Any wood processor, large or small, can automate

Companies face major challenges. For example, it is still no easy task to find suitable technically skilled personnel and it is consequently important to keep staff absenteeism to an absolute minimum. In addition to large companies, more and more smaller SMEs are investing in automation to increase capacity, reduce error rates and improve working comfort. HOMAG and OPTIMAT Group offer smart customized automation solutions: from loading and return systems to robotics.

"Everyone benefits from a partially or fully automated production process: the large multinational, the medium-sized processor and the small workshop with only a handful of employees. Automation allows a job that used to require two operators to be done by just one employee. The freed skilled worker can then be deployed at another location in the production process. Laying heavy sheets on machines or removing machined pieces are now a thing of the past, which avoids back injuries, among other things," indicates sales manager Peter van Zijp. "At OPTIMAT Group we respond to this with HOMAG's systems, also for companies that do not have the space and budget to install more expensive automation solutions. For example, you have the STORETEQ F-100 loading system for coupling to one or more dividing saws, the DRILLTEQ V-310 CNC machining center can be expanded with an automatic return system or you choose a LOOPTEQ return system tailored to your needs."

The modular portal vacuum loading system STORETEQ F-100 is suitable for plates with a length between 2,000 and 4,200 mm and a width of 600 to 2,200 mm. The thickness with top layer is between 8 and 40 mm, the weight is maximum 250 kg per slab. Depending on the application and the available space, one can opt for one batching saw with one or two stacking locations left and right, one sheet stack left and right or one picking location behind the machine. Furthermore, it is also possible to go up to five and even six locations with multiple dividing saws or a nesting machine. 

"The principle is very simple. The loading system picks up a sheet from one of the stacks and places it on the sawing machine, after which machining can start. When the workpieces are put away after machining, the STORETEQ F-100 simultaneously and fully automatically loads a new sheet," explains the sales manager. "In addition, the system is based on vacuum technology, which avoids damage to the top layer of the plates. After all, in addition to flat, smooth finishing layers, many structural layers are used today, and these are simply more susceptible to damage during handling and processing."

In addition to plate loaders, return systems are also indispensable for smooth flow in the wood processing industry. For example, a vertical CNC machining center type DRILLTEQ V-310 can be optimized with an automatic return system, which allows workpieces up to 3,050 mm to be transported back to the operator. In turn, the name LOOPTEQ stands for a complete range of systems, which ensure the comfortable return of workpieces.

"There is something for everyone. Entry-level LOOPTEQ O-200 is the perfect complement to single-sided edge processing machines and ideally suited for customers with small, narrow and medium-sized workpieces. The O-300 transports a wide variety of parts - from small and light to large and heavy workpieces - and impresses above all with its high performance and gentle handling of the workpiece. With the O-400, HOMAG now further expands this LOOPTEQ family with a solution that combines the return feed and stacking on an extremely small area," concludes Peter van Zijp. "All these automation systems increase productivity as well as ergonomics on the shop floor. Employees tire less quickly and absenteeism due to back problems, for example, decreases significantly. In any case, the investment in a loading and/or return system is recouped within a short period of time. And those who want to go that extra mile can opt for a robot system, such as the FEEDBOT D-310 or D-300, which allows machines to run unmanned for long periods of time."