Leading global technology providers will be travelling into this region in September to participate in the eagerly awaited WoodTECH 2018 series. Source: Timberbiz
“It’s been eight long years since those involved in wood manufacturing in this region have had an independent technology update,” Brent Apthorp, FIEA Director said.
“Last year, we had a record turnout to the WoodTECH series in Australasia. Well over 400 attended. In fact, it was the largest gathering yet seen of sawmilling companies, saw-doctors and sawing technology providers.
“The series concentrated on sawmill and saw-shop operations reviewing new technologies and operating practices around sawmill scanning, sawing and green-mill optimisation. This year the focus is shifting to dry-mill or stand-alone wood manufacturing operations.”
Technologies being showcased include; robotics and automation and changes being seen in wood manufacturing, advances in wood scanning and board optimisation, finger-jointing, cross cutting and ripping, timber gluing and laminating, timber machining, kiln drying, timber finishing, material handling operations, mill maintenance, changes to timber standards, H&S and training and skills development.
“We’re delighted to have attracted this year leading International tech providers and equipment manufacturers from around the globe” Mr Apthorp said. “The level of interest has really been overwhelming.”
Outside of the Australasian expertise other presenting companies include; SuitX, USA, LMI Technologies, Sweden, RemaSawco, Sweden, WoodEye, Sweden, MiCROTEC, Italy, Airstar, USA, PMP Solutions, Canada, Invictum, Slovakia, USNR, USA, Weinig Grecon, Germany, Conception, Canada and TS Manufacturing Canada.
“As we did last year, production and operational staff from wood manufacturing companies will be well catered for in this latest series,” Mr Apthorp said.
“The idea here is that production crews can be involved in the program rather than one or two individuals who then are required to take back key learnings to implement for their processing site.
“We’ve been able to build in for example a full one-hour workshop on breathing new life into your planer which will be taken by USNR’s Upgrades and Conversions Manager. We’re talking systems and tools that can be adopted to improve the efficiencies of existing machining operations rather than major investment in new plant.”
A similar approach is being taken in kiln drying, finger-jointing, material handling systems and timber gluing.
“As well as more practical sessions, we’ve this year built in technologies right at forefront of scanning, optimisation and wood handling technologies,” Mr Apthorp said.
“We’ve been able to include advanced manufacturing technologies like robotics. Industrial exoskeletons which are being used increasingly to reduce worker fatigue in the manufacturing environment are also for the first time being introduced to local wood manufacturers.
“Some local companies have explored the opportunities but have as yet to learn just what the technology is, how and where is it being applied and does it have any use in wood manufacturing.”
Also in the tech space this year there will be wearable technologies that are able to harness the power of mobile connected employees on-site, and the option of laser cutting of wood.
Exhibitions showcasing new innovations, new products and new services are a huge attraction for local companies. Last year’s event sold out well in advance, this year the turnout is anticipated to be huge with both venues likely again to be full.
Program information is on line and more information at www.woodtech.events
