Advanced CNC Machines for Timber Processing
CNC machines have revolutionized the manufacturing industry with their unparalleled precision, speed, and versatility. Red Stag TimberLab has invested heavily in CNC technology in the last decade and now operates 5 x CNC machines.
These cutting-edge systems pushed the boundaries of what is possible in timber processing, delivering exceptional results in various applications. These technologies allow us to transfer the digital information from the 3D CAD model into the physical elements being used on construction sites.
Weinmann WMP 240
The Weinmann WMP 240 is the largest CNC bridge Weinmann offers. A 5-axis gantry designed to handle large members and complex shapes & geometry, it can complete demanding tasks with speed and precision. A safety housing encloses the entire gantry, ensuring the safety of workers and the machine during processing. The machine can work on one very long piece across the full length of the CNC bed. Or, it can be split into two separate zones, allowing staff to work on previous or upcoming workpieces. To ensure safety between zones, there is a removable two-meter solid wall and light barriers that separate the staff from the machine. Additionally, all support tables can be lowered within the processing area. This enables the machine to process extremely deep (up to 600mm) and large section-size elements.
With a peak power of up to 30kW, it ensures significant time savings. Whether it’s Glulam, CLT, LVL, solid wood elements, or even a large curved or prefabricated element, this machine effortlessly processes materials up to 36,000mm long and 4,000mm wide. The machine utilises an automatic tool changer, which the 5-axis head can access, to pick up and put back the required tools for each operation. The tool carousel holds tools such as drills, routers, milling heads, a flangeless saw for flush cutting and a chainsaw. In addition to the 5-axis head, this machine also employs a separate deep drilling capacity that can drill horizontally up to 1200mm into a workpiece; a large morticing unit and a large diameter ripping saw. The Weinmann WMP 230 is perfectly suited for complex geometry and panelised systems.
Hundegger Speedcut SC3
The Hundegger Speed-Cut SC3 is a versatile CNC machine with its fixed machining head and longitudinal processing approach. It is specifically developed for rapid and precise cutting, drilling, milling, slotting, marking, and labelling of timber parts. The Speed-Cut exhibits unparalleled speed, flexibility, and precision when processing glulam beams and columns, or timber frame parts.
It handles timber cross-sections ranging from 20mm x 40mm to 200mm x 450mm, and items up to 10,000mm long. The Speed-Cut incorporates a flexible saw unit and a 3-axis multi-tool head fitted with routers, drills, and milling heads. The flexible saw can make cuts at any angle and inclination, and the 3-axis head combined with the drive/conveyor systems enables complex geometry milling, similar to what can be produced with a 5-axis head. All these features make it suitable for a wide range of cutting needs. With two independently operating conveyor systems, it ensures fast and precise timber handling, minimizing retooling and re-setting requirements.
Essetre Techno Multiwall's
Similar to the Weinmann, the Essetre Techno Multiwall 1 offers a similar range of features such as cutting, drilling, milling, and shaping timber parts.
With dimensions spanning 16,800mm L x 4,900mm W x 450mm H, and its 5-axis CNC routers, the Essetre Techno Multiwall 1 is the largest CNC machine ever produced by Essetre and stands out as a versatile work centre for processing large CLT panels and Glulam beams. Equipped with twin 55kW 15,000RPM liquid-cooled 5-axis milling heads to reduce cycle times by executing multiple machining operations in a single pass, and a 55kW 5-axis saw blade of up to 1200mm diameter, it ensures high-speed and accurate operations.
CLT panels and GLT members are automatically fed onto the worktop and zeroed to the datum point. The machine cabin, fitted with live tooling, performs intricate milling, drilling, and sawing operations with efficiency. A full-length rigid steel chassis guarantees high accuracy and reliability, making the Techno Multiwall a powerhouse in large-scale timber processing.
The Essetre Techno Multiwall 2 with a CNC router identical to our Multiwall 1, has a narrower worktop (3600mm) with already fitted twin milling heads.
Essetre Techno PF
The CNC Beam Processor features 17,000mm Infeed and 17,000mm Outfeed decks, facilitating efficient handling of materials. Equipped with twin 5-axis milling heads, it offers precise and versatile machining capabilities. CLT and GLT beams are loaded onto the Infeed deck using a Vacuum Handling Crane. The machine’s large grippers securely hold the member as it passes through the stationary milling centre. This setup enables the twin heads to machine all six sides of the member simultaneously in a single pass. Ideal for applications such as stairs and beams that demand intricate milling, drilling, and sawing on all surfaces, ensuring streamlined and high-quality production.
Comparison and Benefits
All processing and CNC machines offer remarkable advantages catering to various manufacturing needs in timber processing. The Weinmann WMP 240 distinguishes itself with its robust design, offering unparalleled versatility for processing large workpieces up to 36,000mm in length. The Hundegger Speed-Cut SC3 stands out for its unrivalled speed and flexibility in cutting and processing timber parts. The Essetre Beam Processor stands out for its efficient handling of materials with 17,000mm infeed and outfeed decks. As for the Essetre Techno Multiwall’s, being equipped with 5-axis CNC routers and boasting advanced features, contributes to enhanced performance and precision, making them a powerhouse in large-scale timber processing. Each machine caters to specific production requirements, ranging from handling large-scale tasks to intricate milling and cutting operations. This provides Red Stag TimberLab with a comprehensive suite of options to meet our production needs efficiently and effectively.
The Future
Red Stag TimberLab’s continuous investment in the latest manufacturing technology undoubtedly enhances our capabilities and capacity even further, for growing demands in the industry for mass timber products. With each new advanced CNC machine, we gain more potential to tackle an even broader range of projects, offer more diverse services, and improve overall efficiency and quality in our manufacturing processes.
Contact the Red Stag TimberLab team to discuss how you can include mass timber in your upcoming project.
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Email: auckland@redstag.co.nz
Phone: 09 253 9349
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