IWF Selects 2010 Challengers Award Winners
By Mike Botta
Atlanta, GA – Seven companies shared the spotlight as winners of the prestigious Challengers Award at the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) held here August 25-28.
The award recognizes top advancements in technology and/or significant contributions to environmental improvement in woodworking. It is widely regarded in the international community as one of the industry’s highest honors.
As part of the competition, companies are encouraged to develop forward-thinking technology in machinery, materials, supplies, manufacturing techniques, services and safety.
The fair, held every other year, attracts management, production, operations and design professionals ranging from the smallest shops to large plants, many of whom attend to not only source products, but to discover new ideas, network with peers and learn from those who have already uncovered solutions to complicated problems.
The seven 2010 IWF Challengers Award winners and their products are:
BENZ Inc. – Reciprocating Knife Cutter
RCK1 Reciprocating Knife Cutter adds a level of versatility to "C" axis equipped CNC machines. Utilizing a standard spoil board to hold material, the unit is designed to cut fabrics, leather, veneers, rubber, carpet, cork, vinyl and other similar products effortlessly. Cuts carpets to size. During cutting with the oscillating knife cutter the spring-loaded floating ring ensures optimum contact of the material with the surface underneath. Similar to a jigsaw, very small radiuses can be cut. The very high reciprocating speed of up to 6.000 strokes per minutes ensures effective machining with high federate speeds. www.benz-inc.com
Binks, DeVilbiss – Binks MX Pump - MX412
The Binks MX Series of pumps support 1-2 gun spray finishing in air-assist airless applications. With the highly responsive air motor and fluid section combination, operations can experience reduced rejected parts, reduced coating costs, and reduced energy consumption. The MX412 12:1 ratio pump system is ideal for single-gun air-assisted airless applications using thin to medium viscosity coatings. The pump system may be cart mounted, wall mounted or tripod mounted. Gun specs are AA1600M or AA4400M with flat/fine finish or twist tip. Air In: 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch NPS (m); Fluid In: 1/2 NPS (m); Fluid Out: 3/8 inch NPS (m) or BPS (m). www.binks.com
Cabinotch – Cabinotch - 1
Changing the way cabinets are made, Cabinotch is a patent pending system that allows the cabinet maker to go online and order exact-sized cabinets in height, width and depth to the thousandth of an inch. This system supplies the cabinet maker with an innovative interlocking cabinet system, delivered flat stacked right to the door. Cabinotch makes it possible to completely build even challenging cabinets, such as a Lazy Susan base or an angled upper, in less than five minutes. Assembly is simple, fast, accurate, square and good for the bottom line, since it allows for the production of more cabinets in less time, and without additional labor costs. Cabinotch offers a broad range of sizes and species, allowing cabinet makers to order what they need, when they need it. www.cabinotch.com
ETP Transmission, Inc. – ETP CUBIT
In the laminate flooring industry, everyone strives to achieve maximum productivity, high feed speeds and the best possible profile precision. The patented ETP CUBIT maintains high precision and repeatability, and allows for quick adjustment. It has two completely independent separate hydraulic systems providing a minimal run out. The unit considers the hydraulic sleeve and adjustable unit as two symbiotic parts. A patented ETP HYDRO-GRIP sleeve allows for easy operation with axially access for pressurization. With ETP CUBIT, there are three main steps to achieving a successful profile: A) Pressurize and clamp the tool; B) Use specially designed bits for precise adjustment, with each snap of the adjusting device equal to 0.01 mm movement between the two profile tools, and C) Release pressure against the profile tool by using an Allen T-wrench. The ETP CUBIT system is being unveiled for the first time in the U.S. at IWF 2010. www.etp.se
King Slide Works Co., Ltd. – Soft-Close Undermount Slide – 1A88
Touch-to-open and soft-closing technologies have been combined in the 1A88 electric-free slide. This slide uses an all-mechanical design that helps promote green technology. With the push to open feature, handles are no longer needed, preventing accidental knocks and providing a safer environment. The handle free design offers more convenient ways to operate drawers. The self soft-closing design allows the drawer system to retract slowly and elegantly, preventing painful pinching experiences and ensuring full retraction of the drawer. This design gives users a safer and more convenient kitchen environment. King Slide’s 1A88 is a stylish, sleek drawer slide that allows the drawer to open on touch instead of using the traditional color-fading and injury-causing pull handles. With the combined features, 1A88 has opened a new world of application possibilities. www.kingslide.com
Leitz Tooling Systems, Inc. – RipTec Cutting System
Leitz RipTec System, patented for window production, drastically decreases blow-out on end-grain machining and creates a stronger joint, sealed against water and air. Also used in conjunction with finish planers, such as Leitz CentroStar or VariPlan, on four-sided moulders, RipTec virtually eliminates plucked grain in difficult-to-machine woods. When machining curved parts, combination finish knives plus RipTec knives prevent chipping and increase knife performance by as much as 50 percent. www.leitztooling.com
Precision Drive Systems – Dyna-Loc ATC Spindle
DYNA-LOC is a patent-pending compact automatic tool change spindle system that incorporates standard HSK style tool holders. In this design, the conventional drawbar and spring packs are removed and the pneumatic actuator is moved to the front of the spindle. The advantages of this system include: Provides a more compact automatic tool change spindle; better spindle balance than conventional drawbar systems; fail-safe design eliminates accidental tool ejection in the unlikely event of a failure; lower cost and less frequent repairs due to fewer moving components; eliminates troublesome hollow shaft, drawbar, and spring packs; eliminates expensive HSK clamping sets; clamp system can be replaced or adjusted in the field. www.pdscolombo.com
