Dieffenbacher's new CPS+ press produces first particleboard panel at Kronospan
Kronospan, Dieffenbacher
Kronospan's new particleboard plant in Bjelovar, Croatia, during final stages of construction.

BJELOVAR, Croatia -  The first plant with a CPS+ press has been successfully put into operation. After a seven-month assembly period, the first board was produced according to plan on October 1, 2016 at Kronospan's new particleboard plant in Bjelovar, Croatia.

The initial run comes 17 months after Dieffenbacher unveiled the new continuous CPS+ press at Ligna 2015.

Bernd Bielfeldt, head of  Dieffenbacher's Wood Business Unit, called the commissioning "absolutely seamless," with Koronospan increasing production to three shifts two weeks after start-up.

Dieffenbacher began development of the new generation of presses in 2014, with a goal was to improve the thickness tolerances of manufactured boards. Using a modular frame with a new arrangement of press cylinders, the CPS+ is said to ensure perfectly even distribution of pressure when pressing the board. This provides consistent product quality and low raw material consumption.

Other new thermoactive roll plates ensure that the mats can be heated at an earlier stage. The CPS+ Press also offers improved accessibility for servicing. Its clear distinction between the supply side and the maintenance side enables faster and more convenient press maintenance.

The CPS+ has all the advantages of the original CPS model, proven over decades of service. These advantages include the variable double joint press infeed, thermal expansion of the frames—which allow product changeover on the fly without interruptions—and the Parallel Press Gap System (PPS), which stops the mat "breathing out" between the cylinder banks.

Two CPS+ project commissions in Thailand will take place in the first half of 2017. Dieffenbacher has sold eleven plants featuring the new CPS+ press.
 

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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.