Karle + Jung GmbH has branched out into the wood sector by developing a tool for producing one-way pallets made from woodchips.
The German company believes woodchip pallets have potential in growth markets such as China, Mexico and the US, as solid wood versions need to be treated with anti-pest measures to satisfy import restrictions.
Karle + Jung, part of the Dieffenbacher group, has commissioned its first tool for sizing 1200x 800mm pallets at Oberrot-based Klenk Holz AG. The tool is running production on a Dieffenbacher 12,000kN press.
Until now Karle + Jung’s business has been manufacturing tools for sheet metal forming.
The new technology consists of a mould as a punch and mandrel, conversion parts for producing two product sizes and two ejector units.
Production entails the automated spreading of glue-coated wood particles into a thermal oil-heated cavity, followed by a pressing operation.
The company says three additional pressing tools are on order and in the machining stage.
