■ Thanks to the PBA’s large traverse paths, parts of any length, with maximum widths of 8 m and maximum thickness of 48 cm, can be machined on 5 sides. This is made possible by the 5-axis portal. AN EXTRA Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) fabrication machine will be added to XLam’s Nelson manufacturing facility to meet its commitments for CLT products across New Zealand. The move is stage one of a five part strategic expansion plan. “We are delighted to announce that as part of the first stage of the expansion program we have ordered a Hundegger PBA 3 CNC machine for the Nelson site,” said XLam Chief Executive Officer Gary Caulfield. “This will significantly improve the processing time and increase volume of timber process, more than doubling the current production outputs.” Mr Caulfield said the company was committed to investing in projects that generate value to its customers in New Zealand. “XLam is focused on making strategic investments to improve and optimise our integrated business and support the continued supply of high-quality, locally produced timber panels,” said Mr Caulfield. The expansion project is expected to increase the Nelson based operation’s capacity to beyond that of the existing CNC by more than 50%. This project is in addition to the recently announced development for the Australian ‘state-of-the-art’ sister plant which will be in operation in 2018. “We continuously evaluate new opportunities to meet market demands and to enhance the competitiveness. This investment signals our commitment to the New Zealand market and the fulfilment of new orders. “Our success as a sustainable construction material and process over the past five years is due to a number of factors, including a highly-skilled workforce, support from the local and international markets, and the foresight from our board in recognising the local market potential. “This latest investment in the very best technology will further add to the list of success factors,” said Mr Caulfield. The expansion project has already begun with vendors supplying equipment to the Nelson site in the coming months. The first stage is scheduled for completion in February 2018. Hundegger Australasia Director Charlie Hutchings said the new state-of-the-art machine has been developed according to a modular system which allows for it to be expanded according to requirements. The PBA covers complete processing of Glulam structures, solid wood panels and SIPS and CLT Parts up to 8 metres wide, of any length and up to 48cm thick. “With the PBA it is possible to process large parts such as walls, ceilings or ceiling components accurate to the millimetre,” said Charlie. The specification of the machine is according to customer requirements. The PBA processes a large range of materials, e.g. solid wood, laminated Glulam, laminated timber, multilayer panels, SIPS, CLT and off site constructed walls. “The PBA can be equipped with 6 vertical units, as well as a 5-axis chain saw, a 5-axis universal milling unit with tool charger plus a 5-axis circular saw,” he said. “With these units, any longitudinal, hidden cuts and mitre cuts can be made, apertures of any shape and size milled and pockets for services or through holes drilled. With its large travel range, the PBA allows parts of any length, up to 8 m wide and 48 cm thick to be processed on 5 sides. Clamping the parts is not usually necessary,” said Charlie. The work area of the machine can be zoned so that the machine operator can load a part of the machine, while the gantry automatically processes a work piece in another part. The software includes an interface for accepting processing data from most commercially available CAD programs. The machine operator can also enter or modify all operations directly on the machine. For that purpose, an easy to understand graphic user interface is available. The units of the PBA can be equipped with a large selection of tools e.g. dovetail mills, routers, side milling and profile milling cutters. Thanks to the freely programmable paths of all tools, there are extremely flexible processing options. ... the new state-of-the-art machine has been developed according to a modular system which allows for it to be expanded according to requirements. AUSTRALASIAN TIMBER SEPTEMBER 2017