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        Leading-edge ideas for sustainable success

        Maximum flexibility. High throughput. Minimum equipping times.

        First and foremost, woodworking and timber processing machines must have two key attributes: They must be efficient over the complete value-added chain – and they must be energy efficient. Only then are they cost-effective enough to be globally competitive – both today and in the future. Presently, the competition is characterized by the trend towards individualized mass production – and this will certainly remain the case in the up-and-coming years. Especially when it comes to this topic, digitalization offers a wealth of opportunities and value-added potential – but only if the software and hardware work seamlessly together. Here, you can read how your woodworking or timber processing company can enjoy a sustainable future; what innovative ideas there are for one of the oldest raw materials in the world – and how you can profit from the unique Siemens portfolio of drive and automation technology.

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        Siemens answers for the woodworking and timber processing industry

        A portfolio that leaves no questions unanswered

        As partner to the industry, Siemens offers the optimum solution for all types of woodworking and timber processing machines and for each processing step. Connected to the TIA Portal, you have a product portfolio that can be easily scaled at any time to address your specific application – if the requirements happen to change or even increase.

         

        Our service portfolio ensures that our machine parts have high availability over a long period of time. In addition to outstanding quality, you obtain development and investment security that is unique in the market.

        An overview of the solutions

        The optimum solution for every requirement

        Come and discover your own individualized Siemens solution that precisely fits your particular project – and all of the associated advantages.
        Sawmills

        Higher, faster, safer

        In a sawmill, one thing is more important than anything else: speed. Which is why our extensive portfolio of controls and drives is the right choice. With our solutions, we ensure high processing speed to achieve a high cutting yield – making your sawmills significantly more productive.

         

        Your advantage:

        • High production rates by optimally coordinating the control and plant and/or motor 
        • Effective implementation of safety requirements – integrated fail safety of the drives, through the I/O up to the control systems
        • Maximum protection of your application based on integrated know-how protection
        • High degree of plant/system availability based on rugged products that are being continually developed and innovated

        Core technical data:

        • Saw line up to 100 meters long
        • Feed rate: 200 m/min
        • Up to 1.5 million m³ wood/year
        • Up to 220 axes

        Model solution for a sawmill

        The main objective of a sawmill is to achieve maximum output with a high degree of safety – and this can be perfectly realized based on this model. All the components optimally interoperate with one another – from the control level down to the field level.

         

        With SINAMICS S7-1500F controllers, HMI Comfort panels, various SINAMICS converters as well as SIMOTICS standard and servo motors, you have a seamless solution providing maximum output and at the same time with a high degree of safety.

        Components required

        Application examples from the sector

        Continuous particle board presses

        Continuous particle board presses

        When it comes to automating continuous particle board presses, highest cost and energy efficiency is of paramount importance. Our globally unique portfolio of energy-saving components can be precisely adapted to address your specific production processes – therefore providing the optimum solution for each and every press line.

         

        Your advantage:

        • High cost- and energy savings using new motor and system technologies that are more energy efficient
        • Consistent particle board quality based on perfectly harmonized and coordinated automation solutions
        • Highest precision and availability using a high-performance bus system (Profinet IRT)
        • Straightforward and fast engineering using the TIA Portal

        Main technical data:

        • Press line up to 77m long
        • Adjustable press thickness
        • Up to 1500 m³ wood/day   

        Model solution for continuous particle board presses

        Components required

        Short-cycle presses

        Equipment always in step

        Short-cycle presses are measured by their output per unit time – and they must supply a consistently high quality. With our portfolio, solutions can be implemented that facilitate the reduction of the pressing and loading times, therefore playing a crucial role in increasing speed, reliability and cost effectiveness.

         

        Your advantage:

        • Full planning security with a high availability of spare parts going far beyond what is generally available
        • High availability based on system-tested drive solutions that are harmonized with one another
        • Short time-to-market through series commissioning in the TIA Portal

        Main technical data: 
        • Typical heating plate size 13 m x 2.5 m
        • Performance of up to 260 cycles per hour
        • Press pressure of 1000 N/cm²

        Model solution for a short-cycle press

        Components required

        Wide belt sanders

        Full bandwidth

        When it comes to wide belt sanders, efficiency and cost effectiveness have utmost priority – requirements that can be optimally satisfied using our scalable portfolio. With our systems, you can always fully depend on high availability and productivity.

         

        Your advantage:

        • Simple implementation of innovative operating concepts through the TIA Portal
        • Short cycle times by employing a drive system with high dynamic performance
        • Security of investment in the future by securing product availability and comprehensive support over many years
        • High degree of cost effectiveness of your machines as the product portfolio can be scaled

        Main technical data: 
        • Typical feed velocities 2.5 – 13 m/min
        • Sanding unit, typically 22 kW

        Model solution for wide belt sanders

        Components required

        Application examples from the sector

        Panel saws

        The woodworking multi-talent

        Panel saws are used both in industry as well as in the trades – and the associated machine concepts differ correspondingly. No matter what your specific requirements actually are: With our portfolio, you are optimally equipped to address the highest demands.

         

        Your advantage:

        • Modular and flexible machinery construction through openness in the TIA Portal, handling options and scalable hardware
        • Price-sensitive solutions through scalable systems
        • High productivity through short spindle acceleration and braking times based on innovative software functions

        Main technical data: 
        • Saw trolley/panel shifter 60 m/min (up to 120 m/min)
        • Saw motor, typically 7.5 kW
        • Cut lengths, approximately 2 - 6 meters

        Model solution for a panel saw

        Components required

        Dowel hole drilling machines

        All components perfectly coordinated

        Dowel hole drilling machines place high requirements on automation solutions. Our innovative solutions for automatic drilling machines mean that each and every format is reliably handled. These solutions are created through the perfect interaction between our control systems, converters, motors and software.

         

        Your advantage:

        • High degree of compactness through innovative motor and drive technology as well as a reduction in the switchgear systems employed.
        • Fast positioning change using high cycle rates of the control and high-speed drives
        • Extremely high degree of safety using extended safety functions, e.g. safe position or override of the safe speed via PROFIsafe

        Main technical data: 
        • Typical machining heights of up to 1.5 m
        • Milling spindle from 5.5 - 9 kW
        • Milling speed of 24,000 revolutions per minute
        • Typical machine length of 6 - 10 m

        Model solution for a dowel hole drilling machine

        Together with you, we develop the optimum automation solution for automatic drilling machines. In this model solution, we are using the SINUMERIK 808D CNC system, SINAMICS V70 converters and SIMOTICS S servomotors.

         

        All these components create a cost-effective solution that perfectly addresses the requirements of automatic drilling machines.

        Components required

        Edge banders

        The best edge is invisible

        What sets wood apart from other materials is its attractive optics. Edge banders must operate perfectly in order that the finished product satisfies even the highest aesthetic demands. Our precise motion control and drive systems form the basis for outstanding processing quality – to achieve an invisible joint or seam.

         

        Your advantage:

        • High throughput by means of fast (1µs) and high precision switching of the cams
        • Simple implementation of innovative operating concepts through the TIA Portal
        • Precise adjustment of the formats using servo technology and motion control

        Main technical data: 

        • Feed velocities of 10 - 60 m/min
        • Typical machine length of 6 - 10 m

        Model solution for edge banders

        Components required

        Profiling machines

        Top quality – whether in continuous motion or individual piece

        Companies involved in profiling are challenged with being able to profitably produce even the smallest batch sizes. This is the reason that our solutions for profiling machines ensure the highest degree of flexibility – from engineering through operator friendliness of the machine control up to precise profiling.

         

        Your advantage:
        • Flexible machinery construction using an open engineering, scalable hardware and option handling
        • Customer-friendly support when operating and programming
        • Short cycle times by employing drive systems with a high dynamic performance
        • High degree of compactness through innovative motor and drive technology as well as a reduction in the switchgear systems employed.

        Core technical data: 

        • Feed velocities of 6 - 800 m/min
        • Total power of 18 - 200 kW

        Model solution for a profiling machine

        All products must be perfectly harmonized and coordinated with one another from the control of the machine up to profile cutting. Our model solution precisely addresses these requirements, where the high-speed communication within the machine is realized using PROFINET.

         

        This means that short cycle times can be implemented to achieve a high degree of user-friendliness. The best possible machine availability and stiffness as well as short equipping times can be implemented.

        Components required

        CNC machining centers

        The ultimate discipline for woodworking and timber processing

        Irrespective of whether 3-axis or 5-axis machining centers: You can enjoy all the benefits of leading-edge technology with our drive and automation solutions. Our scalable hardware and software interoperate perfectly with one another to achieve first-class results – for stationary as well as complex machining operations.

         

        Your advantage:
        • Maximum flexibility through a modular design
        • High throughput for repeat parts using a high-performance CNC control with up to 300% overload capability
        • Short spindle acceleration and braking times independent of the tool through innovative software functions
        • Extreme safety using extended safety functions, e.g. safe position or override of the safe speed via PROFIsafe

        Core technical data: 

        • Typical spindle speeds of 24,000 revolutions/minute
        • Typical milling spindle power rating of 7.5 kW (up to 30 kW in the window domain)

        Model solution for a CNC machining center

        Here you can see, as example, a high-end automation solution for 5-axis machining centers, which places extreme requirements on the overall system. The fastest possible closed-loop control with the highest machining quality must be guaranteed in an open system.

         

        This is possible by using the optimum combination of control, converter and servomotor. Based on our solution, high machine availability, short equipping times, machine stiffness, high availability and the best machine-dynamic attributes can be optimally achieved. The same also applies to 3-axis machining centers.

        Components required

        Application examples from the sector

        Portfolio

        The world's largest portfolio for all types of woodworking and timber processing machines

        You require system-based automation to guarantee efficiency in your production process. This means: All components must interact perfectly with one another. The optimum strategy is to select a seamlessly integrated portfolio from one supplier. We provide system-tested products for all applications that have high long-term availability.

        SIMATIC

        For Siemens, the SIMATIC name stands for first class products, which are also frequently used in the wood industry. For example, distributed I/O systems such as the SIMATIC ET200 product family, which can be adapted to any local installation situation. These I/O systems can be used for solutions in electrical cabinets, without cabinet or directly at the machine. SIMATIC is also associated with the word industrial PC – and stands for performance, availability, ruggedness and flexibility – such as SIMATIC IPC rack computers.

        SIMOTION

        The SIMOTION hardware platform addresses automation solutions with motion control tasks. As a result of the compact component design and the basic modular structure, SIMOTION is so flexible that it can be adapted to any machine concept in the wood sector. And if you have compact machines, in which many axes must be controlled, then the speed of response of the motion control system plays a crucial role.

        CNC SINUMERIK

        CNC technology brings impetus to your woodworking or timber processing machine SINUMERIK is a control product that combines leading-edge technology with revolutionary operating concepts. And this is irrespective of the performance class that you require. SINUMERIK CNCs provide the optimum configuration for every machine concept.

        SINAMICS converters

        Whether for basic, medium or complex applications: SINAMICS converters cover a wide range of power ratings, extending from 0.12 kW all the way up to 6600 kW. Also in the wood industry, they can be used in every conceivable application.

        SIMOTICS electric motors

        Woodworking and timber processing machines execute high-speed and precise motion sequences. In operation, the motor makes all the difference. Based on over 150 years of experience, the portfolio of SIMOTICS electric motors is second to none.

        PROFINET

        To make automation simple and sustainable for companies, Siemens uses the same standard interfaces for all its products. With PROFINET, Siemens is supporting what is presently the leading Ethernet standard. With its openness and performance, it is bringing industrial communication up to a new level of productivity.

        Safety Integrated

        You reliably protect man, machine and the environment in everyday operations using industrial safety technology. You can depend on products and services that Siemens provides within the scope of its Safety Integrated concept for process and production automation. Together with you, Siemens develops a tailored solution to handle wood.

        Security Integrated

        On the path to Industrie 4.0, security is a core element. This is especially true when it comes to your automation. Reliable protection can only be guaranteed if it functions at all levels: the physical security of your system, protection of the automation networks and protective mechanisms integrated in the system. Siemens has a comprehensive response: Security Integrated.

        All wood applications and solutions based on Siemens products at a glance.

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        More information

        Reviewing the past helps you move forward

        If you are looking for specific solutions, then you can get inspiration from various topic brochures and experience reports. They clearly demonstrate that Siemens can look back on many years of experience in the wood industry with a wealth of successful applications.

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        Services

        Downloads

        From the technical press

        Siemens publications

        Services

        Industry Services

        Leading-edge services for the digital future of industry.

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        Industry Services

        Practical training directly from the manufacturer.

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        Siemens Industry Online Support

        Here, you can access our global support database to retrieve information quickly and directly.

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        References

        Innovative projects, directly from the field

        Review our references and read about some of the excellent examples how Siemens solutions are ensuring progress and sustainable business practices in the wood industry.
        Hans Weber Maschinenfabrik GmbH
        Germany

        Visualization provides the finishing touch

        • The operation of wood grinders combines design with ergonomics

        • Efficient configuring of the many processing technologies through modular engineering

        • The SIMATIC HMI PRO Comfort Panel offers an attractive and intuitive concept

        More details
        Beth Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen GmbH
        Lübeck
        Germany

        Six parts per minute – even for a batch size of 1!

        • Machine concepts for high throughput with a high quality

        • Servo drives with distributed converters position spindles and roller guides twice as fast

        • Orders with a batch size of 1 can be produced one after the other – without having to reduce the feed rate

        More details
        Linck Holzverabrbeitungstechnik GmbH
        Oberkirch
        Germany

        Compact for small diameter wood

        • Four-sided clamping with continuous log feed, the first of its type in a compact design

        • Fail-safe control and communication via PROFINET with PROFISAFE

        • Maximum cut wood yield and higher throughput

        See video
        MAKA Systems GmbH
        Nersingen
        Germany

        Almost no idle times!

        • Specialized in highly efficient, quasi-continuous production of stairs, doors and windows

        • Production time slashed by up to 40%

        • SINUMERIK "Advanced Surface" function shows optimum motion control, even for tough hard woods

        More details
        HOMAG Group AG
        Schopfloch
        Germany

        Venture 320 machining center

        • High-performance panel processing using powerEdge edge bonding

        • Consequential use of Siemens Drive technology to comply with the highest demands

        • Ongoing development through intensive collaboration

        More details
        Reichenbacher Hamuel GmbH
        Dörfles-Esbach
        Germany

        5-axis machining center for large parts

        • Largest cutting and wood processing center for wooden parts and components in Switzerland

        • Fully automated sawing, milling, drilling, chamfering and sanding in one clamping operation

        • The PROFInet function PROFIenergy improves the energy efficiency

        More details
        Michael Weinig AG
        Tauberbischofsheim
        Germany

        Everything in just one operation

        • One of the main companies worldwide producing machines to process solid wood

        • Their Powermat machines combine structure planing and 3D profiling in one work step

        • Lighter machining units for higher acceleration rates and positioning velocities (up to 600 mm/s)

        More details
        News and Events

        Always keep up to date

        Here you can always find current information in the wood domain and on other relevant topics.
        Product News
        Article November 2018

        Digitalization at all levels

        The latest edition of the "product news" provides you with on overview of the entire scale of digitalization, not only for the woodworking and timber processing industry. Also, you can learn about other innovations Siemens has to offer.
        LIGNA 2017
        Hanover, Germany

        Making more out of wood

        LIGNA – which takes place every two years – is the leading exhibition for the wood industry. Have a look at what we presented in Hanover, Germany, this year between May 22 and 26.
        The magazine

        Particle board production of the future

        Digitalization is important to future-proof your system. The Dieffenbacher company has already identified this, and together with Siemens, has digitalized its factories around the world. Read the report online in "The Magazine" (page 26).

        Contact

        Partnership is the basis for your progress

        Together with Siemens, you can quickly and efficiently transform your plans into reality – with a sustainable perspective for the future. The best precondition for joint success is a personal service contact and exchange of know-how.

        Contact our experts to obtain first-hand information on everything you need to know

        Your direct contact

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