Timber iQ October - November 2018 // Issue: 40 | Page 46

FEATURES
Computer-controlled automation is fast becoming a key component in production technology.
Innovation at the cutting edge
As technology continues to reshape the woodworking sector, we
investigate how computer numerical control (CNC) technology is
changing timber for a more innovative, sustainable and efficient industry.
By Candace Sofianos King | Photos by igus
I
n the wood processing industry, computer-controlled
automation is garnering greater attention and is swiftly
becoming an important element of production
technology within the timber sector. Computer numerical
control (CNC) machining is a manufacturing process in
which pre-programmed computer software dictates the
movement of factory tools and machinery.
CNC machines employ the on-board computer to
perform all control functions to execute the machining
processes. They represent complex and integrated CNC
machining centres, which execute the various machining
steps on the workpiece secured into a workpiece clamp.
Turning, sawing, milling, drilling, sanding or gluing is all
performed on the wood using programmed tool motions.
With manual intervention and conventional control
elements eliminated, control motions are instead
performed with a computer keyboard or through the click
44 OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2018 //
of a mouse. The functions and operation are observed
through a monitor, and the computer controls the
machining centre with the data entered to execute all feed
motions and clamping processes.
CNC machining centres are in use particularly when
various wood species need to be machined, frequently also
in combination with other materials. Solid wood or wood
materials, such as plywood, particle board or medium-
density fibreboard (MDF) panels, can be milled (CNC
routers), sawed or sanded automatically and in series
production. This allows CNC machines to produce construction
elements (doors and windows), for solid wood processing
(furniture and interior design) and for panel machining.
The tool changer in the machining unit allows CNC
machines to execute a variety of processing sequences.
See more on page 46