machining Centres
ENQUIRY NO. 198
The use of CNC machinery has also extended to processing of raw timber. After trees are felled, timber is processed in various ways in an automated centre. The Lignamatic from Swiss-based KrĂźsi allows processes such as saw cuts, drilling, length processing, pockets, mortises, housings, chamfers and rabbets on all timber surfaces without rotation of the timber. Timbers as wide as 0.91 m by 1.52 m can be processed individually, in pairs or in bundles. A dozen rafters can be cut as one single unit. From the beginning to the end, all timbers are secured onto the transport system with unnecessary re-gripping or rotations. The CNC robot technology and a 15-position tool magazine can simultaneously process up to 12 timbers resulting in a shorter processing time. Another CNC controlled machine, the Essetre Techno Wall, is a patented woodworking centre for panels of widths 3 m to 8 m wide, 400 mm thick and unlimited length. It is an industrial strength machine that cuts through deeply layered laminated wood or structural insulated panels. On top of that, it has a patented tool holder of exchangeable tools with a permanent saw blade of diameter up to 1,000 mm and a 5-axis tool changer that can host large dimensional tools. Conclusively, a plethora of CNC machines awaits for manufacturers in the woodworking industry. The machines are programmed by special software to produce precise and accurate patterns, even over a run of a number of identical pieces. Additionally, because the machines and tools allow users to programme any pattern or image directly from their computer, they have enhanced the creative possibilities for all woodworkers. The move from manual to automation in the woodworking industry has helped in meeting customer expectations and improving profitability. The future looks even better as more manufacturers embrace this technology. The focus will shift from the actual production process to creating unique and distinct designs. As such, while the first woodworking lathe has been used since ancient Egyptian times, the production of more unique and beautiful designs in wood will continue with CNC machines. FDM
ENQUIRY NO. 2201
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA  march 2011
29
Oliver Isailovic, Belgrade, Yugoslavia
Panels
Nested-Based Manufacturing:
Keeping It
Down N
ested-based manufacturing is the process of efficiently producing from flat raw material, parts which may be rectangular, shaped and non-symmetrical. The components are positioned in a way to ensure that the wood products manufacturer can achieve the best possible material utilisation. With the increasingly competitive business environment, companies continue to look for ways to reduce cost and time on the production line. Woodworking professionals can look towards various tools to make their work easier, cleaner, and cheaper, while producing better results. One such tool is nesting software, which can be used to create optimal cutting lists and maximise material usage. Woodworkers can avoid calculation errors and are able to estimate the number of sheets or panels that are required for a given job more accurately – before actually making a purchase.
Computerised Control The machining process typically involves placing a single sheet of material on a CNC router table, where the latter is programmed to process components. This can be performed in a single setup without any material handling required,
30 FDM Asia march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Technology is helping companies to reduce material wastage and lower production costs. By Michael Tham
other than for loading and unloading. In nested-based manufacturing, all parts for a piece of furniture can be produced from a single sheet or stack of plywood, MDF, etc. This means that there is no need to size the parts on a panel saw for further processing. For certain applications, nesting is more efficient than using a panel saw to cut individual pieces. Yield and efficiency can be maximised by having a cutting design that arranges different pieces as close as possible, which often results in ‘nesting’ curved or cut-out pieces together. There are certain limitations for the execution of operations. These are determined by the overall CNC nesting equipment configuration – head and table. For each component in the nest, the more advanced routers have capabilities to vertically rabbet, dado, size, groove, bore, shape, and pocket, among other operations. Very often, the capabilities of the CNC nesting equipment are determined by the company’s requirements and its capital equipment budget. Since it may be possible to eliminate the panel saw operation altogether, less factory floor space is required. In addition, handling is reduced which
directly contributes to a reduced need for human resources. For smaller organisations, CNC nesting can help to reduce the overall start-up capital costs and human resources. However, this technology is also attractive for larger organisations as it can help the latter to increase production volume and widen their product portfolio.
All-In-One The work cell concept can be adopted to consolidate entire component family processing into one machine. At the same time, companies can take advantage of human capital utilisation by integrating other sequential process steps around the equipment. Nesting can provide a number of benefits such as reducing the overall manpower for making components, increasing material optimisation and utilisation, gaining value-added facility space, improving component quality and enhancing component flexibility. TopSolid Wood 2010 offers nesting features such as allowing several projects to be grouped together. Users can perform nesting optimisation for rectangular parts and better manage result files. In addition, the company also offers a label edition with bar codes.
Satendra Mhatre, India
SigmaNest claims that its software for furnishings and cabinetry works with all major router machines. This helps to lengthen the useful life for tools while helping to cut down material waste. At the same time, it takes into consideration machine needs such as the vacuum hold-down. For working with high-end wood products, the software offers a part grouping feature. This feature allows the material grain direction to be maintained across a sub-set of parts. The software can create nests by work order and has partial depth feature recognition from CAD. With ramped 3D tabs, although the parts are kept attached to the sheet, they can be easily separated. SigmaNest utilises a tool path algorithm that works specifically with wood routers that are equipped with vacuum tables.
Andrew C, Romania
Panels
In nested-based manufacturing, all parts for a piece of furniture can be produced from a single sheet or stack of plywood, MDF
Online Availability There are certain sites on the Internet that provide nesting software in the form of freeware or shareware. One such programme is GNCutter from Optimalon Software, which can be installed onto Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), pocket PCs and smartphones. With technological improvements over the years, these devices are capable of making complex mathematical calculations at significant speeds. This results in a mobile solution that can be carried around in the user’s pocket and brought to locations where the nesting is required. PaneCutter is a software that is used for automatic cutting plan design, and is catered to manufacturers of furniture and other products made from sheet materials. It is useful for companies where the product range is wide or is constantly changing. The nesting technology is based on algorithms that are designed to optimise area utilisation. Cutting Optimisation Pro is a computer programme that is used for obtaining cutting and nesting layouts for one (1D) and
SigmaNest claims that its software for furnishings and cabinetry works with all major router machines.
two (2D) dimensional pieces. The software enables the user to define and handle complex products (eg: tables, desks, cupboards, lockers, book shelves). The programme can be used for cutting both rectangular sheets and linear pieces such as bars, pipes, tubes, extrusions, and lineal wood boards. It is also possible to perform linear (1D) and rectangular (2D) optimisation in the same programme. Another software is Astra R-Nesting, which allows the simple tabular entry of data by allowing woodworkers to input a list of parts and panes into an order form or to copy them from Microsoft Excel, Word or other applications. Users can also perform a quick edit of cutting layouts by using the mouse to rotate and move the parts over the layout and drag them over to another layout. The visual layout clipboard can also be
used to leave the parts for placing onto the cutting layouts later on. An inventory of offcuts in stock is maintained by either the manual or automatic entry of offcuts. Functions like the editing of the offcuts list, filtering, and sorting can be performed by the software. In addition, calculations of the statistics on all offcuts in stock or offcuts by a selected material are also possible. The user can also use the software to specify edge banding settings for parts. Information which is keyed in, is used for the calculation of the amount and cost of edge banding material for each order. Information about the edge banding is reflected in reports such as cutting layouts, specifications, and part labels. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2301
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA  march 2011
31
Advertorial One trip, two fairs www.interzum.com
Visit two trade shows on only one trip
interzum
Anyone who works with wood must come to Germany.
cologne 25 – 28. 05. 2011
F
WHERE CAN I FIND CREATIVITY ? AT INTERZUM. The creativity of the supplier sector is expressed in many little details – and at interzum. From fittings, glass and lighting to surfaces, wood, natural materials, leather and upholstery, the world’s key players for interiors and furniture production will show what they have to offer. That’s why you’ll surely find what you’re looking for during the four days of the internationally leading fair. So come feel the beat of the industry at interzum. It’s a global event you can’t afford to miss. interzum : the future starts here.
Save time and money ! Register and buy tickets online : www.interzum.com
ENQUIRY NO. 217
Koelnmesse GmbH Messeplatz 1, 50679 Köln, Germany Phone +49 221 821-2426 Fax +49 221 821-3908 interzum@koelnmesse.de
rom forestry management to furniture manufacture: The trade fair venue Germany is the focus of the whole spectrum of the wood and furniture industries worldwide. This is where the professionals meet. interzum in Cologne attracts the leading international companies which supply the furniture manufacturing and interiors. Its status is matched by LIGNA HANNOVER, where the world’s leading manufacturers of wood-working machines showcase their state-of-the-art products. But it is not only the technology which makes these companies stand out – together they produce a turnover of 4.3 billion euros. Every two years, the world’s most important trade shows for this sector – interzum Cologne and LIGNA HANNOVER – set a benchmark for new technology, innovations and trends. It’s not surprising that the number of attendees from outside Germany has jumped dramatically. Where else can visitors find such a large gathering of representatives from the demand and supply sides? The two trade shows in Germany have created a unique arena for some of the most innovative companies and industry associations in the world. You cannot fail to meet the right people here. So you can be sure of good business!
Events that put you ahead of the rest.
Germany, known internationally as home to some of the world’s best trade shows, now offers professionals from the woodworking and furniture industries the opportunity to visit two leading events during one trip: interzum in Cologne and LIGNA in Hannover.
interzum Cologne 2011 25 to 28 May World’s leading event for suppliers of furniture production and interior In 2011 interzum Cologne presents the complete range of products of suppliers to the furniture and interior industries. The fair covers the following product groups: • Fittings, Glass and Lighting: features that optimise furniture and interior elements • Surfaces, wood-based, stone-based and natural materials: products for furniture design and interiors • Upholstery, Cover Fabrics, Leather, machines and tools for material processing: the world’s unique product presentation for Upholstery & Bedding A source of momentum, a centre of ideas and a generator of innovation: interzum Cologne is the leading international show for the whole industry. The fair features also a very extensive event programme that includes speeches, seminars, special shows and conferences. For more information: www.interzum.com
32
FDM Asia march 80x240-M3-INT-FDM Asia 1 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
01.02.11 09:16
Advertorial LIGNA HANNOVER 2011 30 May to 3 June MAKING MORE OUT OF WOOD Innovative · Efficient · Trendsetting LIGNA HANNOVER, the leading international trade show for the woodworking and wood processing industries, embraces the entire production chain – from forestry and the timber trade through to industrial mass production of wood products and surface treatment technology. In short, LIGNA HANNOVER is the interface to every area of woodworking! Keynote displays at LIGNA HANNOVER: • Forestry (management and technology) • Bioenergy from wood • Sawmill equipment and technology • Solid wood working • Wood materials and veneer production • Handwerk, Holz und mehr: Joinery, cabinet-making and carpentry trades, engineered woods, materials, accessories and services • Furniture industry • Surfaces and Lightweight construction Numerous special presentations dedicated to practical themes, informative seminars and conferences, as well as matchmaking and B2B meetings and congresses underline the significance of LIGNA HANNOVER as the trade’s international summit. For more information: www.ligna.de
Our offer: buy one, get one for free
Just buy one ticket for either LIGNA HANNOVER or interzum Cologne (day ticket or full-event-ticket) and you will get access to both fairs. These ticket package offers can be obtained from any representative of the organizers – Deutsche Messe or Koelnmesse. Your contact:
Deutsche Messe Phone +49 511 89-0 e-Mail ligna@messe.de www.ligna.de
Koelnmesse GmbH Tel. +49 221 821- 2426 Fax +49 221 821- 3908 interzum@koelnmesse.de
MAKING MORE OUT OF WOOD Innovative ∙ Efficient ∙ Trendsetting ligna.de
Deutsche Messe Tel. +49 511 89-0 ligna@messe.de www.messe.de
ENQUIRY NO. 218
Both trade shows are leading events with a remarkable reputation. interzum in Cologne offers visitors a comprehensive market overview and highlights all the international trends in materials, function and design, while LIGNA HANNOVER is a unique showcase of all the latest developments in woodworking technology. These two major shows have been scheduled so that one takes place shortly after the other – almost on each other’s doorstep! A short 3 hour journey by train separates the two locations. And after interzum closes in Cologne the organizers have allowed one day which can be used for travel. This arrangement is ideal for visitors from abroad who will appreciate the fact that it is cheaper to travel at the weekend.
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA march 2011
33
Fran Gambin, Washington, Spain
Surfaces & Flooring
Emergence Of Engineered
Wood Floorings A
s technology advances, the efficiency of wood product manufacturing has improved. As compared to the past 50 years, technological innovations have increased the industrial output per unit of wood input by 40 percent. In addition, there is a shift from solid wood products in favour of engineered wood, which is attributed to the recent breakthrough in the flooring industry. In fact, one interior company in Dubai stated: “There is a trend increase towards wood flooring, particularly engineered wood floorings, in the past five years. It instantly adds warmth and a homely ambience.”
Solid Wood Floorings Traditionally, solid hardwood floorings have always been the choice for homemakers. They range in dimensions and
34 FDM Asia march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
Engineered wood floorings are favoured over solid wood due to its durability, sustainability and convenient installation method, explaining for the emergence of use at homes. By Natalia Tee
styles as each plank is made up of solid wood and milled from a single piece of timber. In today’s context, modern construction techniques rarely use wood building frames hence solid hardwood is mostly used for its appearance. One advantage of this is it can be sanded and refinished many times. It can also be installed above or on grade. Despite so, there is a limitation to using solid hardwood, which is attributed to the natural characteristics of wood. Wood expands and contracts due to fluctuations in moisture and temperature, resulting in dimensional restrictions on solid wood floors. In order not to compromise the structure of the solid wood floor, the typical board is 12.7 cm wide and 1.91 cm thick. This, however, does not indicate that it will perform well in every environment. Therefore, it is recommended not to install solid wood directly over concrete.
Vicwood Group
Surfaces & Flooring
There is a recent growing trend of homemakers and owners preferring engineering wood to solid wood in the flooring industry. Engineered wood can be manufactured from fast growing, under-utilised and less costly wood species such as aspen, fir, pine and poplar. Engineered wood is made up of three to eleven layers in its plank. After the flooring is installed, the top layer, which is the visible wood, is called the lamella. It is adhered to the core, which is also known as the substrate. In most cases, the plank is made up of a stable plywood base and a surface laminate of the finish wood. Armstrong World Industries offers finish wood in the following products like cherry, hickory, maple and oak. During the construction, the woodpiles are stacked on top of one another, but in an opposite direction creating perpendicular grain directions in every layer of the wood laminate. This creates dimensional stability as well as resistance against moisture. In contrast to solid wood flooring, engineered wood floor expand and contract lesser during fluctuations in humidity and temperature. Dimensional stability is demonstrated during installation as the plank will install straight and true. Since the butt joints, referring to the position when two ends meet, will always line up straight without warpage, the chances of traditional dimensional ‘bump’ is least likely to occur.
Manufacturing Engineered Wood Engineered wood floors are manufactured in two ways that can be differentiated on the visible lamella reflecting how the hardwood is cut from the logs. They are slice and sawn cut, and the other is the rotary cut. Slice cut is one method in which its veneer is sawn from
the log. This gives a more natural appearance of the wood as well as finer graining. It also allows for a thicker hardwood surface that is able to withstand the most wear. The thickness of the veneer layer can vary. On the other hand, a huge lathe, which cuts long and wide pieces of hardwood from the log in a circular motion, peels or cuts rotary cut veneer. This peeling method provides
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS The Associate Group is a multi-faceted business entity with almost a century of knowledge and exposure in business. Its primary product portfolio caters to the requirements of the Construction materials & infrastructure development industry. The group has further diversified its offerings across verticals such as Panel products & High pressure Gas Cylinders. M/s. STAR PANEL BOARDS LIMITED, is looking for a Production Head. The company with latest continuous process technology introduced first time in India, is currently under implementation stage. The company’s vision is to become India’s top panel product Brand by 2015. Role and Responsibilities: “Production Head for Particle Board and MDF manufacturing”. The candidate should possess a B.Sc Chemistry or Production Engineering / Wood Science (Technology) degree and should have atleast 10 years of experience on producing Particle Board and MDF from continuous presses. His primary responsibility will be to set up production parameters in terms of quality, consumption figures, productivity, recipes, achieve savings in consumption of wood, resin and energy, and should have complete knowledge on process of wood granolometry, resin and quality parameters. The candidate should be ready to relocate to Malur, Karnataka, India and should be associated for a minimum period of two (2) years. Remuneration will be at par in industry based on candidates qualification and experience. Interested candidates may send their detailed profile within 14 days to panels@associategroup.in. Contact: HR Department, Associate Group, Panels Division, Position Code: Malur – PH – 01. For more info, logon to
www.associategroup.in Note: All the information submitted will be kept as highly confidential.
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA march 2011
35
ENQUIRY NO. 213
Engineered Wood Floorings
Clint Rankin, Ohio, US
KMS Woodworks
Surfaces & Flooring
wilder grain pattern that is less natural looking hence less desired by homeowners. Moreover, its layer is thinner so it wears faster.
Installation Of Engineered Wood Floor There are a variety of installation systems of engineered wood floor namely – tongue and groove fitting, ‘click’ system, floor connection system and gluing directly onto the sub floor. Specifically, ‘click’ system and floor connection system are recommended and popular. The ‘click’ system includes a metal tab ‘snap-fit’ feature. Although it is similar to the tongue-and-groove method, the ‘clicks’ in this system are positioned at angles that stabilise the installation. As such, it is suitable for homeowners who want to ‘Do-It-Yourself’, as it does not require glue or nail. In contrast, the floor connection system allows for installation of different materials such as wood and metal. This is based on the principle that an unconnected piece of material can be inserted into all of the grooves of the two planks. This wood flooring can be installed directly onto most ceramic tile, concrete slabs and vinyl flooring. Further adding on, engineered wood flooring can be installed directly onto cement slab, which was previously inadvisable with non-stable slab flooring.
Between Solid & Engineered Wood Several limitations of the solid hardwood limit its scope of use. Solid hardwood should not be installed directly over concrete, below grade as well as used together with radiant floor heating.
36 FDM Asia march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
In addition, it is limited in plank width and more prone to the following scenarios that result in increased plank size. First, ‘gapping’ refers to the excessive space between planks. Second, ‘crowning’ occurs when humidity is increased. Third, ‘cupping’ refers to the concave appearance of the plank in which the height of the longer edges is higher than the centre. Despite its cons, there are many pros to using solid hardwood as compared to engineered wood. One of which is unlimited sanding and refinishing of the solid hardwood, unlike engineered wood that only allows up to two times of sanding. This is pernicious if there are deep scratches or dents on the thin top layer of the engineered wood. Furthermore, engineered wood have an average lifespan of between 30 and 40 years. On top of that, the adhesives used in the bonding process may be toxic. As such, workers may require personal protective equipment such as respirators when cutting the plank in order to avoid inhaling potential toxin. Conclusively speaking, homemakers embrace engineered wood flooring for its convenient installation methods, dimensional stability and resistance to changes in temperature and humidity. In addition, they can be used in many places that regular hardwood flooring is not able to withstand. In fact, it can be even installed on concrete slabs in most basements as long as the moisture content is below four percent. Despite so, solid hardwood allows for unlimited sanding and refinishing in which it is not the case for its counterpart. As such, homeowners are taught to be careful in maintaining this flooring. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2401
ENQUIRY NO. 202
Ben Lucier, Toronto, Canada
Furniture Design & Technology
Space Management:
Turning
The Corner The scarcity of living space has shifted the focus of kitchen design from space utilisation to space management. Innovative designs and solutions will help drive the furniture industry forward. By Wong Tsz Hin
T
he scarcity of living space has shifted modern focus of home furnishing from space utilisation to space management. Kitchen design, which used to be centred on practicality, must now uphold aesthetic appeal as an integral part of a house’s interior concept and provide increased functionality within a confined space. There is a growing demand for kitchen furniture that optimises space utilisation, while remaining coherent with the overall design scheme. The challenge lies in maximising the limited space available and enabling access to functional area that were previously unusable due to design limitations.
Modern Kitchen Design The ideal kitchen design should offer convenient management of utensils, wares, commodities and equipment.
38 FDM Asia  march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
With the prevalence of the minimalist approach and the rise to prominence of the open space concept, there is a requirement for kitchen furniture to display compact designs with multiple functionalities. One of the trends is for furniture pieces to have cross-category functions without taking up too much space. For example, a kitchen table should have the capacity for storage that is easy to access. The idea is to pack different functions within a piece of furniture for proper space management. The need for multi-purpose designs also stems from hectic lifestyles. More often than not, the lack of time makes it necessary to perform multiple tasks at the same time. Salvarani adopts this philosophy with its Highteak kitchen design that features a kitchen table, which
also functions as a study table. The design encourages the idea of space management since the kitchen has effectively been transformed into a study room as well. The kitchen is no longer just a location for cooking and dining; it has evolved to gain a bigger hold of the living experience. Ergonomics is another factor that is gaining public awareness. Traditional hanging cabinets and low drawers lost their appeal due to inaccessibility. This is of particular importance, especially for kitchen application, because it has the potential to become a safety hazard. Modern cabinets are equipped with compartments that are specially designed to hold specific items like jars or plates securely in place. Such system improves overall safety and enables easy management of the items. There is also
Furniture Design & Technology
Curved Wood Surfaces Advancements in woodworking technology have provided other possible solutions and open the doorway to creative
ENGINEERING
www.moldow.com
40 Toh Guan Road East, #01-65 Enterprise Hub, Singapore 608582 Tel: +65 6777 5383 | Fax: +65 6774 1022 sales@lignar.com | www.lignar.com SINGAPORE 新加坡
Made In DENMARK 丹麦制造
中国上海 上海市浦东玉兰路16号 盛第大厦303室邮编201204 Tel: +86-21-51908631 Mobile: +86-136-36376900
高负荷过滤器 MHL Modular Filter
高效率鼓风机 High Efficiency Industrial Fans
料仓排出系统
旋风塔，料仓
Silo Discharge System
Cyclone & Silo
中央 集
尘系统
源 SAV 能 RGYSystem ING E ting ENollec C
Lignar Engineering is a leading manufacturer and exporter of Dust Extraction Equipment for wood-based industries, with customers spread across Southeast Asia and China. Our products include Portable Dust Collectors, Modular Bag Filters, Transflows, Fans, Cyclones and Silo Discharge Systems.
中央收集管道系统,过滤器
Modular Transflow & Filter System
Spark Detection System
ENQUIRY NO. 215
Corners of the room are problematic areas that used to severely impact the optimal utilisation of space. Conventional kitchen furniture that is rectangular in shape means that a considerable amount of space at the corners is left unutilised. The volume of the dead corner is closely related to the depth of the cabinets. Having large cabinets will substantially increase the volume of wasted space, while decreasing the size of the cabinets will significantly reduce the available amount of storage. Modern innovations in design have helped to address this problem. One solution is the corner drawer system like Blum’s Space Corner. This oddshaped drawer is designed to fit into the perpendicular junction of two adjacent cabinets to offer access to the otherwise concealed space. An alternative that is equally effective makes use of a Lazy Suzan system. Several circular trays are arranged in parallel to form a shelving unit that is fixed onto a revolving mechanism. The unit is then fitted into the corner and is accessible through an opening at the sides of the adjacent cabinets. Users can store and remove items by rotating the trays. The pullout corner drawer system is a hybrid of these two systems. Depending on the actual design, different panel shapes maybe used as trays. The more common approach utilises semi-circular trays fixed onto an axis that can be pulled out after cabinet door is open. An example of this is Hafele's Slide Corner.
in making curved wood pieces more commercially viable. This in turn provides more flexibility in the conceptualisation of product design. There is a growing trend for kitchen counters to avoid cornering issues by creating curved extensions on the sides. The rounded corners can then be used
st
New Corner Solutions
designs. The primary constraint used to be the regular and straight surfaces of kitchen furniture. Curve surface furniture were often more expensive due to the extensive work required during the manufacturing process. New wood materials and bending techniques have contributed
HIG高节 Du H 省
an increasing number of cabinets with extension fixtures inside their drawers that help bring the storage items closer to users to prevent straining of muscles.
Ducting & Fittings
Please visit us at interzum guangzhou 2011 27 - 30 March 2011 Booth No: 11.1 A06 www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA march 2011
39
Karen and Brad Emerson
Furniture Design & Technology modular kitchen that occupies only one square metre when closed. The unit can be opened up to reveal a kitchen table, an induction cook panel, a mini-refrigerator, an oven and storage space for kitchenwares. Come Together, designed by Albrecht Seeger and Martin Linke, is another collapsible kitchen unit that is the size of a conventional cabinet when kept. These compact kitchen units offer an innovative approach to the restriction of living space. They will change the general perception of kitchen and lay the path for creative inventions in future.
Moulding The Future Hafele
Corners of the room present inaccessible space.
as storage space by fixing a curved cabinet door. Bentwood not only maximises space utilisation, but also create opportunities for potential aesthetic applications. The result is designs that are not bound by plane requirements that can be extended into three-dimensional forms. In order to make the kitchen appear neat and tidy, storage compartments are concealed and often disguised as part of furniture or structures of the room. One example is the pillar cabinet that looks like a pillar of the room from the exterior. It is not unusual to find table or counter top that can be slid out to reveal hidden storage space underneath.
Compact Kitchen Units
Hafele's Slide Corner.
40 FDM Asia  march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
In recent years, with the growing popularity of studio apartments around the world, designers have taken space management to the extreme. New concepts redefine a kitchen from a room in the house to being a compact unit like a piece of furniture. German designers Kristin Laass and Norman Ebelt created a small
Space management is not an entirely new concept. The ever-growing world population and the resulting increase in population density have shrunk the amount of living space available. However, innovations and inventions have helped utilise space in ways that are previously not possible. Corner drawers are one illustration on how a simple idea can solve a long-lasting problem. Of course, the woodworking and furniture making industry have progressed much more than that. Technological breakthrough in materials and processes continues to increase commercial viability of products, which in turn provide tools for creative design and utilisation. Compact kitchen units will challenge conventional thinking on the concept of a kitchen. This should not be seen as a threat to kitchen furniture manufacturers, but an opportunity for expansion into a completely new range of product. Increased awareness of ergonomics and the demand for more functionality for each piece of kitchen furniture will push for solutions that will help carry the industry forward. FDM
ENQUIRY NO. 2501
ENQUIRY NO. 195
Wood & Sustainability
Sustainable Forest Management In Asia:
Status And Challenges
Sam Beebe
Despite Asia’s high demand for wood and its dominance in global wood products trade, the development of the wood product sector in the region continues to suffer from a dwindling wood resource supply. The answer may lie in good forest management. By Dr Jegatheswaran Ratnasingam, FIWSc.
42 FDM Asia march 2011 | www.fdmasia.com
I
n a recent publication by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), it was reported that Asia accounts for almost 20 percent of the global forested area. However, with almost two third of the world’s population, Asia’s per capita-forested area is relatively low at 0.2 ha/ person. Wood remains the most important fuel source in many parts of Asia and the region has the largest processing capacity for secondary wood products in the world. Despite the region’s dominance in the global wood products trade, Asia continues to suffer low productivity within the wood products sector. According to a study by the International Furniture Research Group (IFRG) in 2009, Asia's biggest challenge in the future would be in ensuring a consistent supply of raw wood materials to meet its growing domestic demand.
Declining Natural Forest Cover The supply of wood resources from natural forests in Asia has dwindled to about 70 million cubic metres per annum, while supply from plantation forests has increased to almost 40 million cubic metres per annum.
Wood & Sustainability
Drivers Of Change In Forest Cover A number of forces act on Asia's forest resources individually and collectively to influence its management, however, the trends related to these forces are yet to be clearly understood. According to the International Furniture Research Group (IFRG), an analysis of deforestation activities in Asia has identified four major causes of deforestation: • Infrastructure development • Agricultural expansion • Wood extraction • Other factors, including pre-disposing environmental factors, biological drivers and social drivers Furthermore, five related underlying factors that shape these major causes are demographic factors, economic factors, technological factors, policy and institutional factors, as well as cultural factors. Analysis and experts' views suggest no universal causal link that can explain deforestation activities, rather, they are determined by various combinations of major causes and underlying factors that are specific to time and place. For instance, in many parts of Asia, including Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia, natural forests are slowly being replaced by agricultural crops, particularly palm oil and rubber that provides much better economic returns, despite the increasing call for biodiversity conservation by many concerned parties.
to the challenges they face in managing the Asian forest resources under their stewardship. These innovations can be grouped under several thematic clusters, ranging from the legal, policy and institutional frameworks (with a focus on community organisations) to the evolving role of the private sector. • Forests & Governance Across Asia, a generation of institutions is emerging that has the capacity to manage across jurisdictions (from sub-national to international level) and deal with forest problems in an integrative, holistic and participatory way. At the sub-national level, where forests are predominantly managed by community-based organisations (CBOs), institutional innovations have led to greater decentralisation and empowerment of local governments and communities in the management of forest resources. The aim of these institutions is to create livelihood opportunities for forest-dependent people, empower local population, ensure equity and broad-based participation in decision-making and management, and recognise traditional ownership patterns and institutions. Strengthening resource security or providing property rights is necessary for making a difference.
ENQUIRY NO. 108
It has been reported that an average of 10 million hectares of natural forests are lost in Asia on an annual basis, while the rate of forest plantations stands at about five million hectares per annum on average. Inevitably, Asia is losing its forest cover, and its impact on wood resource production as well as environmental degradation is becoming a worldwide concern. As a result of Asia’s shortfall of almost 400 million cubic metres of wood resources for industrial uses, it is highly dependent on raw material imports from North America, Russia, South America, Africa and other parts of Europe. Such a trend explains the steady reduction in comparative advantages in the wood products sector among many Asian nations. With the exception of Indonesia and Myanmar, almost all other Asian nations suffer from a wood resource deficit situation, which clearly restraints its ability to further develop its buoyant wood processing sector.
Good Practices In Asian Forest Management In a growing number of cases, stakeholders and managers have successfully designed and tested innovative solutions www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA march 2011
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Wood & Sustainability FAO case studies of exemplary forest management in Asia and the Pacific have documented a number of examples, in which forest degradation, poverty and social unrest have been successfully addressed through institutional reforms. At the national and supranational levels, the most important innovation is the development and application of criteria and indicators (C&I). These have helped set the standards for forest certification by government regulatory systems, international agencies and forest certification groups. The ITTO estimates that about 25 million hectares of the tropical forests’ sustainable production practices are certified by independent forestry organisations. On a cautionary note, though, it is important to point out that many Asian countries continue to suffer serious loss of forest cover or have not been able to make significant progress towards sustainable management of their forest resources. Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar are some of the cases in point.
ensure the continuity of forest product flow, while conserving complex ecosystems rich and varied in flora. Critical elements include: i) Development of a national forest policy that provides a common approach towards forest management ii) Strengthening of various forest departments for forest resource planning and management iii) Use of advanced technology for survey and logging monitoring iv) Development of downstream industries with a focus on value adding v) Granting fiscal incentives and full tax exemption under the pioneer act vi) Formulation of Malaysia-specific C&I based on revised ITTO C&I vii) Development of internal assessment procedures for assessing sustainable forest management based on C&I
• Enabling Policies & Legal Frameworks Malaysia offers a vivid example of a country that has developed an effective and sound policy and legal framework for the management of its forest resources. The key to its success is the statement of a clear vision and political commitment to
• Knowledge Generation & Application Over the past few decades, a wealth of knowledge and technologies has been generated, drawing from lessons learned from field experiences as well as national and international research programs.
Kia Abell, United States
Asia consumes about 59 million cubic metres of processed wood.
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Björn Láczay, Landshut, Germany
Wood & Sustainability
Wood remains the most important fuel source in many parts of Asia.
These cover all the facets of sustainable forest management (biological diversity, forest health and vitality, productive functions of forest resources and protective socio-economic, legal, policy and institutional frameworks), and they have developed methodologies and generated scientific knowledge. Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) systems are currently being
used in Indonesia and Malaysia and some other Asian countries in response to concerns over the ecological and economic sustainability of harvesting natural tropical forest. RIL uses an array of optimal harvesting techniques that reduce damage to residual forests, help sustain regeneration and protect biological diversity and may provide low-cost options for maintaining carbon sinks and forest conservation benefits. The systems are an integral part of the certification initiatives. It has been demonstrated that RIL can be more profitable than conventional logging, reducing by 12 percent the overall cost per cubic metre of wood produced. The profitability of RIL is not universal, however, and depends on local conditions. A key innovation in Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) management has been the development of a formal certification process spearheaded by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). NTFPs encompass a broad range of products (such as gums, resins, fruits, nuts, medicinal plants, fungi and weaving/ construction materials) that are managed for various objectives. NTFP harvest generally has limited negative impacts on forest
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Wood & Sustainability
Michaela Kobyakov, Linz, Austria
and provide essential ecosystem services, continuous scientific investigation will be needed to better understand upstream/downstream continuity among and between ecosystems, improve modelling, prediction and decisionmaking support and master the economics of sustainable forest management. A particular challenge will be to improve methodologies for quantifying the economic value of the ecosystem services of the tropical forests and apply these values adequately in landuse decision making that drives forest change, both within and outside the forest sector. It will be important to bring these values into markets, cross-sectoral decisions and macro-economic policy making processes. More research will also be needed to support current development of effective markets for the environmental services of forests, such as biodiversity, carbon sequestration and watershed protection. Yusmar Yahaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Asia loses about 10 million hectares of natural forest annually while the rate of forest plantations stands at 5 million hectares per annum.
ecosystems and generates an array of social and economic benefits, particularly to community forest operations. While SmartWood has so far been the NTFP certification leader, several other FSC certifications are beginning to incorporate NTFPs into their assessment and are designing and implementing the required internal systems.
Challenges to Forest Management in Asia Despite the many successes in the management of Asian forest resources, there remains an array of challenges. Among the important ones are: • Continuous Pressure On Forest Resources The pressure is prompted mostly by increased demand for high-value timber and pulp and paper (mainly driven by emerging economies in China, India, and South-East Asia) and for food, fibre supply and bio-fuels, driven by population increase in developing countries. • More Active Engagement With The Private Sector According to several studies, private investment in the forest sector in developing countries is seven times greater than the combined total overseas development assistance (about US$1.5 billion per annum) for the forest sector. This fact makes engaging the private sector essential for the promotion of socially and environmentally sustainable forest sector development. • Research Since forests cover 30 to 40 percent of earth’s land area
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Malaysia offers a vivid example of effective and sound management of its forest resources.
• Developing New Partnerships Innovative partnerships among and between various interest groups are essential for successful implementation of sustainable forest management, and among the examples of such partnerships are Rainforest Challenge Partnership, Forest Law Enforcement and Governance Partnership (FLEG) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). As global demand for wood resources increases, the Asian forest cover will come under increasing pressure to cope with the need for sustainable management. However, Asia has the capability and foresight to counter these challenges, and suffice to say, Asia will be able to ride the waves of challenges faced by paying greater attention to forest plantations, while conserving the natural forests to meet the demands of multipleuse for the future! FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2601
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Wood & Sustainability
Case-Study:
Staying Ahead Of The
Game
Intelligent storage systems give local manufacturers the flexibility and automation they need to maximise productivity and remain competitive. By Barbara Schulz for Homag Australia
I
n order to survive in today’s competitive marketplace, furniture manufacturers must find ways to cut costs and increase productivity, all without sacrificing quality. Many manufacturers in Australia are unable to compete on price alone with overseas-based manufacturers, and are using quality and a high variety of designs as a key differentiator. However, without investing in automation to increase production volume, smaller cabinet makers will not survive.
Remaining Globally Competitive For small companies, the future depends on modernisation, automation and just-in-time production to increase productivity. Moreover, minimising the time frame between the purchase of materials and invoicing/payment is critical to improving cash flow. Focus on the process to boil out cost, increase the rate of turnover is one of the next natural steps in the refining of manufacture, and remaining competitive and profitable. The Bargstedt system is a contributor in the implementation of lean production so as to improve manufacturers’ operations and cash-flow.
Lean Production Just-in-time production is an essential requirement in the bid to comply with wide-ranging and individual customer demands. The most important attribute of lean production is the ability to build products quickly and efficiently in batchsize of one. The storage system supports the just-in-time process and permits the benefits of high volume production to be combined with economical methods for the manufacture of minimal batch sizes down to as low as one. According to Michael Madden, GM at Furniture Concepts
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Queensland, the system is capable of increasing production by 60 to 70 percent. The system’s coordination of job planning and purchasing means that only the necessary will be ordered and no over ordering would occur. The system can also work a completely unmanned ghost shift. During the lights-out unmanned operation, the system prepares tomorrow’s sheets in the sequence of the production plan, and saves time and money. AWG Australia has increased its production on its beam saw by more than 100 percent, because cutting is now independent of material supply. Orchid Furniture has increased its machine utilisation rate from around 30 percent to 80-90 percent and more than doubled the output of the beam saw as well.
Customisation The storage systems can also be adapted to the specific needs of customers. Manufacturers typically experience high levels of fixed cost and low margins. As the market is fragmented, plant and equipment is often under-utilised. The plane storage system installed at AWG, for instance, offers a degree of optimisation and efficiency. With a maximum span width of 12 m and a 50 m frame length for this particular model, it is possible to store almost any type and amount of boards in an area of 600 sq m up to a height of 2.1 m with spacing between stacks of only 150 mm.
Wood & Sustainability
The gantry style system can travel up to 150 m/min and features a suction head, equipped with an intelligent material recognition device to move a great spectrum of boards from raw MDF to thin laminates.
Quality & Design For Australian companies, it is important to handle such a great spectrum of boards. Competing with cheaper imports by quality and design means they have to stock a huge variety of coloured panels, which can take up a lot of storage space. The automated rainbow stacking system is able to handle a high variety of panels using minimum storage space. In typical colour racking systems, the sheets are usually segregated according to colours. With the rainbow stack system, the machine places the sheet where it is most suitable and picks it up when needed. The system not only improves efficiency and productivity, but also safety and utilisation of floor space. The safety package includes the protection fence for the complete protection of the storage area, electronically protected access doors and Brett Atherton of Orchid Furniture. places to place the goods and remove them from the storage protected by lightbarriers. Personnel are protected from unintentional entry into the storage area and as such, from injuries. As a result, the production process is not interrupted and related expensive downtimes are eliminated.
Complete Storage & Inventory Control The storage control registers the complete material stock and calculates the optimal material flow on this basis. All material movements are permanently registered in the background and the storage capacity is maximally used through a flexible allocation and arrangement of boards and storage places. The processing machines connected to the storage system are optimally used considering the process order and corresponding
to their capacity. If no material has to be provided for the next processing step, the storage system does not stop. Furthermore, the open database system makes a smooth integration possible. The database is moved to the customer’s server and adjusted to their data security concept. There are no problems in integrating database into customers’ IT surroundings and all movements are booked in real-time to the database, so there is no need for further data storage.
Eliminating Waste Eliminating waste is a major component in an operation’s efforts to streamline processes and increase efficiencies. The storage system eliminates growing piles of off-cuts by automatically updating lists of all available off-cuts. Users
Andrew Wickham of AWG.
can manage and locate off-cuts at the computer terminals of both the saw and the storage system. The system’s ability to manage off-cuts decreases waste because it retrieves the off-cuts and maintains it in stock. For example, when only half a sheet was needed and fed to the beam saw, the storage systems returns the other half to the system, registers it as an off-cut and uses it when a suitable job comes up in the future. Furthermore, the software module provides for a storage organisation that adjusts itself automatically according to the changing production conditions. It would continue to analyses all storage movements in the background, which reduces restacking by up to 40 percent. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2602
www.fdmasia.com | FDM ASIA march 2011
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Vladimir Agafonkin, Kyiv, Ukraine
Features
The Path To
Greener Pastures As the world celebrates UN International Year of Forests 2011, the private sector may be the key to drive the industry to a sustainable future. By Wong Tsz Hin
F
or centuries, forests have been harvested to obtain wood for fuel and as construction material for making houses, tools, furniture, etc. The forest industry has evolved over the years into a global trade that is worth US$270 billion. Many regions around the world depend on timber as a primary source of economic growth. The World Bank estimates that up to 1.6 billion people, more than 25 percent of the world’s population, depend on forests for their livelihoods. Of which, 75 percent rely on trees to generate food and money. While global consumption of wood has been on a constant rise, the rate of increase has dropped drastically since the 1990s as a result of recycling and more efficient use of the resource. Unlike
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other resources such as metal, wood consumption is not dependent on the level of economic development of the region. Poor and rich nations use about the same amount of wood each year, though their usage differs.
Global Wood Usage For most developing countries, wood is the primary energy source for heating and cooking. Almost 90 percent of the total wood consumption in rural areas of the world is used for fuel. Industrialised nations, on the other hand, process wood for building material, paper and packaging. One fifth of the wood harvested around the world is used to make paper. Most of the wood intended for industrial use is produced in developed countries. However, with globalisation,
more wood is harvested in developing countries for export. Timber companies are setting up plantations in developing parts of the world due to cheaper operation and labour costs, and the availability of established transportation options. The global shortage for wood also leads to the rise of illegal wood trade in third world countries. This is particularly rampant in African nations where massive amount of wood is sold illegally overseas. According to an estimate from UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, 130,000 sq km of the world’s forests are lost annually due to deforestation. Unsustainable harvesting of timber continues to be one of the main contributors to the disappearance of forest areas. Although extensive reforestation projects have helped to slow down forest shrinkage,
Features IYOF comes on the back of the successful International Year of Biodiversity 2010 and there are high expectations to achieve similar results. The issue of sustainability might have become prevalent over the last two decades, but the management of forest resources dates as far back as the 16th century when German states and Japan are understood to have devised systematic allocation of forest area to ensure sustainable yield of timber. Harvesting was planned with an eye to regeneration. Despite this, the world fails to build upon this knowledge, and forest management takes a backseat.
International Year Of Forests 2011
Wood As A Renewable Resource
In 2006, the UN declared that 2011 would be the International Year of Forests (IYOF) in order to raise awareness and strengthen the sustainable forest management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests for the benefit of current and future generations. All member states are encouraged to hold celebratory activities in respect of their forests throughout the year to raise awareness at all levels.
The forestry industry has the potential to adopt a prominent role in the growing social consensus for a green economy. Wood is a biodegradable, reusable, renewable and recyclable resource. It requires less energy to extract, manufacture, transport and construct compared to other material counterparts. Products made from steel, glass or plastic require approximately 24, 14 and 6 times more energy than wood. Wood waste can be
ENQUIRY NO. 180
Forest Service Northern Region, Montana, US
the fact remains that wood consumption is higher than the rate of regeneration. In recent years, there is a growing focus on the conservation of earth’s resources. Voices of concern from environmentalists have gradually been echoed by governments and industrial organisations who have realised that protecting the forests goes far beyond mere social responsibilities. In order for the forest industry to thrive, there is a need to ensure the sustainability of forest resources. The challenge facing the forestry industry is the creation of a management system that is socially accepted, while sustaining the resources that might be affected.
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Joe
Features used to make other products or as fuel to generate electricity. The forest industry responds to numerous environmental and social concerns by improving sustainability of resource use, using more waste materials to make products, increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 37 percent of total forest production in 2010 came from recovered paper, wood waste and nonwood fibres. This figure is expected to increase to 45 percent in 2030, with much of that growth coming from China and India.
Wood As A Green Material
Forest Service Northern Region, Montana, US
Common misconception of the general public must be addressed before wood products can take on a prominent role. The evident shouts from green groups that attribute the steady loss of forest area to logging activities have created a misguided perception in the minds of the public. Many misinterpret the forestry industry as one driven by the greed to harvest as much as possible for the sake of profitability. The issue on hand is irresponsible and illegal logging operations instead. Timber companies have to be committed to the sustainability
of forests since the continuation of their business rest heavily on the availability of the resource. As Eduardo Rojas, FAO’s assistant director-general for forestry mentioned at the opening ceremony of IYOF, there is a need to “change the generally poor perception of wood products by consumers, who often feel guilty about using wood as they think it is ethically unsound to cut down trees.” Greater effort must be made to educate and inform the public in order to eliminate the guilt factor associated with buying and using wood products. The public should be encouraged to embrace wood as a green material that helps promote carbon retention.
Vital Role Of Policy Makers Besides helping to create greater awareness among their people, policy makers and regulators are vital in ensuring proper management of forests. In many ways, governments around the world have already step up their efforts on establishing protocols that are necessary for monitoring logging operations executed by the private sector. Certification systems are in place in order to assure and inform consumers that the wood originates from responsibly managed forests. Countries such as the Philippines, Australia, China and the European Union
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have imposed or approved various timber bans to safeguard the forestry industry and stop illegal wood trade. However, the linking of the previously fragmented forestry industry through the process of globalisation has made it difficult for individual government to come up with effective solutions. In 1998, China enacted a logging ban within the country after deforestation has left its countryside susceptible to heavy flooding. The ban helped preserve China’s forest area, but did not prevent the nation from becoming the world’s largest importer and processor of timber. This is a situation faced by many other countries, as restrictions in logging activities of a region simply encourage wood imports, often of illegal origins, from other countries that do not have similar bans. The end result is the preservation of forest areas at a high price. The dwindled supply will force local wood prices to go up, which in turn forces merchants to look at cheap and illegal imports to satisfy the demand. At the same time, the increase in material cost will affect the sale of products made for exports. In order for the system to function as intended, controls and regulations must be implemented and adhered to by the global forestry industry. Such a feat is almost impossible to accomplish given
Features
Industry Involvement In Forest Management Perhaps, the party that is best positioned to implement sustainable forest management is none other than the industry itself. Most of the illegal logging happen in developing countries whose governments lack the financial capabilities, manpower resources or administrative knowledge to implement stricter controls and establish a proper infrastructure. Some governments even turn a blind eye to the illegal wood trade situation because of how lucrative it is. Timber companies are equipped to invest in these countries and help set up proper control. The employment opportunities created by such investments will decrease the locals’ needs to engage in illegal logging for money. Without the financial constraints, local governments can focus their scarce resources into providing the necessary support for these companies. Lower operation cost will give timber companies flexibility in pricing and enable gains in the long run.
Partnership With Green Groups It is only logical that the voices which have rallied for the conservation of the environment collaborate with the party that stands to gain the most rewards. The Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement is the first of its kind in terms of involvement. Nine leading environmental organisations and 21 forest companies join forces to ensure the suspension of logging on nearly 29 million hectares of Boreal Forest to allow for intensive caribou protection planning while maintaining essential fibre supply for uninterrupted mill operations. The two groups, which were once thought to have conflicting interests, should now explore the opportunity for meaningful partnership based on their
shared belief on the necessity of forest management. Another initiative driven by the industry on sustainability is in the area of research and development for faster growing alternatives. Wood species of shorter cycles are being considered as replacement for traditional hardwood. It takes decades for hardwood species to grow sufficiently for harvest, making them poor candidates for regeneration. On the other hand, wood species with life cycles of just a few years are more viable options in creating a sustained supply. However, short cycle wood lacks the physical properties of hardwood. The poor structural properties of short cycle wood prevent it from becoming a popular alternative. Research is being conducted to uncover industrial wood treatment techniques that can enhance the strength and other physical properties of short cycle wood. As the world celebrates the launch of IYOF 2011, sustainable forest management is no longer just the responsibility of governments and green groups. It has become a collative effort with industrial players and consumers being two major contributors. Consumers need to understand the benefits of wood as a green material and embrace wood products as compared to products made of other materials that require more energy to make. The growth of the market will then offer timber companies financial incentives that can be invested in forest management efforts. Governments, green groups and the private sector must work hand in hand and provide necessary support for each other. Forestry offers a unique landscape where commercial benefits do not directly contradict with environmental considerations. This is the opportunity for all relevant parties to cooperate in a cohesive manner and lay the path for a greener future. FDM
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ENQUIRY NO. 223
the vast range of economic stability and development across nations.
ENQUIRY NO. 2701
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Features
Staying
Competitive In The
‘New Economy’
Robert Scoble, California, US
A global research study of actions taken by manufacturing and distribution companies in Europe and North America. By William Johnston, independent business consultant, and Charlotte Darth, director of marketing manufacturing & distribution of Lawson
U
nlike previous recessions, the recent recession was global. Its effects quickly demonstrated across all major geographies and industries, illustrating that business today is globally interconnected. Many companies had to take major actions to stay competitive or just survive. A survey of 162 executives in European and North American manufacturing and distribution companies in the construction and industrial sectors describes what has been learnt. It offers a glimpse into how companies have been affected by the downturn, the actions that companies have taken
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to remain competitive over the past 18 months as well as the companies’ outlook on the future.
Operating In The Current Climate During economic downturns, tough measures have traditionally come in the form of reduction in salary, stock and possibly even staff. But, is this really how manufacturing and distribution companies reacted to the most recent economic crisis? And if so, which measures were taken most often? Eighty-five percent of executives reported that they were forced to make
efficiencies in some forms, such as salary during the past two years. Similarly, 76 percent of the surveyed companies had either reduced the amount of stock or number of employees. In fact, 36 percent of companies said they had to reduce both stock and the number of employees. Reducing the number of employees meant either managing out underperformers or retrenchment. Business leaders responding to the survey were sensitive to the notion that reducing staff carried risks for customers. It is said that keeping employees creates stronger customer loyalty.
Features Chart 1: Companies’ responses to the challenging economy Make efficiencies in processes Reduce stock Lay-offs/ redundancies Manage out underperformers Cut pay Reduce prices 0 20 40 Number of companies Chart 1 shows how companies responded to the economic crisis. Note that price reduction was the least common method of adapting to the current economy. Instead, 29 percent of the companies raised prices whereas 24 percent increased capital spending. Another 15 percent continued hiring and increased head count.
Managing The Supply Chain Finding reliable suppliers and managing them effectively add value to a business. Easy as it may sound, it may be hard to achieve. Two major challenges in managing supply chain were the failure to meet delivery times and price increases. These affected the companies’ ability to serve customers efficiently resulting in loss of sales opportunities and revenue. On the contrary, going out of business and not keeping up with innovation requirements had minor effects on the companies. Although being inflexible was less commonly cited, when inflexibility created problems, it most often led to loss of sales opportunities. This is attributed to the fact that losing one opportunity
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80
100
with a customer often means losing subsequent opportunities. The relationship between supply chain problems and their subsequent effects is shown in chart 2.
Adapting To Customers’ Needs In order to stay competitive, companies find means to adapt to customers’ needs
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as well as investing in areas that might improve productivity and customer service. In addition, companies need to collaborate more closely and be in a position to share information with their supply chain partners and customers. Powerful business intelligence tools can help companies measure supplier’s performance regularly to ensure that stipulated delivery times and terms are being adhered to.
Chart 2: Supply chain actions and their effects 20 18 16 14 Number of respondents 12 (out of 162) 10 8 6 4 2 0
Increasing prices Lost customers
Failure to deliver on time Lost revenue
Going out of business
inflexibility
Lost sales opportunities
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Stewart Butterfield, San Francisco, US
Features
Banun Patro, Tamil Nadu, India
Survey showed that majority of the companies did continue to invest during the downturn. Ninety-six of the 162 survey respondents invested in process innovation in the past 12 months. In addition, 95 survey respondents said they would continue to invest going forward. Of the 156 companies making
investments, 84 used leveraged funds in addition to their own cash in any of the following four areas: working capital, investment, process innovation and survival. Borrowing to invest or for process innovation can be a sign of growth because it can increase the return on the investment made.
Borrowing for survival, however, is rarely such a sign. Companies borrowing for survival were 63 percent more likely to require employees to double-up on tasks; 250 percent more likely to cut wages; 43 percent more likely to increase prices; and 58 percent less likely to increase head count. Seventy-three percent of companies that borrowed for survival are less likely to know how they are compared to competitors. It is important for companies to be aware of how their competitors are doing, as they tend to perform better than companies that do not have this information. In a competitive world where customer loyalty is hard to win and even harder to keep, it is important to differentiate from the competitors.
Outlook So, as the industry emerges from recession, how do companies feel about the future? Fourty-four percent of respondents were optimistic while 53 percent were cautious. Only three percent were pessimistic. It was found
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that companies that reported talking to their major customers on a regular basis had more optimistic outlooks than others. Finally, the investment data shows a relationship between the amount of total investment and a company’s outlook in the next 12 months. The highest investment category in the survey was over £250,000 (US$341,931.82) with about 50 percent of optimistic companies reported doing so. As one IT manager who described his French company’s outlook as ‘cautious’ commented: “People must invest in the future in anticipation of recovery and to improve their performance now.” As we emerge from the worst of the recession, there are many important lessons to learn and decisions to make in order to best position for the future. A tough economy is a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity for a company to exercise its adaptability and to learn more about the most efficient use of its resources. On top of that, it can also be an opportunity for leaders to apply their keenest insights so they can maintain and grow their business. Indeed, nearly all of the companies surveyed invested in process innovation, new products, new tooling or production lines, in their staff
or in R&D with many of them making more than one investment. Finally, knowing customers intimately stands out as a competitive advantage.
Ingvar Kamprad, founder and owner of IKEA, once said: “It takes years to build a customer’s trust but seconds to lose it.” Companies constantly need to develop better ways to serve their customers. Customer relationship management has everything to do with providing better service. Used correctly, it will give a company a 360-degree view of their customers and provide the possibility to offer value-added services and differentiated service levels, all with the goal of maximizing both revenues and margins. We will give the last word to one of the survey respondents. According to an executive in a German company: “Optimism will pay off and win out.” FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2702
ENQUIRY NO. 221
Ilker, Izmir, Turkey
Features
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57
Khalid, Doha, Qatar
Features
Making A
Globalisation has made the furniture market more competitive, causing the need to shift towards consumer-orientated operations. Companies have to get into the minds of consumers to stay ahead. By Wong Tsz Hin
G
lobalisation has merged national markets into one cohesive economy. The interaction of these previously isolated bodies means that domestic goods must face increasing pressure from the availability of cheaper import alternatives. Established networks of transportation and communication have also liberated production operations from the confines
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Lasting Impression of location. It is now common to see components of a product manufactured in different parts of the world before final assembly. All these have great implications on labour intensive industries, such as furniture making, where companies struggle for a share of the global demand. Furniture manufacturers need to restructure their operations to compete
in today’s volatile market. The FIRST project, co-funded by the European Union, states that one of the key changes that must be implemented is the shift from a production-focused structure to a consumer-orientated business model. It is crucial to understand the needs and motivations of consumers and address them. Products must be designed with
Features
Study On Consumer Behaviour Researches on this interdisciplinary study to determine what govern purchase choices have been conducted for many years. Due to the complexity and abstractness of the subject, it is impossible to quantify and identify the specific underlying influences that affect consumers. A combination of cognitive factors compelled by psychological (internal) and environmental (external) conditions is at play whenever a decision is made. Through extensive experimentations, scientists are able to distinguish a few important contributors to the mental process. These factors cannot be used to predict exact consumer reactions, but are useful in speculating the possible responses. When exposed to product appearance, consumers will be affected by the communication of aesthetic, symbolic and ergonomic information. The process may seem complicated, but the principles behind it are not. Once manufacturers are able to grasp the influence each aspect has on consumers, they can incorporate these ideas into the conception of product design to target specific demographics.
Aesthetic Influence The aesthetic aspect of a product refers to the pleasure derived from seeing the product without any consideration of its functionality. This is an area where the variance of choices within a specific study group is highest. The definition of beauty is unique to individuals. Although it is not unusual for people to share similar aesthetic taste, such appreciation cannot be categorised according to age, gender, race, upbringing, etc. When choosing between goods that are similar in most aspects, including
functional features, consumers tend to pick the one with an atypical design as long as it is within acceptable tolerance. Consumers are observed to shy away from typical or overly atypical design. The appearance of the product must retain conventional characteristics usually displayed by products of the same category, yet look different from the rest. An interesting point to note though, is that for durable goods, consumers may
to account for consumers’ selection of goods that are clearly inferior to similar alternatives. Consumers purchase goods that reflect the mental imageries they have or want to have of themselves. In modern society, material possession has evolved from the satisfaction of needs to the definition of status. A person’s social standing is represented by the possession of items. Goods have become tools of identity that integrate individuals into exclusive
moderate their aesthetic judgement based on their perception on whether the product would fit in with other assets they own. In the case of furniture, an individual may fancy a particular bedroom cabinet, but chooses another one simply because it is in harmony with the house’s interior design. While it is impossible to create a design that is pleasing for everyone, furniture makers can model their pieces according to interior design trends.
communities. For example, people from the executive level would expect luxurious furniture that demonstrates their expensive taste. Single professionals may prefer something simplistic, stylish and sleek. Another aspect of symbolic communication is branding. Through personal experience or exposure to advertisements, consumers may sometimes build a mental perception of a brand. The brand becomes a symbol of reliability and creates an inclination for its followers to select its products even though they may be of poorer quality compared to their competitors. Branding is also associated with self-portrayal. Consumers have the tendency to resonant with brands that is consistent with their mental personas. A
ProSand Construction Group
consumer behaviour in mind to gain a differentiating advantage in convincing them to buy.
Self-portrayal & Branding Symbolic product value is perhaps the dominant determinant in purchase decision and encompasses self-portrayal, branding and intrinsic association with elements of product design. It helps
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Jin, Melbourne, Australia
Features brand that is a household name for minimalist design would likely be embraced by those who crave for similar philosophy.
Thought Association Of Design
PentaxSLR, Harpenden, UK
The last component of symbolic product value is intrinsic association with design. It was originally assumed that the cognitive process follows the path of stimulation of senses, processing of information, and feedback for reaction. However, recent thought models have challenged this concept and proposed the existence of biases that trigger automatic response.
The eye may hold the answer to colour preference.
These biases are hardwired into our heads and difficult to overcome. They build immediate emotional and psychological impressions at the presence of specific sensory cues. Despite the huge difference in perception among individuals, there are certain elements that create common mental associations. For example, bulky objects give a sense of strength and security. White surfaces create an impression of cleanliness. These associations are usually affected by colour and shape. Other components such as texture can contribute as well. A black, glossy long table will appear modern, classy and spacious. Furniture must be designed such that the mental association reflect the desired properties consumers look for. A bed should look homely and cosy at first sight. The imagery of resting comfortably
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Manufacturers need to see through the eyes of consumers.
in the bed will help build an immediate affection for it. Similarly, consumers would likely repulse furniture that creates mental perceptions inappropriate to its intended surroundings. A chair for the study should make users feel alert and productive, rather than relaxed. Ergonomics refers to the ease of use at first glance. Consumers tend to be more resistant to products that appear to be complex and difficult to operate. A foldable table with many hinges will make consumers reconsider even if the folding operation requires little effort. In order to convince consumers, product must work easy and look easy. Besides this, products must also ensure that they appear stable enough. Drawers that open out completely will give consumers the impression that the contents will spill out even if they are secured properly.
Biological Approach Diana Derval proposed a more biological understanding of consumer perception in “The Right Sensory Mix: Targeting Consumer Product Development Scientifically�. Her study has found that consumer decisions are related to biological responses to stimulants and suggested that preferences are formed based on the ease of attaining and processing information. In order to see, light from objects
will enter the eye through the pupil and be refracted by the lens onto the focal point on the retina. Nearsighted people focus light in front of the retina, so seeing the colour blue is effortless for them. Farsighted people on the other hand, have shorter eyeballs and focal points beyond the retina. They are able to see red, which has a longer wavelength, with more ease. In this regard, nearsighted people are found to prefer blue to red since it requires less effort to see. This applies to the other senses as well. There is a biological correlation between sensory comfort and decision making which can help predict consumer behaviour. Before attempting to implement all these considerations into product designs, it is imperative not to presume that the intended meaning incorporated in product appearance will be fully comprehended by consumers. The understanding of the designer is drastically different from that of the consumers given the difference in technical knowledge. Consumers usually see less communalities and differences between objects of interest and are unable to distinguish between more abstract attributes. Another consideration to remember is that pricing remains an essential factor in product selection. The comparison between similar products often happens only after the products are grouped within
Features a budgetary bracket. The growing public awareness on sustainability and green technology means that more consumers are concern about the origins of the wood material used. Although it has yet to become a prominent deciding factor, the demand for eco-friendly furniture products is expected to grow.
Shift Towards Consumerorientated Production With the current competition in the global wood furniture market instigated by cheap alternatives from countries that enjoy more flexibility in material pricing, there is a need for a paradigm shift towards consumer-orientated products. Manufacturers need to focus on ways to increase the appeal of their products. One effective way to do so is to understand the underlying cognitive process governing consumer behaviour and discover ways to entice them. Aesthetic, symbolic and ergonomic components are three dominant aspects that influence consumers’ decisions. New studies also suggest the working of a much more biological approach during the selection process. Manufacturers can take these into considerations when designing their products. At the same time, it is essential to ensure the proper conveying of the intended meaning while keeping the price within an acceptable level. Finally, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly products that may not be substantial at the moment, but has the potential to develop into a new market. Consumers are now exposed to an array of options for them to choose from. Quality and reliability alone will no longer guarantee a foothold in the market. In order to gain a cutting edge, companies will need to ensure their products stand out among the rest by utilising creative ways to attract the subconscious minds of the consumers. FDM
A Market-driven Approach In The Furniture Industry FIRST project, which was co-funded by European Union, analysed 30 companies that went through either restructuring or had characteristics that allowed them to cope with the problems arising from globalisation. The analysis proposed suggested guidelines that manufacturers may use as part of their business models. Between 2004 and 2006, the worldwide furniture production has grown from €221,496 million (US$306,303 million) to €271,860 million (US$376,071 million), indicating a growth of 22.7 percent. Developed countries contributed to this growth, increasing the furniture production by 14.4 percent. Comparatively, in the emerging countries, the furniture production’s growth achieved was 57.4 percent. These figures suggest the productive potential as well as a strong competition in the furniture industry in these countries. In order to gain advantages against competition from emerging countries, creating value for the consumer may be the key aspect for product differentiation. Following is a table that compares between the current business models that manufacturers use and a business model that EU has suggested. As such, companies that shift their focus to serving the customers will be able to stay ahead of the competition.
A Comparison Between Current Business Model and Recommended Business Model In The Furniture Industry
Current business model in the furniture industry
Recommended business model to be applied in the furniture industry
• Production-oriented approach • Assumes the producer creates value, which is embedded in the product • Value is added incrementally in each business activity that takes place along the intra-firm or the inter-firm value chain • Based on ‘traditional’ value chain: supplier-manufacturer-retailer • Based on individual capabilities and resources of the companies • Local or national activity approach • Company size as a problem
• Consumer-oriented approach • Product differentiation • Value is created only when products or services are used by the consumer • Role of business shifts from ‘value creator’ to ‘enabler of value creation’ and the consumer is the ‘co-creator of value’ • Global approach of activity: think global, act local • Apply flexible organisations (Strategy, organisation, resources and capabilities, knowledge, technologies)
ENQUIRY NO. 2703
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Exhibition Review
IMM
Cologne 2011
January 18 - 23, 2011 Koelnmesse GmbH, Cologne Halls 2 - 11
T
he international furniture show was held from January 18 to 23, 2011 at Koelnmesse GmbH, Cologne, Germany. The fair attracted more than 138,000 professional buyers from 128 countries. This number reflected an increase of 38 percent in the number of visitors. There were 1,213 exhibitors and companies from 48 countries who participated in the event that was held together with LivingKitchen 2011. The organiser said that more buyers were registered from export markets like Asia and North America. Trade fair’s commander-in-chief and CEO of Koelnmesse, Gerald Bose shares: “The diverse activities and high level of commitment that we have put into attracting national and international visitors were successful and have definitely paid off.” When it comes to trend, sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in furniture construction too. Wood is also increasingly more popular for comfortable chairs and loungers as well as a visible component for sofas. Indeed, it is reclaiming its former status in the furniture sector. One striking development includes untreated oak, sometimes even complete with bark. Besides wood, other trends include textile and LED lighting technology. With regards to fabrics, plain colours dominate. Colourful stripes or abstract graphics are popular choices for accentuation. Moreover, thick, barely treated natural leathers with a tactile, inviting character are particularly popular. As for LED lighting technology, majority of storage purposes are being equipped with this energy-saving lighting technology that fulfils brightness and technology. The next installation of the event will be held from January 16 to 22, 2012. FDM
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ENQUIRY NO. 2801
Exhibition Preview
MOYAF Inegol 2011 Hikmet Sahin Cultural Park International Exhibition Centre March 9 – 13, 2011 Inegol, Turkey
M
OYAF (Furniture Components Wood Machines Fair) will take place from March 9 to 13, 2011. The event will be held at Hikmet Sahin Cultural Park International Exhibition Centre, in Inegol, Turkey. Visitors will be able to view machines and accessories related to home furniture such as filling materials for interior door and furniture door fronts. In addition, sector leaders will be able to meet national and international suppliers at this 24,000 sq m exhibition. Organised by Ifor Expo, the event will host 95 local exhibitors. The profile of the visitors includes CEOs of furniture manufacturers, decorators, furniture designers, architects and educators, as well as students related to furniture manufacturing. Inegol combines today’s original design with innovation and traditional motifs, using the raw materials obtained from the region. FDM
ENQUIRY NO. 2802
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Exhibition Preview
International Wood & Wood Machinery Show Dubai Airport Expo April 5-7, 2011 United Arab Emirates
F
rom April 5 to 7, 2011, the Wood and Wood Machinery Show will be held in Dubai Airport Expo, United Arab Emirates, covering over 50,000 sq m exhibition space.
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It is a platform for both visitors and exhibitors to establish potential longterm business relationships as well as explore actionable strategies to expand into the global wood industry. Approximately 700 exhibitors from countries such as China, US, UK, France, Malaysia and Japan, will be showcasing their woodworking products, services and machineries during this fair. Some of the products that will be displayed include boring and combining machines, drying kiln equipment, plywood manufacturing machinery, to name a few. Tapping onto the success for the
shows held in the past five years, this year’s show expects about 25,000 visitors from 150 countries. Some highlights of the trade fair include three workshops and a four-hour daily thought leadership conference. There will be also exclusive one-to-one business meetings in two days. Last year, more than 4,200 wood business specialists from 40 countries had attended. It was found that visitors who attended last year were interested in gathering knowledge and purchasing. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2803
Exhibition Preview
China Furniture & Woodworks Dalian World Expo Plaza Dalian, China June 9 - 12, 2011
T
he 16th China International Furniture (Dalian) Exhibition (China Furniture 2011) will take place from June 9 to 12 at Dalian World Expo Plaza. The China International Woodworking Machinery (Dalian) Exhibition (China Woodworks 2011) and the China International Furniture Components & Raw Materials (Dalian) Exhibition (China Raw Materials 2011) will be held concurrently with the fair. The three fairs are referred to as China Furniture & Woodworks 2011. Last year’s event closed with 420 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions like China, USA, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Finland, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Pakistan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Over 20,000 of trade visitors from 27 countries and regions attended the fair. The buyers’ delegations from Russia, USA, Germany, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand and other regions visited the fair and attended related events. Now, China’s furniture industry faces
both opportunities and challenges. Industrial upgrading and transformation of market structure are still continuing. This year, the organiser has co-operated with organisations from Japanese furniture industry. These Japanese organisations will bring together a number of enterprises representing Japanese furniture brands at the event. Simultaneously, leading buyers’ organisations in Japan will bring more furniture dealers of higher quality to visit the fair, which will create more business opportunities for Chinese and Japanese players. Pertaining to China Woodworks
2011, 70 percent of the space has been sold out. The fair will display wood processing technology, flooring and furniture manufacture, wood doors, windows, staircases and other wood products manufacture. Besides the Furniture Supply Premier Show Area, the 2011 edition will see the launch of other special show areas for office furniture components, furniture fabrics and leather, furniture panel, furniture hardware, coatings and chemicals, upholstery furniture materials and surface decoration. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2804
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Exhibition Preview
FMC China 2011
F
urniture Manufacturing and Supply Chain 2011 will be held from September 14 to 17, 2011 at the Expo Theme Pavilion, Shanghai, China. This is the first time that the event will be held at this 59,000 sq m location, which will accommodate the expected 750 exhibitors. The fair is expected to receive 32,000 trade buyers. Visitors can look forward to viewing several thematic areas, based on their areas of interest. These areas
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The Expo Theme Pavilion, Shanghai, China September 14 - 17, 2011
include furniture hardware, inspection and design; furniture leather and fabric, upholstery furniture components; furniture coatings, adhesives and chemicals; and furniture panels & surface décor. Asia International Furniture Material Trading Center in Guangdong has also decided to organise a group of corporate members to take part in the event. Weihua Hardware and Opensea Wood are among the furniture companies who will participate in this event.
Last year, almost 50 percent of visitors visited the ‘FMC Premium Area’. In contrast, booth sales in 2011 is expected to exceed 42.8 percent. Confirmed participants of the premium area include the French Timbre Association, Henkel, DuPoint and Li Hai. Besides an expected increase in booth sales, companies have also rented larger booth areas. Homag rents a 984 sq m
Exhibition Preview booth, which is 92 percent larger than that in 2010. Likewise, Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Association will lead more than 30 companies to take up about 1,188 sq m, which represents a growth of 69 percent as compared to last year. Shanghai Chaolun conglomerated with overseas groups have confirmed a total booth size of 594 sq m, which reflects an increase of 48.5 percent.
Other companies who have decided to participate in the event according to the thematic areas are: • Furniture Leather & Fabric, Upholstery Furniture Components Area includes Piyi, Jiema and Zhulian. • Furniture Hardware Area includes COMO, Weihua Hardware, Zhuokai Furniture Hardware and Tuodao Strong Nails.
• Furniture Panels & Surface Décor Area includes Honicel, Opensea Wood, Skyhag Woodworks and Shanghai Konsh. • Furniture Coatings, Adhesives & Chemicals includes Taiqiang Chemicals, Nanpao Resins, Biohouse and Bauhinia Paints. Those interested to attend the event are encouraged to pre-register online. FDM ENQUIRY NO. 2805
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Blum: Lift System
DSM Desotech: Instant Floor Coating
Blum has developed the servo-drive electric system, enabling lift systems to close with Blumotion effect, a silent closing action. The lift system opens with a press on the wall cabinets, which have flush fronts. To close the lift system, press on the wireless switch that is accessible on the cabinet side. Integrated collision protection is one of the features of this system. The system is applied in bifold lift systems, up and over lift systems, lift ups and stay lifts.
DSM has expanded the line of Uvolve instant floor coatings to be applied under a range of application conditions, which were previously made possible with most UV floor coating products. They include high gloss and matte finishes as well as clear and pigmented coatings. The floor coatings cure immediately via a UV light. Moreover, the coatings are 100 percent solid, single-component systems, which eliminate the need for mixing. Furthermore, the coatings can be applied in cold temperature with low odour and near-zero volatile organic compound. Being one of the company’s ‘ECO+’ solutions, they also meet green construction requirements.
ENQUIRY NO. P291
ENQUIRY NO. P293
China Foma: Refiner The pressurised refiner BM111/15/33, developed by China Foma Group, has won the Chinese Forestry Industry Innovation Award from China National Forestry Machinery Association. The equipment features a large disc diameter with productivity to meet the capacity of MDF production line at 100,000 to 120,000 cubic metres per annum. It has a heavyloaded bearing that is said to improve precision. The grinding disc gap adjustment system enables long-distance control and control on the energy consumption. The equipment’s M step design reduces the thermal expansion possibility of the machine, and its ribbon screw feeding system is said to improve the fibre quality. ENQUIRY NO. P292
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Hymmen: Single-pass Digital Printing Using a continuous single-pass digital printing technology from roll to roll, the Jupiter Digital Printing Line called JPT-W prints individual and customer-specific decors for special orders onto paper, veneer or continuously pressed laminate. Small to middle-sized batches can be produced at a production speed of 25 to 50 m per minute. Moreover, different running metre lengths of various decors such as wood, stone and fantasy images can be printed behind each other, within one roll. In order to print on small and thin roll materials, the 280 mm model prints a maximum effective working widths of 272 mm for a material thickness of up to 0.3 mm. ENQUIRY NO. P294
Product highlights
Max: Brad Nailers
Pergo: Long Planks
The models NF235F/18 and NF255F/18 feature reliable thread style driver unit and durable high composite bumper. The 1.13 kg brad nailer loads 100 nails. It has a switchable fire mechanism that allows the user to do either contact firing or single firing of nails. In addition, the dial depth control requires no special tools. It comes with a plastic case as well. Users can apply this tool in door and window casings, plywood, decorative wood boards and other interior finish work as well as furniture assembly.
Pergo presents a collection of long planks with a fourway bevelled joint. The 2054 mm x 208 mm planks are part of the quality level ‘living expression’ (classification 32 to EN 13329). As such, they are suitable for use in domestic areas with heavy traffic or public areas with normal use. Users can choose from eight designs ranging Limed Pine, Modern Grey Oak, Chocolate Oak, Driftwood Oak, European Oak, Vintage Oak, Midnight Oak and Natural Cherry. On top of being an alternative to wood parquet flooring, the collection also includes an installation technology, PerfectFold. The panels are folded down in and slotted into position themselves. The patented TitanX surface is said to provide a high level of scratch and impact resistance.
ENQUIRY NO. P295
ENQUIRY NO. P297
Nico: Anti Ligature Door Hinges Nico Manufacturing designed a range of anti ligature hinges that minimise the risks of self-harm in mental health or secure environments that are also independently tested to DHF TS001. The model 4817AN 101 x 76 mm Butt Hinge features plain bearing five knuckle hinges whereas 5315AN 101 x 76 mm features double ballbearing stainless steel butt hinges. They are available with square or 10mm radius corners. On top of that, they are tested and accredited under the Certfire scheme with full CE marking. ENQUIRY NO. P296
Sandvik Surface Solutions: Multiple Décor Texture Sandvik Surface Solutions and Lamigraf SA have collaborated to produce the Synchro-wood design, a natural wood texture that can be used in a range of different decors and colourways.
Its structure features different wood paper on a textured press plate. There are four different decors and seven color combinations, which include Équipe Synchro Palisander, Équipe Synchro Ash, Équipe Synchro Oak and Équipe Synchro Yukon Walnut. A matte or gloss effect also enhances the natural appearance and feel of the décor. ENQUIRY NO. P298
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Calendar of Events
2011
March 9-12: IFFS Singapore Expo Singapore Tel: +65 6569 6988 Fax: +65 6569 9939 Email: enquiry@iffs.com.sg Web: www.iffs.com.sg
9-13: Moyaf Hikmet ahin Kültür Parkı Uluslararası Fuar Merkezi Bursa, Turkey Tel: +90 224 713 1626 Fax: +90 224 712 1868 Email: info@modef.com.tr Web: www.moyaf.com.tr
17-20: Legno & Edilizia 2011 Verona Exhibition Centre Viale de Lavoro, 8, 37135 Verona, Italy Tel: +39-045-8298111 Fax: 39 - 045 - 8298288 Web: www.tradeshows-biz.com
21-24: Tekhnodrev The Far East 2011 24-26: Woodworking Scotland 2011 Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh Tel: +44 (0) 1474 536535 Fax: +44 (0) 1474 536 552 Web: www.nelton.co.uk
27-30: interzum Guangzhou/ CIFM 2011 China Import and Export Fair Complex Guangzhou, China Tel: +86 2087 5524 68 to 12 Fax: +86 2087 5529 70 Email: k.lee@koelnmesse.cn Web: www.interzum-guangzhou.com
April 1-2: The ‘South East Woodworking’ Show Kent County Showground at Detling, near Maidstone, Kent, UK Tel: 00 44 (0)1474 536535 Fax: 00 44 (0)1474 536552 Email: exhibitions@nelton.co.uk Web: www.nelton.co.uk
Shanghai New International Expo Center Shanghai, China Tel: +86 21 6195 6088 Fax: +86 21 6195 6099 Email: kitty.bai@vnuexhibitions.com.cn Web: www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
Dubai Airport Expo Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +9714 2829299 Fax: +9714 2828767 Email: info@dubaiwoodshow.com Web: www.dubaiwoodshow.com
14-17: Forest and Wood 2011 22-26: TechnoMebel Inter Expo Center, Sofia, Bulgaria Tel: + 359 2 9655 304 Fax: + 359 2 9655 231 Email: kstoilov@ec.bg Web: www.technomebel.bg
23-26: BWS Salzburg Exhibition Centre Tel: +43 (0)662 4477 - 2231 Fax: +43 (0)662 4477 - 2286 Email: bws@reedexpo.at Web: www.bwsmesse.at/
May 11-13: Wood World – EGYPT 2011 Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Centre Tel: +20 2 330 37 257 Fax: +20 2 330 46 007 Email: info@stonegateegypt.com Web: www.agd-exhibitions.net
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 5-7: International Wood and Wood Machinery Show
22-24: Domotex Asia/ China Floor
Track-and-Field Arena of the V.I. Lenin Stadium, Khabarovsk, Russia Tel.: +7 495 544 38 31 Email: forestforum@restec.ru Web: www.restec.ru
International Exhibition Centre Kipsala, Kipslasiela 8, Riga, Latvia Tel: +371 (0) 670 65000 Fax: +371 (0) 670 65001 Email: janis.abolins@bt1.lv Web: www.bt1.lv/mk
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
Hannover, Germany Tel: +49 511 89 32126 Fax: +49 511 89 31263 Web: www.ligna.de
June 1-3: Forestry and Wood Expo Champion Sports Complex, 41, Gogolya St., Vladivostok, Russia Tel: +7 4232 300-418 Fax: +7 4232 300-518 Email: inter@dalexpo.vl.ru Web: www.en.dalexpo.vl.ru
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
*All details subject to change without notice. Please check with organisers for updates.
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
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 7-9: Wood & Bioenergy 2011 Jyvaskylan Paviljonki, Messukatu 10, 40100 Jyväskylä, Finland Tel: +358 14 339 8100 Fax: +358 14 667 312 Email:paviljonki@jklpaviljonki.fi Web: www.jklpaviljonki.fi
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
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
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
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
20-23: Lisderevmash' 2011 International Exhibition Centre Ukraine, Kiev Tel/Fax: +38 (044) 456 3804 Web: www.acco.ua
12-15: VietnamWood Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Tel: +886-2-26596000 Ext. 322 Fax: +886-2-26597000 Email: service@ccie.com.tw Web: www.linkage-vn.com
Advertising Index Enquiry Number
Advertisers / Agency
Page Number
176
American Hardwood Export Council IFC
089
American Lumber Co.
212 Baillie Lumber Co.
19
223 Benz GmbH Werkzeugsysteme
53
199 Bino (SH) Machinery Co.Ltd
5
216 China Foma (Group) Co.Ltd
1
202 Dalian Northern International Exhibition Company
37
220 Dieffenbacher GmbH + Co.KG IBC
083
French Timber
7
204
Fulpow Industrial Corp
72
219
Homag Asia Pte Ltd
23
180
Jeffer Machinery Co.Ltd
51
217 Koelnmesse GmbH (Interzum & Ligna '11)
32
218 Koelnmesse GmbH (Interzum & Ligna '11)
33
215 Lignar Engineering Pte Ltd
39
213 M/s Star Panel Boards Limited
35
197 Siempelkamp Maschinen - und Anlagenbau GmbH & Co.KG
3
45
195 Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) - Interwood Taipei 2011
41
222 Taihao Woodworking Machinery Co Ltd
25
108 Taihao Woodworking Machinery Co Ltd
43
110 Technik Associates Inc
21
198 Tong Fong Cutters Co.Ltd
29
224 VDMA OBC 214 Weyerhaeuser Marketing
17
203 Wen Chih Machinery Industrial Co.Ltd
27
221 Wintersteiger SEA Pte Ltd
57
Legend:
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