Homag City at Ligna was more a hall in its own right than a stand. But there was a consistent theme running across the vast display of different technologies for solid wood and panel processing and timber frame manufacture. It was the integration of the various types of machine into production lines and systems.
“Rather than highlighting individual machines and their capabilities, we’ve grouped them together in processes to underline how they work in the factory,” said Homag Asia managing director Chris Osborne. “Within that concept, the focus is on innovation and real monetary value to the user.”
Globally, he added, timber processors and manufacturers are facing similar issues: rising costs and dwindling availability of skilled labour. Homag’s response is greater automation and easier operation.
“From Asia to Europe, companies are struggling to find enough of the right people,” he said. “So we’ve focused on such aspects as installing software already on the machine, eliminating the need for separate CAD interface and making machine processes completely CAD-receptive. And it’s all controlled from user-friendly screens – it’s much easier today to find people who know their way around a PC than an advanced piece of timber equipment.”
Homag’s Ligna showing also highlighted another key trend at the company – its deepening penetration into solid wood processing. In this context one of the key debuts was the BMB 900 power profiler window CNC machining centre billed as “a whole new class in window processing”. The aim of the BMB 900’s designers was a machine that could make 100 windows a day, and process large and small components to the same level of quality so they’re ready to assemble with little need for further processing, including sanding. Equipped with up to 432 tools, the five-axis machine can produce arched as well as straight components and includes automatic workpiece handling.
Also a stand highlight was the increasingly broad application of Homag’s laserTec laser edging system. This is now an option with the company’s CNC machines, taking its application to curved components as well as straight-edged.
Another major launch was the Venture 316 CNC machining centre which, said Homag, takes 5-axis processing “ever closer to the €100,000 threshold”. The machine is billed as ultra stable, being 30% heavier than comparable products, has an effective part height of 250mm and uses a small number of standard tools that combine to undertake a wide range of different processes.
