Search

The Client

Lockwood Group has been building high-performance homes from locally-sourced forestry timber for more than 70 years.

Its unique building system features solid laminated timber planks, which lock together to form the exterior and interior walls of the structure.

The Challenge

To meet growing demand for new homes, Lockwood Group sought to upgrade their production facility in Rotorua.

Their planning, moulding and grinding requirements were complex, with specific, intricate profiles needing to be produced.

Our Solution

Following close consultation with the client to understand their specific requirements, MHM Automation provided:

• A Leadermac LMC830 Maximac eight spindle, 300mm x 150mm x 60m/min planer/moulder
• A Leadermac G320P Grinder, capable of in-head profile and straight knife grinding

The eight spindle Leadermac Maximac configuration was specifically chosen to create Lockwood Group’s intricate profiles. Servo straight jointers were fitted to spindles 1, 6, 7 and 8, and profile jointers were fitted to spindles 4, 5, 7 and 8.

The added feature of variable speed controllers allows operators to increase the spindle RPM to obtain the desired finish at an increased feed speed when a shorter run doesn’t lend itself to jointing.

The Maximac design originated in New Zealand, to meet the local industry’s need for a dedicated, heavy duty 300mm wide machine. It has an impressive list of standard features, including:

• Heavy duty four-roll push feed
• Pneumatic pad pressures, chip breakers, through-feed rollers and side alignment rollers
• A unique floating pneumatic pad which places pressure over the last bottom spindle to reduce the chance of snipe
• Dual outboard bearing pneumatic support and locks
• Feed roller shafts have a standard diameter of 50mm and are supplied with rollers to accommodate the full width as required
• Easy-set touch screen controls

The Result

A complex and difficult installation resulted in a robust, high-performance system that reliably finishes timber planks within tight tolerances.

It has significantly increased capacity at the Lockwood Group production facility, as well as aiding in creating a smooth construction process for Lockwood homes.