Timber iQ October - November 2019 // Issue:46 | Page 35

FEATURES
machines capable of performing additional functions. “The
machines that cost more have improved technological features
and are able to perform edging that looks a lot finer.”
He explains that all machines are automated and require
an operator to monitor the edge banding process. What
would typically happen is that the operator would insert the
edging tape and the board into the machine and then closely
monitor the process from beginning to end. There is a roller
conveyor that feeds the boards into the machine. Fuchs also
elaborates on the different functions for various machines –
with each function performing a particular task.
The pre-milling function is ideal for rough surfaces where
the pre-millers clean the edges before the edge tape is applied.
“Because there is a cleaner surface, it would give a better glue
application,” says Fuchs. Corner rounding is another function of
the edge banding machines. This function enables the machine
to perform edge banding around the corners of the board.
The edge banding machines are also capable of three
different trimming functions. The first is end trimming where
the machine removes any overhang edging that remains after
application. Rough trimming takes place when the top and
bottom of the chipboard is cleaned. Fine trimming simply
does any additional cleaning to the boards. Scraping is
another function which differs from trimming in that any
excess glue is removed from the board once the edging has
been applied.
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In terms of what the South African market looks like
currently, Fuchs says that South Africa is leading in terms of
cutting and edging – where most customers would purchase
a panel saw and edge banding machine together. The panel
saw is used to cut the panels to size before they go through
the edge banding process. Although South Africa is ahead of
the rest of the continent, manufacturers are still cautious in
terms of their spending. “The economy is very tight at the
moment and everybody is looking at price,” he says.
MOBILE EDGE BANDING
Mobile edge banding machines make it possible for edge
banding to take place outside of the manufacturing facility
and on site, which would typically be where the installation
would be taking place.
The Festool Conturo KA 65 Plus is a handheld mobile
edge banding machine that can be carried around to
wherever the edge banding activity is taking place. This
machine costs under R100 000, making it ideal for small
business who cannot afford the bigger machines. The
machine can be mounted on a special table – making it
possible for edge banding to be applied on various
45-degree angles. “With that being mounted, you can do
45-degree angles,” explains Costa Stavrakis – end user
specialist for Festool at Vermont Sales.
// OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2019
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