PANEL MANUFACTURING
from 2007-2016 that was stable and ‘quiescent’ with few projects, indicated by the blue bars in Fig. 1, followed by a period of very strong expansion that especially peaked in the five-year period 2019-2023. In terms of sanding units (orange bars in Fig. 1), even if the ratio between the number of heads and the projects is more or less constant, we have delivered solutions with up to six heads when the customer wanted to achieve precision of thickness and quality comparable to those used in the field of plywood or chipboard. Geographically, the CLT market was born and evolved mainly in Europe, as shown in Fig. 2, and there the largest number of plants is concentrated. It is also evident, by comparing the number of heads to the number of projects, that European manufacturers prefer solutions that are on average more sophisticated — which is to say, requiring more units — than the rest of the world, where they are often limited to a single sanding head. IMEAS SOLUTIONS FOR CLT SANDING Imeas offers a range of sanding machines capable of covering various types of wood-based panels, and among these, the EvoL-CLT series stands out, representing a technological evolution of the previous panel sanders and is equipped with advanced features that make it ideal for processing CLT panels. Here are some of the key benefits and features: Flexible configuration: The strength of our product lies in being able to offer numerous working configurations with upper, lower, asymmetrical or opposite sanding heads and configured to calibrate, finish sand or a combination, thus allowing the machine to be adapted to specific needs. Precision: The careful design and construction of each element ensure machining accuracies at the level of a few hundredths of a millimetre over the entire range of widths and thicknesses.
Fig. 1: Market evolution 2007-2024 (Image: Imeas)
Fig. 2: Market distribution 2007-2024 (Image: Imeas)
Finish quality: The sanding pads developed in collaboration with quality suppliers ensure a homogeneous and exceptional finish over the entire surface of the panel. Working width: We offer working widths of 3,200mm and 3,600mm, with studies already underway for widths up to 4,000mm. Large opening: With an opening of up to 710mm, these machines can process thick panels without difficulty, ensuring a high-quality finish every time. Powerful motors: The choice of energy-efficient motors ensures heavy removal on the one hand and reduces consumption on the other. With the PowerSave option it is possible to further reduce consumption by more than 60%.
Minimal maintenance: Being designed for continuous 24/7 work cycles, the EvoL-CLT requires little maintenance to the benefit of cost-effectiveness and productivity. Lifespan of the sanding belts: The use of 4,000mm-long abrasive belts, together with a belt tensioning and control system unique in the industry, ensures a long life of the belts, savings in consumption materials, and increased productivity. GLULAM BEAM PROJECT The sanding of glulam beams is not new, however Imeas has approached it only recently in response to the request of a North American customer who, having purchased a CLT machine from Imeas, wanted to have a single supplier also for the processing of glulam beams.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024 | PANELS & FURNITURE ASIA 41
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