Homag group member Weinmann believes timber frame construction can only increase in importance. And it sees more businesses moving into the market. As a result, at Ligna it highlighted its modular manufacturing technology which enables companies to progress from manual production, up to CAD-based automated systems for timber frame panel ‘mass manufacture’.
‘The building block of the line is the Concept C-Plus Vario-Tec clamping assembly table, using our C-PowerTec universal clamping and BaseTec angle stop systems,’ explained Weinmann’s Hansbert Ott. ‘This holds frames and panels while operatives use manual stapling, nailing and cutting equipment. It can also be incorporated into more complex lines as the user grows.’
Next on Weinmann’s stand was one of its more advanced tilting, multi-function tables which turn panels for easy installation of cabling and internal fit-out.
The step up from here is a CAD-linked WMS10 multi-function bridge (left) which, with a team of just two operators, undertakes automatic positioning, nailing, clamping and screwing of sheet materials, automatic cutting and milling of window and door assemblies, and drilling apertures for cabling, gable elements and so on. The latest development here was a multi-function tool head, including a mini chainsaw for cutting the increasingly-prevalent ‘massive’ elements in timber frame panels up to 200mm in depth.
Mr Ott reported growing interest in the Weinmann systems from the UK. ‘We recently completed a major installation at Westbury‘s Space4 factory and see considerable opportunities. It’s a growing timber frame market.’
