New Venture range
In its processing centre range, HOMAG has completely re-engineered its successful Venture series. All the models are now available in three performance categories. The unique combination of different edge banding technologies and 5-axis functionality guarantees outstanding flexibility and investment security.
New safety technology safeScan
The new moving gantry processing centre BMG 500 from HOMAG, constructed specifically to address the needs of window manufacturers and constructed using the innovative material SORB TECH© was on show in Milan complete with HOMAG's safeScan safety system. safeScan is based on the use of a no-contact laser scanner which monitors the work area and protects the operator from collisions. Conventional tread mats and bumpers, which often tend to sustain damage over time and present a tripping hazard or restrict feed rates, are no longer required. The patent registered safeScan system also reduces space requirement for the processing centre.
laserTec evolves as a sales success
Also on show in Milan was the patented laserTec process, a system developed by HOMAG which is revolutionizing the world of edge processing, with over 30 laserTec machines already sold. Alongside simple handling, customers are impressed by the economy offered by this technology and in particular the perfect quality and appearance of the edges.
Compact production cell
Homag is addressing the trend for greater workpiece thicknesses with its BAZ 222 processing centre. The powerEdge edge banding unit is designed for a maximum workpiece thickness of 100 mm and guarantees efficient edging of shaped components in all different configurations. The multiprocessing unit is used in order to reduce piece costs. This "drilling unit" is fitted with a saw with 200 mm diameter and a trimming spindle with an output of 6 kW. As the complete MPU can be variably swivelled around 360°, for 90 per cent of applications tool changeover times can be dispensed with. This results in up to 15 per cent reductions in production times.
Feeding system TBA 330 is used to increase the utilization time of the processing centre and reduce the manning requirement. This turns the BAZ 222 into a production cell which is capable of continuing to produce during break times or of automatically processing heavy workpieces. Previously, two machine operators were required for these tasks. The TBA 330 is operated using the processing centre's control system, so that the operator is not required to acquire any additional operating skills.
Extended AMBITION range
Even in the basic version, the extended HOMAG AMBITION range comes with a comprehensive and efficient equipment package, such as an efficient jointing unit with tool diameter of 125 mm. With two motors operating in synchronous and counter rotation, this unit reliably produces a clean cut on the upper and lower panel surface. Glue application on the edge is performed by a hot-melt gluing unit. Here, the heated glue application roller is able to cope with workpiece thicknesses between 8 and 60 mm without any need for adjustment.
The constant glue temperature over the entire roller height also ensures a consistently high standard of gluing quality at the workpiece. This is achieved by a unique heating method within the application roller. The modern servo edge feed unit also guarantees precisely positioned banding of the edge off the coil onto the workpiece with less scrap and only minimal edging material consumption. At the Xylexpo, HOMAG will be exhibiting an attractive range of topical edge banding machines with feed rates ranging from 18 to 32 m/min.
Enhanced flexibility with flexTrim
The flexTrim unit unveiled for the first time at the Ligna 2009 has since proven a popular sales hit and is now in successful operation enhancing production flexibility for many satisfied customers. Through automated tool change in the machine, this unit allows fast resetting to different edging profiles without the need for tool changes. This substantially enhances productivity during furniture production. Subscribing to the precept of evolution not revolution, this technology is now available for the upper woodworking shop sector, as demonstrated at the Xylexpo 2010 on edge banding machine KAL 330.
CNC software
HOMAG used the Xylexpo 2010 to unveil the latest generation of its successful programming system woodWOP, which is already in successful use in 30,000 applications in the marketplace. In the current version 6.0, the workpiece, all processing operations, as well as suction cups and consoles are to be graphically displayed in 3D. Once the workpiece is programmed, the processing simulation system woodMotion can be used to simulate and check the entire processing process without ever leaving the office. On the machine, the collisionControl module monitors the machine's work space and warns the operator in good time of any impending collision.
Careful use of resources, increased efficiency
With this aim in mind, HOMAG has re-engineered its entire edge banding machine range. As a standard feature, both the temperature of the application unit and also the control voltage are lowered after a set delay once the machine has stopped being fed with workpieces. This reduces the risk of burnt hot-melt glue and also saves energy. Additional scope for savings is provided by the I-tools, which are designed to reduce extraction energy.
In conventional machines, energy is required for switch cabinet air conditioning. As a consequence of intelligent engineering, HOMAG now offers a new switch cabinet which requires no cooling energy up to an ambient temperature of 40° Celsius. This means that cooling fans no longer need to be operated with the static cooling system. Fans also entail a certain amount of maintenance work for changing filters. Use of filters means that the switch cabinet can no longer be closed with a hermetic seal. The dust which accumulates as a result in the switch cabinet previously gave rise to disturbances during maintenance work or also in operation. These problems can now no longer occur with the new system.
As standard, all the processing centres come with a flap control system to reduce the necessary extraction output and also a standby function. This can be activated in a similar way to a screen saver in a PC by entering a preselected time period, after which the processing centre goes to the energy saving mode (control voltage off, vacuum pumps deactivated etc.).