The new Conturex range ... opening fresh perspectives.
Weinig forays into complete processing
Weinig details the new technology that has transformed its Profiling Center Conturex into a multi-task machine that can efficiently saw, mill, drill and mould all around, in addition to offering considerably more possibilities and clear improvements for quality, productivity and profit.
01 May 2005
With its new, CNC-controlled Conturex Profiling Center, Weinig has developed a forward-looking solution, which promises to provide answers where traditional systems come up against limiting factors.
One of the most important features of the new processing technology is the grip-feed table, registered for a patent, with the PowerGrip function for positioning the workpieces as well as the dual processing at two stations. The system PowerGrip copies the way the human hand functions, clamping elements placed in a row on the grip-feed table hold on to the workpiece in the exact position at the required places. This clamping method has many advantages: While on the one hand devices for fixing are not required, on the other the anti-skid method free of tensions significantly increases the quality and the dimensional accuracy of the end product. The technique offers an additional benefit also for different cross-sections of the workpieces. Even extremely small parts can be perfectly processed on all six sides.
The second major innovation of the Conturex is dual processing. Here two units equipped with tool-storage magazines are simultaneously in use. Both stations follow the principle based on the division of labour: Whilst one station is processing, the other one is equipped with the required tool and with it prepared for the next processing step. This teamwork reduces non-cutting times to almost zero! Set-up times are completely avoided! A faster pass and high processing performance are the result.
“The Conturex opens new perspectives: Almost any imaginable contour can be produced on the machine. There are hardly any limits for the complexity of the parts. The equipment in the magazine of any processing unit with up to 80 tools has a particular share in it. A variable speed control in turn guarantees the adjustment to any type of wood.
The new Conturex offers so many possibilities but the real advantage is that it requires only one operator to work with it. The preconditions for it are created by the specifically tuned uncomplicated AlphaCam programming and the intuitive user guidance per touch screen. Data are loaded from any current software and activated by the touch of a finger. Production is already on the move.
Weinig has introduced all its know-how as market leader for machines and systems in solid-wood working into the Conturex. The result is a solution decisively expanding the possibilities in complete processing. Even lot size one becomes a profit factor with the new machine. The order-related production enables fastest reaction to customers’ requests, shortest delivery times and takes care of a dramatic reduction of stock-keeping. In addition, the discontinuation of sample and development parts cuts the costs and the complete processing through a one-machine, one-man operation, helps save time and creates rationalisation effects. Through its high flexibility, Conturex opens new market segments.
Particularly for the production of complex components in the manufacture of furniture, the Conturex offers the optimum preconditions. An example is the renowned German company Thonet where the machine is run in test operation. For lack of an economic and at the same time qualitatively convincing production technology, the company was on the verge of closing wood processing operations. But ever since Thonet started using the Conturex, it stopped talking about it. In the meantime, it turned out that other applications and materials are also excellently suited for the processing with the Conturex.
“The Conturex with its new revolutionary technology will fundamentally change the production philosophy in the course of the next years,” says chairman Rainer Hundsdorfer.
Around the Conturex, Weinig makes an extensive offering in the sector mechanisation, magazines and tool measurements available. With this overall package the productivity can be further increased.
Presently the Conturex is available as C1500, C2250 and C3000 for three different processing lengths.
OptiCut
In the past, the Dimter OptiCut models already proved to be very useful for smaller and medium-sized companies that position the wood with a highly precise sliding system. The basic advantages of the system “slider saw”, such as high cutting accuracy, the uncomplicated handling and not least of all the moderate entry prices make these models attractive.
With the new OptiCut S 90, available in four model variations, the step into the performance area will be achieved that so far had been reserved for automatic cut-off saws with roller feed. The top model “Speed” takes care of this.
Dimter, aWeinig group company, attaches great value to the statement that all the OptiCut models comply with the CE regulations and therefore offer outstanding performance characteristics combined with the greatest possible safety.
The model “Exact” sets new standards for accuracy. Here demands for fully exact lengths, rectangular cuts and even for a clean-cut surface are primarily fulfilled. Solutions to minimise splintering are also offered.
The model OptiCut S 90 XL cuts off large cross sections, such as entire packages.
Naturally, Dimter also continues to offer a variant for universal use. The OptiCut S 90 is intended as the model for companies wanting to handle many different jobs from the individual cut to series production. Cutting packages results in a multiplication of the cutting capacity. Thus this model allows cutting up to four times as much as with manual cut-off saws – with half the staff. The operation is easy: Draw up the cutting list and production can start.
Depending on demand – different cutting options are available for all the models: In addition to the “manual cutting off” there is the cutting of fixed lengths according to a fixed cutting pattern or according to the cutting list, cutting out defects and finally the “optimising”. With the last mentioned variant, a considerable added value is already achieved at length cutting, such as by reducing waste or by “up-grading”, that is qualitative increase of value.
The OptiCut S 90 can be up-graded with automatic grading, intelligent waste separation and automatic feeding systems. Many additional options are available, mostly even for later retrofitting. Thus the machine is growing – with a moderate initial investment – together with the user’s needs.
