To demonstrate the new bSolid Makes it Real software, Biesse’s software general manager, Filippo Bostrenghi, took a photo of me and emailed it to the computer terminal manned by technical leader Matteo Belli.
Then before my eyes, bSolid turned my image into a 3D sculpture in wood, with all the machining data and processes necessary to make it into a product on a CNC centre. My sculpture wasn’t particularly pretty but it did demonstrate the potential of bSolid.
Images can also be imported from common applications or 3D objects drawn on the software.
"It makes the CNC machine like a printer – plug and play. And it removes fears from the customer. You can tell how much time it will take."
Any potential collisions are identified during the realistic simulation, while the size of a piece of timber needed for machining is automatically generated.
"If an architect or designer wants to change the design, it’s very easy to edit with just one click," said Mr Bostrenghi.
Benefits include verifying the correct data used for tool paths, preventing programming errors such as depth, lead-in and working sequence and performing checks before executing processing on the machine.
Biesse says time is saved, there is less material waste and the 3D capabilities open up potential new business opportunities for customers.
SCM at Mach 5
The capabilities of SCM’s machining centres to achieve intricate, almost sculptural, effects was highlighted with a table on one of its three stands, which stretched in total over 2,600m2.
The ‘vaulted’ table designed by Bloomlab in London resembled a single piece of smooth driftwood and was conceived for the iSaloni furniture fair in Milan as part of the I Wood Like initiative looking at the marriage of traditional handicraft skills with digital processing. Carved by hand, said SCM, it would have taken three weeks. Using a compact CNC it took a week.
The timber was processed on one of SCM’s FX series CNCs, the latest of which were put through their paces at the show. Their ProSpeed operator safety system enables ‘pendulum machining’ – the machine working on one half of the table, while the operator loads or unloads on the other half.
Working within an Accord WD integrated machining cell, the CNC is served with a magazine holding up to 48 tools using the Mach 5 shuttle, which can replace tools and cutters in five seconds.
Also new was the Tech Z1 Pro Space CNC for drilling and routing, designed for users with limited space. Thanks to its compact Pro- Space guarding system replacing conventional perimeter protection, it occupies just 14.5m2, a "record for such a machine", claims SCM.
Smaller still is the new compact Sandya 9S EVO wide-belt sander. Equipped with a two-speed 18.5kW motor, the 1350mm-wide machine can calibrate sheet materials, calibrate and sand solid wood, and pre-sand and sand veneered panels.
SCM also showed the Profiset 60 Planer Moulder which combines a gearbox feed drive and Cardan joints with a 3kW motor for "higher productivity and finish quality".
Fab show for Brødbaek
A chipper canter and four arbour saw bound for Ireland was the centrepiece on the Brødbaek stand.
The machinery forms part of a sawmill installation by Brødbaek at Woodfab Timber Ltd, whose former sawmill was destroyed in a fire.
"This project has kept us busy and will do so for quite some time yet," Claus Hesel, Brødbaek’s marketing manager told TTJ.
Mr Hesel said its UK and Ireland business was strong – other installations have included ECC in Ireland and Drenagh in Northern Ireland. "And we have enquiries for further projects," he added.
Mr Hesel reported good levels of potential new client contacts at Ligna, with the first serious enquiry at 9.02am on the first day.
Brødbaek also organised a Baltics client visit and was able to pitch complete solutions through being part of the Obel-P Group, which also operates Aagaard A/S and Obel-P Automation A/S to cover the full value chain for the woodworking industry.
Time for timber frame
Timber frame technology was the name of the game for JJ Smith at Ligna, with Belgium becoming a growing market due to moves to back Passive houses.
Two years ago in Hannover it was French visitors showing a lot of interest but managing director Martin Smith said that market had now cooled. However, there were some positive housebuilding signs in the UK. "The cumulative effect of all the government measures is helping the market. And we need more housing," said Mr Smith.
He highlighted recent government tax incentives to invest in machinery and positive moves from regional growth funds.
And he reported that the second-hand timber frame machinery market, buoyant since the financial crisis, was starting to dry up, giving room for investment in new systems.
JJ Smith exhibited a section of the MBA Mobi-One timber frame wall assembly machine, while a video showed the capabilities of the complete system.
Ohra hit the roof
Ohra showed how its well-known timber and panel product storage racking can form the building it is housed in.
Its stand comprised two of its hot-rolled steel cantilever racking units with specially extended 3.6m angled upper horizontal arms with roofing panels attached. The two overlapped to create a shed.
"The roof supports can be longer to provide greater coverage," said export director Raymond Wolsey. "We’re finding growing interest in this application, partly because of its convenience, partly because it may enable you to increase your covered storage without planning permission."
Ohra showed its full range of racking, including galvanised products for exterior exposure and lengths up to 9.5m with sections up to 450mm, to carry up to 12 tonnes.
New press unveiled
The highlight on Stavelse Metaalbouw’s stand was the "fully renewed" De Pauw roof truss press.
The press can be operated with DXF files, but also manually or with a "touch-and-go" system.
It can also be connected to the internet, enabling the company’s engineering team to read customers’ programs and offer advice. The press is also faster and has no rails so it is possible to walk between the tables.
