Three Combi Presses have already been ordered from Kallesoe Machinery. The experienced machine manufacturer from Lem/DK seems to have struck a chord with its flexible press that is always customized – especially the North American market is interested in the product. One of three buyers, however, is located in Germany. "Our order books will keep us busy until 2020", managing director Bruno Kallesoe is far from complaining. The range of systems the Danish producer offers are in high demand worldwide. Two of the most recent developments – the Combi Press – are already in the works and are filling up production halls. Thanks to a special feed system, glulam and CLT can both be produced on one and the same press with high-frequency technology in a quick, clean manner and in top quality. Widths of up to 1250 mm are possible.
Glulam – one of two
Thanks to a specially designed variable gluing and conveying system, the lamellas for glulam production are glued from above, cross-conveyed individually, tilted up, packeted and finally secured. Subsequently, the mechanization is putting the packet onto the conveyor belt of the feed system and transports it into the press.
CLT – two of two
When retooling for CLT, the longitudinal lamellae are glued sideways before they are compiled to one layer and also placed on the belt. Under a glue film, the conveyor guides the layer to a vacuum lift which places the cross lamellae onto the already glued longitudinal lamellae.
On its way back to the feed, the package receives another layer of glue from above and is ready to be complemented by another layer of longitudinal lamellae. These steps are repeated until the desired number of layers is reached. Afterwards, the system transports the pressing materials into the press where high-frequency technology provides for quick glue curing.
One company that will be working with this technology in the future is North American timber industry Vaagen Timber. The photo above shows the sophisticated packet assembly and gluing that will be utilized at Vaagen in the state of Washington.
The clear advantages of high frequency
One of the huge advantages of high-frequency technology is the speed with which processes can be performed, according to Kallesoe. Another benefit the manager identifies is the choice of glue for high-frequency curing. "Due to the longer open times that are possible, the flexibility in the production process increases. Furthermore, the lowered costs for adhesives offer our customers a significant competitive advantage."
50 years of experience
In 2019, Kallesoe Machinery will be celebrating its 50th company anniversary. It is fitting that the Danish press experts will celebrate this occasion with an innovation in the CLT sector. "Established producers can look forward to this particularly", managing director Bruno Kallesoe reveals. "This innovation is our answer to various market requirements that we were confronted with." Environmental protection, for instance, was one key aspect in the development phase. More, however, will not be disclosed beforehand.
