Supplier May-June 2017 | Issue 194

FREE EVENT MAY/JUNE 2017

UPFRONT Hi again, and welcome to another jam-packed issue of Supplier magazine.

We bring you the best from Australasia and abroad, as not only do we have our usual News to report, but our Technology Editor, Philip Ashley has been on the ground in Germany with daily reports from Interzum for all of you to read hot off the press! Phil has also been at Ligna.

So, there’s plenty to take-in and absorb in this issue of Supplier, and we also have extensive Features, a Case Study, an array of Design & Trends for you to look at and Product Updates to bring you up to speed! Manufacturing and Software are stand-outs in this issue as well.

Our Features section is without a doubt a real highlight in this issue of Supplier. We cover and look at a crosssection of movers and shakers within the industry, and I personally take a close look at APR Detailed Joinery based in New South Wales, and sit down with the Director to look back at the last 30 years.

Also, Just2Pac is a great company out of Adelaide and we take a look at that company in our Case Study this month.

With Interzum, Ligna, fresh reports from Phil and much, much more, we hope you enjoy this dynamic issue of Supplier. Remember to check out Supplier: Machinery magazine. More details about its imminent release in our News section.

Until next time‌

Contents194 ISSUE NO.

MAY/JUNE 2017 VOL.33 NO.2

News 05 Biesse Inside Event to be Held in July 08 TK Design Team Shines in Adelaide 10 Big River Group Lists on ASX

Design & Trends 14 Interzum 2017 by Philip Ashley in Germany 18 New Timing and Orientation at Imos 23 Nobilia By the Numbers

Manufacturing 26 Multicam: More than a Woodworking Machine

Features 34 No Strings Attached

Case Study 44 Just 2Pac: Consistency is Key

Front Cover The only specialist business publication servicing the Furniture, Kitchen, Shop/Office Fittings, Cabinetmaking, Joinery and the related timber and panel product industries in Australasia for over 31 years!

Biesse www.biesse.com.au

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Member of the International Woodworking and Furniture Supplier Magazine Association

Ronnie Gramazio Editor

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Freedom Launches Essential Kitchens Range for the DIY Market Freedom Kitchens, Australia’s leading designer and manufacturer of quality kitchens, has recently announced that it has launched a disruptive new product: the ready to assemble, high quality Essential Kitchen range. Developed to address the needs of the DIY market, The Essential Kitchen range is available now, distributed throughout kitchen showrooms within Freedom Furniture stores.

While the most appealing selling point of a ready-toassemble kitchen is that it is cost effective - saving the customer thousands in labour costs because they can assemble and install it themselves – the Essential range has been developed in response to feedback about the lack of high quality options on the market.

“The Essential Kitchen range is a real game-changer because it’s filling a gap in the DIY market for a product that’s been expertly designed, using high quality materials,” explains Carl Romyn, National Brand Manager for Freedom Kitchens.

“They’re still cost effective, but without compromising material quality. Because we deliver the cabinetry ready to assemble rather than factory assembled, we’re able to offer the DIY customer outstanding value.”

The Essential Kitchen range includes strong and stylish Australian-made cabinetry with a 7-year warranty, and soft close doors and drawers as standard. Another notable feature is that Essential customers will still get the designer service included, with a Freedom Kitchens designer visiting their home for a consult and site check.

Biesse Inside Sydney Event to be Held in July The Biesse Inside Sydney event will be held next month, 26-28 July, 9.00am-5.30pm Discover the latest Biesse and Intermac automation and software at Inside, Sydney.

Think forward and transform your factory to delivery greater competitiveness for the era of the fourth industrial revolution.

See over 100 tons of machinery performing live demonstrations, enjoy Italian hospitality and chat to industry experts.

Discover the latest technological innovations on the market from leading industry partners.

Live the experience, you’re invited!

Wooden Interiors and Furnishings Good for our Health: Report To coincide with World Wood Day recently, Planet Ark released a new report detailing the significant health and wellbeing benefits of using wood and wooden products in the designs of our homes, workplaces, schools, and hospitals.

This is important news for Australians who, on average, spend over 90 per cent of their time indoors.

In a single generation, children’s play has moved www.suppliermagazine.com.au

from outdoors to indoors, backyards are shrinking or unavailable, working hours and stress levels have risen, and technology (especially screens) has encroached on almost all areas of life.

Research from the international scientific community has identified exposure to wood: Lowers heart rate and stress response in students and workers; Improves self-esteem and cognitive function;

Speeds recovery time after surgery; Encourages greater interaction between residents in aged care facilities.

David Rowlinson, Planet Ark’s Make It Wood Campaign Manager says: “We know that workers are less stressed and more productive, students learn better, patients heal faster, and people are generally happier and calmer in indoor areas which contain wooden elements.”

SupplierMay/June 2017 | 5

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Entries Now Open for Intergrain Timber Vision Awards 2017 For the eighth consecutive year, the Intergrain Timber Vision Awards is running again and entries are now open. Following the success of previous years, the Awards program is designed to celebrate innovative use of timber in the built environment and to award high calibre projects that showcase timber in inspiring and creative ways.

Architects, Landscape Architects, Specifiers and design professionals across Australia and New Zealand are invited to enter residential, commercial

and landscape projects that demonstrate distinctive and visionary use of timber.

Following a record number of entries last year, Intergrain Senior Brand Manager, Sonia Tousis anticipates an even greater response this year. “It’s an exciting time for the industry. Timber continues to be a preferred material for design professionals with an ever evolving breadth of solid, modified and engineered timber options. The change to the building code in Australia represents a new era for timber in construction, so it will be fascinating to see how this starts to manifest with respect to design innovation” This year’s judging panel will again be made up of esteemed industry professionals who will award winners across 5 categories – Residential Interior, Residential Exterior, Commercial Interior, Commercial Exterior and Landscape. Each category winner will receive $2,000 cash plus up to 100L of Intergrain Timber Finishes. All winners, commendations and special mentions will receive a certificate.

PICTURED ABOVE: Flinders Street, 2016 Intergrain Timber Vision Award Winner of Commercial Interior, 106 Flinders Street by Bates Smart LEFT: Bento Box by Cumulus Studio – winner of the 2016 Intergrain Timber Vision Awards Travel Bursary.

For project entries finished in Intergrain Timber Finishes, the most outstanding entry will be awarded the ultimate prize of a $15,000 Travel Bursary.

Entries are now open and close on Sunday 9th July. A shortlist will be announced with winners awarded at the Intergrain Timber Vision Awards Breakfast to be held in Melbourne in September.

2016 Intergrain Timber vision Award winners included: 106 Flinders Street by Bates Smart, Merricks Equestrian Centre

by Watson Architecture + Design, McCulloch Avenue Boardwalk by Site Office, West End House by Richard Kirk Architect, LuxeTen by Maria Danos Architecture and Cumulus Inc. were the Travel Bursary Award winners.

For further information and to enter the awards, please visit the Intergrain website.

Biesse Attends Pacprint 2017 Recently held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre with over 13,000 visitors, PacPrint is the complete sourcing platform for Australia’s printing and graphic communications industries.

Biesse’s advanced materials division is leading the way in the processing of plastics and composite materials. They offer a complete range of machines that can carry out all machining operations on advanced materials using processing centres, panel saws, waterjet cutting systems and sanders.

Mr Chris Duffy, Oceania’s Brand Sales Manager is determined to focus on the end user, the customer, he is passionate about offering solutions that

6 | SupplierMay/June 2017

are technologically competitive, easy to use and versatile. All machines used HSD high speed electrospindles, high power suction systems, cutting accessories with tangential oscillating blades and systems for acquiring markers, allowing for a 360° solution to every machining need in the plastics sector.

The machines use bSolid software where planning can occur in just a few clicks. This software is advanced and enables the user to simulate machining operations and you can virtually prototype the component on the software. High tech has become accessible and intuitive.

It was a very successful show and has paved the way for an exciting year ahead.

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

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TK Design Team Shines in Adelaide TK Design is an award-winning design team, combining function, style and personality.

Working alongside builders, architects, renovators, & owner/builders, the company plans kitchens, bathrooms & interior spaces.

The Principal Designer of TK Design, Tania Kloester, has more than 15 years’ experience working with Adelaide’s leading kitchen companies on renovation projects and new homes. Tania has a background in Visual Arts, Furniture & Interior Design and is a Certified Kitchen Designer. A multi award winning designer, Tania is off to the Housing Industry Association Awards shortly to compete in the national finals.

The company’s design process embraces both the house and home and

8 | SupplierMay/June 2017

combines your wishes with our know-how to create a carefully considered space that reflects your individuality. They work with you to capture your ideas and sense of style and convert them into reality.

Sarah Pilla, a qualified Interior Designer and has just recently completed a Cert IV in Interior Decoration. She has also won the award for “outstanding student” at the TAFE Building and Construction Awards this year.

Bridgette Ceplitis has recently come on board as an Office Administrator and Marketing Manager and is an exciting addition to the team.

TK’s goal is to be the best in their field by providing their clients a fantastic custom design, outstanding service and an enjoyable experience while building or renovating.

Supplier Machinery Magazine Launches Soon We all know you are huge fans of Supplier Woodworking magazine, and now you can get a double fix of Supplier magazine with the launch in July/August of this year of Supplier Machinery: Machines + Tooling + Software magazine.

Released every two years with a massive readership and circulated throughout Australia via our large database, Supplier Machinery magazine is everything you need to know about the machinery, tooling and software industries – all in one jampacked magazine.

Advertising space is currently available, too.

This biennial trade magazine devoted to machinery, tooling and software is your indispensable guide and a mustread if you’re in the industry. Look out for the magazine’s launch in the next month or so and contact Elite Publishing for any further details.

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

SECURE YOUR COPY NOW FIRST TIME EVER IN AUSTRALIA

Coming Soon Supplier Machinery magazine: The biennial trade publication devoted to machines, tooling and software

TO PARTICIPATE CONTACT: Sandie@elitepublishing.com.au or Vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au ORDER YOUR COPY: info@elitepublishing.com.au

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Big River Group Lists on ASX Premier Australian building and construction products company, Big River Group, has formally announced its listing on the ASX under the Company’s parent name, Big River Industries (BRI).

Following an application in March, the public sale was successful and stockbroker Taylor Collison closed off a fully subscribed set of new shareholders to the tune of $17 million, bringing the ASX debut forward a week from 8 May to 1 May 2017.

Existing shareholders retained all shares, and entered into voluntary escrow arrangements for various periods up until 31 December 2018 in support of the financial prospects of the Company.

Big River Industries issued 11.6 million new shares, which comprise 22.1 per cent of the Company’s total. Sold at a price of $1.46 each, the firm has an indicative market capitalisation of $77 million.

The new capital will support Big River Group’s expansion plans, including a selective acquisition strategy and new manufacturing initiatives.

Jim Bindon, Managing Director of Big River Industries, said the apartment market was the only subsector likely to slow down in the next few years.

10 | SupplierMay/June 2017

“Civil engineering and infrastructure projects, detached housing and commercial construction are all poised for solid growth,” he explains. “The quarterly value of work completed by builders and construction firms has grown at a compound average rate of 4.8 per cent from mid-2001 to December 2016, and when there were tougher times in one part of the construction market, our experience is that it was generally offset by other segments.”

The listing is the latest in a long line of recent successes.

In 2016 the Group invested in a new steel roll forming line at its Wagga Wagga

manufacturing facility, joining two established facilities in Grafton. Earlier this year the company acquired Adelaide Timber and Building Supplies in South Australia, and Sabdia Mitre 10 in Queensland.

“With an operating history of almost 100 years, Big River Group has established itself as one of Australia’s leading manufacturers and distributors of timber and building products,” says Bindon.

“This ongoing achievement is a clear reflection of our longstanding presence in the marketplace, strong service culture and technical expertise.”

Big River Group manufactures and distributes

timber and steel formwork products, timber flooring, structural plywood and related timber products and distributes a broad range of other building products, primarily to the commercial and residential, non-residential and infrastructure construction market segments. The Company has a network of 10 sales and distribution centres across Australia and sources its products from both its own manufacturing facilities and also many Australian and international manufacturers of building products. The Company owns and operates manufacturing facilities at Grafton and Wagga Wagga in NSW.

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A whisper quiet soft closing runner ArciTech Pull waste system The integrated Pull bin system from Hettich is tough and reliable, with the lightest touch the system slides away silently out of sight. The powder coated steel frame can be used in conjunction with Hettich’s award winning ArciTech runner system. The impressive smooth running performance of the Actro runner, works seamlessly to make any living space work beautifully. Also available in a Pull waste system and laundry hamper for InnoTech Atira.

Kitchen

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Discover the latest in German quality innovation by visiting a local Hettich Showroom.

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Waste Systems

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goCabinets Introduces Online Benchtop Ordering Over the past 4 years, goCabinets customers have enjoyed the flexibility of having on-the-go access to cloud based real time quoting and ordering for all their cut-to-size cabinetry needs.

Although the look and usability of the goCabinets system has grown and developed over time, a key feature enabling ordering of Benchtops has been added recently to the free service, morphing it into a one-stop shop for online cabinetry ordering.

‘We are in a really exciting time here at goCabinets’ said Justin Collins, goCabinets Project Manager ‘loads of time and resources are being pushed towards developing new features and further refining the online ordering experience for our customers’. The goCabinets

Benchtop ordering tool was developed and implemented into the ordering system after requests from customers had highlighted that there was a need for an easier way to process benchtop order requests.

‘Ordering done by pen and paper, which is then emailed or faxed through for production, is simply outdated and ineffective – both for the customer and the manufacturer. We wanted to streamline this process, eliminate repetitive manual data entry and enable our customers to quote and order benchtops at any time from their computer or mobile device.’

The Benchtop Designer enables the customer to choose from various benchtop shapes to use as a template, from which they can then edit to fit their requirements, including: changing profiles, colours & finishes, joins or even add in cut-outs for stove

tops and sinks. All pricing is viewable to the customer in real time and the information is sent directly through to the customer’s nearest goCabinets manufacturer for production precisely to the customer’s specifications. goCabinets is Australia’s leading online ordering system that allows trade professionals to quote and order cabinets in real time. Orders are processed by a hand selected local CNC manufacturer, with options for projects to be delivered on-site and ready to install. You can sign up to become a member for free at their website.

Makeover for Titus Tekform Website The Titus Tekform website has had a makeover.

The look and navigation of the website has been redesigned to help you access information easier than ever before.

In 2017, Titus Tekform will be launching a new online shop, allowing you to purchase our products quickly and easily, 24/7, from the comfort of your own home or office. The newlook website is the first stage of the digital revamp, aimed at providing their customers with enhanced functionality, superior product information, and a simple and efficient 12 | SupplierMay/June 2017

online ordering process. You will soon be able to access technical details, view product information, and request or purchase products directly through the “Shop” page of the website.

In the meantime, the most up-to-date copies of all the brochures and manuals are available in the “Downloads” menu, along with product videos, downloadable order forms, MSDS, technical data sheets and the flipable copy of the Complete Technical Catalogue. You can also access all the latest news, media, and project

information, and view the current Clearance products.

Once the online store is available, customers with an active ABN and ACN will have the opportunity to create an online account, with access to trade pricing, specials and other benefits.

Existing Titus Tekform trade customers will be

automatically emailed online Account Activation details when the online shop is launched, so please ensure your email address and account details are up to date. New customers can request a Trade Account by simply completing the easy online application form.

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Call today and start making progress.

0417-453-735

0414-495-129

0414-869-736   

3D KITCHEN LEADING YOU TO HIGHER PROFITS

D E SI GN & TREN DS

Left: Blum; Above: EGGER; Below: Grass Vionarion

Philip Ashley Reports on Interzum 2017 from Germany From 15 to 19 May, interzum set new standards as the leading international fair for the furniture and interior construction industries. The motto this year was “More exhibitors, more space and even more innovation.”

The halls were packed from the start of day one and many Australian and New Zealand visitors made the most of the amazing displays. And it’s not just German or European products and services on display; this year the number of globally active companies exhibiting at the event increased by 36% in comparison to interzum 2015. It’s a long way to come to see a hinge but that’s not what people come for; it’s about being re-invigorated; interzum does just that.

A full report will feature in our next edition but for now; let’s look at a few of the highlights.

First in alphabetical order Blum rounds off its comprehensive range of hinges with integrated soft-close Blumotion allowing manufacturers to make special furniture; be it larder units, furniture with thin fronts, glass or mirror cabinets. For dark cabinets, Blum now also offers Clip top Blumotion in onyx black. Due to ongoing urbanisation, living space is becoming smaller and more expensive. Blum’s recent concept study displayed a large bi-fold door

14 | SupplierMay/June 2017

front that folds and neatly glides into a side pocket to reveal storage areas or even entire kitchens from the rest of the home.

In addition to appearance, the feel of the surfaces is also particularly important for EGGER decors.

EGGER’s objective is to come as close as possible to the original so EGGER invests in new technologies to develop decors and surfaces that feel as real as they look. The new texture ST19 Deepskin Excellent combines natural wood pore elements; the interplay of matt and gloss on a woodgrain creates an exciting overall impression and provides a natural finish. When used on calm or lightly-

planked wood reproductions, this texture looks as if it is matched to the decor image. ST19 also creates a natural appearance on uni-colours.

The texture has been developed on the basis of the successful ST22 Deepskin Linear, giving more of an emotional and natural look and feel. EGGER won the award “High product quality” at the interzum award 'intelligent material & design 2017' for this surface innovation.

Grass has expanded the design options of the Vionaro drawer. Thanks to intelligent clip technology, elegant design sleeves can easily be attached to fitted drawer sides without using tools. The narrow aluminium L-profiles fit snugly to the Vionaro steel drawer sides. Once fitted, only the inside of the basic drawer side remains visible, creating a multi-coloured timelessly beautiful overall appearance for the drawer. Vionaro iD makes it possible for furniture designers, industrial companies and end-customers to respond to trends and fashions at any time, turning a black drawer side into a red one without tools.

Häfele Connect is a system and the key to smart, networked furniture and rooms. The app; developed

by Häfele links and controls lighting 16 and sound as well as electric drives

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

D E SI GN & TREN DS

14 in furniture and will be available soon. The basis is the driver of the successful Loox LED lighting system for furniture light and sound. Adding a new BLE box with its Plug & Play system and universal connectivity for furniture makes future applications very easily connectable. The next logical step is to connect smart furniture and the smart home. This extended application for all of building technology is already at an advanced prototype stage. Tell “echo” you would like to watch the latest James Bond film and the TV rises from a cabinet; the lights dim and it’s all done without lifting a finger. Other highlights include a new connector and cabinet height adjuster.

Hettich Push to open Silent is now available for AvanTech, ArciTech, InnoTech and Actro 5D as well as Quadro for wooden drawers.

Particularly noticeable with the new product generation is its high level of closing convenience, also for lightweight drawers, without drawers reopening when closed at low speed.

Drawers can be closed by hand and optional synchronisation makes it possible to open them even when pressing the edges of large drawer fronts. Drawer side profiles for the AvanTech You, ArciTech and InnoTech Atira systems make a big impact with designer profiles. In a stainless steel; aluminium or chrome look, they make high quality statements. The designer profiles in oak and walnut look are homely eye catchers behind the front panel.

The Surteco “Co-Equal Edition” has been distinguished with the coveted Red Dot Award for product design.

16 | SupplierMay/June 2017

The Co-Equal Edition comprises the three cylinders prints “Aquino”, “Millart” and “Alegre”. These have been blended with existing decors originating in the various worlds. For example, the traditional herringbone enters into a liaison with marble, Portuguese tiles with wood appearance, ethno look with concrete structures. The result is a range of completely new aspects, combining the apparently impossible – an interplay of impressions. Innumerable combination options open up diverse perspectives for individual requirements, as the three embossing cylinders of the “Co-Equal Edition” can be combined with almost all the decors to new, exciting patterns.

At interzum Vauth-Sagel (Lincoln Sentry) presented their new corner unit solution CORNERSTONE MAXX. CEO Claus Sagel says “We have understood what customers would like to see in their homes, what kitchen fitters expect and what the industry needs.” The new product

Clockwise from Left: Hettich; Hafele; Vauth Sagel; Surteco.

brings the contents of the two tray-like shelves fully out in front of the cabinet and does not obstruct the adjacent cabinet. The fixing system is almost invisible yet supports a load of up to 25 kilograms per shelf. There are no annoying indentations in the design of the shelves ensuring the storage space is used to the maximum; hence the name of the product. At interzum Vauth-Sagel also introduced their new completely re-designed image and logo representing their open minded approach to system solutions.●

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Titus Tekform Full Kitchen and Laundry Appliance Range Showcased Titus Tekform offers the cabinet maker, kitchen designer, builder, renovator or homebuyer an entire portfolio of kitchen solutions. Look no further, Titus Tekform now also proudly distributes a complete range of Kitchen and Laundry appliances for all budgets and project requirements.

The range of appliances are manufactured by the Residentia Group, who brings the very best appliance solutions from around the world to create stunning ranges for the Australian Market. The brands include Esatto, InAlto and Teka Appliances.

The Esatto brand was created through a singular desire: to establish a great value range of household appliances, able to deliver a quality experience to Australian consumers.

The Esatto range of appliances offers great value home appliances including: ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, laundry and refrigeration.

InAlto brings technology, quality and innovation together to provide a range of sleek and inspired products that will transform the way one views the kitchen. The InAlto range of appliances offers rich high-performance cooking to suit your lifestyle with: ovens, cooktops, dishwashers, range hoods and microwaves.

The Teka brand offers global solutions for Australian homes. Teka appliances are sold in 116 countries with over 100 million customers. The high-end Teka range offers solutions for cooking, refrigeration, cleaning and laundry.

Whether you are looking for good, better or the best appliances for your clients, Titus Tekform has the solution. â—?

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New Timing and Orientation at Imos Imos Australia was founded in 2006 as a division of Kottmann machinery and since 2009 is imos Australia. Imos is an object oriented, database 3D system developed in co-operation with leading furniture, machine and hardware distributors.

The Herford (Germany) Software house is continuously developing its software products in accordance with the current motto "inspire & produce".

It especially concentrates on the entire process, from the end customer to the industrial machine for industry and trades. Developers and product managers can be inspired by current trends and technologies and integrate these into their system solutions.

This development is reflected in the naming of the new software version.

Integrated solutions with innovative technology “With imos iX, we are breaking the tradition and making clear our solutions continue to develop,” says Winfried Dell; Managing Director for Sales and Marketing. “We see it as our task to find, test and make technological innovations available to the industry. The "i" stands for INNOVATION and INTEGRATION, the "X" derives from the English terms like EXCHANGE and CONNEXION, 18 | SupplierMay/June 2017

and stands for the exchange of the data on different applications throughout the entire sales and manufacturing process. imos iX is today far more than a CAD/CAM system. imos iX is a complete solution for the sale and manufacturing of furniture and equipment in the area of networked production and industry 4.0” Originally from the CAD/CAM sector, imos AG is developing additional sales solutions for industry and trades. The 3D product data models generated in the design process, including the parameters, are directly transferred to the sales catalogue with their characteristics and thus made available to the desktop or online planning solutions.

Depending on the configuration, the modules are suitable for B2B or B2C business models. With imos iX, imos AG is taking a further step and is offering solutions along the "Customer Journey". End users and planners work together on ideas that can be exchanged online and thus gradually lead to solutions. Different applications communicate with the same planning result, but allow different editing possibilities.

The focus of the online applications

lies in the 3D configuration and planning. These applications have now been expanded technologically, so that any kind of furnishing elements can be processed. It is now also possible to configure and plan seating and upholstery furniture or bought-in parts. To this the possibility to simulate kinematic movements can be added, such as the seat mechanics of a chair or the opening and closing of a sliding door.

Photorealistic images on mobile devices The configured furniture can now be combined into a room planning.

Decoration elements are added and, if necessary, global changes can be made to the entire planning process. Afterwards, wall views, including dimensions, can be generated automatically or a highquality almost photo-realistic image can be calculated. The latter is done with the help of the new online render service, which generates high-quality picture material quickly from the technical equipment of the terminal. Virtual reality for imos AG not only means technology, but also a modern visualization tool for sketching planning results created with imos software. www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Sales planning based on imos CAD will enter the second round.

With imos Plan 2.0, imos AG will be offering a desktop planning solution for the professional user in addition to online applications.

Here, specifically the operation was simplified, the output improved and the speed optimized in order to keep up with the established kitchen planning packages. PLAN Link is the associated web service that updates the catalogues and sends the customer orders to the manufacturing plant.

The demand for integrated solutions is increasing and with it the requirement for standardized interfaces and short introduction times.

With the Integration Center, imos AG has created a central tool for the professional connection of imos world with external systems such as ERP, MES and sales systems. "iBots" play an important role. These are program blocks which can be assembled into connectors as part of the integration

project, in order to realize the connection to the involved systems and to automate the communication.

More powerful CAM technology After several years of development, a new CAM technology is used in imos iX. This is now fully integrated in imos CAD and is configured and managed via the user interface already introduced with imos 12.0.

With the new CAM module it is possible to display the internal production processes and to adapt the NC data generation into the

respective production flow. Since the design data is largely processed in a neutral manufacturing manner, the data exchange with production service providers and supplier companies is simply possible.

The expansion of functions and parameters, such as the approach and the departure distances, new machining strategies, milling cycles and more has significantly increased the flexibility, functionality and performance. The processing speed has also increased. â—?

KITCHEN, BATHROOM, LAUNDRY...ANYWHERE Waste and recycling, laundry and storage, domestic or commercial - Hideaway bins offer an innovative hidden bin solution for all your requirements.

Available from Nover, Hafele & Galvin Hardware hideawaybins.com.au / 1800 042 642

Hideaway Soft Close 2 x 40L - SC240D-W

Hideaway Compact 1 x 20L - KC20SCD

D E SI GN & TREN DS

ProDecor Meets Trends In line with the Market Hettich’s exclusive range of ProDecor handles now includes new designs in line with the market and current changing trends . Interior design is an expression of personal style. This is why there are the four ProDecor style worlds of New Modern, Deluxe, Organic and Folk – for homes with personality. The kupfer and retro trends have had a key influence on the new handles and give the four style worlds new impetus: from clearly defined styling, luxurious materials and colours to natural looking materials and traditional shapes.

The sleek and on trend designs in New Modern are complete with an array of finishes to choose from (including copper, matt black, porcelain and dark brown metallic looks and more). Full of character, kupfer (copper) sees the return of warm radiant tones, it harmonises perfectly with wood and leather.

Copper adds warming highlights in a cool ambience, providing an individual look depending how and where the handles are used. The metal at times shines in a gentle rose, creating a sea of radiant orange and red tones. New Modern is a simple and effective way to add a touch of elegance in any area of the home.

Deluxe is Hettich’s range for those who want their handles to stand out.

Deluxe combines elements from many different cultures and mixes of black nickel with aluminium copper finishes winning golds and dynamic shapes to take your designs to another level.

For a slightly calmer tone, Hettich‘s organic handles feature captivating contrasts in shape and colour creating smooth designs, delicate curves meet perfectly straight lines, gentle pastel shades to reflect the natural and wholesome ambiance of the home. Designs in the Organic handle collection range from antique brass finishes with delicate detail, patterned 20 | SupplierMay/June 2017

pewter to matt nickel circular handles that glisten as the sun catches them.

The Organic range also features a number of door knobs to give your space a rustic homely feel.

Traditional shapes and colours are found in the Folk collection. Opulent patterns and soft finishes. Ingeniously crafted with small detailing on a select few handles providing warmth.

The online service tool is a handle configurator from Hettich which allows clients to display and present handle styles on different coloured cabinetry. Once the main features have been selected for the preferred type, the configurator looks for the right handle from the entire ProDecor range. In addition to the user friendly ordering function and comprehensive article information, the Hettich online catalogue also provides CAD data for downloading.

The ProDecor catalogue provides a wealth of inspiration for designing kitchen, bathroom, laundry or for anywhere in the home. ●

Top Mounting Your Waste Solution with Hideaway Bins Being one of the most frequently used appliances in the kitchen, it’s important to think carefully about where you locate the waste bin. Installing a waste bin under the kitchen sink is less than ideal, as this increases the amount of bending required when disposing of waste. Hideaway Bins have the option of being mounted directly under the benchtop. This means the bins are at the optimal height for clearing waste directly off a benchtop.

To maximise the advantages of top mounting your waste bin, Hideaway Bins feature over extension runners on all their bin systems. For example, the Hideaway Soft Close twin bucket systems use 500mm runners that open up to 553mm. The extra 53mm of opening means the rear bucket easily clears the benchtop overhang, and can be removed without having to remove the front bucket first.

The other advantage of top mounting Hideaway Bins is that they allow more design flexibility. When the bin is top mounted, the width of the cabinet does not need to be an exact match to the bin.

This means the cabinetry can be custom designed to suit the space, rather than being strictly fixed to suit the bin dimensions.

All top mount Hideaway Bins come with optional side mounting or fixing points. This provides additional strength, and is useful for commercial applications or large bin installations.

Hideaway Bins are available exclusively through distribution partners, Nover, Hafele and Galvin’s Hardware.● www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Interior Design & Production Software

CAD+T Software is specialised for

bespoke

Syncron Embossed Textured Decorative Panels in Natural Designs Exclusive to Nover Exclusive to Nover and joining the already popular and scratchresistant high gloss ‘Luxe’ range, is the attractive and distinctive Syncron collection from Alvic Spain.

Syncron is a modern European decorative panel product available in a versatile assortment of naturaldesign stone and woodgrain finishes.

The stand out feature of the Syncron range is the on-trend matt finish using organic materials as the design inspiration. These natural designs are enhanced with deep embossing to give the panels a modern, coarse, structured texture.

Syncron from Nover is available in a range that includes dark and light woodgrains, vintage distressed looks and ever-popular greys. Syncron textured panels are affordable, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, furniture, office, retail and more.

Designed and manufactured in Europe, Syncron panels are ideal for use in all types of interior applications and decorative projects.

Stock is available now - only through Nover. Syncron panels are available in a standard sheet size of 2750 x 1240 x 16MM HMR PB and all colours have matching 1MM ABS edging. ●

furniture design and manufacturing

The financial year is drawing to a close!

Invest now and benefit from:

50%* increase of factory productivity 30%* reduction of labour costs 10%* reduction of material costs

* Figures based on our reference client New Age Cabinet Design in Perth

CAD+T Australasia Pty Ltd CAD+T Australasia Pty Ltd: 9 Daintreee Loop WA 6167 Bertram Tel.: +61 (0) 450 723 721 E-Mail: office@cadt-solutions.com Web: www.cadt-solutions.com

D E SI GN & TREN DS

Interzum Overview from Hettich Fascin[action] Making solutions excite.

Anybody wishing to fascinate people must be exceptional in everything they do. In products and services.

In solutions that excite. Visitors to the Hettich exhibition stand at "interzum 2017" experienced this Fascin[action]: innovative and inspirational for tomorrow's furniture.

Hettich is quick to identify trends and translates them into innovative fitting solutions that fascinate.

Fascination is a personal matter and, depending on the individual, comes from intuitive functions that speak to the emotions as well as from rapidly available services or getting digital information. They give the customer convenience, added business value as well as the ability to stand apart.

For style scapers Style scapers have an instinct for aesthetic appeal and design details.

They appreciate the design character of furniture being consistently continued through on the inside. In the way the glue mounted Sensys hinge perfectly combines functionality and an aesthetically pleasing look on glass doors, for example.

For comfort shapers They like it peaceful, gentle and ergonomic: the comfort shapers.

Cabinet doors that open wide and close gently. Drawers and pot-andpan drawers that silently glide in and out. Storage space that's easy 22 | SupplierMay/June 2017

to reach and cleverly organised.

Technology that makes furniture even more convenient and user friendly includes the LegaMove system. It moves the wall unit's inner carcase down, also making it easy to reach items stored at the top.

For mould breakers Offering the buyer market a widely diversified range of products – for a variety of target groups and price segments, modifiable in any way. And all involving the least possible cost and effort in production and logistics.

Mould breakers focus on customer wishes just as they do on efficiency.

And on Hettich, a partner they can count on. The platform concepts from Hettich set standards in the industry.

Creating AvanTech You in steel, Hettich provides an attractive drawer with side profiles that are easy to customise, making high quality statements.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Excitingly distinctive AvanTech You with steel drawer side profile in anthracite with decorative profiles in stainless steel effect; Combining function and aesthetically pleasing looks, the glue mounted Sensys hinge from Hettich. The LegaMove system moves the wall unit's inner carcase down, also making it easy to reach items stored at the top; The new WingLine L folding door fittings not only impresses in wardrobes but also when it comes to interior design with an individual look. All photos from Hettich.

For space savers

For ease makers

Living and working space is becoming increasingly precious.

Using it as efficiently as possible is important to space savers. Their philosophy: any storage space – whether in furniture or in previously unused alcoves – should be easily accessible, cleverly structured and usable down to every last inch.

WingLine L opens a surprisingly large section of wardrobe content in response to a push, creating more room in the room.

They attach importance to clear, simple processes in design, production and organisation: the ease maker uses CAD and digital technology, plans carefully and simplifies processes wherever possible – from the initial design idea to assembling and installing furniture on location. And with the e-services from Hettich, furniture is just a click away: product and wooden parts lists as well as design drawings are available for downloading for show exhibits.● www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Nobilia By the Numbers Nobilia is the biggest kitchen manufacturer on the planet and the figures are astounding. The old adage “Think of a number and double it” does not apply here. Maybe “Think of a number and multiply by a hundred” might get you close but only if you have a wild imagination. Nobilia is a market leader in Germany and the factory in Verl is the largest and most modern kitchen factory in the World. We’ll get to the numbers soon but first, a short history lesson.

In 1945 cabinet maker Johann Stickling and his businessman brother Willy founded a small company with seven employees. They soon specialised in the production of kitchens and in 1956 found themselves in the post-war building boom in Germany.

The area they were located soon became quite famous for its many kitchen manufacturers and several large furniture hardware suppliers set up close by to service the industry. Johann and Willy handed the business over to Johann’s sons Heinz and Werner in 1965 and in 1970 the current factory started on 51,000 square metres of floor-space. In 2006 a second factory was started nearby and is a duplicate of factory one. In 2015 Nobilia achieved consolidated sales of over a billion Euros for the first time and this figure has improved on average 100 million Euros every year since 2004.

And now let’s look at the numbers. In 2016 Nobilia had 3,000 employees and produced 200 kitchens every hour!

These are three thousand kitchens a day and remember these are not flat pack kitchens; they are fully assembled. They process 1.5 million worktops a year and deliver more than 5,000 electrical appliances every day to order. 45% of their business is international and much of this would go to other European www.suppliermagazine.com.au

countries but Nobilia have a presence all around the World. Nobilia is known for its exceptional price/value ratio and their reliable delivery and service.

And if you’re selling wood working machinery, Nobilia invest seventy million Euros a year in new equipment.

Looking at the factory you would think that the German IMA company does quite well because all the machines appear to be in their red and white livery but these are in fact Nobilia colours and they buy their equipment from a number of suppliers. Having said this, IMA and Schelling really do quite well.

The factory at Verl-Surenheide has been expanded to 105,000 square metres of production area and produces 1,600 kitchens a day, or 16,000 individual cabinets a day; a staggering amount. Their second and newer plant at Verl-Kaunitz produces 1,400 kitchens a day on 110,000 square metres of production area. This is 14,000 cabinets a day based on an average ten cabinets per kitchen. To edge these cabinets Nobilia go through 450 kilometres of edging and 43,000 cabinet hinges every day. Together the factories either produced or used 660 million parts in 2012 and this number is only increasing. Both factories can produce the exact same kitchens from Nobilia’s extensive range. The factories are designed as a straight line flow production so at one end are the saws, in the middle are the CNC processing machines and at the other end is the assembly, packing and despatch. It’s a Just-in-time process and there are several parallel production lines in both factories. They do manufacture an amount of stock that is stored in a computer controlled racking system almost seven stories high and parts are released on order and assembled to

make a custom designed kitchen.

In terms of standing in Germany amongst the many big kitchen manufacturers, Nobilia obviously takes number one with around 30% of the market. Number two is a race between Schueller; Haecker and Nolte with between 10% and 12% each.

Wellmann comes in at number five with about 6% of the market. And where do the kitchens go? Well, as far away as Australia and New Zealand and to some very diverse places like Burkina Faso; Finland; Nicaragua; Russia; Turkmenistan and everywhere else including USA and Canada of course.

Nobilia make 660,000 kitchens a year and to move this much stock they use 156 trucks and 610 semitrailers driving 18 million kilometres a year. At the inward end wood and sheet materials are delivered every thirty minutes and enough stock is kept for only one week’s production. They ship almost 2.5 million cubic metres in volume each year with absolutely no incorrect deliveries. Nobilia is quality; management; environment; safety and sustainability certified. Tours of the factory can be taken during Kuchenmeile in September every year.

All factory photos courtesy of Jurgen Rehrmann, Bielefeld (Germany). ●

SupplierMay/June 2017 | 23

MANUFAC TU RIN G

A Spotlight on Leitz Nine out of ten CNC machines sold in Australia are nesting machines. It’s no surprise then that routing using small diameter router bits is a big percentage of the market. Manufacturers of kitchens; bathrooms; office furniture and other products where manufactured boards are the main raw material are looking for ways of speeding up production while reducing unit costs.

The machine may appear to be the most important component of manufacturing but it’s the relatively low-cost, disposable router cutter that’s doing the work. It’s the cutter that has the most direct effect on the final product. Usually; quality router bits came out of Europe or North America but now Leitz is manufacturing these in Australia.

Leitz has been producing cutting tools for the woodworking industries for over one hundred years.

24 | SupplierMay/June 2017

In fact it’s over 140 years since Albert Leitz founded the Wurttemberg wood boring factory in Oberkochen in Southern Germany where the head office is still located. It’s this long history that has made Leitz one of the top producers of quality, premium cutting tools in the World. It’s this history that ensures Leitz has the technical know-how and skill to manufacture any kind of tool from the most complex ProfilCut Q profile tool to a simple drill bit.

Leitz has a history in Australia too. Prior to 1992 the product was sold through agencies but since that time, Leitz has been a presence in this Country in its own right. For almost twenty five years Leitz has supplied and produced tools in Australia from their extensive catalogue and has also manufactured tools for specific applications.

These tools all conform to International safety standards

and have been proven top performers in every wood processing application.

While most tools come from overseas, many Leitz subsidiaries operate what’s known as “fast production” to supply small amounts of specialist tools; usually brazed tip or diamond cutters needed by the manufacturer in a hurry.

One of the most-used cutting tools in Australia is the small diameter router cutter. A small diameter is needed to reduce the amount of waste in a nested board but this reduces the peripheral or outside speed of the cutter. It’s fair to say that the small diameter router bit is possibly one of the hardest working tools used by the industry. Add to this the particular needs of the nesting industry to eliminate entirely any breakout on both surfaces of the material and the result is a very complex tool with unique engineering characteristics. Enter the

compression cutter that has completely revolutionised the small scale, high turnover nested manufacturing cabinet industry in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Nesting is also done in Europe but due to their higher volumes of standard parts, it’s not widely used.

Compression cutters for nesting have traditionally been imported from the United States but only a few years ago, Leitz Australia looked at the possibility of manufacturing them here.

Andrew Bismire is Product manager of Leitz Australia and said “We said at the time we’d love to be able to make these cutters ourselves.

It’s something we can do that’s purely Australian and would add unique benefits to both Leitz and our local manufacturers.” There were some compelling economic reasons to manufacture in www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Australia; not least of which is the exchange rate against the US dollar. More importantly though was that they believed manufacturing here was not only possible but desirable to keep Leitz at the top of their game. Leitz also believed there were significant benefits to local manufacturers.

Leitz already had several pieces of high-end grinding equipment for automatic sharpening of cutting tools but only one machine for producing router bits. To meet the expected demands a higher output machine was needed. A new machine was also required to produce at a standard that would satisfy Leitz exacting tolerances.

This led to a partnership with ANCA; another fantastic Australian success story.

ANCA (Australian Numerical Controls and Automation) was founded in 1974 and is a market leader in quality CNC grinding machines, now represented World-wide. A joint presentation was made to Leitz in Germany and the decision to manufacture in Australia was approved and fully supported by the Leitz Company. This result shows that Leitz see Australia as an important part of the group.

Leitz purchased and installed an Australian made ANCA FX7 Linear 5-axis tool grinder equipped with a robot inside the cabinet for changing router cutters and grinding wheels.

The machine is capable of running unattended and has a capacity of several hundred router bits at a time. It’s fully programmable so every router bit Leitz make is the same as the last, something that cabinet manufacturers insist on. The machine is also equipped with a refrigerated coolant system to ensure that heat does not affect the fine tolerances the www.suppliermagazine.com.au

machine works to. The ANCA can make any router bit on the market but it’s the compression cutter that Leitz see most used.

Not every compression bit is the same and previously Leitz sold a range from their extensive catalogue. The new ANCA machine puts Leitz at the forefront of manufacturing in Australia.

Leitz Australia only uses the best quality carbide rod for their router bits. Chis Jones, Managing Director of Leitz Australia and New Zealand said “Carbide can be made from soft to hard and we need the right grade so our customers get the most life from their tools and the cutters aren’t too brittle and prone to breaking under load. Both characteristics are important.

Carbide is sort of like a cake mix where one cake can come out perfectly and another cake, made by someone else, can be a flop. We source only the right carbide for our router cutters; our reputation and our customers’ production depend on it. Our locally made bits have been sent to Leitz in

Germany for testing and the verdict was that they were excellent.”

An obvious advantage of making router bits in Australia is speed to the market.

Another advantage is that compression bits can be manufactured to suit individual manufacturer’s needs.

Compression cutters need as much up-shear as possible for the longest tool life but in some cases the available vacuum may not be sufficient to keep the board securely on the table, especially at high speeds. Leitz can now offer compression bits suitable for a range of machines.

Andrew says “A compression bit running up to 24,000 rpm and 35 metres a minute is flying. The cutter needs to be as good as it can be and we chase microns to get the desired result for our customers. Provided the customer has a machine where the collet is in good condition and holds the bit over its entire clamping length, we can achieve in some cases up to 40% more tool life

from the cutters we make here in Australia.” This has been verified by a manufacturer capable of recording actual lineal metres, in trials conducted in conjunction with Leitz Australia.

What Leitz has been able to achieve in the performance of their compression router bits has been remarkable.

“Making compression router bits in Australia makes good sense. We knew we had the skills and knowledge to do it and Leitz Germany gave us all the help we needed to do it properly. We increase our local production; reduce our delivery times; achieve fantastic quality and keep the tool production skills in Australia” said Andrew. Leitz compression router bits carry the Australian Made logo and have proved to be hugely popular with Australian and New Zealand manufacturers who also support local production. The Leitz motto is “Leitz shapes the future” and in Australia the future is Australian Made compression router bits.●

SupplierMay/June 2017 | 25

MANUFAC TU RIN G

Multicam: More than a Woodworking Machine Multicam is arguably the most successful of all the Australian-made flat-bed CNC machines. As the industry goes, the company is a leading supplier of machinery for the processing of sheet materials for nestedbased manufacturing. The proliferation of flatbed machine manufacturers in Australia may have settled down but Multicam is one of only a few suppliers still performing strongly due to their wide range of machine applications. In wood working it could be said that Multicam drove the nesting phenomenon in Australia and that many of their competitors have only recently caught up.

The machines are simple but robust in construction, and are extremely easy to use. The set-up is amazingly simple; load the program from your CAD software; set the tool and after only a few simple steps the machine is ready for operation. It’s so simple that many TAFE colleges use them for basic CNC training.

The machine does come with some parts common to the industry. The most recognised would be the spindle sourced from HSD in Italy. The frames are fabricated in Australia by

26 | SupplierMay/June 2017

a specialist fabricator only an hour away from the Multicam assembly and are made to their exacting specifications.

The machines are assembled in Australia with many Australian made parts by Australian technicians. This is something cabinetmakers consider when buying machinery.

Multicam CNC routers are available in many sizes and configurations with 2.4 metres by 1.8 metres being popular for a better yield per sheet and less handling. The machines are ideal for entry level cabinet makers using nested-based manufacturing methods because the set-up is so simple. New cabinet manufacturers cannot afford mistakes and lengthy downtimes for training; they need to get up to speed fast and Multicam enables them to do just that. Once skilled, many companies invest in second and third machines. Compak furniture in Sydney recently moved their operations to China to supply to a global market and not only took their Multicam machines with them but installed two more only recently; even though there are several strong machinery makers supplying machines out of China.

Kevin Gordon owns Multicam but still works in production and is heavily involved with their customers.

Kevin says that “It’s our diversification; our knowledge of a wide range of materials that makes us so strong.”

Woodworking may be what the cabinet industry knows best but it’s now around 30% of Multicam business.

Aluminium composite materials used for signage and cladding take up another 45% of machine sales.

Multicam certainly has a broad range of applications adding to the machine’s versatility. Products made on Multicam machines include engraving; inserts for shoes; boats; motor homes; foam insulation and duct board.

Multicam have one of the biggest stocks of HSD spindles in Oceania and are reported to be 2nd or 3rd World-wide. They repair their own spindles if required. They develop their own software and for over seventeen years have provided a range of imported and local cutting tools for all of their customers.

In fact, Multicam holds a tooling stock totalling a quarter of a million dollars!

Tooling supplied by Multicam

must be of similar quality to their machines. With their tooling the Multicam is capable of 30 metres per minute, cutting through 18mm whiteboard in one pass and this is partly due to the design of the dust collection hood on the machine. Multicam’s Stephen Heusz calls it a “Tightly integrated system.”

Multicam is here for the long term and is one of the oldest suppliers to several diverse Australian industries.

The machine is basic in design and it’s this simplicity that makes it such a good piece of equipment. The real power is in the software and it’s here that Multicam is particularly strong. Many users move on to third party software and Multicam links seamlessly with all of these including AlphaCam; Cabinet Vision; Enroute; MasterCam and Microvellum to name only a few. Literally thousands of machines can be found throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia producing cabinets and a whole lot more.●

An Ounce of Prevention The US Army has published a monthly comic-book style magazine since 1951. It’s called the Army Magazine of Preventive Maintenance and is reportedly still in publication. Humour was used to make GI’s aware of the benefits of maintenance and the dangers of ignoring it with characters like private Joe Dope and sergeant Macon Sparx. In one issue there is a quote (of unknown origin) “A slipping gear in your M203 grenade launcher can cause it to fire when you least expect it.

This could make you very unpopular with what is left of your unit.” Maintenance is a major issue whether you use military equipment, manufacture helicopters or make furniture.

A key to any successful manufacturing process is the ongoing performance of your equipment. If you own wood working machinery you will be concerned with its maintenance sooner or later.

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

The “sooner” is your planned or preventative maintenance.

The “later” is your emergency or reactive maintenance, or repair. Whether you are a small manufacturer with static machines or large manufacturer with the latest CNC equipment, it is accepted that repairing break-downs will cost four times more than preventative maintenance so it pays to think ahead. A preventative (or proactive) maintenance plan will not only save you money and time, but will extend the life of your expensive equipment. Your machinery will always be ready when you are.

Preventative maintenance (we’ll refer to this as PM from now on) is your action plan designed to prevent your machines breaking down. PM is designed to maintain the reliability of your equipment by prolonging the life of existing machine parts and replacing worn parts before it fails. PM tasks

include regular equipment checks, adjustments to machine elements, replacement of worn parts, oil changes, lubrication, its use within manufacturer’s recommendations and general housekeeping.

Your plan will also involve recording your maintenance so you will have a good idea which parts of your equipment are likely to fail and hopefully, when.

If your maintenance plan is a success, you should be able to prevent all equipment failure before it happens. Ideally the cost of your PM should be lower than corrective or reactive maintenance.

The cost of PM is regarded in engineering circles as being four times less than corrective maintenance. This figure does not take into account your lost production and loss of good-will when your order is delivered late. A typical machine breakdown scenario would see several minutes lost as you discover the machine

is not working properly; 30 minutes to identify the problem; at least an hour to get replacement parts if they are available locally and at least 30 minutes to make even a minor repair.

All this is happening when it is least convenient. If it’s a complex machine and you need a technician, it could take a day or so but with teleservice options this is rare. Your PM plan would ensure that the machine was working properly and worn parts replaced well before they fail. Your downtime now would be the time to install the part, usually at a convenient moment.

Your action plan As all of your machines are different, you will need a PM schedule for each of them. One important action could be a pre-start safety check, now common in some workshops. This check will identify simple faults that can be fixed “on-the-fly”. This is done on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, depending SupplierMay/June 2017 | 27

MANUFAC TU RIN G

on the machine. These check will mostly be done on static machines and involve a quick inspection of all adjustable parts. Record the check in writing so you can track all of your issues. Another stage of your action plan is to have a maintenance schedule that applies to each machine and to follow it thoroughly.

The schedule should include details of what needs to be maintained, how it’s to be maintained and when the maintenance is done. This will be signed and dated.

You can also have a list of safety precautions and rules displayed at the machine.

Your inventory In order for your PM to work you will need a small inventory of parts. It’s a good idea to talk to your machine supplier and ask what machine parts you should keep on hand. A spare set of drive belts for each machine you have is essential, as are the correct lubricants.

A range of nuts bolts and screws will come in handy and an investment in some spare cutter bolts and other frequently adjusted parts.

28 | SupplierMay/June 2017

Keeping spare bearings is a good idea if you can change them yourself. So as not to lose any of your kit, a stores list with all the parts, part numbers, supplier details and what the part is for should also make your maintenance a little easier.

You will also need some tools and maintenance “stuff” that includes oil and grease.

You will need a good set of spanners and sockets, screwdrivers and both metric and imperial Allen keys to do the work. To complete your kit, get hold of a good straight-edge, a caliper, a very good square, dial indicator and a set of feeler gauges.

A small maintenance cupboard is ideal to keep your PM supplied with all the items you need to keep your machinery running in peak condition. Every machine should come with a manual stating the recommended lubricants and service intervals. With some imported machinery, the recommended lubricant may not be available. You may find that if you observe all the manufacturer’s

recommendations you will have a cupboard full of them. Try to reduce this by finding out what type of lubricant is required, not which brand and you may be able to survive with very few lubricants. You don’t want to keep too much on hand as it can deteriorate over time, in some cases after only a year. If you can, get grease guns with a clear cylinder, or clearly mark the contents. That way you reduce the risk of congealing two different (mixed) greases. If you cannot locate the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubricant, try Caltex or Shell as both supply a range of industrial lubricants with excellent information on the internet. It’s a very good idea to copy this information and hang it on your machine. That way you will never forget about it. A log book is highly recommended as it stores a history of your machine; what parts it has consumed and how often it has been serviced. This log will be a bonus if you sell the machine as the buyer will appreciate what you have done to maintain it in top condition.

Open your eyes and ears Many potential problems can be detected early. Drive belts should be inspected regularly for wear. Nuts and bolts can be inspected for rounding-over. Watch the floor for oil leaks and check the condition of electrical cables regularly.

Of course your electrical leads must be checked by a competent “test and tag” person. Listen to your machine for a few minutes, just to see if it sounds right as bearing failure can often

be predicted. There’s an old trick of putting the tip of a screwdriver on the bearing housing and the handle against your ear.

It’s not as accurate as a $700 vibration monitor or mechanic’s stethoscope but it works. Your ears will also tell you when the cutters need changing or the drive belts need tightening. As most of your equipment is designed to cut wood, keeping the tools sharp is one of the most important items in your PM plan. Blunt tools increase the load on the motor and strain your drive belts.

In the life of any machine, cleanliness is king. The contamination of moving parts such as bearings and gears with a build-up of dust or shavings can lead to costly repairs. Dust will eventually clog slideways and most adjustable machine parts such as chains and gears. Rather than removing this dust after it has been created, extract it during machining with good dust extraction and a potential breakdown can be avoided. Avoid blowing the dust away with an air-gun as this may force the dust between the machine parts, causing even more damage.

If you need to remove old, hardened lubricants from your machinery, a nylon or brass brush in conjunction with an environmentallyfriendly citrus based solvent will usually be enough.

Frequency Even if you think the machine has not been used for a while it’s a good idea to service it on a date basis.

That way you will not forget to look after it. Australian Standard AS1473-1991 section 5 deals with maintenance of industrial www.suppliermagazine.com.au

machinery and states that “each entire machine is to be inspected by a competent person at least once every six months or at any lesser interval recommended by the manufacturer.” When you consider that the Erikson S-64 (Elvis) helicopter requires two hours service for every hour of flight, twelve months for a woodworking machine is not much to ask.

It’s worth a moment to think about over greasing.

Too much can be as bad as too little. Excess grease can be forced from over-packed bearings on older machinery and become a “fly-trap” for dust and wood chips.

In addition, it is common practice to apply grease until it extrudes from the bearing and on low speed equipment this is not a problem. On

high-speed woodworking equipment however, excess grease at high speed can be forced from the bearing, loosening seals and actually breaking parts of the bearing resulting in high temperatures and premature bearing failure. On newer equipment bearings are usually “sealedfor-life” and require no greasing at all.

Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. This means it is better to avoid problems in the first place, rather than fixing them once they occur.

Your workshop may be full of expensive equipment but even if you only have one machine, the benefits of preventative maintenance cannot be ignored. Gains in machine efficiency; lifespan;

safety; reduced downtime; lower repair costs and that warm feeling you get when you know your workshop is in top condition are all factors that are affected by a good preventative maintenance system. You would not risk missing a

service on your car so why would you do the same with your woodworking machinery? It actually costs surprisingly little to set up; you probably have most of what you need already and the benefits could be quite significant.●

Just.cut.

Save 30% on your labour

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www.tigerstop.com • 360.254.0661

MANUFAC TU RIN G

Lean Manufacturing in the Spotlight Are you looking to add value to your workshop and increase your margins on every component you make?

The SCM Lean Manufacturing Cell removes unwanted and unnecessary components of your manufacturing department.

While every workshop is different, some examples of these include: • Manual material handling • Labour costs • Human error • Errors and rework requirements The SCM Lean Cell looks to add value to your workshop, increasing your margins on every component you make.

The robot recognises each

workpiece as it is unloaded from the nesting cell, and automatically knows what the next step in the manufacturing cycle is.

The management software instructs the robot

to reference the part, then sends it to the next part of the cell, such as edgebanding, drilling, boring or dowel insertion.

SCM Group Australia offer custom designed cells

to suit your manufacturing needs. The new generation Lean cells will be unveiled at Ligna 2017.

Visit the SCM Group Australia website for more information.●

SOF TWARE

Software Meets Innovation at Ligna and Interzum Software meets Innovation is CAD+Ts slogan at the exhibitions in Germany recently: Software solutions specialised for bespoke furniture design and manufacturing that save you both time and money. Once the drafting is done, all manufacturing information such as parts lists, hardware lists and more are generated in the wink of an eye, and even complex constructions are no challenge. Furthermore, the programme generates all CNC data which can then be used on the machine directly. This innovative approach avoids error and repeated work and thus saves your time and money. ● 30 | SupplierMay/June 2017

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

S O FTWA R E

Homag Group Expands Software and Consulting Arms The HOMAG Group has combined its competencies in the areas of consulting and software, and plans to expand these further.

To this end, the company has pooled the activities, products and employees of SCHULER Consulting, HOMAG eSOLUTION, and additional HOMAG software units to form the new, independent field of business “HOMAG Consulting and Software”.

This has created one of the world's largest systems houses for consulting and IT solutions for the furniture

WE SHAPE THE FUTURE

industry and carpenters, with over 90 employees in the initial phase. The HOMAG Group plans to increase sales and earnings significantly in the new field of business over the next few years.

Uwe Jonas, Vice President and head of the new field of business, explains: "Our customers are increasingly interested in one-stop solutions. This means they no longer buy individual machines or systems and instead opt for the best integrated solution for their individual needs. Consulting

and software play an increasingly important role in this. That's why we want to further expand our existing core competencies in the areas of consulting and software, and carve an even stronger international position for ourselves. We are thus demonstrating our ambition to be market, technology and innovation leader by offering integrated solutions for the woodworking industry."

To facilitate sales and service activities for its products, HOMAG Consulting and Software wants to set up an

international organization, in close cooperation with the HOMAG Group's existing sales and service companies and partners. Local resources will be used to install regional competence centers for service and support.

Uwe Jonas points out: "Thanks to the interplay of consulting and software and our machines and systems – unique in this industry – we can offer our customers integrated solutions from a single source. We are keen to demonstrate our excellent performance at the LIGNA trade fair in May 2017." ●

www.leitz.com.au

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F EATURE

No Strings Attached The earliest violins were made in Cremona in Northern Italy in the sixteenth century. Names like Stradivari and Guarneri are amongst the most well-known of the early masters from the region and their surviving violins are both irreplaceable works of art and some of the most priceless musical instruments. Violins have been popular throughout history because of their small size and pleasing tone and today are still one of the most popular musical instruments in the World. The Glanville family has been supplying stringed instruments to Australian musicians for twenty six years and with Biesse as a partner, is set to continue the tradition of quality and craftsmanship in an affordable product.

The Sydney String Centre in Sydney’s northern suburb of Chatswood is one of only a few stringed instrument suppliers in Australia. There are only a handful of specialist luthiers producing limited numbers of instruments in the country; the majority are now imported from Europe or Asia. Modern violins are made entirely by hand or factory made and finished by hand. Locally hand-

34 | SupplierMay/June 2017

made instruments are of the highest standards but are time consuming and costly to produce, and often out of the reach of most people. David, a luthier and Carmel, a music teacher saw a need for a range of instruments for school children to professional musicians and started a business in Naremburn in a single car garage in 1990.

A double garage in Castlecrag was followed by a shop in Artarmon, then Willoughby and now their current location in Chatswood. Through all the moves the aim has been to supply a quality product at an affordable price for anyone who wants to enjoy the pleasure of playing the World’s sweetest sounding stringed instrument. Children from as young as three years old to concert musicians like Richard Tognetti all hold the Sydney String Centre in high regard. Their attention to detail; quality product and first-class service sets them apart. Imported product is finished

by David Glanville and his team of skilled luthiers; professionally set up and fine-tuned for the highest quality sound before being placed in their Sydney showroom.

To take complete control of quality and to provide a faster, more customised service; David and Carmel agreed with daughter Libby and sons Doug and Max to invest in technology to take the Sydney String Centre to a whole new level. The plan was to be the first violin manufacturer in Australia to use advanced manufacturing, combined with their high-end luthier skills to produce a product everyone could enjoy. “We treat all of our customers the same way whether it’s a student or concert musician playing on the World stage. It’s important that they have the best quality for the price of the instrument and they have the best experience from our Company. Not only professionals need the best sound and we set up every instrument the same way” says Doug.

The move to manufacturing would not have been possible without the considerable unique talents of the Glanville family and Biesse. Carmel is a teacher and her expertise is invaluable in the human aspect of the business.

Daughter Libby brings video and web skills for marketing and promotion.

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“This all started about twelve months ago when we looked for a machine partner. We chose Biesse because we’d heard only good things about not only the product but the software as well. As an industrial engineer I’m excited about the possibilities good software brings.”

Eldest son Doug has a law degree and manages the business. Max is an Industrial designer and will front the manufacturing of the product. Biesse comes in as the technological partner and is as much a part of the business as the Glanville family. Max says “Biesse invested in us as much as we invested in Biesse. We produce low volumes of high quality instruments but with the Biesse we saw an opportunity to bring some of our overseas production home to Australia. We can control all of the production for a higher quality product.”

Max says “This all started about twelve months ago when we looked for a machine partner. We chose Biesse because we’d heard only good things about not only the product but the software as well. As an industrial engineer I’m excited about the possibilities good software brings.” The Sydney String Centre went to Biesse with the question “How can we make a quality product in Australia where labour costs are so high?” It was clear to Max that Biesse had as much passion for the project as the Glanvilles and an invitation to visit Pesaro for an acceptance test followed. A number of parts were processed on custom made jigs and Biesse made every effort to ensure that any concerns that Max had were put to rest. “While we were there,

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Biesse made available to us any highlevel technical people we needed to get the result we were looking for. Biesse exceeded all our high expectations” said Max. A young Australian designer of the year award winner, Max was able to fully explore the possibilities of the bSolid software and run the 5-axis Rover A machine to the full extent of the product

requirements. For Max, the ability of the software to visualise the complex parts such as the shaped front and back; the neck and beautifully carved scroll was outstanding. The ability to simulate in real time and space the manufacture of each part was a fantastic solution.

He said “As an industrial designer, the bSolid software allows me to push the boundaries of a centuries-old craft. This

SupplierMay/June 2017 | 35

F EATURE

was the last tick of the box needed for David and Carmel to make such an important investment.

Max likens a stringed instrument to a supercar or a fine watch where parts are made on machinery but assembled by hand. “We needed a machine that could not only hold the complex parts to guarantee the precision we were looking for. We also needed a machine that could use small diameter tooling to accurately machine as much of the part, especially the scroll; as possible.

A violin is a work of art and we believe we can produce art on an industrial scale; that craft can be machine-made.

Part of the artistic transfer is the ability of the Biesse to produce parts to the

tolerances that would normally only be done by hand. You can make anything on a machine but it’s what we can explore with our Rover A that I find most exciting” says Max. “Our quality is very important to us; we’d like to be remembered as the modern innovator of violin manufacture in the World. Not all our violins; violas; cellos and double basses are the same.

In fact, violin design is always evolving.

Necks are longer and thinner; the bridge and fingerboard have changed too; for higher pitch and more volume in an orchestra. We need flexibility of production to make changes and because we need to offer our customers a prompt service; we need to be able to produce small amounts economically.

The Rover A will be able to give us that flexibility and competitive edge” Max said.

Doug says “Our product is guaranteed and serviced free of charge for as long as it’s owned by the customer. It’s very important to us that the machine gives us the repeatability we need to ensure we can honour that guarantee. Everyone should be able to afford to play a violin if they 36 | SupplierMay/June 2017

want one and our aim is to bridge the gap between affordable and highend instruments. We’ve worked on instruments valued at over a million dollars but our greatest pleasure would be seeing a customer playing their very own instrument; one made in Australia to World-class standards. We want our customers to fall in love with their instrument.”

The first four-string violin is credited to Andrea Amati who apprenticed some of the great violin makers in history. It’s fitting that his home town of Cremona is a mere 300 kilometres from Pesaro, the home of Biesse. It’s also fitting that Biesse should carry on the tradition of craftsmanship practiced by the masters where in the modern World; art meets technology in a form affordable by everyone who wants one. Doug and Max agree “Our instruments are based on classic Italian designs and now, modern Italian technology will allow us to explore new boundaries here in Australia. The Sydney String Centre will continue that tradition, and where the Glanville family, together with Biesse, will carry on in the footsteps of the masters, no strings attached.● www.suppliermagazine.com.au

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SP O TLIG H T ON

Interview: APR Detailed Joinery APR Detailed Joinery in Sydney is celebrating a milestone this year. Ronnie Gramazio spoke with APR Director, Robert Breda and asked him a few questions about the last 30 years and how the company intends to celebrate its birthday. Supplier Magazine takes a look back at the company’s achievements, and their plans for the future…..

APR Joinery is having a birthday!

How old? And how will the company be celebrating? Any specific birthday plans to mark the occasion?

We celebrated our 30th anniversary informally with our team on 7/4/17 as this was our official anniversary date. It was a classic family BBQ on a Friday afternoon, Beers, BBQ, and Tug-of-war with lots of memories being shared by our long term employees.

Stories of our past, 18 hour working days 7 days a week, a time when it was still legal to smoke in the factory while crafting the majority of our pieces by hand. APR has a long history some of our current employees started with the mother company A. Breda Building but continued on to APR Joinery when we branched off in 1987. We looked back on photos of our management team when they first started as apprentices, reminiscing on a time when some of us had a lot more hair and a lot less weight! It was very insightful for our apprentices who wouldn’t have been born yet. We have our loyal clientele to thank for the last 30 years of business and we are looking into ideas to celebrate with them. Hopefully, we can bring our broad range of clients old and new together for this celebration.

38 | SupplierMay/June 2017

Please tell us about the history of the company; how it began, when and where? Any more expansion plans moving forward?

Robert’s father first started in the building industry in 1952 with a joint venture “Villata & Breda” soon after he bought out his partner and changed the business name to A Breda Building.

In 1971 Aldo Breda found that his company was expanding past the space his business currently occupied and he decided to build in Condell Park. (APR Detailed Joinery still occupies this space today which can be seen in below photos).

A Breda Building was consistently requested to complete joinery works for their clients due to their high-quality workmanship in the building industry.

Aldo saw the gap in the market for detailed joinery and in 1987 Aldo established the offset of his business APR Detailed Joinery. It was Aldo’s vision to run the new business along with his sons. APR is an acronym for Aldo, Peter and Robert.

Naturally, Robert grew up within the building industry; however, Robert found more interest in Carpentry and Joinery. Due to his dedication, Robert excelled winning first place in his

studies of ‘Carpentry and Joinery’ as well as ‘Building foreman clerk of work’ (Builders license) and he became the recipient of the Jack Leslie Honours award for the highest pass at that level.

After Aldo’s passing in 1993, Peter managed the building company and Robert managed APR Detailed Joinery. Robert began with the already established clientele from A Breda Building. Through networking and by word of mouth APR Detailed Joinery has become a brand that is renowned in the industry. “Our clients rely on us for our expertise, quality of work and customer service. We are often the referral point for our clients for advice on anything to do with specialised detailed joinery”.

What is APR’s online presence like and its presence in overseas markets?

We have a thriving young team in our office which helps us keep active on both Instagram and Facebook. We have gained a lot of overseas attention from our followers on social media.

Social media is a great platform to share our work, our young tradesman take great pride in showing off their work.

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Staff structure: who does what and where within the company?

Robert – Director, Estimation, Training; Maria – Accounts, Administration Manager; Paul – Production Manager; Mark – Head Polisher and Dispatch Supervisor; Alison – Design and Estimation What are your company plans moving forward, say, for the next 5 to 10 years? Where do you see APR placed in the future?

“It is my vision to transform APR into a brand, I want people to acknowledge us on a for our quality, service and attention to detail. We want to be known for our innovations. I pride myself on being able to help our clients, current and future to turn their dreams into reality. We want to continue to push the boundaries of design and manufacture.”

6. Speaking of the future, how well does APR move with and keep up with technology? How important is keeping

up with technology for the company in the 21st Century?

For decades we have built a reputation for our veneer work and as such, we need to keep up with the latest technology to ensure quality and efficiency. We have recently upgraded our veneer department with a new timber veneer guillotine, timber veneer splicer and timber veneer press. We lay and press our own veneer in-house which allows us to create any design our clients are after. Our CNC Machine allows us to customise the designs and our state of the art spray booth means that our experienced French polishers can complete the product in a wide range of finishes. We also have our own CAD facilities which has allowed us to design, build and install, this is efficient for both APR and our clients as they do not have to find multiple contractors to finish a job. “We’re very focused on quality because we rely on our reputation for repeat business and

HMPG HAS BEEN REPAIRING ALL TYPES OF ELECTROSPINDLES & MACHINE TOOL SPINDLES SINCE THE YEAR 2000.

We are pleased to announce that we have been appointed the Australasian Repair and Sales Agents for Hiteco Italy who have been manufacturing spindles for SCM, Morbidelli, Busellato and most famous CNC machine manufacturers for many years.

Our close association with Hiteco will provide an opportunity for manufacturers to purchase new spindles, aggregates and spare parts at competitive prices, as well as establishing a cost effective Australian based repair service.

www.hmpg.com.au www.hiteco.net

SP O TLIG H T ON

the word of mouth recommendations that generate new business. Investing in our technology means we can keep the in-house quality while still exceeding our client’s expectations with productivity and delivery times while still being competitive with our pricing”.

What do you believe are the company’s biggest achievements since its inception? And what do you believe are the company’s biggest strengths?

We pride ourselves on our quality of work and the people that make it happen. We have a close working relationship with TAFE NSW and we work with them to bring apprentices into our business and help them learn and develop into the craftsman of the future. With the constant upgrades in technology in the marketplace, there is always new ideas and ways of doing things and having a team that is comprised of all different generations helps us stay up to date but also ensures the quality and experience of the original tradesman resides in our work.

APR Detailed Joinery has established and maintained a reputation for quality workmanship and service. This reputation is supported by our skills, knowledge and dedication, thus achieving our goal of customer satisfaction. Few competitors can compare to the full in house service we provide. Customised Veneer Stitching, Laying and Pressing is all carried out within our premises. Our craftsmen can offer a very broad range of features such as inlays, moulded edges or spray painted treatments and finishes. Laminate is also pressed on site, which allows the client to select the substraight and size they want. We utilise a great support team of subcontractors for other components such as metal work and marble supplies to provide what even our clients have called ‘A One Stop Service’ – As APR’s motto says we are ‘the total solution’ Are there any business models that particularly attract you? Any business leaders – both locally and overseas either present day or through history – whom you look up to?

40 | SupplierMay/June 2017

I would have to say that it is my father’s business model that I take inspiration from. I have great admiration for my late father Aldo Breda, he worked smart but he also worked hard. He knew his customers were his salespeople, he knew his customers were his present and his future. He was always fair in business; he earned everything through his hard work and dedication. In his business, everyone got their hands dirty and they were all equally responsible for the end product, there was no management hierarchy and his employees were all passionate about their work. He was always the first one in the office and the last one to go home.

He had hands-on industry knowledge and experience as well as being a great businessman.

What I admire most about him is that he put his heart into his business; he was a very generous person. He would see people who were having a tough time financially and help them regardless.

He built relationships with people in the industry that would last a lifetime. To this day we still have my father’s past employees and clients stopping by to see the multitudes of changes, our innovations and the technology we are investing in.

They rightfully know that they all had a hand in bringing APR to where it is today.

I am also very inspired by Sir Richard Branson; most specifically I admire his management style when it comes to his employees. “Train people well enough so they can leave, treat them well enough so they don’t want to.” –Richard Branson.

I cherish the employees we have in our business today, they all bring something different to the table and learning is a two-way street. My tradesmen are always bringing me ideas and new ways of doing things and I challenge them to make it happen. We have 1st-year apprentices designing and manufacturing some amazing pieces and it makes me proud to work with them.

When it comes to moving the business forward I take inspiration from Tony Robbins (an American businessman). I also believe that you should always set goals before I achieve a goal I already have my next one in mind. When my wife gives me a hard time about buying new machinery I refer back to his quote; “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” – Tony Robbins. It doesn’t always work though!

But if I didn’t have Maria helping me run the company I would be in a very different place, she helps keep me in line.

Additional Comments ”2017 is a milestone year for APR Detailed Joinery. This year marks our 30th year of creating a huge variety of Masterpieces for our clients. It has been an honour turning their visions into beautiful pieces of Furniture.

Everything from restoring the Internal Timber Veneer Panels in a 1932 Rolls Royce, Designing and Crafting Executive Office fit outs and Residential Joinery, to manufacturing beautiful Veneered Boardroom Tables.

Each and every Project here at APR is treated with respect and manufactured with the highest level of detailed workmanship, that we are known for in the Industry.

At APR we have developed and grown exponentially over the last 30 Years. We have become known to be innovative with our products and for the services we offer our Clients. We continue to invest in the latest in Technology in both Design and Manufacturing; The Team here at APR Detailed Joinery are most proud however to have helped train the Cabinet Making and Polishing Tradesman for the future, to provide the longevity of such highly skilled Trades, enabling the abilities to produce the finest products available.”●

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Biesse: Smart, Simple and Connected The Biesse Group is one of the largest suppliers of wood working machinery in the World and a recognised leader in bringing practical technology to the industry. This will be evident than at this year's Ligna fair in Hannover where the group will field the biggest display in its history at the show. Federico Broccoli is Wood Division Director/ Sales & Subsidiaries Division and Director, BIESSE Group. He says “It’s a confirmation of our strength as a Group.

To reach this result, you need to have an excellent commercial strategy, high quality products and the capability to show them in the best way. Biesse recently acquired the Italian company Uniteam. It will prove to be a fast lift towards the sectors of housing, bioconstruction and timber houses. We are trying to create business development paths in different sectors.” Besides wood, glass and stone the Biesse Group is also proficient in the housing, plastic and advanced materials sectors.

concept; it’s a shared need from the whole manufacturing industry. It's true that two years ago the need for Industry 4.0 was expressed by the world’s major 500 industries but today it is worth noting that companies with fewer than 20 employees are searching for this productive concept as well.”

Biesse will feature a ‘Booth 4.0’ with 50 connected and fully integrated technologies at Ligna. Visitors will experience the digital factory with a comprehensive overview on what Industry 4.0 can offer to artisans and small companies aiming to increase production; medium and large industries producing small, non-standard size batches; doors and windows. Even SMEs and craftsmen are ready to move towards the ‘interconnected factory’ approach.

Among new features for the Rover range, the new Rover M5, which was designed for machining high volume

pieces, will be on display for the first time at Ligna. No other machine on the market matches its performance, size and competitive price. With a working height of up to 535 mm, this completely unique technology can be used by manufacturers of highly varied and delicate three dimensional items to create their own products without involving third parties. The work table can be customised to suit different machining requirements and can be used to clamp high volume pieces and load any type of equipment in order to machine components in a wide range of sizes.

Simple “Thinkforward is all about Biesse's ability to innovate, to provide integrated solutions that are complex but easy to use, allowing us to produce more, better, at a lower cost. It encourages us to keep looking ahead, to get a better feel for how we need to act today” said Raphaël Prati, marketing and communication director for Biesse Group. “Thinkforward is also the concept for our stand at Ligna with 5,000 square metres of innovation and technology where visitors will experience how the digital factory can change the way we perceive and produce things.” Over 40 fully functional solutions will be on display targeting all manufacturers, from large companies; companies that need to produce unique products; to a small company who focus on artisanship. With Biesse's 4.0 ready solutions every level can become fully fledged “smart factories.”

Smart Of the well-used “industry 4.0” term, Federico says it's a matter of efficiency.

“It means increasing productivity without changing floor-space and the number of employees.” This is good news for Australian manufacturers who often see the new manufacturing ethos as “Only for the bigger guy's, those that can afford it.” Federico continues “In Europe; companies simply want to produce in a more efficient way. Industry 4.0 is not just a buzz word or a fashion

www.suppliermagazine.com.au

From left: Federico Broccoli; Raphaël Prati and Stefano Porcellini from Biesse.

SupplierMay/June 2017 | 41

As part of the Thinkforward philosophy, a Biesse classic, bLab, will be featured. bLab is a laboratory where the best software in the sector can be tested and machines and manufactured items can be rendered digitally, allowing us to run tests even before production begins physically. The new version interfaces flawlessly with the tactile controller available for Rover machines and produces a new work list designed to make the most of the touch-screen and to improve navigation between environments, making it even simpler and more intuitive.

Highlights of Biesse's huge stand at Ligna will be a strong presence of solid wood with major themes like ergonomics, rationality and machine accessibility. The idea is of reducing space and making more compact machines without reducing safety.

Nesting technology includes the new Rover K FT, a machining centre for Nesting and designed to adapt fully to the production space. It can be accessed safely from all 4 sides and set up to allow for a workflow that runs either left to right or right to left.

Connected Biesse has recently overcome challenges as a result of their leading technological position in the market. “We decided to believe in and invest in our skills and this has brought great results. We created a large network of international branches employing almost 1,000 people on total 3,800 employees. We've hired new people both in Italy and at our branch offices, have more incoming

orders and a greater market share. We increased our growth by 60% over the past three years. These numbers are further confirmation that our group is the top Italian player in the market and the second player in the world by revenue, with a significantly higher growth rate than our competitors" said Federico.

“Biesse group’s three year plan is starting with excellent 2016 results,” stated the Group General Manager, Stefano Porcellini. Biesse expects to achieve revenues of more than Euro 825 million in 2019 as a result of growth in Consolidated Net Revenues of 10.1% Particular attention and targeted investments will be devoted to the development of the concepts of think4ward, internet of things and Industry 4.0 (Digital Factory).

“This year we had a good start in North America, Europe, including Italy, Asia and Australia” says Federico. "We strongly believe in the potential of the Middle East markets. A new campus will open in Dubai in June 2017.

Dubai and Istanbul will be our logistic platform in the Middle East and further

Biesse's new premises in Sydney is scheduled to open in 2018.

42 | SupplierMay/June 2017

plans include Lebanon, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.” Biesse Group invested in China with positive results and there is a renewed interest in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

A 4,000 square metre investment is in the pipeline for Sydney and will be opened in 2018. “We recorded good return on investments in Asia with Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and South Korea the pillars of our sales increase. BIESSE India boasts a new manufacturing unit in Makali, Bangalore” said Federico. The Biesse Group's strong worldwide presence and their competence in a wide range of technologies make the group a significant player on the World stage.

Biesse Group has worked hard to increase their presence in the areas they serve and remain close to Biesse's true asset, their Customers.●

"We strongly believe in the potential of the Middle East markets.

A new campus will open in Dubai in June 2017. Dubai and Istanbul will be our logistic platform in the Middle East and further plans include Lebanon, Iran, and Saudi Arabia.” www.suppliermagazine.com.au

P R O D U C T U P D ATE

The Ever-Evolving Stefani Edgebander in Focus The Stefani Edgebander Solution MD now features new devices and options, developed with a focus on perfect joint line and higher versatility of use, including the new Smart Glue Pot (SGP) and the PU Box L premelting unit. Finishing quality is assured by the new Air

Fusion technology, allowing you to edgeband without glue. Five new compositions are now available in the Stefani range.

Perfect Joint Line with the SGP Glue Pot. The use of EVA and Polyurethane glue is made possible by the anti-adherent plasma treatment and a fast

and simple glue changeover.

Extraordinary Level of Finishing Quality with the Air Fusion technology that allows edgebanding without glue, ensuring that the joint between the edge and the panel is invisible.

Versatility of Use with the two available pre-melting units: the PU Box L for polyurethane glue and the pre-melting unit for EVA glue.

Stefani MD Edgebander Features: • High productivity with working speed up to 25 m/ min • Edgebanding with solid wood up to 22mm

width thanks to the wide magazine for the wooden strips (approx. 200mm) and the free entry to the gluing area • Possibility to work edges with 3 different radii with the use of fully automatic ‘multiedge’ operating units • Device for automatic edge changeover, to avoid stopping production when a roll ends • Spindle moulder unit, to carry out grooving on the sides of panels.

For more information on the Stefani MD Edgebander, contact SCM Group Australia. ●

Cabot’s New Benchtop Clear Recently Launched As the cooler months set in and entertaining moves from the outdoors in, homeowners’ attentions are inevitably turning to preparing their interiors for more frequent use.

With this in mind, manufacturer of Australia’s leading woodcare products, Cabot’s, has launched its new Benchtop Clear timber coating product for interior benchtops and tables, just in time for the winter entertaining season.

Highly durable, Cabot’s Benchtop Clear is the ideal instrument for protecting kitchen and living spaces against the spills and thrills of entertaining. Its heat and stain resistant properties ensure there’ll be no longlasting damage to benchtops from red wine splashes, food splatters, coffee cup marks and everything else that comes with the pleasures of hosting; keeping the post-party aftermath to a minimum! www.suppliermagazine.com.au

Additionally, one of Benchtop Clear’s key benefits is its food safe properties, which keep timber surfaces protected from nasty liquids such as oil, providing a more hygienic food preparation area.

“At the moment, consumers are being directed to flooring grade clears and tung oil-based products, which aren’t specifically formulated for benches and don’t contain the food safe stamp of approval,” explains James Fisher, Senior Brand Manager for Cabot’s.

“Benchtop Clear, however, has been designed with exactly this purpose in mind, to offer people a safe, simple and hard-wearing way to safeguard their kitchen’s timber surfaces.”

Alongside its protective qualities, Benchtop Clear also enhances the natural grain of timber to prolong a quality look, with no risk of the coating turning yellow over time.

How to use Benchtop Clear 1. After the first coat has been applied, leave to dry for two hours before applying the next coat 2. Once the job is finished, as the product is waterbased, brushes require just a quick and easy water wash up

Top tips for caring for your kitchen benchtop • Always clean up spills on timber surfaces immediately to prevent water marks from becoming engrained in the wood • For stubborn stains, use a clean, damp cloth and a touch of Cabot’s Floor Clean to lift off the surface • Recoat timber benchtops 6-12 months with Cabot’s Benchtop Clear to ensure they remain sealed against moisture, oils and other harmful liquids.

• While Benchtop Clear offers protection against

heat from warm cups and mugs, avoid placing hot items directly onto even a coated surface, as extreme heat can cause significant damage to timber Cabot's is the manufacturer of Australia’s leading woodcare products, with a comprehensive range of stains, varnishes, clear finishes, oils, paints and polishes for the preservation and beautification of timber at home.●

SupplierMay/June 2017 | 43

C ASE STU DY

JUST 2PAC: Consistency is Key JUST 2PAC in the Adelaide suburb of Pooraka produces high-gloss painted panels for the kitchen and bathroom industry. Directors Donny Audino and Adam Cavallaro pride themselves in the quality of their product but they add another ingredient: consistency. It’s important that every job be the same as the one delivered before and that every one of their customers is treated equally and gets the same quality.

When they started out six years ago on their first job, a single vanity unit, everything was done manually. To achieve their goals of quality and consistency with high output, Donny and Adam chose a Biesse Viet Opera 7 wide-belt sander to get the job done.

Donny and Adam are two of the most down to earth guy’s you will ever meet.

Theirs is a small factory with only Donny’s wife Marianna running the office. The two long-time friends and business partners spend most of every working day in the factory, getting things done. They are recognised as the industry leaders in manufacturing high-volume, quality polyurethane 2-pack 44 | SupplierMay/June 2017

high-gloss panels for kitchens and producing commercial fit outs solutions for cabinet makers.

JUST 2PAC is a young company with a short history. Donny and Adam did their apprenticeships together as vehicle painters in the crash repair business.

Donny’s previous business experience was in the retail sector running coffee shops but they both came back to their core skills when they saw an opportunity producing high-gloss painted panels for the kitchen and bathroom industry. Starting out in Wingfield and building to about ten staff, they moved to the current premises in Pooraka four years ago. In 2011 they went overseas to look at the painting industry in Europe and came back with some good ideas about what they wanted to achieve in Australia. They started out buying equipment for the end of their production, working back down the line and their first machine was an automatic buffing machine.

Then in 2014 they had arranged to see three sanding machine brands:

one in Germany and two in Italy. Donny admits “We felt pretty good about the Viet machine even before we left but we needed to know for sure that we were getting what we needed. We’d set up some tests in each of the three companies and the Viet Opera 7 was able to do exactly what we wanted even though we were doing things slightly differently in Australia. We felt really confident that we’d made the right choice and to this day we have no regrets.”

Adam says “Biesse is a really good company, they did everything we asked and the tests we did set our minds at ease. Yes, we made the right choice.”

Producing consistent quality by hand is not easy and depends entirely on your skilled employees. It’s also time consuming and in a market as price-driven as the painted panel industry, time is of the essence. The Biesse Viet Opera 7 has been a game-changer for JUST 2PAC and what once took ten minutes is now done in thirty seconds. And with the Biesse Viet Opera 7 every piece comes out of the machine exactly the

LEFT: Donny and Adam ABOVE: The highest gloss and deepest finish

same as the last time the job was done. Donny says “We came into a high-volume, quality output business and we needed to adapt pretty fast. We grew quickly on the back of hard work and loyal customers but we couldn’t produce quickly enough so we hired extra staff. Our costs escalated; we needed a better way and our Biesse Viet sander enabled us to not only deliver a quality product but to do it consistently and this is very important to us.”

JUST 2PAC’s product is polyurethane 2-pack highgloss panels for domestic kitchens, about 95% of their work. Some commercial fitouts for cabinet makers and cabinet making suppliers and some wall panelling, specialty doors, bedside cabinets and bed-heads make up the rest of their production. The Biesse Viet Opera 7 works every day and is often pushed hard to keep the production flowing.

Adam and Donny are happy to keep the work just as it is. They don’t want to complicate their production where extra labour could eat up all the profits. “We’re trying to maximise the value of the Biesse Viet sander investment. All our machines need to be running all day. www.suppliermagazine.com.au

We stick to what we are good at and the Viet Opera 7 sander fits in really well” says Donny.

The Viet Company first started making sanding machines in 1953 and is still run by the founder’s nephew. The “Art of Sanding” is what they are experts in, as finishing is an area where technology meets with the personal perception of a quality surface.

Viet has been at the forefront of modern sanding technology and many of Viet’s patents are now common “know-how” throughout the wood

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sanding and metal abrading industries. Viet has over 15,000 machines in operation World-wide and their machines are available in a staggering 18,000 possible configurations.

The Opera 7 machine is designed for medium to large enterprises but it fits JUST 2PAC’s production perfectly.

The machine has, from front to back one cross belt, a spin brush for routed panels; a wide belt and two more cross belts. It has a patented “HP” pad that allows for total control of the surface pressure right up to the edge of the panel. This

exclusive technology allows for the sanding process to use the lowest pressure in the market, this helps achieve a remarkable higher grade of finish but at a reduced energy and abrasives costs.

The machine was tailored around JUST 2PAC finishing process and runs reliably all day, every day. Donny says “We put everything through this machine, both undercoat and finishing coats. We change the belts once or twice a day depending on what we are putting through it. It’s a very easy machine to use and we can make fine adjustments to suit the product or even to allow for belt wear, and we can do this very easily. The Viet is an exceptionally stable machine and this gives us the finest sanded finish.”

Just 2PAC have grown over the last six years, partly because of Donny and Adam’s commitment to quality and the consistency they insist on achieving. The Biesse Viet Opera 7 wide-belt sander has helped them to be where they are today because it delivers exactly what Adam

and Donny need: exactly what they promise their customers. “It’s been tough” says Donny “but we’ve built our growth around our investments. Cabinet makers do volume work and we need to be able to meet their price point. We needed to be more efficient in our manufacturing and the Viet sander is returning our initial expectations very well. There’s a fair bit of competition for us in Adelaide but our advantage is that we are probably one of the best set-up in terms of quality and reliable equipment. We have good systems in place, good people and we can produce our panels to the consistent quality that’s to our market advantage and at a rate that other’s cannot match.”

Adam says “Our Company has seen a lot of growth from the Viet machine. If we keep strong, avoid being complacent and keep on top of things, our future looks pretty good. We do whatever it takes and our Biesse Viet Opera 7 delivers everything we need.”●

SupplierMay/June 2017 | 45

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