Plywood machine

Types of plywood machines

Plywood is a wooden panel made from thin layers of wood called veneers. It is glued together at right angles. Other wood products are glued together in the same manner. The advantage of this approach is that it results in a sturdy wood product. One looks for strong, reliable, and robust wood products. In this case, a plywood machine comes in handy.

The following types of plywood machines are available for business buyers:

• Log debarker machine: One of the first steps in the process of making plywood from logs is to remove the bark. This is accomplished with the help of a debarker machine. The debarker machine strips the bark off the log, leaving behind a clean log ready for processing further. Without the interference of the bark, the log is better suited for cutting and peeling into veneers.
• Veneer peeler machine: The debarked log is processed by the veneer peeler machine. This machine's function is to make thin slices or veneers of wood from the log. The log is rotated against a sharp blade in the veneer peeler machine, which cuts and peels off thin sheets of wood. The veneer sheets produced are the primary raw materials for plywood manufacturing.
• Veneer dryer machine: The veneer sheets must be dried before they can be glued and laminated together. This process is achieved by the veneer dryer machine, which dries out the moisture content in the sheets. This is done by passing the veneer sheets through heated drying chambers or ovens. Once dried, the sheets are ready for further processing.
• Glue spreader machine: The veneer sheets are glued together to form a single panel. This is made possible through the glue spreader machine. As the name suggests, the machine spreads glue evenly on one or both sides of the veneer sheets. Several types of glue spreader machines exist, including air-assist spray units, roller spreaders, and brush/roller combination units.
• Press machine: The glue-applied veneer sheets are then pressed together to form a plywood panel. This task is achieved with the help of a press machine. There are several types of press machines based on the kind of pressure applied on the panels. Some examples include hot stack presses, flywheel presses, hydraulic presses, and many more. The machine used will depend on the type of plywood produced.
• Sawing machine: Once the plywood panel has been formed, it needs to be cut according to specifications. This task is done with the help of a sawing machine. The sawing machine cuts plywood sheets and other sheets into smaller panels as required. It may also be used to cut to size asking for particular furniture or cabinetry pieces.

Specification and maintenance of plywood machine

Specification

• Size

  Generally, the size of the plywood machine is around 3000x2000x2000mm. It is the overall size of the whole machine, which includes the pressing area. The exact size will be longer because the pressing area can be expanded to make bigger plywood.

• Weight

  The whole weight of the plywood machine is around 25000kg-30000kg. The heavy weight means the stability of the whole machine. When it is working, it can produce higher-quality plywood.

• Production capacity

  Daccording to the data, single-latex plywood machines can produce approximately 10 to 15 sheets of plywood per hour. For double-gluing machines, the production capacity can reach up to 25 to 30 sheets per hour. Furthermore, the production capacity of the cold-press plywood machine is relatively lower, which can be around 6 to 10 sheets per hour.

• Pressing power

  The pressing power of the plywood machine is different according to which kind of machine it is. For example, the hot-press plywood machine has pressing power from 2000t to 3000t. Additionally, the pressure of the rotary cut veneer machine can reach up to 1.0MPa to 1.5MPa.

• Power source

  The power source of the plywood machine is different depending on its type. For instance, the Hot press plywood machine utilizes electric power and steam to generate heat and pressure for the compression and bonding processes, while the rotary veneer setter machine relies on hydraulic power for its rotary cutting operations.

Maintenance

• Hydraulic system maintenance:

  Vehicle hydraulic systems often perform the same tasks, such as transporting goods and providing power. Therefore, the hydraulic machine can also learn from vehicle hydraulic system maintenance. First, users can frequently check the vehicle oil level. They need to ensure that the hydraulic oil is within the normal level and does not have any leakage problem. Second, users need to check the cleanliness of the hydraulic oil and ensure that it is free from impurities. If the oil is dirty, they need to replace it with new oil. Third, they need to pay attention to the operating temperature of the oil pump and cylinder. They need to ensure that it is in the normal temperature range to avoid high-temperature damage.

• Wood moisture content control:

  Users need to check the moisture content of the wood raw materials to ensure stable and appropriate moisture content. If the moisture content is too high, it will lead to poor glue spreading and low plywood quality. If it is too low, it will result in wood cracking and deformation. Moreover, users need to adjust the temperature and humidity of the workshop appropriately. They need to ensure the workshop environment is suitable to avoid wood absorbing moisture from the air or losing moisture rapidly.

• Daily cleaning and lubrication:

  Users need to clean all parts of the plywood machine daily to remove dust, wood chips, and impurities. Additionally, they need to apply lubricant to sliding components and bearings to ensure smooth operation and reduce abrasion. Moreover, users should pay attention to the cleaning and maintenance of the vacuum pump. They need to keep the ventilation ducts unblocked and the pumps working well, ensuring the degassing system functions properly.

Scenarios of using plywood machine

• Furniture industry:

  Furniture manufacturers use a plywood machine to produce various furniture items like cabinets, tables, chairs, and shelves. By using plywood machines, the manufacturers can create strong, lightweight, and flexible furniture that satisfies different consumer demands.

• Construction industry:

  The construction industry frequently uses a plywood machine to make formwork for casting concrete structures such as beams, columns, walls, and slabs. This machine also helps to produce structural panels, internal and external wall coverings, cross-laminated timber (CLT), and wooden boards.

• Packaging industry:

  Packaging manufacturers apply plywood press machines in the production of plywood boxes, crates, pallets, and protective inserts. These items are usually used for product shipment and storage.

• Automobile industry:

  The plywood machine can help the automobile industry create automobile components like car interior panels, trims, and decorative elements. Besides, it is possible to use the machine to produce lightweight plywood for automotive engineers, which can reduce vehicle weight and enhance fuel efficiency.

• Aerospace industry:

  This industry might use high-quality plywood machines to make lightweight and robust aircraft components such as interior structures, bulkheads, and floors.

• Shipbuilding industry:

  In the shipbuilding sector, plywood machines assist in making ship structures, including hull parts, decks, and interior fittings.

• Sports equipment industry:

  A plywood machine can manufacture sports equipment such as skateboards, snowboards, and surfboards. These equipment requires high strength and lightweight, which plywood fits well.

• Musical instrument industry:

  Mahogany plywood is frequently used to make musical instruments like asét, which are fiddles and drums.

Choosing the right plywood machine

• Needs analysis:

  Before looking at specific machines, buyers should first analyze their own needs. What type of wood will be peeled? What capacity is required? What dimensions of plywood are most commonly used in the buyer's application? By answering these questions, buyers can determine the type and specifications of the veneer machine that suits them.

• Machinery performance:

  Buyers should look at the key parameters of plywood machines, such as cutting diameter range, spindle speed, peeling method (continuous or intermittent), etc. Buyers should choose a machine whose performance indicators match their processing needs to ensure efficiency and quality.

• Automation and control:

  Automated machines can reduce manual intervention and improve production efficiency. Buyers should consider the level of automation and control systems in the machine, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces, etc., to facilitate operation and management.

• Safety features:

  The safety performance of the machine is also something buyers need to consider. Buyers should look for safety features such as emergency stop buttons, protective covers, and overload protection. These safety features help protect operators and reduce accident risk.

• Energy consumption and efficiency:

  Energy consumption and efficiency are important factors that impact operating costs. Buyers should choose a plywood machine with reasonable energy consumption and high efficiency to reduce production costs.

• Supplier comparison:

  Buyers should compare different suppliers' machines, including the models they offer, the quality of their products, their after-sales service, and their reputation. Buyers can refer to other customers' feedback and experience to choose a reliable supplier.

Plywood machine Q and A

Q: How thick can a veneer peeling machine cut the veneer?

A: The veneer peeling machine can cut veneers from 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

Q: What is the role of the slicer in a plywood machine?

A: The slicer cuts veneers into desired widths. It also trims the veneers to achieve the desired dimensions. The veneers are usually sliced from hardwood logs. Some types of hardwood veneer plywood requires specific patterns and designs.

Q: How do lay-up stations work in plywood machines?

A: Lay-up stations in plywood machines assemble the individual veneer sheets, coordinating them and aligning them to form the final plywood panel configuration. The station usually applies adhesive between the veneer layers to bond them together.

Q: Can plywood machines be upgraded or modular attachments added?

A: Many plywood machines can be upgraded with improved technology or attachments to enhance efficiency and production capacity.