AWFS presents Visionary Awards

The nine winners of the 2021 Visionary Awards were announced during the AWFS Fair. The awards recognize creativity and innovation, as well as leadership in green/environmental product development.

Selected from 24 finalists, the winning companies described their products as follows:

Components:

Felder Group USA - GlueBox Edgebanding System
As part of the Felder Format4 Tempora F600 60.06 edgebander, the GlueBox makes the processing of PUR glue easy and effortless. Instead of the PUR adhesive in the glue pot of edge banding machines, a thin PUR adhesive strip in the GlueBox is fused almost invisibly between the edge material and the workpiece. Benefits include heat and water resistance, a very small glue joint as well as reduced glue consumption. It’s ready to use in only 90 seconds and is available in three coiled lengths.

Machinery Over $50,000:

LestaUSA – Self-Learning Robot and Cart System
Designed for better finishing efficiency, these Self-Learning finishing robots learn the precise movements of the finisher in teach mode and replicates the movements while operating in an automated mode. From gun angles to trigger pulls, and even the specific rotation of each part while on the cart, employees can be free to focus on quality and production. The system can be used with existing or new carts.
www.lestausa.com

Machinery Under $50,000:

Felder Group USA – Preventative Contact System
The PCS is a non-contact triggering safety device available with the company’s Format4 sliding table panel saw that can detect hazards in milliseconds before an accident occurs without damage to the saw blade or machine. In case of an unexpected, fast-approach in the saw blade area, the PCS safety drop down mechanism is triggered. The area of protection encloses the saw blade and prevents access from any direction.

Materials:

Roseburg Forest Products – Armorite Exterior MDF
Armorite is a new exterior MDF panel that resists moisture, decay, rot and insects. Created by the manufacturer of Medex, this panel is made with no added formaldehyde and features superior machineability, allowing for detailed profiling and precise cutting. Armorite provides a smooth surface that accepts paint for a beautiful finish. Recommended for exterior doors, shutters, cabinetry, casework, furniture, and storage systems, Roseburg’s newest product is available through the company’s nationwide network of distributors.

Power Tools:

Apollo Sprayers International – Power-5 VS + TrueHVLP Turbo Paint Spray System
The spray finishing system features a front-mounted and variable-speed pressure control for professional results with any coating material, Quadra-Clean automotive grade filters, Ultra Flex hose offered in extended hose lengths with quick-connect couplers on each end, seven gravity or bottom-feed cup spray gun options, and a Handi-hold spray gun docking station to safely transport the unit.

Software:

Nordfab Ducting – Norfab Quick-Fit Visual 3D Duct Design Tool
This complimentary, easy-to-use online tool is available for dealers of the ducting manufacturer to design ductwork installations. Quick-Fit Visual software provides automatic calculation of duct sizing and system requirements. Users can output a quotation and visual 3D plan, source and procure all components needed for the installation. Users can also output a .dwg drawing for use with CAD tools.

Tooling:

The Pinske Edge – Edge Butler
This mobile organizational tool designed to help end-users create a faster and easier way to edge band by eliminating the need to walk back and forth through the shop. Simply hang all colors and types of edge banding needed for the day on the cart and wheel it to the edge banding machine. The butlers are available in 13” and 16” sizes to accommodate each band’s width and thickness. Carts are offered to hold up to 10 or 20 butlers depending on model, have two different notches to accommodate different inner ring sizes, and feature CAM lock wheels.

General Category:

Sames Kremlin – FPro Gravity and GSP Manual Airspray Guns
This new Airspray gun is available in the following technologies: HVLP (high volume low pressure), LVLP (low volume low pressure), and conventional. What makes them unique is their innovative Vortex insert which delivers a high quality finer, flatter finish and reduces overspray while penetrating hard to reach recessed areas of the part. The gun body is light-weight with a comfortable shape and redesigned center of gravity. The FPro can be used with primers, varnishes, UV, sealers, top-coats, direct glosses and stains. The FPro is also ideal for frequent color changes. A wide range of configurations are available with adaptable accessories.

Northtech Machine - iDovetail
This CNC dovetail machine combines real time interactive 3D drawings with features and capabilities entirely new to the industry. The iDovetail is the first dovetailer with servo positioning for the X, Y and Z axis, giving it the same capability as an inverted CNC machine. The small footprint makes it an excellent tool not only for dovetailing but also for precision end work such as mortise and tenon or stair tread returns. 

This article was originally published in the September 2021 issue.