Think Lightweight, a manufacturer of hollowcore panels that are meant to replace heavier, harder wood material, has added to its production capability with a new PUR laminated line. 

The cutting-edge PUR laminating line aids the company in quickly and efficiently producing ceiling panels that transform spaces, the artistry of tradeshow wall partitions, and seamless hospitality products.

"We have implemented a PUR laminating line in our production facility recently which reduces our production time compared to traditional adhesives that require longer curing periods," said Ian McPhail, general manager. "This quick curing time enables faster production turnaround, allowing us to meet tight deadlines and respond to our customer's demands promptly."

The PUR adhesive creates a nearly invisible bond line between wood components. This, the company said, results in a seamless and aesthetic finish that enhances the overall appearance of our wood products, making them more visually appealing.

McPhail said that one of the company's core strengths lies in its ability to provide tailor-made wood products such as custom wood panels, office furniture, display wall panels, custom retail fixtures, custom functional furniture, wall partitions, ceiling beams, platform beds, headboard panels, sliding doors, closets, and cabinets.

Continual improvements
The company, said McPhail, is continually expanding its product lines and strives to improve its production efficiency. Recently, the company invested in a 100mm edgebanding workcell from Homag that adds to the company’s continual improvement philosophy.

We've always strived to push the boundaries and stay ahead of the curve,” said McPhail. “We are thrilled to share groundbreaking news that we are the very first North American company to have a machine of this caliber in the wood manufacturing industry.”

McPhail said the edgebander allows the company to take on large projects and thicker panels. “This innovative addition to our production arsenal not only propels our manufacturing capabilities to new heights but also positions us as the only manufacturer in North America with the capability to edge panels up to 3-3/4” in thickness with remarkable speed and precision.”

Eliminate labor-intensive tasks 
Efficiency in manufacturing is not just about speed; it's also about reducing labor-intensive tasks. This machine has significantly reduced the need for manual labor in the company’s processes. 

“It takes care of repetitive, time-consuming work, allowing our skilled workforce to focus on more intricate aspects of wood production,” he said. “The result is a streamlined process that minimizes the risk of any errors.”

One of the most noticeable advantages is speed. According to McPhail, the Homag edgebander is up to 10 times faster than traditional hand laminating methods.

“High-volume orders that used to be time-consuming can now be handled with remarkable speed and efficiency, without compromising on the precision and quality that our wood products are known for,” added McPhail.