Alexander Prokisch: laserTec: This new method entails the banding of edges onto panels using a laser beam instead of conventional adhesive. This method results in less soiling on both the workpiece and the processing units, reduces scrap quotas and requires fewer operators – as well as increasing productivity. The edges produced are of unbeatable quality and flawless appearance. At the Innovation Symposium held at the world’s biggest trade fair Ligna 2009 in Hanover, HOMAG was awarded the Innovation Prize for this development.
Laser edging is evolving as an all-round success, as HOMAG once again provides irrefutable evidence of its technological leadership by equipping its CNC processing centres with laserTec, HOMAG is consistently transferring the quantum leap it has already achieved in edging joint quality for straight-edged components also to shaped parts.
Over recent months, several processing centres equipped with laserTec have been sold and an optimum degree of process reliability achieved. No matter whether stationary or throughfeed technology is involved, now almost any material can be simply and reliably processed with a zero joint. This innovation has allowed all kinds of workpieces to be produced with the same attractive appearance and outstanding edge quality – no matter what their shape. Whether table tops or shop fronts, work tops or kitchen cupboard doors, whether roller shutter cabinet side elements or shelves for caravans – HOMAG offers its customers cohesively perfect edges across the board.
The appearance and quality of furniture items boasting the “zero joint” is recommendation enough – but these are not their only benefits Process reliability, machine availability, the reduced complexity of cleaning work and energy consumption are all factors which have benefited significantly as a result of the laserTec method. Edgebanding using stationary technology is perfected all the time, and manual intervention to reset the gluing unit is no longer required. The work once involved in monitoring, maintaining and cleaning the glue tank and the application unit is now a thing of the past. The elimination of glue means no more time wasted waiting for glue to heat up. As a solution, the laserTec method is not only smart but also efficient. Compared to traditional methods, it reduces energy consumption by around 20per cent.
Not just the gluing technology but also the machine platform is new. With laserTec, this is the first time that HOMAG has exhibited the use of gluing technology on the BMG 500 machine series. The moving gantry design and the vibration-damping base material SORB TECH provide the ideal basis for perfect edge preparation and finish processing – an essential prerequisite for achieving optimum quality with laserTec.
Independently operating Y axes ensure high output. While the trimming spindle is operating, for instance, the gluing unit is already inserting the next edge. But the moving gantry design has another important benefit to offer because the edging magazine and gluing unit are mounted at the front on the operator side, edge changeover and monitoring can be performed with maximum efficiency and minimum strain for operating staff. |