At first glance you might think that the new compact planer from Weinig hasn’t been unpacked from its crate. Either that, or it’s some form of advertising display, emblazoned as it is with a giant version of the distinctive ‘W’ logo.
But, according to Weinig, the ‘Cube’ lives up to its name because that’s the shape that suits its function.
The company is keeping intimate details of the machine close to its chest, as it plans to make its Ligna launch one of the show’s big splash events, describing it as “reinventing planing”. And the mystery is underlined on the Cube website (www.weinig-cube.com) which features a video of the machine being operated by a magician!
A spokesperson, however, would say that it is designed to be flexible and very easy to use, principally intended for turning out small runs of profiles, or one-off pieces.
“It’s suitable for smaller companies, particularly those which currently use traditional methods to plane on four sides, who might not need to run a machine all day long,” he said. “It’s very compact so that it can fit into a small workshop. It can also easily be relocated using a hand-operated lift truck.”
At the same time, he added, the machine could appeal to bigger companies using more powerful planer/moulders, such as a Weinig Powermat. “They could find it attractive to work alongside their larger machines, which they might not want to set up just to produce a single item, or a small number of products,” he said.
According to Weinig, the new machine doesn’t require “time-consuming adjustment” and cuts the likelihood of set-up error by the operator thanks to its patented “part recognition” technology. Dimension changes are claimed to be six times faster on the Cube than conventional motorised spindle adjustment and “internal part recognition” means operators can even adjust the machine with the motor running. Using Weinig’s “Easy Lock” knife change system further reduces downtime.
Maximum wood yield
An “intelligent moulder preview” laser system, which shows the operator exactly how the spindle settings will process the timber, “guarantees maximum wood yield” and minimum waste. And due to the latter and an ‘optimised’ extraction hood design, Weinig claims it can cut extraction energy needs by 60% over conventional technology.
The machine also promises straight, accurate processing thanks to its feed system. The infeed roller is activated once the second feed roller has grasped the workpiece. When the latter leaves the second roller, the infeed roller returns to the starting position for the next piece.
The Cube’s body is made of low vibration Durosorb composite. The straightening, joining, left and top spindles are all 7.5hp and run at up to 6,000rpm. The straightening table is 2m long and feed speed 6-12m/min.
Among Weinig’s 30 other featured machines at Ligna will be a new system for surface machining windows, doors and conservatories, including a fast clamping system and automatic console positioning.
Also on show will be the latest version of the “fastest cross-cut saw in the world”, the OptiCut 450 Quantum II, offering “15% more performance”, and the Weinig GreconLine CombiPact finger-jointer, which is designed for horizontal and vertical operation.
New under the RaimannLine brand will be the FlexiRip Compact, billed as “the most flexible cross-cutting saw for artisan businesses on the market”.
Weinig will be in Hall 12, stand E48.
