Two for the show

TWO FOR THE SHOW

Will the U.S. adapt to thinner veneers? Groah thinks it will happen, "because veneering's biggest advantage is better utilization of our natural resources."Force also said presses have improved heating systems because temperature controls are now monitored by microprocessors accurate to 1 1/2 degrees of the desired setting.The architectural woodworker has to have more expertise than anyone else in the construction industry and to know more about other peoples' jobs, said Carl Morante, executive vice president of Frederick Schill & Co. of Edison, N.J. The architectural woodworking company is taking on more responsibility as interior contractors -- work which includes sheet rock, glass and marble installation. "I wouldn't even be surprised to see wall coverings and painting in a contract," he said.The economy -- part twoAccording to the USDA Forest Service guide "Wood Veneer: Log Selection, Cutting and Dying," most species of hardwoods and softwoods can be successfully cut into veneer. Hardwoods, as a class, are easier to cut into veneer than softwoods. Although it is unknown why, two possible theories are that hardwoods contain less lignin than softwoods and that the lignin in hardwoods is more thermoplastic.Quality surfaces* In Chicago, a six-month to one-year glut of office space is forcing management companies to fight for tenants. They offer all kinds of inducements to attract tenants, like free rent, improvements and new fixtures. The management companies then try to recoup by trying to get lower prices on remodeling bids, according to Bob Parenti of Parenti & Raffaelli.* Competitors with limited plant capacity and facilities, little or no equipment, plant and administrative expertise, and inadequate financing are bidding jobs and running the prices down, said John Mielach, president of Mielach/Woodwork. "And because of the economy, contractors, construction managers, architects, designers and owners have thrown out the old norms of pre-qualifying and pre-selecting like bidders for similar work and are reaching wherever they can to get lower bids."Operating since the late 1950s, the Interzum International Trade Fair for Furniture Production, Interior Design and Soft Furnishings at the Cologne Exhibition Center (May 3-7) is the world's largest supply event for the forest products, furniture manufacturing and furniture industries. Featuring more than 1,200 exhibiting companies from over 40 countries presenting their products on 140,000 square meters of display space, Interzum officials expect about 65,000 visitors with 1,200 attendants coming from the U.S. and Canada.Interzum will be divided into three areas: furniture production, wood and interior finishes and furnishing. The furniture production section will include plastic surfacings, paints and varnishes, adhesives and tools. The wood and interior section will cover doors, windows, floors and wall paneling. The furnishing section will include fastening materials, wallpaper and upholstery materials.To obtain higher yields and reduce waste, veneer equipment manufacturers are designing machines that can meet these exacting tolerances. Many manufacturers are now incorporating computers into their machines to improve accuracy. "The trend right now is toward more sophisticated equipment," said Hank Serdio, international sales engineer at Coe Manufacturing. "In veneer lathe chargers with laser scanners, a computer will give the best geometric center in order to maximize veneer recovery."Production guidelinesWith proper training and efficient equipment, wood product manufacturers can utilize veneering to meet the demands of customers looking for quality wood products and conserve raw materials for future use. Jerry Lines, project engineer with Globe Manufacturing, commented on the future of supplying lumber by saying, "Recovery in every sense is going to be the key."* "Cash flow is a very big problem," said Rick Ziegelmeier of Haggerty Millwork. "We are very careful about the companies we work with to make sure they can pay their bills."Major price increases and decreased supplies of quality lumber have prompted some U.S. wood product manufacturers to research and invest in more advanced veneering equipment to make quality goods that look as good as their solid wood counterparts. "Larger trees generally give more clear wood and better veneers," according to Henry van Brussel, president of Ruckle Veneer Systems Inc. "But there is a drop in log quality because harvesters are cutting less mature trees where the diameter is smaller."One North American exhibitor at Interzum will be the Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council. Sponsored in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Department of Commerce Hardwood Coordinator Dan Kennedy believes the trade show can be an informative experience.Organized by the Hannover Fair Authority, additional Ligna Hannover '91 information can be obtained by contacting Hillary Zimmerman, project manager of Hannover Fairs USA Inc., at (609) 987-1202.Sponsored by the German Woodworking Association (VDMA), Ligna has been entertaining the woodworking industry since 1975. This year, show officials expect more than 90,000 attendants from 85 countries and 1,163 exhibitors from 28 nations. A record 34 American woodworking machinery firms will exhibit at Ligna this year, with 42 percent of this year's exhibitors introducing at least one new product or service, according to Mette Fisker Petersen, project manager with Hannover Fairs USA Inc."Manufacturers are looking for a tight, precise veneer joint, better quality materials, a perfect surface finish without bubbles and a high quality finish," said Force. "What we're seeing now in veneering is the ability to get a good joint and good veneered surface at a low cost."Problems that occur during the gluing operations require special attention and improper implementation of these guidelines can lead to poorly finished products. According to van Brussel, these problems include delamination, which occurs when the adhesive bond between the veneer pieces fail. Blow out occurs when excessive moisture content in the glue or the veneer (over 18 percent) causes steam to gather under the veneer surface during pressing and blows through the veneer. And telegraphing happens when a foreign material or improperly heated stitched veneer shows through a thin veneer after pressing.Interzum precedes LignaFor additional trip information, please contact WOOD & WOOD PRODUCTS Interzum/Ligna '91 tour, Koch International Trade Fairs and Exhibitions, 157-161 E. 86th St., New York, N.Y. 10028; (212) 369-3800."The show is a great way for a company to expand its markets and introduce products primarily to the European market," he said.The German American Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Lufthansa and EuroLloyd Travel Inc., is also sponsoring a trip to the Ligna fair.

PHOTO : The Interzum Trade Fair at the Cologne Exhibition Center is the world's largest supply event for the forest and furniture industries.

Author: Sean Derning