Glowforge, a 3D laser cutter and etcher for wood, metal, leather and other materials, reports a Kickstarter crowdfunding record, raising more than $28 million in the last month for pre­orders of its scanner and cutter. A consumer version sells for $1,995, while a more robust Pro model sells for $3,995.

Impressive doesn't begin to describe the assembly operation at Scavolini, an Italian cabinet producer that’s taken the task to new heights. Here's a brief look at the company's operation along with that of Colombini, all part of the Biesse America technology tour of Italy.

Kitchen cabinetry was cooking on Day 2 of the Biesse Tech Tour to Italy, with 23 North American woodworkers getting a closeup look at the high-speed processes in place at Aran Cucine and Lube.

A firsthand look at the innovative technology and designs by European wood products manufacturers is being provided to 23 wood industry professionals from cabinet, furniture and store fixture companies as they join Biesse America on a technology tour of Italy.

The largest wood industry event in Canada -- Woodworking Machinery & Supply Expo – is officially bigger and better than years past. More than 200 exhibiting companies and thousands of woodworkers will converge on the International Centre near Toronto November 5-7 for this important global industry event. A favorable US/Canadian exchange rate and awesome conference program makes it a good time for U.S. woodshops to to neighboring Canada.

Muskoka Cabinets added robots to load and unload CNCs, under the control of its its enterprise-wide computer system. Working with Quebec-based Automatech Robotics, Muskoka Cabinets is the first cabinet manufacturing company to use this type of robotics in manufacturing. President Luke Elias will explain the technology project at the Conference at WMS 2015 November 5.

A European technology tour is being planned by the Wood Component Manufacturers Association in conjunction with Weinig and Biesse America. The all-inclusive tour to Germany and Italy is scheduled to take place March 13-19.

Massuni, a customizable furniture order and manufacturing start-up, says it plans to launch a version of its system in China in January. An updated version of the "furniture configurator" for North America will also be launched, says Jeff Wilson, founder and CEO. Wilson will present an update on Massuni's technology and business plans at WMS 2015 in Toronto.

Manufacture and distribution of SenseFi, a wood-fiber based food additive developed by Norway-based Borregaard, has been expanded, with a large-scale pilot plant operating in Rothschild, WI; and distribution through Socius Ingredients, in Chicago. The product, approved in the U.S. as a food additive and used in ice cream and hot dogs, is another step in a broader movement to turn the massive available tonnage of inedible cellulose from trees into digestible food.

Makers of what they say is the first large format, mobile CO² laser engraving/cutting machine – AP Lazer – expect this woodworking machine to gain recognition as "the next big thing, even bigger than 3D printing," in a wide range of industries, including casket manufacturing.