“The market for linear moulding machines is as diverse as ever with buyers becoming ever more informed about what’s on the market.”

That’s the view of Michael Weinig (UK) managing director Malcolm Cuthbertson.

What is more, he added, there’s a new tool in customers’ armoury further informing their buying and choice-making decision, the internet. Manufacturers not only therefore need a top-flight website, they need to be constantly honing product offers and looking for technological improvement.

Weinig’s latest responses recently have included a range of key upgrades.

The compact Cube four side planer has become the Cube Plus, with extra features added in response to customer feedback.

Weinig’s Powermat 600 in turn is now the 700, combining traditional spindles with HSK tool technology. Users can also choose how many axes are under CNC control.

The Powermat 1500, described as a ‘chameleon’ capable of adapting to the working environment, has also added new functions and flexibility, going from units with traditional spindle technology to full HSK machines. One fan of its capacity to be tailored is Lambson Laminates, which has bought two, one a nine-spindle.

Meanwhile the updated Powermat 2400, with 100m/min feedspeed, will debut at Ligna in May, in time for the summer opening of Weinig UK’s 8,000ft2 new showroom.

SCM has extended its Superset NT throughfeed moulder range with new seven and eight spindle variants, and new electronic control.

These can be managed manually or automatically, with digital configurations up to eight compositions, one or two right spindles, one or two upper spindles, increased axial strokes, high profiling depth and HSK technology.

The mobile PC electronic control is based on Watch software including easy search, detailed machine use report and customised machine layouts capabilities. The system also allows a complete integration of all machine control functions.

The machine, says SCM, adds up to high-speed tool change and set-up, reduced down time and ‘guaranteed finish quality’.

Dalton Wadkins reports increased take-up of heavy-duty Kuper moulders and by an ever wider customer base. Latest purchases have included a four-head by a college, a five by a bespoke joiner and a six-head model by a window specialist.

The key to the Kuper’s appeal, said Daltons Wadkin sales director is the versatility and variety of the range, with up to 10 spindles capable of processing widths to 400mm and thicknesses to 230mm.

Kuper’s K² control system is designed to make set up easy and efficient and the intuitive Siemens touch screen graphical interface is available in three levels of increasingly intelligent control.

Tooling and corresponding profiles can be photographed for the operator to easily select and head status, feed speeds, and any machine faults are graphically displayed.

Kupers also feature ‘Smart Push’, which ensures feed rollers and pressures are adjusted to provide full control of the material.