The Weinmann WEK 100 timber frame manufacturing machine is barely bigger than a standard work table, making it ideal for smaller companies with limited space producing limited quantities of house components.

The new machine, which has been completed just in time for Ligna, undertakes automatic processing of wall and gable elements.

And despite its size, and the fact that it only needs one operator, says Weinmann, it offers the same functionality as the bigger WEK 120. And its slightly lower output, it maintains, is offset by the lower price and smaller machine footprint.

“Operators producing lower volumes can carry out all panelisation steps on the WEK 100 and turn the building elements using an overhead crane,” said Weinmann.

Functionality and flexibility

The WEK 100, it added, is also suitable for larger timber frame house manufacturers, to give increased functionality and flexibility to an existing production line with an insert table, butterfly turning table and multifunction bridge.

“It would be possible to replace an existing insert table with the WEK 100 and implement fully-automated production for closed timber frame panels at a low start-up cost,” said Weinmann. “In addition, the combination of a WEK 100 with a butterfly turning table would enable insulation to be fitted on the receiver table and the second ‘skin’ of a closed timber frame panel on the WEK 100.”

The machine features two roller conveyors which the operator stands between. After putting the bottom and top panel plates on these, the CNC multifunction bridge, which is combined with a stopper and nailing system and mounted on the table, travels to the position of the rearmost beam and creates a stop using extendable stop bolts. When the operator has inserted the beam, the machine will press and nail the construction together. Finally, the panel skin or sheathing is put into position and clamped by the multifunction bridge. Up to 10 tiers per side are possible and the machine can process element thicknesses up to 350mm. The maximum element height is 380cm and the length can be up to 6, 8, 10 or 12m, depending on the variation.

Windows can also be fitted on the WEK 100 and, while the number of processing units on the machine has had to be limited to three, plus an inkjet marker, due to its size, it can be combined with other machines, such as a router or a saw.

Weinmann will also show the new option for its WBS 120 panel-making machine fitted with a router in the centre of the saw blade. The router is low speed, so is only suitable for work in non-visible areas of the panel, but this includes routing mortise and tenon joints, some drilling and processing of I-joists.

Weinmann will highlight the latest in its WMP machine series too, which can now process complex geometries without a CAD system connection. Alongside will be its new WTZ 110/10 LE assembly table for manual fabrication of highly accurate frame work and angled elements.

Weinmann will be in Hall 26, stands A09 and B08.