The run-up to this year’s Xylexpo/Sasmil exhibition in Milan may have been a tense time for the organisers.
Last time around, in 2002, some of the major exhibitors elected not to attend. Add to this a generally downbeat global economic situation and there was certainly no guarantee of success.
Even Paolo Zanibon, secretary-general of co-organiser Efimall, said at one stage he feared the worst about prospects for the 2004 show.
However, as exhibitor numbers crept up “cautious optimism” prevailed and Mr Zanibon said compared to other major trade fairs the amount of display space sold was “more than satisfactory”.
In fact the final exhibitor tally was 1,190, compared with 1,450 two years ago, while the total net display area was 85,958m2 as against 95,885m2.
Among the key players back this time were Biesse and SCM and, along with fellow giants Homag and Weinig, they seemed busy.
The attendance figures for the May 26-30 show were anything but disappointing. A total of 87,095 people attended, compared with 85,532 in 2002. The number of domestic visitors rose 3.6% on 2002 with 41,740, while overseas numbers rose marginally to 43,840 – 50.3% of the total.
International involvement included two delegations of small- and medium-size businesses from Brazil involved in furniture and semi-finished products. Other visitors came from Russia, Ukraine and South-east Asia, including a delegation from the Malaysian Timber Council.
Organisers also said the figures show Italian buyers are starting to spend again, possibly heralding a turnaround in fortunes for a sector which has suffered greatly recently.
The uncertain economic climate has meant a cut-back in investments for the woodworking and furniture manufacturing sectors, which has led technology manufacturers to develop hi-tech machines at more affordable prices.
“The answer lies in re-engineering and optimising manufacturing processes to make them a more attractive option for companies which are reluctant to make significant investments,” according to Acimall’s technical office.
Flexible solutions
Manufacturers are also designing more flexible solutions, though Acimall (Italian woodworking machinery and tools manufacturers’ association) said there were few signs of new technologies which will revolutionise the manufacturing process.
In the solid woodworking machinery sector the decline in revenues has been less significant than in others, said Nino Bacci, owner of Paolino Bacci.
He said today the sector is seeing the “first glimmerings” of a long-awaited turnaround, with some encouraging signs. “But they are still too few and far between to mean a full-blown recovery and, what’s worse, the Italian market is still painfully reluctant to invest in new technology.”
This year’s show, the last at the current Milan Fairgrounds site before moving to a purpose-built venue outside the city, was billed as a woodworking “metropolis” teeming with “neighbourhoods”.
The layout featured a new format of “hubs”, around which similar or related products were clustered, to make it easier for people to locate products.
Manlio Armellini, managing director of co-organiser Cosmit, said: “Now, more than ever before, it is up to the leading trade shows to think very carefully about what they can and must offer both exhibitors and visitors.”
Masterwood used Xylexpo to unveil several software packages including MasterWindow, designed to produce any shape of window; MasterTraditionalDoor for production of entrance doors; and MultiplePositioningMaster, capable of positioning seven door elements on the machine bed for optimising.
Russell Corlett, Masterwood UK‘s managing director, said: “You can have the best machine in the world but unless you can tell it how to make something, then it’s no good. Software is absolutely critical.”
Masterwood also launched a larger version of its 523 Project heavy-duty CNC machining centre in a variety of bed sizes, plus the bottom-end Project 416KS, the smallest machine in the series.
Combilift was one of only a handful of materials handling equipment suppliers in Milan. Its presence was principally to launch its new electric sideloader because the Italian market is dominated by electric and diesel machines, partly due to the poor availability of LPG in the country. The C3700E, a seven-tonne electric unit, features an 80V battery with 620ampHR.
Martin McVicar, managing director of Combilift, said the company has about 50-60 units in Italy. This is about one-tenth of its presence in the UK, but he maintained that materials handling investment in the country is strong, with many companies expanding.
Turbo power
Weinig’s new offerings included the Powermat 2020, billed as “The turbo for perfect surfaces” and the Powermat 500 – aimed at smaller workshops.
As with all Powermat moulding machines, it features the PowerLock system which, Weinig says, makes it possible to double the daily linear metre output, reduce unit costs and shorten delivery times. Feed speeds of up to 60m/min can be achieved, with a tool speed of 10,000rpm.
New Weinig chairman Rainer Hunsdörfer said: “We are focusing on total process optimisation, just-in-time manufacturing processing and ‘idiot-proof’ machines, together with developing products and services which help customers maximise the way they use their machines.”
Homag’s theme was “Success with a System”, which means looking at how machines integrate into the workshop or factory so the entire production process benefits. The “system” concept extends from using common components, to integrated software and control, as well as systems for maintenance, diagnostics, in-process monitoring and service.
This holistic thinking influenced its display, which it intends to repeat at Woodmex.
Weeke demonstrated a new Optimat BST630 drilling machine configured for wide-ranging applications via an integrated quick-catch system, while the new Venture 2 and 3 CNC processing centres are aimed at more affordable bands.
Holzma launched the HPP250 compact panel dividing saw, while Bütfering introduced its re-designated Optimat SCO Diamond ranges, offering wide-belt sanding solutions.
Homag’s KAL310 edging machine was on display, along with the KFL525 and new Venture 10 router.
In the vertical panel saw sector, Striebig’s new version Compact features a new control box and an expanded cutting area, now extending to 4600x2200x60mm.
Biesse unveiled the new version of its Electronic Positioning System (EPS), which it says can automatically reconfigure the entire work area in less than one minute. It is aimed at a diversified production organised in small batches. It chose to demonstrate the EPS solution for window and door production on its Rover 24 and 35 machines.
Shavings solution
A wood shavings deflector was also unveiled, which Biesse says almost completely resolves the problem of removing shavings. It follows the geometry of the profile to work, with the shavings conveyed towards the dust extraction hood.
Biesse also presented its UniWin “factory in a single machine”, designed to produce windows and doors of any shape in real time. Until now, Biesse said such performance was only available with large integrated systems for high volumes.
The Selco range of angular sizing systems has also been expanded – the WNA 600 SynchroLogic now complements the existing WNA 600 shuttle system. The new machine uses a split movement system coupled with innovative machine logic.
Taking pride of place on Holz-Her‘s stand was the new Triathlon dynamic range of edgebanders, characterised by a high machining speed, flexible units and a modern control system. The two models can operate at machining speeds of 8m/min to 25m/min.
SCM unveiled the Concept NT, which it claims represents a major change in the world of double-end tenoners. It says the unit overcomes versatility problems, improving flexibility for companies producing furniture, panels, doors, window frames and kitchen cupboard doors. Technical features include power output ranging from 4-18kW and spindle speeds from 1,000-18,000rpm.
SCM also unveiled the new version of its RECORD 240 CNC routing centre, equipped with a universal mounting head with two units – a three-axis and a five-axis machine.
One of the Ergon machining centres on display was prepared for English cabinet door manufacturer Browns 2000, which has bought 10 of the machines in two different versions.
