Stiles Machinery brings advanced sanding, finishing and laminating solutions to IWF 2026 with Venjakob innovation named Challengers Award finalist

Published on July 8, 2026 Time: loading...

Stiles Machinery will showcase its latest sanding, finishing and laminating solutions at IWF 2026, presenting advanced woodworking machinery designed to improve surface quality, production efficiency and automation across the industry. The Grand Rapids-based company will feature a comprehensive technology lineup at Booth B4835 during the International Woodworking Fair, taking place from August 25–28, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

The exhibition will focus on innovative surface finishing technologies from leading manufacturers, including Alpha Brush, Heesemann, Makor, Venjakob, Innovator and Kuper. One of the featured solutions, the Venjakob VEN AIR VORTEX air filtration system, has also been selected as a finalist for the IWF 2026 Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award.

Advanced Sanding Systems Target Higher Production Quality

Stiles Machinery’s IWF 2026 display will demonstrate how modern sanding technology can help manufacturers achieve consistent surface preparation while reducing manual intervention.

The Alpha-Brush Extreme will be among the highlighted systems. Designed for whitewood edge breaking, denibbing and intermediate seal sanding, the machine combines multiple sanding stations, including cross, barrel and disc brushes. The system is designed to provide reliable sanding performance through automated processing.

The company will also introduce the Heesemann ISM machine series at IWF. The new system combines established Heesemann sanding technology with a flexible brush head, allowing manufacturers to complete finishing tasks with fewer production touches while maintaining high-quality results.

Finishing Technology Focuses on Efficiency and Quality Control

Industrial coating and finishing operations remain a major focus for woodworking manufacturers seeking improved productivity and reduced waste. Stiles will present solutions designed to address these challenges through automation and advanced process control.

The Makor UV Gesso System will be showcased as a high-speed profile finishing solution for finger-jointed and lineal wood components. Using 100% solids UV filler technology, the system is designed to fill surface defects efficiently while supporting high-quality moulding and millwork production within a compact footprint.

Another major highlight will be the Venjakob VEN SPRAY PERFECT industrial reciprocating spray coating machine. The automated finishing system includes CMSzero quick colour change technology and is engineered for high-capacity coating applications.

Venjakob VEN AIR VORTEX Named IWF Challengers Award Finalist

The Venjakob VEN AIR VORTEX system has gained industry recognition after being selected as a finalist in the IWF 2026 Challengers Distinguished Achievement Award. The technology was chosen from 84 submissions and has been recognised for its approach to improving coating operations.

The system separates paint particles from air during finishing processes, supporting improved finish quality while reducing dependence on traditional dry filters. The technology aims to increase production uptime, lower filter-related costs and create more efficient finishing environments.

The winners of the Challengers Award will be announced on August 26 during IWF 2026.

Veneer Processing Solutions Expand Exhibition Offering

Beyond sanding and finishing, Stiles Machinery will highlight solutions for veneer processing and preparation.

The Innovator SawEasy automatic veneer sawing and milling machine will demonstrate streamlined veneer cutting before splicing operations. The equipment is designed to improve accuracy and efficiency in veneer preparation.

The Kuper FLI 1000 veneer splicing machine will also be featured. The system uses advanced joint-gluing technology to join both thin and thick veneer materials during continuous production.

These solutions reflect the growing demand among woodworking companies for integrated systems that improve precision, reduce labour requirements and support higher production standards.

Stiles Showcases Wider Automation Portfolio

In addition to the finishing technology display, Stiles Machinery will exhibit more than 60 machines across its IWF 2026 presence. The company will showcase solutions covering solid wood processing, panel processing, edgebanding, robotics and software technologies.

Aaron Brink, Finishing Senior Product Manager at Stiles Machinery, said, “At IWF 2026, we’re focused on showing how the latest advances in automation can elevate finish quality while improving efficiency at every stage of the process.”

He added that the company’s display will support businesses ranging from those still using manual sanding and spraying methods to manufacturers looking to improve existing automated operations.

Stiles Machinery’s presence at IWF 2026 will spotlight the future of sanding, finishing and laminating solutions for the woodworking sector. With advanced systems from Alpha Brush, Heesemann, Makor, Venjakob, Innovator and Kuper, alongside the award-recognised Venjakob VEN AIR VORTEX, the company will demonstrate how woodworking automation, surface finishing technology and veneer processing equipment are helping manufacturers improve quality, efficiency and production performance.