Hannover. A fully automated film wrapper for timber packs, innovations for log handling, and analyses of bottlenecks and breakdowns in the handling and conveying of lumber – these are just some examples of the full range of sawmill technology that will be on display from 27 to 31 May in Hall 25 at LIGNA in Hannover. The focus here is on high-tech applications for the handling and conversion of timber, aimed at making the whole process more efficient and speedy, while simultaneously minimizing waste.

SPRINGER Maschinenfabrik: fully automated film wrapper for timber packs
SPRINGER Maschinenfabrik will be unveiling its ED 3000 fully automated film wrapper for the first time at LIGNA (Hall 25, Stand F26). Designed to film-wrap packs of timber at sawmills and planing mills efficiently and without human intervention, the ED 3000 can wrap a full pack of 3-metre boards in a protective plastic film in just 60 seconds. The polyethylene films used offer a simple, cost-effective packaging solution, and are 100 per cent recyclable. Automatic centering ensures that the wrapping station and timber pack are correctly aligned at all times. The film revolver can hold up to six rolls of film, and dispenses them automatically. Grabber arms receive the film as it is fed to them, and place it around the pack as it passes through. The corners are welded and trimmed in a single operation. The welds are durable enough to withstand the rigours of onward shipment. For maximum ease of maintenance, the wrapper was designed from the outset to ensure that all parts are readily accessible.

Linck: Profiler unit for cant heights of up to 350 mm
The family of VPM profiler units was extended by an additional machine model. In addition to the high end machine VPM 450, the smaller VPM 350 was developed to be used for cant heights of up to 350 mm and cutting depths of up to 75 mm. The VPM 350 corresponds to the VPF machine in size and processing possibilities and is perfectly suited to be installed in existing saw lines. With the new VPM 350, you also benefit from the special features of the VPM profiler unit series, namely sawn lumber surfaces without tear-outs, the possibility of diagonal profiling by using tilting tool axes and the possibility of curve profiling by pivoting cutting tools.

Holtec: Innovations for log handling and complete solutions for all wood-based products
Taking centre stage at the presentation by plant engineering specialist Holtec at this year's LIGNA (Hall 25, Stand D50) are innovations for all aspects of log handling. Solutions aimed at cutting operating costs are more in demand than ever – and this is where Holtec's "chainless" concept comes in. Every log yard relies on systems for the separation and acceleration of logs that have been optimized to reduce costly wear and tear. On its stand, Holtec will be presenting its Log-runner, a heavy-duty rollerway for accelerating logs, as well as various application scenarios based on chainless drive technologies.

At a separate stand (Hall 26, Stand C27), Holtec will be showcasing complete timber yard solutions for all wood-based products. These include new developments in wood chip production, and innovative solutions for the debarking and conditioning of logs for LVL and plywood production.

Baljer & Zembrod: ring rotor debarking for short logs
Another specialist supplier of log-processing plant, Baljer & Zembrod, is bringing its newly developed Type ZE 1105 KH ring rotor debarker for short logs to LIGNA (Hall 25, Stand D35). Baljer & Zembrod has developed the machine in response to demand from hardwood sawmills for a ring rotor machine capable of debarking special log sections that are both very large in diameter (up to 110 cm) and very short (starting at 1.60 m). The prototype exhibited at LIGNA is due to be delivered to the SEF Huberlant sawmill in France after the show.

USNR: Transverse High Grader with new, advanced sensor
USNR (Hall 25, Stand D65) is showing its Transverse High Grader (THG) with the latest and most advanced sensor available today: the BioLuma 2900LVG+. The BioLuma 2900LVG+ is the only smart sensor that combines GrainMap technology, XHD colour vision and HD laser profiles, and performs the scan at lightning-fast speed. The system collects ultra-high-resolution images and precise geometric and grain angle measurements along the entire four surfaces of the boards. THG accurately detects, measures and classifies: bow, crook, twist, skip, wane, knots, pith, stains, decay, bark pockets, splits, shakes and worm holes. THG is easy to install, and can be seamlessly integrated into existing workflows, thanks to its very high lug speeds and height adjustment.

Esterer WD (EWD): extended range of products and services
EWD is bringing an extended portfolio of products and services to LIGNA 2019 (Hall 25, Stand F49). The company plans and engineers customized and cost-oriented conveyor and handling systems for greenfield sawmills and timber sorting plants, which are designed to minimize damage to the lumber while simultaneously maximizing productivity.

EWD provides services to customers who wish to expand, modernize or upgrade existing plants. The company specializes in analyzing bottlenecks and breakdowns, enabling existing plants to operate more efficiently, and identifying options for improving the handling and conveying of lumber. EWD can also carry out potential analyses. Process simulations are a new addition to the service portfolio, and can be used to aid the redesign of production processes or the optimization of existing operations.

Vecoplan: single-shaft shredder with improved cutter unit
For sawmills, joinery shops and furniture manufacturers, it makes economic sense to reprocess scrap wood instead of disposing of it, and then to recycle the output either as a heat source or as raw material. Vecoplan specializes in supplying the requisite technology. High-capacity shredders and chippers are the centrepiece of any system. At this year's LIGNA, Vecoplan (Hall 25, Stand F66) will be presenting shredding and reprocessing technologies as essential components of the full timber life cycle – from its primary use as raw material to its afterlife as recycled scrap. The exhibits will include an efficient single-shaft shredder with improved cutter unit and specially developed drive system, as well as plants for upstream and downstream processes such as handling, conveying and storage.

Further information about the exhibitors and products at LIGNA 2019 can be found at: https://www.ligna.de/de/messe-programm/aussteller-produkte/index.xhtml .