JUST AWESOME

Correctly specified filters save money !

Tony Kelly from Contemporano has developed his very successful production facility over the last 20 years and has continued, throughout it’s expansion, to stick to his original mantra: that the ideal cabinet making production area should be planned ‘by cabinet makers’, ‘for cabinet makers’ to work in.

Offering a whole range of kitchen/ bathroom cabinetry online, the company also partners with other specialists to provide either custom machined solutions or small to medium production runs that allow more throughput for other joinery companies, who either haven’t got the number of machines or staff to cope with increased demand.

10 years ago he chose NZ DUCT+FLEX to supply LIPLOCK ducting for his new production facility and due to the adaptability of the modular system, he has rearranged the layout and added to the duct lines consistently since 2012: no original ducting being wasted, as machines have been added and positions changed. With further expansion required, in 2016 it was only natural that Tony would approach NZ DUCT+FLEX again, this time to replace their old filtration system which was unable to be expanded, and so couldn’t cope with the new scale of production which now requires 3 CNC’s, an edgebander and 2 panel saws.

A Double Modular 3 bay filter with rotary valve exit driven by a JK45K 30kw fan was installed by NZ Duct’s own installation staff, ensuring the job was done efficiently and in the time frame required. As the install team are doing this every day of every week country wide, they can manage, usually, to avoid a shut

Northshore manufacturing business proves not cutting costs initially on filtration size saves money longer term down – in this case working around Contemporano’s facility production. All filtration products are purchased from Danish based JKF Industri and the filter, fans and rotary valves as well as ducting are ‘in stock’ in Auckland, so if you need products quickly they can be supplied normally overnight.

“The secret to long lasting dust removal, with minimal maintenance, is sizing up the filter, fan and the needs of the customer’s machinery correctly and it is the FILTER AREA, not only the fan power that is key.” says Geoff Ebdon.

NZDUCT+FLEX have installed hundreds of Danish designed Filters in New Zealand in the last 12 years and have never had a need to re-visit any joinery customers to clear a blockage in ducts as the air flows are calculated correctly in the first place.

All wood dust customers are in fact still operating on the original bags just like Contemporano. Paying 10% more for a larger filter initially, but having no issues for 10 years, means they are saving money” confirms Geoff Ebdon.

“It’s the most common route to making your new ‘system quote’ look competitive: use a smaller filter unit to get the overall cost down but make big claims about airflow capacity. Unlike filter area, which is a stated figure, airflow capacity is a vague claim that can’t be directly measured or confirmed.”

“If you ask too small a filter unit to handle too much air and dust, instead of the dust cake forming gently on the surface of the filter material so it falls of again easily, it gets driven deep into the pile of the material and starts to clog. Once this happens it’s a downhill slope of poor filtration, lack of suction, dust in the work area and deposition (potential fire risk) in the ductwork. “When it comes to filters (commonly called bag houses) a good ‘big’ one will always beat a good ‘little’ one’ for longer life and less problems.” says Geoff.

And Tony Kelly’s analysis of his filtration system : “Just awesome”.

For more information call 0508

28 or visit www.nzduct.co.nz

HSD & Spindles NZ grow both relationship and spindle range

HSD are the world’s biggest manufacturer of High-Speed Spindles for CNC routers, stone spindles, metal cutting spindles and almost any iteration of high-speed cutting spindle. Spindles NZ Ltd have built up a close and professional relationship with HSD over the last 18 years, offering both new replacement spindles and ongoing service and support for rebuilding their products.

Jon from Spindles NZ prides himself on his turn around time, and is able to have a seized spindle back up and running on the machine within days. Customers from Australia are now taking advantage of the fast and efficient air freight which is almost as fast as domestic freight movements throughout NZ.

HSD ES929X

HSD have recently announced the development of their new ES929X electrospindle, designed for 3-axis machining centres and robotic applications. This spindle aims to be a financially viable entry level alternative to the cheap inferior tool changing spindles on the market. These are often poor copies of HSD spindles so the ES929X gives HSD quality at a comparable price.

It’s available in two configurations (ISO30 and HSK-F63) with 7.5 kW three-phase asynchronous motor and electric fan cooling system. Both spindles are stocked by Spindles NZ.

They are compatible with ES919/929 spindles which can be replaced by the ES929X using the same mountings and wiring. They are also an ideal replacement for cheaper spindles and spindles of smaller machine suppliers.

Users of Homag machining centres

Spindles NZ are now able to deal directly with you to offer new spindles and spares and replacement shafts. We can offer direct quotes within 24 hours. Previous difficult dealer agreements no longer need to be honored and we can have the spindles sent direct.

Jon Escreet Spindles NZ Ltd

Vacuum technology increases productivity in the wood and furniture industry

Today, wood-processing companies have to be flexible, fast and deliver on schedule – with the consequence of fully exploiting the potential for rationalization in the company and continually optimizing internal processes. To meet these requirements, the vacuum specialist Schmalz offers a wide range of products for manual and automated handling processes. Users in the wood and furniture industry profit from more efficiency and increased productivity.

The requirements of vacuum technology for the safe handling of wooden workpieces are as various as they are demanding. That's because renewable raw materials are often processed in a harsh working environment. A lot of dust and chips can compromise trouble-free gripping, as too can knot holes, porosity, twists and cracks. On the other hand, painted surfaces require particularly gentle treatment. Uneven stacking patterns, different dimensions and an often undefined workpiece pick-up position, create further challenges for handling technology. Furthermore, the wood industry demands fast cycle times, falling production costs and energy efficiency. With its product range, Schmalz (from Germany's

Black Forest) provides support along the entire value creation chain. This includes vacuum components, vacuum gripping systems, systems for manual handling as well as clamping solutions.

Manual work processes are particularly common in the wood and furniture industry, for moving wooden boards, pre-cut parts and assemblies. For example, Schmalz vacuum handling systems that are operated manually are used for the loading of panel dividing saws. In order to reliably grip different formats and weights, the vacuum specialist has two series in its product range: the vacuum tube lifter Jumbo and the vacuum lifting device VacuMaster. Schmalz offers the appropriate suction pads for both series depending on requirements. The tube lifter Jumbo makes the frequent lifting of workpieces with different shapes up to a weight of 300 kilograms easier. The device is operated by just one person – precisely and ergonomically. Handling and loading times can be significantly reduced. The vacuum lifting devices from the VacuMaster series are suitable for transporting wooden workpieces with a weight of up to 2,000 kilograms, and can also be

Schmalz Vacuum Lifting & Clamping

Treotham Automation supply the range of Schmalz Vacuum Lifting devices, customizable and suitable for standard weights up to 750kg.

Schmalz clamping solutions are used for a wide range of machining and assembly tasks. With vacuum power, components made from wood, metal, glass or plastic are fixed securely and without distortion.

operated by one person. They have a modular design and are sturdy and reliable. For ergonomic work at all heights, Schmalz has swiveling operator handles in its product range. With suction pads, that are continuously adjustable on the beam, unwieldy sheets in different sizes can be moved easily. The lifting device VacuMaster Window is recommended for the safe transportation of sensitive glass sheets and windows as well as multi-sash windows. Finally, the entire potential for rationalization can be increased in combination with aluminum cranes from Schmalz. They are very responsive, which particularly has a positive effect on ergonomics as well as the efficiency of internal material flow. The effort required to move the crane is low; the workpieces can be easily and quickly moved on the swivel arm and put in the desired position.

After lifting a sheet and moving it with a crane, the next process step is often the depositing and processing of it on a CNC machining center. Schmalz offers a variety of clamping solutions for such machines from different manufactures. Vacuum blocks safely fix the flat workpieces on the underside, and the machine can then process the sheet on all edges as well as on the upper side. The company developed new vacuum blocks for use with the CNC wood machining tools manufactured by the Italian company Biesse. The VCBL-B suction pads are compatible with the original suction pads and can be easily attached in the suction block mount on the machine. The suction pads from Schmalz eliminate the costly replacement of complete vacuum blocks in the event of collision or wear: It is possible to simply replace the suction plates. In conventional systems, the entire vacuum block has to be replaced. Schmalz thereby lowers the costs for spare parts and reduces machine downtimes.

With automated systems from Schmalz, users can exploit further potential for rationalization for wooden materials. For example, the FXP/FMP area grippers, which have been proven in practice many times, are suitable for use in the furniture industry. This enables the handling of coated wood in many shapes and sizes. Schmalz has equipped the system with a special insert element and leakfree check valves to optimize flow. Tests have indicated that the gripping system generates on average 86 per cent more suction force on unplaned workpieces and 87 per cent more suction force on workpieces with smooth surfaces than comparable products on the market. For the user, this means reliable gripping of workpieces, improved energy efficiency and cost-effective manufacturing.

Treotham Automation www.treotham.co.nz

0800 847 200

Steering a course

Ian Featherstone

Ian Featherstone is a cabinetmaker, machinist, business advisor, mentor and leadership coach, and the owner of Glass Half Full. He specialises in the construction industry, particularly the joinery & cabinetry sector.

For more information or to find out how you can move your team forward, please visit www. glasshalffull.co.nz