In this production step, all four edges of each workpiece are first milled plane. Any damage to the workpiece edges caused by the sawing process is removed and the workpiece is brought to the exact dimensions required. Immediately after this format processing, an edge band is glued onto the narrow surfaces. In the case of stationary production, this step is followed by drilling and milling of grooves and folds.
Series production
Due to the high volume output in series production, only specialized edge banding machines are suitable for sizing and edge processing, in which the workpieces pass a large number of processing stations as they run through the machine.
It makes sense to link two double-sided edge banding machines in the material flow, whereby the machines each process two narrow surfaces lying parallel to each other and the workpiece is turned through 90° between the machines. Alternatively, if the volume output is not very high, the processing can be carried out on one double-sided edge banding machine, in which case the workpieces are intermediately stacked after longitudinal processing and are fed back to the machine after adjustment to width.
Batch size 1 in throughfeed
For flexible production with a very high volume output, it is a good idea to link four single-sided edgebanders in the material flow, with two machines each processing the parallel narrow surfaces and the workpiece being turned through 90° between the pairs of machines. With this constellation it is possible to process workpieces with different dimensions using different coating materials flexibly up to batch size 1 with a very high volume output. The machine reads in the barcode applied to the workpiece before starting the processing. The production control system then provides all information on the required processing steps and coating materials.
Stationary production
In a stationary manufacturing approach, the carcase parts are completely machined on a machining centre: Format milling, edge banding, drilling and milling of folds and grooves are done in one clamping. The processing time is longer than with throughfeed production, but the flexibility is maximum and the investment smaller. Individual customer requirements (dimensions, shapes, etc.) can be realized very easily by free programming. Curved workpiece edges are also possible (free forms). Machining is done in steps:
- Production of the desired component shape by peripheral milling
- Gluing of the edge material with subsequent finishing
- Drill holes for fittings, handles, etc.
- Inserting grooves for the rear wall or sliding door fittings
Depending on the output of the production, machining centres of different sizes are used. Robots can take over the feeding and removal of the parts.