It's all there in the names

Digitalisation, integration and automation in the progress towards Industry 4.0 was a big theme at Ligna last year and Homag took it on board with the launch of its digital platform, Tapio.

Tapio provides live status updates across a manufacturer’s whole production facility, providing real-time information that helps to improve productivity and reduce downtime. Tapio, built in partnership with Microsoft, is accessible to operators through an app on a mobile phone, tablet or even a smart watch.

Now Homag says it is “giving the digital future an identity” and, in line with the motto “Design meets digital”, all Homag machines and plants can be networked easily using the Tapio system.

Last year the company brought all its brands under the single Homag name. Now, nearly a year on, it is taking the next step with its overhauled, group-wide brand identity. The machines have been given new designs and new names that clearly state their function.

At this year’s Holz-Handwerk, held in Nuremberg in March, Homag presented a range of machines which it says are ideal for the panel processing industry.

In line with the more comprehensive system of names, all Homag’s edgebanding machines now have the EDGETEQ tag.

With the EDGETEQ S-200 Model 1130 FC, Homag presented a new solution at an entry-level price point. A joint trimming unit on the machine prepares the edge to create an optimal join, while a dual-motor snipping unit performs the cut.

The finishing area has three units, along with a profile trimmer, which Homag says provide full flexibility in the post-processing for workpieces.

The EDGETEQ S-500 profiLine, previously KAL 370 profiLine, can be used with all types of material.

The machine caters for three edgebanding processes – PU, EVA or airTec zero joint technology – and switches automatically between each. In addition to the airTec unit, it is equipped with two premelting units for PU and EVA.

“This means that inexpensive EVA can be used on numerous body components, while PU can be used where there is a requirement for resistance to temperature or moisture.

“The airTec zero joint process comes to the fore when appearance is particularly important – for example, when producing front pieces,” says Homag.

The new 3-profile technology is designed to increase the customer’s productivity. It changes quickly and automatically between three profiles and 20 chamfor with high repeat accuracy. The 3-profile technology package includes a fine-milling unit for three-radii, 3-profile head for profile trimming, and a profile scraper for more than three radii.

The EDGETEQ S-500 profiLine also features equipment for high-gloss processing, as well as for processing parts with high holes (nesting package). It operates a feed speeds of 16-25m/min. This year Homag has introduced the EDGETEQ S-300 – Model 1450 E under the tag line “the profile trimmer becomes a multi-level unit”.

The multi-level technology is used for fine trimmers, profile trimmers and scrapers. A recent enhancement, says Homag, is workpiece corner processing. Using a tool that can be enabled during a break in operation, the profile trimmer becomes a multi-level unit, allowing one of two profiles to be selected.

During trimming there is a choice of two different radii, or flush trimming. When using the scraper, two different radii are available. As the unit is equipped with NC axes, everything can be adjusted at the push of a button. For large-volume panel processors the EDGETEQ S-390 – Model 1860 E is ideal, says Homag.

It features a fast feed speed of 20m/min and can process edges up to a thickness of 12mm and has a belt-type top pressure unit for optimal clamping of workpieces. The air cushion table at the machine infeed makes it easy to feed large and heavy workpieces.

The magazine’s focus is on processing PU adhesives. The PU pre-melting unit has a melting capacity of 6kg/hour, which fits nicely with the high feed speed of 20m/min.

“This machine has clear advantages for those who want to ensure resistance to water and heat,” says Homag. The three post-processing units – fine trimmer, profile trimmer and scraper – are all multi-level.

The XES 200 pre-heating station offers three functions. It gives the option of storing glue pots, pre-heating glue pots for processing, or cleaning them for later use.

In addition to the two retaining devices for glue tanks, one of which features temperature control and a glue roller drive unit for use as a pre-heating unit, the XES 200 features two pressure tanks for storing the glue tanks.

The station, which is mounted on rollers for portability, can be universally and flexibly attached to different machines as required. Homag says feed speeds of up to 25m/min make the EDGETEQ S-500 – Model 2474 a solution for companies with higher performance requirements.

“With the future package, precise and repeatedly accurate axis adjustments will be carried out automatically during profile trimming and continuous trimming,” says Homag.