Saving energy on standby
One of the central components of the ecoPlus concept is the standby function. This switches the machine to an energy-saving standby mode – either automatically after a certain period or by pressing the standby button. All the relevant energy consuming systems then switch over to the hibernation mode. As soon as the standby mode is started, the machine immediately interrupts normal operation and energy consuming units are switched off. A signal automatically deactivates the extraction. At the press of a button, work can resume again without delay.
ecoPlus calculator – for smart savers
The ecoPlus calculator allows precise advance calculation of the savings possible with ecoPlus. At the Ligna, the HOMAG Group will be demonstrating concrete calculation examples. The relevant framework conditions for determining energy costs are defined – for example electricity costs at 0.12 €/kWh. Because in practice this differs from one operation to the next, the calculation basis can be flexibly entered in the ecoPlus calculator (e.g. 1 or 2 shift operation).
The Venture efficiency example
The HOMAG Group Venture processing machines are able to save up to 8,000 kWh of electrical current a year using the ecoPlus flexible standby function. In addition, the power consumption is reduced by spindle cooling using a vacuum pump by up to 1,600 kWh a year, adding up to total savings of almost 10,000 kWh (corresponding to 1,200 €).
Affordable and economical at the same time
The frame processing machine ZKT 300 from TORWEGGE demonstrates an affordable way to process all popular frame types using a modular system. Alongside a favourable price and a highly flexible processing unit equipment outfit, costs are reduced using an intelligent extraction control system by around 40%.
Selective extraction technology
The greatest amount of energy required in woodworking applications is expended in the extraction of wood chips and dust, followed by the costs for compressed air. With the new ecoPlus system, the HOMAG Group has significantly reduced this energy consumption in its new machines and plants using process-dependent extraction concepts. In sizing and edge banding machines, the extraction ports can be controlled on a process-dependent basis with individual flaps in conjunction with a dual-pressure extraction system. As a result, its extraction output can be reduced by up to 35% without compromising extraction quality. By selective guidance of the chip flow (internally extracted tools, known as the I system) the costs of chip extraction are reduced by up to 30%.
Exemplary extraction and sanding belt cleaning: BÜTFERING
An air jet belt cleaning device integrated as standard in the dust hood reduces the required extraction volume by around 40%. The adjustable air jet belt cleaning device cleans the sanding belts directly at the outfeed of the sanding area. The compressed air used is regulated in several stages, allowing consumption optimization in line with the requirements of the relevant sanding assignment. This permits compressed air savings of up to 80% to be made.
Selective workpiece width-controlled machine extraction used in wide-belt sanding machines permits savings of up to 33% in terms of extraction volume. By controlling the integrated extraction flaps, the existing extraction output is selectively directed to the relevant areas of the machine in which sanding is taking place.
There to serve: higher productivity
Energy efficiency can also work the other way around – by producing more without increasing consumption. Over recent years, productivity in HOMAG Group machines has risen on average by 25%. The machines produce more in the same time period, and so use less energy per workpiece. Added to this is now the ecoPlus effect, which additionally reduces energy.
The HOMAG Group also offers a worldwide service, remote diagnosis by means of TeleServiceNet and diagnostic software by the name of woodScout, which ensures maximum machine availability.
E-Service and TeleServiceNet additionally offer a machine-specific spare parts catalogue, quick support, up-to-date antivirus protection and download facility for software components.
SORB TECH – greater stability, maximum precision
The construction material SORB TECH from the HOMAG Group is designed to dampen vibrations up to 80% faster than conventional cast steel constructions. The benefit for customers: New quality standards in terms of surface quality and a substantially longer tool service life (up to a 20% increase). Alongside HOMAG, WEEKE and HOLZMA, the mineral mix is also used in the manufacture of BÜTFERING sanding machines, allowing even higher processing quality “without” the need for reworking, as well as faster acceleration and feed rates coupled with extreme precision. A machine frame manufactured from the steel fibre-reinforced mineral mix SORB TECH also reduces the primary energy input during manufacturing by a factor of three in comparison to steel.
laserTec – Optimized use of resources plus energy saving effects
Because it is immediately ready for production and offers simpler operation, laserTec permits more parts to be produced for the same unit of time, eliminating the need for unproductive heating up times and resetting work when changing colours. Laser joining creates an extremely high, consistent production quality while reducing labour costs by eliminating the need for reworking.
As well as offering improved quality and a range of process benefits, HOMAG laserTec also permits lower material input: Costly PU adhesives and the associated logistical processes are eliminated. Assured process parameters mean a lower rejects quota, and so less material wastage.
As a result, the use of laserTec enhances productivity due to substantially more efficient working. Added to the minimized use of energy, the result is an extremely economical operation. But most important of all are superb edges in an unbeatable standard of quality with a perfect and flawless appearance.
4 fields of action – 100 ecoPlus measures for efficient use of resources
The HOMAG Group has elaborated more than 100 different measures for improving efficiency. In the medium term, energy savings of up to 30% are possible right across the field of industrial production.
ecoPlus optimizes the use of resources and energy efficiency in four scientifically defined fields of action:
- Improved process stability due to minimized set-up periods and downtime, and due to the avoidance of rejects
- Efficient production processes due to intelligent standby operation, process-dependent extraction and the I-system, as well as the development and deployment of innovative materials such as SORB TECH
- Self-contained cycles due to the use of modern production engineering for woodworking or lightweight panels
- Loss-free infrastructure operation due to optimized extraction and pneumatics as well as the use of wood residues or waste heat.
The HOMAG Group makes ultra-modern production engineering available to its customers, for instance with the complete processing of innovative lightweight panels. These use up to 50% fewer materials, representing a major saving of resources and benefiting the environment. These benefits include the manufacture of complete timber frame houses and timber structural elements, as wood is a carbon neutral and renewable material. HOMAG Group products permit these materials to be processed using economical and innovative technologies.