Think Lightweight is a manufacturer of hollowcore panels that are strong and adaptable and are meant to replace heavier, harder wood material for a variety of applications. 

The Tillsonburg, Ontario-based company has more than 38 years of experience and currently produces six different individual products under the Think Lightweight brand each of which meets specific requirements for unique technical applications. 

The company, says Ian McPhail, general manager, is continually expanding its product lines and strives to improve its production efficiency. Recently, the company invested in a 100mm edgebanding workcell from Homag that adds to the company’s continual improvement philosophy.

“We've always strived to push the boundaries and stay ahead of the curve,” said McPhail. “We are thrilled to share groundbreaking news that we are the very first North American company to have a machine of this caliber in the wood manufacturing industry.”

McPhail said the edgebander allows the company to take on large projects and thicker panels. “This innovative addition to our production arsenal not only propels our manufacturing capabilities to new heights but also positions us as the only manufacturer in North America with the capability to edge panels up to 3-3/4” in thickness with remarkable speed and precision.”

Eliminate labor-intensive and tedious tasks 
Efficiency in manufacturing is not just about speed; it's also about reducing labor-intensive tasks. This machine has significantly reduced the need for manual labor in the company’s processes. 

“It takes care of repetitive, time-consuming work, allowing our skilled workforce to focus on more intricate aspects of wood production,” he said. “The result is a streamlined process that minimizes the risk of any errors.”

One of the most noticeable advantages is speed. According to McPhail, the Homag edgebander is up to 10 times faster than traditional hand laminating methods.

“High-volume orders that used to be time-consuming can now be handled with remarkable speed and efficiency, without compromising on the precision and quality that our wood products are known for,” added McPhail.

Quality wood products
Whether manufacturing wood panels, office furniture, components for cabinets and doors, or ceiling beams, the 100mm edgebanding machine produces panels with unparalleled quality. 

According to the company, it delivers a flawless finish with edges that are executed with remarkable accuracy. There's no need for manual adjustments or refinishing, which means that every wood product meets its high-quality standards consistently.

“The edgebanding machine is just one example of how we leverage technology to craft remarkable wood products,” said McPhail. “We offer a diverse range of meticulously crafted outsourcing solutions for markets such as corporate, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, restaurants, institutes, entertainment venues, and tradeshows.”