Twenty-five years ago PRE-TEC started building custom equipment to dispense and apply the Willamette Valley Company’s products for wood product applications. Today, our custom engineering efforts offer an array of automated robotic solutions that provide leading edge technology for the industry.
Our Robotic Wrap Applicator was designed for wood products manufacturers striving to increase the product output and free up manpower. It is designed to apply protective wrapping and end sealant to I-Joist Beams or Stacked LVL. While the system was originally designed for engineered wood products there is a version available for use in lumber and OSB operations. It can automatically apply protective wrapping for multiple length, width and height units on the fly, by calculating your load dimensions. The system utilizes three (3) six-axis robots to perform the end sealing, wrapping and stapling functions.
PRE-TEC's Robotic Spray Application System is the first in North America to employ robotic automation in a spray application system for the OSB industry. Using PRE-TEC proven components in conjunction with a six-axis industrial application robotic arm, the booths have proven to be extremely reliable. The robotic arm can provide consistent paint coverage and uniform appearance, while the booth’s down draft air filtration system assures that over spray is minimized and transfer efficiency increased.
PRE-TEC's Robotic Side Protector Application System will automatically apply side protectors to the sides of 4'X8' T & G units. The system can be placed in-line, with a PRE-TEC spray booth. Units that exit the spray booth are conveyed to the Side Protector Applicator System. The load stops at programmed location, where the application system will then apply and secure side protectors. When the application process is complete, the load will be conveyed away from the applicator system and proceed to the Strapping operation.
The Automated Stencil Application System features automatic, self cleaning between units that result in a clear, sharp logo application every time. Cleaning of the stencil plate will take place between units and will allow the stencil face to come in direct contact with the bundle. The possibility of shadowing is reduced. All spray tips are readily available for this system, and are easy to clean. The down draft and filtration design of the Application System will ensure that the area around the system stays clean.
The End Stripe system operates as a separate process from the Stencil System, yet shares some of the same controls to reduce cost. It is intended to be integrated with the stencil and is not designed as a stand-alone unit. The stripe system can be placed in line with the stencil system either before, or after the stencil process. If specified at the time of order, the two systems could be fully integrated as one process.
The trade-off for full integration is an increase in cycle time. On the leading and trailing ends of the units, the End Stripe Application System will apply up to six stripes that are approximately 1" wide with approximately 2" in between each stripe. The stripes will be bold with sharp edges. The system can use from one, up to three separate colors.
Our engineers can provide more information about our sevices and custom robotic technologies. Contact us today for an engineering review of your needs.
