New short-cycle laminating press with integrated embossed-in-register process
The start of production for a Siempelkamp short-cycle press that has impressed the industry with many new technical advancements at Coesfelder Holzwerkstoffe was in November 2004.
For the first time a newly developed transfer station equipped with a camera system and installed before the press is used for a precise alignment of the press charge. By matching the actual structure of the wood grain pores to the design, the laminate aesthetically achieves the appearance and feel of natural wood. This method can also be used for wood products that imitate the appearance of tile flooring. After the raw board is covered on both sides by the various papers, the charge is conveyed to the transfer station in front of the press. The transfer station is equipped with a camera system. The camera’s first step is to locate and determine the position of the print marks on the decorative paper. If the charge is misaligned, an adjustment value is calculated according to the allowable deviation value. This value is calculated once when the first board is pressed and does not have to be readjusted for continuing operations. The actual precision alignment is carried out by the x and y movement of the transport conveyor. The in-register adjustment system moves the press charge on the transfer table to exactly the position where later the combination of board and embossed press plate will result in the synchronized pore structure of a laminate pattern. The centered charge is then lifted by the clamping devices of a loader and transferred into the press where it is then precisely placed onto the bottom press plate. Servomotors and timing belt operation of the loader guarantee a quick, accurate, and prompt loading of boards into the press.
In connection with the embossed-in-register process, the multi power press with a total of 40 press pistons and a specific pressure of 400 N/cm3 produces laminated board products of superior quality. Even the difficult dark patterns are no longer a problem. Because the pressure distribution is optimized and the product-specific adjustments are possible via the multiple hydraulic systems, no local over-pressuring of the board or crushing of the board edges takes place. The press concept also allows for easy board format changes. Pressure and temperature distribution and the ability to adjust them individually guarantee first-class products for all board sizes.
