Automation, digitization as well as education and training are more than mere buzzwords at i+R Holzbau from Lauterach - they are lived. With its 45 employees, the company belonging to the i+R group has been consistently developing over the past eight years. In 2013, the switch from 2D to 3D drawings was made. Data that are not visible on printed plans such as dimensioning, strength and cross sections are provided directly at the component. "The visualization of construction projects is becoming increasingly important to our customers - what they see is what they get," Hermann Böhler, managing director at i+R Holzbau, explains. This is a prerequisite for Building Information Modeling (BIM). All project stakeholders (architect, builder, management utilities, etc.) are working together to realize the digital model of the building. "Planning is becoming more and more important. Only when all details have been confirmed by means of a collision check, the component is ready to enter into production. This accelerates production and guarantees smooth and time-saving assembly on-site - and on top of that, construction damages are minimized," Böhler underlines.
Investments in location and technology
One third of the staff was specially trained for the new planning software and the three new Hundegger systems (SC-3, SPM-2 and Robot Drive 1250). "To us it is important that the producer of the CNC machines is located nearby. We need fast and professional service since problems usually occur precisely when we are in full production," Böhler elaborates on the decision to buy from the manufacturer based in Hawangen/DE. "With the Cambium software, we can model the entire production process from construction to preparation up to the finished component on all three machines in one single software and we receive regular updates," Böhler is visibly pleased. "Our in-house software is a USP in terms of robotics," Arno Gaggl, Hundegger sales representative in Austria, adds. In total, around €7 million were invested in machines for producing wood elements, roof constructions and facades. Further plans include a nailing and insulating machine.
80% of the Vorarlberg-based company's business consists of industrial and commercial construction as well as multi-story housing construction. Since this fall, the company has been training carpentry technicians. "There are plenty of applicants because this new profession combines traditional craft with technical innovation, and also because we're training on the machines," Böhler elaborates. In 2013/14, the site was expanded by another production hall with an effective area of 1600 m², and another plot of 600 m² was purchased. Currently, 4500 m² of production space are in use. It was the premiere of using BauBuche (a laminated veneer lumber made from locally sourced beech by Pollmeier, Creutzburg/DE) with a framework span of 17 m in commercial construction. "The savings potential of BauBuche at the girder cross section amounts to 30 to 55%; it allows for slimmer designs," Böhler says.
Three Hundegger systems - fast, flexible and precise
In October 2014, i+R Holzbau bought a Speed Cut SC-3, the first of the three Hundegger machines for the company's timber frames production. It is used for cutting and joining. "Two conveyor systems operating independently position the workpieces and ensure for easy, quick and precise handling," Gaggl explains. The advantage are short throughput times without the need to adjust or equip. Timber cross-sections of 20 by 40 mm up to 200 by 450 mm at any length can be processed. i+R is working with a standard length of 13 m. "The revolving milling unit is fitted with three tools and allows for a wide range of processing options, for instance dovetail production. The slotting unit enables us to produce splinter-free slots," Gaggl illustrates.
The SPM-2 Speed Cut Machine replaced a stationary panel saw in January 2018. "With the SPM-2 and its simple control, panel processing is fully automated which considerably lowers the risk of injury," Böhler elaborates on the reasons for the investment. It can format panels with a thickness of 5 to 20 mm weighing up to 500 kg and outputs ready-to-install products. "Only after installation, we have started discovering the full flexibility of the machine. We produce three-layer panels and chipboards as well as OSB, HPL and aluminum composite panels," Böhler informs.
Last but not least: a robot
In April 2018, i+R purchased its third CNC system: a Robot Drive 1250. The fully automated joining system is used for the in-house BSB (Blumer system truss) lattice truss system. "The Robot Drive can join complex components and realize drillings, millings as well as slots with the independent units provided on the Robot Drive," Gaggl informs. "The system is a joint development of the two companies. A multi-spindle drilling head for 14 drill holes can be automatically changed," Gaggl continues. The Robot Drive makes connections according to the Blumer system with a combination of wood parts and steel elements. Quality assurance is still taken care of manually in the hall.
