PW&SS November 2012:Layout 1 - PAWPRINT PUBLISHING

CNC MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
Creative diversity from Weinig with structured surfaces
WHETHER for interior fittings,
furniture or the external sector,
structured surfaces for solid
wood are in fashion.
This opens up a lucrative business
area for wood processing
companies. Profitable production
is best achieved when value enhancement
is generated as an additional
benefit on a universal
machine and, as a pioneer in structured
planing, Weinig has already
laid down the blueprint for how
this can work. Now, with the new
generation of technology, Weinig
is going on the offensive once
again. Besides the renowned functionality
in S4S planing and profiling,
the Powermat 1200 and 2400
models now offer the customer
two options for the creation of
structured surfaces.
The first option allows “random”
structures to be produced, whose
finish resembles “hand-scrubbed”
panels or boards. A wave-like surface
is created using oscillating
spindles at a feed speed of up to
100 rpm. Processing is performed
in a single pass. Decisive influencing
factors are the shape of the
profile knife, the range of travel of
the spindles and the oscillation
speed. Multiple oscillation is also
possible in a single pass to create a
very lively and diverse surface finish.
The axial and radial structuring
motion of the spindles is controlled
via special software by random
generator. The principal
applications are flooring and furniture
production. However, a further
area of application is interior
fittings, eg for wall cladding or exposed
beams. “The random structuring
is working completely
reliably for many customers but
we are not resting on our laurels,”
says Peter Martin, technical director
of the profiling product division
for Weinig.
With 3D structuring, Weinig
presents a second stage of development,
which significantly expands
possibilities for the customer
yet further. Building upon
random structuring, the 3D version
enables any three-dimensional
structure to be
programmed freely. The technology
allows both the design of creative
decor by the wood
processing company itself as well
as problem-free production of individual
designs according to customer
requests. In addition,
technical parts can be produced
to high precision specifications.
Previously, this would have required
special machines and the
use of special tools, such as immersion
spindles. Thanks to 3D
structuring, there is now universal,
freely programmable technology
available. Peter Martin: “We are
looking here at the elite class of
surface structuring, which is now
almost without limits.” There is no
restriction on the length of the
workpiece to be processed. The
3D structure is programmed using
Excel, which can be undertaken either
by the customer or by Weinig
itself.
The 3D structures are based
upon special, precise measuring
systems that measure the start
Diversity of design thanks to freely programmable structures.
Ideal basis for surface structuring:
The new Weinig Powermat models 1200 and 2400.
Structured workpiece in a single pass via random generator.
and end of the workpiece prior to
chip removal. Only then is a controlled
transition possible between
smoothly planed and
contoured surfaces. The tools used
are multi-toothed, CNC-controlled
cutters that move axially at a
speed of 30 rpm and radially at 15
rpm. The production speed is dependent
on the complexity of the
structures and tolerances of the
workpiece to be observed. As with
random structuring, processing is
performed in a single pass.
Among the many benefits of
Weinig 3D structuring is the fact
that the same materials can be
processed as on a customary planing
and profiling machine. “Even
MDF and plastic are no problem,”
underlines Peter Martin. Furthermore,
no difficult clamping of the
workpiece is required by the operator.
It simply has to be fed into
the machine, which safely accepts
and guides it. 3D profiling is also
impressive in terms of cost-effectiveness.
Thanks to the throughfeed
technology, an impressive
processing speed is achieved
when it comes to producing large
volumes. Conversely, small batch
sizes and even individual pieces
can be produced without a problem.
If you add in the higher
automation potential of the automatic
moulder, the benefits for
productivity are significant. The
versatility of the machine configuration
means that the technology
can also be easily integrated into
existing production lines.
Thus Weinig technology not
only ensures the investor’s competitiveness
via a new, sought
after application. The universal
machine also means a company is
best equipped for the requirements
of the traditional market.
Whether planing and profiling,
random structuring or creative,
controlled diversity — flexibility is
the outstanding feature of the
Weinig solution. And if the trend
for structured surfaces establishes
itself further, there is an additional
option: A Weinig Powermat 1200
or 2400 as an auxiliary machine for
pure structuring.
Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd
Tel 01235 557600
Michael Weinig AG
Tel 0049 (0) 93 41 86-0
Email info@weinig.com
www.weinig.com
Page 6 Panel, Wood & Solid Surface November 2012