For each process step in furniture production, Leitz has different tooling systems in the program. The objective: The perfect tool solution for each operation. There are additionally Leitz tools for all new generation edge refinishing aggregates.

Oberkochen – Manufacturers in the furniture production market currently work with a mixture of completely different edge materials and thicknesses. With batch sizes constantly becoming less, the mixture of materials can only be handled efficiently by super-fast profile changing for the edge refinishing process. The machine producers have responded to these requirements by producing a new generation of edge refinishing aggregates. The tools for the majority of these aggregates are from Leitz. As stated by Andreas Kisselbach, Head of Research and Development at Leitz, the reason for this is the close cooperation between Leitz and the machine manufacturers that are regarded as a strategic factor of success at Leitz. „Through constant development partnerships and our competent understanding of the individual aggregates, we can develop specific solutions to match the machines perfectly “, as per Kisselbach.

Most recently, the Leitz engineers have designed the Quattroform tooling system for the Holz-Her turret mill aggregate. It combines four profiles, as the aggregate is designed for high flexibility to satisfy medium output quantities. Customer use has shown: The greatest strengths of the new tool are the automated profile change without tool change, its high processing quality and the low-noise during operation. A patent has been applied for by Leitz for the Quattroform tool.

Specialised tooling systems for higher effectivity

For all other manufacturing steps in furniture production, Leitz customers can select from a large range of different tooling systems – both in through feed- and for stationary situations. Additionally, Leitz equips Biesse, Brandt, EBM, Fravol, Holz-Her, Homag, IMA, Ott and SCM-Stefani milling aggregates. „We have specific tooling solutions for nearly all machines, materials and procedures for furniture production“, said Kisselbach. What is the benefit for the user? „The optimal processing quality with the highest possible efficiency tool variants are available according to the desired production volume“, as per Kisselbach.

Jointing cutters

When edge banding panel materials, zero joint technology is a focus. Quality starts with sizing. Here for example, the users have the jointing cutter WhisperCut and WhisperCut Plus as well as the EdgeExpert program at their disposal. For processing panels with conventional melamine resin coatings, Kisselbach recommends a WhisperCut jointing cutter with standard cutting geometry. Panels with high gloss decors or very thin paper coatings in contrast, are better to be processed by EdgeExpert tools with their increased shear angles. Depending on the required production output, different processing concepts have been developed. Optional pre-cutting could be made by DT Plus hoggers or jointing processing could be divided over several spindles. „Thereby the performance times of the jointing cutters increase“, as per Kisselbach.

Crosscut sawblades and scrapers

Leitz provides a comprehensive program of circular sawblades for cross-cutting. For every conventional machine aggregate a suitable version of blade exists. A completely new design of the toothed ring reduces the noise of the circular sawblades. In practise the new LowNoise cross-cut sawblades have proven to be up to 10 dB(A) quieter than the standard ones – this means halving the sound volume. When smoothing the edges, the user can rely on Leitz developments: Thus Leitz provides both a simple scraper for multi-purpose requirements and also the Duo Multi-Profile scraper for high-gloss materials. Both of the scrapers have an anti-stress whitening bevel as standard and thus supply smooth and colour-fast edges.

Source: Leitz Group