IMEAS gives more value to sanding wood-based panels
Abstract
In the present economical environment, the selling price of a wood-based panel such as particleboard panel, MDF or HDF is by far defined by “external” factors that are difficult to keep under control and that may cause a reduction in the profitability.
This article explains how IMEAS’ modern sanding technologies can increase the value added of the product and contribute to improve its profitability.
A double strategy
As the value added of a product is substantially defined by the difference among its selling price and production costs, IMEAS’ technology implements a strategy that acts on both aspects, putting the Customer in the conditions to obtain a premium price because of the superior quality and the meaningful cost reduction that involves many of the aspects of the panel sanding operations.
Quality improvement
A product of better quality normally receives a price premium from the customers who acquire it. The new generation IMEAS sanding technologies allow a great improvement of quality on two peculiar aspects of the panel.
| Quality-related aspects |
IMEAS key technologies |
| Precise gauging (±0,05 millimeter) for a better flatness of the panel |
- Vibrations free, consistent monolithic frames
- Contact rolls of high degree of rigidity and precisely balanced
- Shock Absorption System for a constant and optimal control of the panels feeding in every condition |
| Uniform and compact surface aspect for improved lamination, varnishing and lacquering process |
- The Symmetric Tensioning System allows a precise control of the abrasive belt rotation, position and consumption
- The Slide PAD System (by SIA Abrasives) assures an homogeneous surface
- The IMEAS Variable Belt Speed improves the quality of the product making it uniform at any feeding speed |
Cost reduction
Keeping costs under control is no longer enough. It is necessary to reduce them.
For this reason IMEAS has developed its equipments with this ambitious target in mind, supplying its Customers with a wide range of enabling technologies that help reduce sanding costs up to 10%.
| Cost-related aspects |
IMEAS key technologies |
| Abrasive belts consumption |
- Thanks to Symmetric Tensioning System the stress on the abrasive belt is evenly distributed on its whole surface, reducing its wearing and increasing stability as well as its endurance.
- The adoption of translating photocells enables customers to use the proper abrasive belt in accordance to the panel-board width. This optimizes the cost of abrasives up to 10%.
- The special design of airflow around the abrasive belt provides for a better cooling effect and increased cleanness, resulting in a belt life up to 3% longer.
|
| Energy consumption |
- The intelligent energy management system allows the consumption of what is strictly necessary from time to time, avoiding any power wasting. This could be further improved by the reversible rotation of the sanding units.
- The IMEAS VBS (Variable Belt Speed) technology optimizes the power consumption while improving surface quality.
- The SandingView™ software |
| Productivity |
- The proper dimensioning and the integrated management of main motors enable to reach a higher sanding speed in comparison with our competitors
- The Pro-Active Monitoring system promptly informs supervisors of any alarms, letting them planning the proper actions to be undertaken in due time |
| Maintenance |
- The adoption of Design for Heavy Duty Cycle methodology increases the time gaps between maintenance activities.
- The Pro-Active Monitoring system promptly enables effective management and the planning of maintenance activities, increasing the total production time.
- Optimized ergonomic design for an easy accessibility to every point of the machine.
- Centralized bearing lubrication system
- The reduced stress on main motors increases their expected life by roughly 30%.
- IMEAS designs its own gearboxes for a life of up to 25.000 hours. |
| Operator costs |
- Through IMEAS FCS (Full Control System) technology the management of the sanding operations is highly simplified thus it requires a lower level of operator skills as well as less direct time dedicated to the sanding operations. This means a reduction in operator costs of up to 40%. |
| Compressed air consuption |
- Because IMEAS uses a very stable and reliable abrasive belt tracking system, the consumption of compressed air is reduced by up to 90% in comparison with our competitors. |
