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information and guidance to construction companies to offer detailed methods of using structural timber within their projects, along with demonstrating how this is beneficial in everything from build efficiency to carbon savings. To support the increased use of structural timber in construction, there must be a larger emphasis on compliance. STA Assure, the STA’s Quality Assurance Scheme, provides confidence in the use of structural timber and determines membership competency and compliance. To promote best practice, we also run a specifically designed competency scheme for installers and erectors to test their capabilities and knowledge of using the various structural timber systems.
A coming together of those within the industry will be essential to growth in a challenging 2023, but with keen collaboration, a focus on compliance and a continuation of building relationships with investors and insurers, there is plenty of optimism for the year ahead. For more information about the STA
and STA Assure, visit: https://www.
structuraltimber.co.uk/sta-assure/ ■
A coming together of those within the industry will be essential to growth in a challenging 2023, but with keen collaboration, a focus on compliance and a continuation of building relationships... there is plenty of optimism for the year ahead
Gabriele De Col managing director SCM Group UK
Where is solid wood manufacturing going in the UK?
It has followed an upward trend since 2008-9, when we saw the deepest troughs of the UK solid wood production’s descent, which started in the early nineties. Over this period timber production has also evolved significantly – and it continues to do so. Previously production was mainly based on large batches, with window centres such as the SCM Windor 20 and 40 and window lines such as our System 1, 5 and 10 being the focus of investment. Productivity was key because PVC windows were the competition to beat, and price was crucial. Over the years the development of stand-alone CNCs, like the SCM Accord, has provided the answer to the demand for customised products and small batches. But they were still an addition to the more volume-orientated equipment that all medium to large producers have used. More recently, the stand alone CNC solution has progressively incorporated loading and unloading devices, so to reduce the presence of operators, and ever more advanced and complex software has aided the preparation of very complex projects. The limitation of these solutions has been their productivity, compared with lines and centres.
The big game changer now is the introduction of new CNC window and door cells, designed to reach high levels of productivity even on one-off components. We are talking about solutions like Windorflex, the new SCM machining cell for
windows and doors manufacturing. It is an innovative and high-tech solution designed to perform all the necessary operations for producing components, regardless of the type and dimension. Automatic work-piece loading/unloading systems enable the machine to work autonomously, without the continuous input of the operator, hence increasing production levels dramatically up to those of less flexible and considerably more expensive lines. Indeed it is possible to process from one to four work-pieces in sequence and the worktable modularity allows management of three work-piece lengths: 3500, 4500, 6000mm. This is the solution for large manufacturers investing to maintain productivity, while also delivering flexibility and precision. Work pieces are machined to a guaranteed datum position, while being handled by smart robotic clamps and the finished product requires only final treatment and assembly. Processing is also aided by latest software solutions that can be integrated with existing and new software ERP platforms. In my view, the future of timber and wood products is very positive as companies are now able to be competitive, flexible and productive like never before. And SCM will strive to remain a leading force in the supply of advanced solutions to the woodworking industry both via our direct network of sales engineers and the support of classical machine local distributors. ■
The future of timber and wood
products is very positive as companies are now able to be competitive, flexible and productive like never before
www.ttjonline.com | January/February 2023 | TTJ
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