BECK is taking a step towards ecological fastening technology, with its LIGNOLOC® wooden nail system, by working together with KEHRATEC Automation – a specialist in the field of camera guided robot automation – to create a robot assisted system for the fully or partially automated implementation of timber construction projects.
BECK contributes its versatile competencies in the field of fastening technology to the partnership, focusing in particular on the LIGNOLOC® wood nail technology and the associated stationary and manual nailing technology. KEHRATEC Automation GmbH provides the comprehensive, specific, technological know-how regarding robotics and automation environment. Together the companies will create the robot assisted system especially for pre-assembling completely glue-free and metal-free wall and ceiling elements.
The first machine prototype will be completed by March 2022. For this, BECK is developing the complete front end including individual feeding of the nails, while KEHRATEC is taking care of the concept and construction of the wall mounting peripherals, robotics, PLC, programming, CAD software and final assembly. After completion of the prototype, an attractive package is to be put together for potential customers by the end of March 2022.
“Small and medium-sized timber construction companies and carpenters throughout Europe should be able to manufacture metal and glue-free mass timber wall or ceiling elements themselves,” comments Christian Beck, CEO at Raimund BECK KG. “With the expansion of the LIGNOLOC ecosystem in terms of compatibility with common processing solutions, as well as the co-engineering of the flexible, digital robot platform, the use of mass timber elements becomes more flexible and the transport distances shorter. As a final consequence, it will be cheaper for many companies to manufacture mass timber elements themselves.”
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
