Hyne Timber’s glue laminating plant (glulam) in Maryborough, Qld, is scaling up ahead of the Mass Timber Construction boom in Australia.
The plant has recently commissioned their new, state of the art CNC machine called a Hundegger K2i which will make the supply of engineered timber even quicker and cost efficient.
Robert Mansell, Hyne Timber’s Business Development Manager – Commercial, says it’s an automatic joinery machine that can cut, drill, slot and profile timber dimensions ranging from 50mm x 20mm to 1200mm x 300mm up to 19m long.
“It can be programmed from CAD drawings to give a high level of accuracy, increasing the fabrication services capability, reducing the time it takes to quote and complete prefabricated timber project,” he says.
“Its revolutionary handling system with two gripper and guide wagons guarantees maximum precision during processing.”
The K2i can perform all cutting and milling operations required in the shortest possible time including special operations such as dovetail milling to allow elements to be assembled more easily, saving time on-site.
This high-performance joinery machine is advanced manufacturing at its best.
“It has timber designers and engineers frothing at the mouth and opens up a whole range of cost effective structural and aesthetic solutions for designers and architects alike.” Mansell says.
The universal, flexible machine is used around the world by leading timber companies for a range of timber solutions and is adaptable to specific requirements of the customer due to its modular construction.
“These qualities combined are what attracted our investment,” Mansell says. “We have a strong focus on delivering customer solutions and the capabilities of this machine can be discussed from the early design stages of construction projects, so together, we can deliver the best possible outcome for the client.
“We are resourced to provide expert advice from hidden or expressed connections, treatments and coatings in order to maximise durability while complimenting the design.”
The machine is understood to be one of only three in Australia, and the only machine of its type in Queensland.
Hyne Timber’s glulam has the strength and durability to compliment both lightweight timber and cross laminated timber (CLT) panels, including wide span applications.
It has a further, unique competitive advantage where pine is specified because unlike other engineered timber manufacturing plants, it takes its plantation grown softwood feedstock from the company’s own sawmill just 15 minutes away.
Experts claim responsibly sourced timber is the only truly sustainable construction material for our future.
At Hyne Timber for example, the bark by-product from its Queensland operation is sold to Bassett Barks on the Sunshine Coast who, in turn, create potting mix which is sold back to HQ plantation every year for the next round of nine million seedlings!
No other construction material has that sustainability cycle, a fully closed loop to start the process again, while locking up carbon.
Keeping it local
In November 2016, the Turnbull Government passed the Australian Building Construction Commission legislation.
The Bill features an amendment which requires government projects worth more than $4 million to show preference for local suppliers, sources and labour, and to ensure materials meet local standards.
This type of legislation sends a clear message to the industry while securing local manufacturing jobs and growth. Environmental credentials and the push for higher green star ratings coupled with amendments to the Building Code to build up to eight storeys in height using timber, Mass Timber Construction including glue laminated timber structures are on the rise, literally.
It goes without saying that significant research was undertaken prior to the amendments to the Building Code, including fire engineering analysis. Indeed, the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council were members of the Australian Building Codes Board Technical Committee.
Further, the Queensland government recently released their Building Plan discussion paper including a goal specifically set to improve the sustainability performance of Queensland’s homes and buildings.
Engineered timber in mid-rise and tall construction goes far beyond the sustainability benefits, realising significant cost efficiencies including less on-site time/quicker, lighter construction benefits especially in built up areas with improved safety.
Australia is now playing catch-up to European countries, America and Canada who have been realising these benefits for many years.
Sustainability is key for our future; timber is key to sustainable construction.
Hyne Timber was established in Maryborough in 1882 and is a known leader throughout the industry for innovative and quality products.
For more information on Hyne Timber, visit hyne.com.au or contact our product information service on 1300 304 963 or info@hyne.com.au.
