May saw woodworking machinery manufacturers flock to Hannover for the 50th LIGNA exhibition, which coincided with Weinig celebrating its 120th anniversary.
These two notable milestones saw the expanded Weinig Group showcase over 45 machines on a stand that exceeded 5,000 m². The results surpassed expectations, with significant global orders placed during the show.
Machines from all parts of the group, Weinig, Holz-Her, HIT, and Essetre, were in operation. From Weinig, we saw both practical applications and concept machines, including a fully automated mouldings production cell. This featured an automatic material infeed system with a vacuum destacker and integrated stick removal, paired with a high-performance feeder, connected to a highly specified SOLID PROFILE P3000, operating at an impressive 80 m/min.
A standout feature of this installation was the robotic system performing tool changes on the machine, enabling profile changeovers without the need for operator intervention, a clear indication of where moulding automation is heading.
Also drawing attention was a versatile and highly productive SCAN RIP system, a compact line linking a scanner to the SOLID RIP V 310 M with two moving blades. This delivered optimised results for converting raw boards, with a throughput of around eight boards per minute and potential material savings of 10%.
Additional ripping solutions included the SOLID RIP FX 210, capable of handling everything from waney-edge slabs to sheet materials such as OSB and plywood. With further options available, this machine is ideal for producing firrings for roof structures accurately and safely.
Weinig System Solutions presented a complete CLT production facility using an impressive 3D screen. The fully integrated setup consisted of numerous individual Weinig machines, all linked together to create a project-delivery system from a single source, project-managed by an expert team – a unique offering that underlines the depth and capability of the group.
Moulding solutions on display ranged from the ever-popular SOLID PLANE CUBE to the highly flexible and high-performing SOLID PROFILE P1500, which produced contoured profiles using a CNC-controlled jumping HSK spindle. Supporting the moulders was a design, the SOLID GRIND 1000 P, a fully automatic CNC profile grinder and the SOLID PRESET 1000, which delivers precise tool measurements using advanced camera technology. Together, this ecosystem represents a complete, integrated solution from one source.
Solutions for craftsmen and smaller workshops were also a key focus. The SOLID PROFILE P 500 attracted strong interest thanks to its build quality and range of configuration options. Ideal for joinery, furniture production, or linear mouldings, it shares key features with the more advanced machines in the range. Entry-level access to HSK tool technology was showcased through the SOLID PROFILE P 700, which uniquely combines spindle and HSK technology in one easy-to-set-up machine. Thanks to Weinig Machine Control (WMC), it’s one of the most flexible, quick-change moulders available, offering an excellent price-performance ratio.
Cross-cutting technology was on display in abundance, with over six machines shown – from a basic under-table crosscut saw for large timber sections, to the fastest through-feed saw in the world. The SOLID CUT PF push-feed range goes far beyond standard cross-cutting, with versions featuring integrated drilling and programmable routing units. Demonstrations included making components for the specialist packaging industry and high-quality garden furniture.
Finger-jointing technology and scanner systems were also prominently featured. A high-speed horizontal finger jointer, fed by a pair of dancing pick-and-place robots, impressed with its output of up to 180 pieces per minute. Scanner options covered a wide range, from entry-level to high-volume units, all benefitting from proven AI-powered, self-teaching software capable of identifying defects across diverse timber species.
Holz-Her, the Weinig Group’s panel processing division, remained constantly busy. A major highlight was the patented GluJet system across its extensive range of edgebanders. Unique to Holz-Her, machines such as the GJ 725 PRO and GJ 730 PUR 2000 impressed with fast heat-up times and reliable PUR glue application, delivering virtually invisible glue lines – a key quality factor for premium cabinet makers.
The Epicon console and Dynestic CNC routers were well represented. The highlight was the Epicon being loaded by a robot, processing heavy door blanks into finished articles, a completely automated cell for the efficient production of fire doors.
Holz-Her System Solutions showcased its StoreMaster system, featuring a gantry-mounted vacuum panel lifter feeding a Dynestic CNC on one side and a Tectra beam saw on the other. This optimised storage system supports just-in-time manufacturing and significantly boosts production efficiency for bespoke furniture operations.
One machine not on display, but coming to the UK market very soon, is an entry-level flat-bed CNC router. Supported by the well-respected Weinig Service team, this competitively priced machine will allow smaller furniture manufacturers to increase productivity manyfold, safe in the knowledge that it is supported by the well-established Weinig Group.
Essetre, the specialist in CNC solutions for CLT, glulam, and complex timber components, showcased several machines tailored to this fast-growing sector. The Techno Saw impressed with its speed and precision in straight, angled, and compound-angle cross-cutting, grooving, notching, and recessing, making it ideal for all types of timber frame production. The Techno Fast tackled larger cross-sections with short cycle times, while the five-axis head captivated visitors with its fluid, dynamic movement. On the Weinig stand, the Techno PM demonstrated Essetre’s range further by processing a CLT slab using cutting-edge technology, including a board turner, a strong reminder of the breadth of expertise on display across the Weinig Group.
For those who were unable to attend Ligna, many of these machines are now installed in the Weinig UK showroom and are available for demonstration. For further details, please contact Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd on 01235 557 600 or [email protected].
