Universal Design, Home Storage Design Trends for the Elderly

• 2024-04-15

       Taiwan has entered an aging society. Reports indicate that in 2022, the number of elderly people living alone reached nearly 530,000, doubling over the past decade. As we enter an aging society, our community infrastructure and housing need to be upgraded simultaneously. Architects and interior designers should consider these details when planning new developments or public facilities to meet the future needs of residents.        Kithen and Cabinet Association Union of Taiwan invited Ms. Connie Yang , the Chief Operating Officer of He Yi Life Co., Ltd., to deliver an insightful speech on "Universal Design: Home Storage for the Elderly" on April 9th. Chairman Mr.Jeff Chen  is particularly grateful to Director Yang for taking the time to provide the key points in the design of home storage for the elderly. After the lecture, a test will be conducted. Those who pass the test will be awarded the "Senior Living Space Storage Specialist" certificate. He also hopes that member manufacturers will not only obtain relevant majors but also be able to It is of substantial benefit to its company’s operations

The key points are summarized as follows:

       Universal design, founded by American designer Dr. Ronald L. Mace in 1980, is a doctrine that emphasizes inclusivity in design, originating from Dr. Mace's personal experience as a person with disabilities. He outlined seven design principles: Equitable use
Flexibility in use
Simple and intuitive use
Perceptible information
Tolerance for error
Low physical effort
Size and space for approach and use
       These principles are applicable to the general public and have become crucial design principles for designers. Home storage is closely related to home design. When designing a project, consideration must be given to the age, gender, and living arrangements of the users. Details such as brightness, voltage settings for electrical appliances such as electric beds, and bathroom space planning should be incorporated from the outset. Cleaning, organizing, and storage: Cleaning refers to keeping the environment clean.
Organizing means arranging items neatly.
Storage involves systematic and logical organization of items.
Most vulnerable areas in the home: Kitchen
Bedroom
Living room
Bathroom
       Common accidents in the kitchen include burns, cuts, and falls. Therefore, safety in cooking and design of the sink area, countertop, and cooking area are crucial. Additionally, ergonomic cabinet door handles and easy-to-reach storage solutions are important.        For the bedroom, safety considerations include planned movement pathways, fall prevention, adequate lighting, power outlets, caregiver space, visible storage, and ease of use.        In the living room, safety measures, lighting, remote-controlled lighting, caregiver space, visible storage, and clear labeling of storage spaces are essential.        Bathroom design should focus on wet and dry separation, use of partitions or curtains, and safety equipment like bathtub aids and slip-resistant flooring.        In conclusion, when organizing storage in elderly homes, attention should be paid to cleaning, organization, accessibility, safety, simplicity in design, use of assistive tools, and regular inspections. With these basic design concepts and storage techniques, elderly home organization can be made easier and more efficient. Aging should not be feared, and with proper planning and preparation, aging in place is achievable, making nursing facilities not the only option for every elderly person. With thoughtful home design and preparations made in advance, aging in place can become a reality.

HOMAG enters into strategic partnership with Luli

• 2024-04-11

       Schopfloch, April 10,2024 – In the fourth quarter of 2023,HOMAG already received a major order from China.The contact with the Chinese customer Luli Wood Industry has a term of three years and covers the delivery of a comprehensive package of machines and systems for furniture production.The total value of the order is approximately EUR 90 million.        The renewed strategic cooperation between HOMAG and Luli Wood Industry was formally sealed with a traditional signing ceremony, which was attended by Zhong Duzhang, Deputy General Manager of the Luli Group, and Dr. Daniel Schmitt, CEO of the HOMAG Group, as well as other representatives of both companies.        “We decided to work with HOMAG again because the company offers advantages in the field of Industry 4.0, has extensive industry experience and has been active in China for more than 40 years,” Zhong Duzhang explained during the ceremony. The value added for the major order will be created in both Germany and China. HOMAG is relying on a mixture of Chinese and German teams for installation, commissioning, and service at Luli Wood Industry. “We are very pleased to have received this order. It also shows that the Chinese market is extremely dynamic and important for us,” Dr. Daniel Schmitt emphasized. Source: HOMAG Group

SCM at DACH+HOLZ International 2024: expertise and innovation for the timber construction industry

• 2024-02-16

       The stars of the SCM stand will be the OIKOS XS cnc machining centre and the new Maestro active beam&wall HMI software.         Stuttgart, 5-8 March 2024       Hall 10, stand 421          SCM returns to DACH+HOLZ International with state-of-the-art innovations and a rich programme of technical demonstrations and insights dedicated to the timber construction industry.        The result of continuous investment in research and development and the Italian Group's constant focus on the latest requirements of the green building industry will be on show in an exhibition space dedicated to high technology and the latest trends in the sector (Hall 10, Stand 421).        Prominent on the stand will be the OIKOS XS cnc machining centre, which visitors to the fair will be able to see in action in all its potential, thanks to demos dedicated to the production of specific structural elements: different types of timber frame walls, roof portions, structural beams and elements with X-fix connection.        Other demos will be dedicated to software, to experience live the advantages offered by the new Maestro active beam&wall HMI, transversal to all models of the Oikos and Area ranges of CNC machining centres for timber construction.        The Stuttgart event will also be an opportunity to take a closer look at the entire SCM range for the timber construction industry: in a cosy SCM Arena, presentations will be given on the other new additions to the wide range of cnc solutions such as OIKOS XL+ and DMC SYSTEM XL, automatic sanding-calibrating machine, as well as discovering the latest trends together with green building experts.
  TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS   OIKOS XS: speed of execution and high configurability  OIKOS XS is the most versatile model in the Oikos range, cnc machining centre for timber construction ideal for companies looking for high speed and precision combined with a small footprint and low cost. It is suitable for the production of straight beams, prefabricated walls, trusses, roofs and blockhouses, i.e. structural elements requiring both very fast operations such as cutting, and more complex operations such as drilling, routing, dovetails and slots for hardware, on pieces that can have a maximum length of 16 metres, a maximum width of 450 mm and a maximum thickness of 240 mm.   The speed of execution is one of the main advantages, because the work piece feed rates can increase up to 3 m/sec. Furthermore, combined movements of the operating units cut down unproductive time due to axis repositioning. OIKOS XS enables the coverage of the work piece 6 faces. Several operating units strategically positioned within the work area, resulting in a high degree of configurability to meet every specific customer need. Another plus is the innovative 4+1 axes revolver unit with differentiated speeds for each tool which allows for a unique finish. The machine also stands out for its machining precision, which is achieved by extremely stiff clamping system for work piece feed, horizontal and vertical pressure rollers located close to the work area, a dynamic work piece support system active during processing and a laser probe to realize precise dovetails. New HMI Maestro active beam&wall for quick and easy all-round control Maestro active beam&wall is the new human-machine interface software dedicated to CNC machining centres for timber construction, which offers numerous functions in a simple and fast way: Multi-project: it allows the production of elements of the same section but which are part of different projects to be optimised on the same raw bars, in order to minimise material waste. The optimisation process is fully automatic. 3D visualisation: possibility of exploring the workpiece and taking measurements. On the 3D element, the tool paths of the machining units are traced in real-time. Complete job management: management of routine maintenance, machine alarms, work shifts, printing of labels and creation of production reports... these are just some of the functions that the software makes available to the customer. Advanced user management: different levels of authorisation can be enabled for each machine operator depending on their capabilities, in order to protect the machining centre from incorrect manipulation.   The new version of the HMI software is characterised by a totally renewed graphic interface aligned with that of the latest generation of software. Maestro active beam&wall is based on Maestro active, the HMI software adopted by the entire SCM Group for complete job order management. Last but not least, the presence of the new eye-M top plus operator console compatible with all models in the Area and Oikos ranges. On the same console, upon request, the Maestro beam&wall programming software can also be installed, closely connected to the HMI software. The possibility of using Maestro beam&wall both on a PC in the office and on the operator console, i.e. directly on the machine even for the programming phase, is an important advantage for companies that reckon on flexibility of use to increase their productivity.     OTHER NEW PRODUCTS PRESENTED IN DIGITAL MODE   OIKOS XL+ for great eco-sustainable challenges OIKOS XL+ is the new CNC machining centre for the production of columns and structural beams with a max. cross-section of 1250x610 mm. This solution has inherited all characteristics of OIKOS XL, a machining centre chosen by leading companies both in Europe and North America, amplifying all its advantages, thanks to the implementation of a second independent machining unit with a 1150 mm diameter saw blade.   In line with the increased expansion of multi-storey wooden buildings globally, OIKOS XL+ has been designed to overcome even the most complex challenges. The robust and adequately sized structure of the machine means very heavy elements of up to 4 tons can be processed, as well as very hard materials. Flexibility is another key point, in fact any operation on any side of the work piece can be performed with no need of repositioning, thanks to the innovative 6-axis architecture of the main machining unit. Productivity and precision are other primary requirements that are the basis of this model. The second 5-axis saw blade unit allows a blade radius of an impressive 400 mm. Furthermore, the use of a saw blade rather than a chainsaw aggregate means to work faster and achieve a better quality. Another advantage is the ability to execute cuts from bars with a maximum thickness of 610 mm. Decisive is the machining strategy behind the OIKOS XL+, which combines the second saw blade unit with the main machining unit that has a 740 mm diameter saw blade.   DMC SYSTEM XL: built bigger to work harder Two years after the launch of DMC SYSTEM XL, automatic sanding-calibrating machine for timber construction sector, with its firsts three modules (roller, pad and crossbelt units), the machine has been further enriched with new units that enable to process both top and bottom face of CLT panels up to 3.700 mm wide and 500 mm thick. New features presented at Dach+Holz 2024 are: bottom roller unit, top/bottom pad unit and “piggyback” crossbelt unit, modules that can be fully combined and integrated with each other according to the customer's production requirements, by offering very high configuration versatility (a distinctive plus of DMC SYSTEM XL) and unification of components and common parts to optimize operating costs. The solid steel structure is conceived to last long and withstand the most intense machining, by granting zero-vibration. Furthermore, the automatic sanding-calibrating machine has been developed to make the operator's maintenance work easy, fast and always safe. Energy saving is a key issue: the machine has been specifically engineered with an optimized design and technological solution for minimum compressed air consumption. Even this solution, as well as all SCM sanding technological offer, is aimed at improving the surface finishing and increase the value of the finished product. Reflecting the latest market trends in having visible CLT walls and a product that is as natural as possible (without resorting to additional surface treatments).   Source: SCM Group

HOMAG Technology Days 2024

• 2024-02-15

New solutions, new possibilities… in our showrooms throughout Germany

At HOMAG Technology Days, visitors can discover exclusive solutions in the areas of panel dividing, CNC, edge processing, digital solutions, automation and more, first hand at HOMAG locations throughout Germany. In addition to machines, digital products and production methods, the main focus of these special events is interaction and dialog with YOU! Together, we will immerse ourselves in the latest woodworking technologies - with the right focus on your unique needs.

Technology Days at a glance:

• 12.-14. March – Focus: Sawing, Cutting and Panel Dividing in Holzbronn
• 10.-12. April – Focus: CNC and Edge Processing in Herzebrock
• 16.-17. April – Focus: Building Component Manufacturing in Schopfloch
• 14.-15. Mai – Focus: Edge Processing and Automation in Schopfloch

  Focus: Sawing, Cutting and Panel Dividing

  12.-14. March 2024, Holzbronn

  
• In Holzbronn, visitors will experience state-of-the-art technologies for perfect panel dividing, from material handling to advanced production. The spectrum ranges from precise cuts to intelligent material utilization.

  Our highlights:

• Perfect entry-level solutions: The SAWTEQ S-200 and the updated SAWTEQ S-300 flexTec robotic saw, fed by STORETEQ F-100 single-axis feeder
• NEW: Flexible nesting with the CENTATEQ N-210, combined with the STORETEQ P-300 storage system (with new woodStore features), and the new generation of SAWTEQ S-300 as a “storage-saw-nesting” cell concept
• The extended opening hours are another special feature. They offer all visitors the ideal opportunity to talk shop and enjoy a relaxed exchange between experts, during the workday or at the end the day after their work is done.

  Opening hours:

• Tuesday, 12.03.2024: 11:00 – 20:00
• Wednesday, 13.03.2024: 11:00 – 20:00
• Thursday, 14.03.2024: 09:00 – 17:00
•  

  Focus: CNC and Edge Processing

• 10.-12. April 2024, Herzebrock

• 

• Visitors to Herzebrock will discover innovative CNC and edge processing solutions for the workshop. HOMAG will show visitors new perspectives and various options for optimizing work processes, from digital workflows and smart machine integration concepts to automated production solutions. And of course, individual machines for your individual needs.

  Our highlights:

• NEW: EDGETEQ S-200 with new, top-mounted gluing unit for PUR or EVA
• NEW: EDGETEQ S-380 with the new, material friendly LOOPTEQ O-400 return conveyor
• DRILLTEQ V-310 with automatic material return and new integrated turning function
• Experience over 1,600 m² of state-of-the-art technology in one compact location – complemented by suitable automation solutions and smart digital helpers

• Focus: Building Component Manufacturing (Windows, Stairs, Doors)

  16.-17. April 2024, Schopfloch

  
• From idea to production: During the Technology Days with a focus on component production in Schopfloch, visitors will discover technologies that facilitate and optimize the production of high-quality windows, stairs and doors.

  Our Highlights:

• Celebrate 25 years of HOMAG window production technology!
• See the CENTATEQ S-800/S-900 for automated window production, bar processing and block frame production – from entry-level to customized system concepts
• Whether you’re producing staircases, furniture, windows, doors or interior fittings – with
• the CNC processing centers of our CENTATEQ series, you have all the tools you need
• Informative specialist presentations: From experts for experts
• Personal exchange with other industry experts

 

• Focus: Edge Processing and Automation

  14.-15. May 2024, Schopfloch

  
• Perfect edges for perfect results. At the Technology Days with a focus on edge processing and automation in Schopfloch, HOMAG is focusing on outstanding edge processing with the right automation solutions - from the entry-level versions to fully automatic part circulation.

  Our Highlights:

• NEW: EDGETEQ S-200 with new, top-mounted gluing unit for PUR or EVA
• NEW: EDGETEQ S-500 with the new, material friendly LOOPTEQ O-400 return conveyor
• Edge cells from small to large: From the EDGETEQ S-380 with LOOPTEQ O-300 return conveyor, to the EDGETEQ S-500 with LOOPTEQ O-600, up to the EDGETEQ S-800 with LOOPTEQ C-500 edge circulation unit

         Source: HOMGA Group

WOODWORKING TECHNOLOGY: FOURTH QUARTER STILL DECLINING

• 2024-02-14

       After the booming growth of recent years, another negative quarter is expected for the processing industry of wood and wood-based materials. This trend is emerging from the traditional quarterly survey carried out by the Studies Office of Acimall, the association of Italian woodworking and furniture technology manufacturers, which continues to show a falling trend for orders, in line with the previous quarters.        The October-December 2023 figures show an overall reduction of orders by 23.6 percent compared to the same period of 2022, resulting from the combination of incoming orders from abroad (minus 6.3 percent) and a sharp decline in domestic demand (minus 48.1 percent), largely due to a wait-and-see attitude encouraged by the expected implementation of the new “Industria 5.0” measures. So, the back-to-normal trend after the exceptional results of 2020-2022 has combined with the wait for the new decree, whose details are being delayed, inevitably causing a negative impact on investment decisions for instrumental goods.        However, the wood and furniture technology industry can still rely on a significant order backlog of 4.5 months, having saved for a rainy day in the past years when demand was high. Prices are rallying, up by 1.9 percent since January 2023.        According to the quality survey, 55 percent of the interviewed companies expect substantial stability in production, while 25 percent predict an increase and 20 percent further reduction. 10 percent of interviewed companies expect increasing employment, while 70 percent indicate substantial stability and 20 percent fear a reduction.        Available stocks are stable according to 50 percent of the interviewees, increasing for 20 percent and decreasing for 30 percent.        Let’s take a look at the results of the forecast survey: on the domestic market, the figures processed by the Studies Office of Acimall reveal that 50 percent of the sample expect stability, 15 percent increasing orders and 35 percent a reduction.        Expectations are more balance for the foreign markets: 40 percent said the trend will remain stable, while things will get worse according to 35 percent. The remaining 25 percent expect an increase in orders.        “We can only repeat what we have been saying for months”, said Acimall Director Dario Corbetta. “In recent times, our industry has benefited from a very positive situation that could not last forever, and now we have to face a return to pre-Covid levels”. This situation must not scare Italian companies, as they are perfectly fit to face any situation, as the history of our industry shows. For sure, the definition of details of the “Industry 5.0” decree and its tangible consequences might have a strong impact on the trends emerging from our data, and this is the direction where the entire community of mechanical engineering is heading”. Source:ACIMALL  

SCM in the spotlight at IndiaWood

• 2024-01-30

       IndiaWood will be the opportunity for SCM to present its cutting-edge technologies and services and to announce the next opening of a new Subsidiary in Bengaluru. 22-26 February 2024 Bengaluru International Exhibition Center (BIEC) Hall 4, Stand M 104        The 13th edition of IndiaWood is coming and SCM, a global leading producer of secondary woodworking machinery, is ready to illustrate a cutting-edge selection of its best technological solutions and services for the market.        The Italian Group will attend the Asian leading international trade fair confirming the strong attention given to Indian region, the strategic investments done to strengthen SCM’s direct presence in this area and the will of being an all-around business partner for both industrial and artisan companies in the woodworking and furniture manufacturing sectors.        The varied proposal of technologies on demonstration is particularly suited to Indian customers and meet every machining requirement both in panel and solid wood processing.   TECHNOLOGIES HIGHLIGHTS        Here are just some state-of-the-art technologies that visitors will be able to find out with the SCM team’s experts.   Cnc machining centers: morbidelli p200        This universal cnc machining centre is conceived to satisfy any drilling, routing and edgebanding requirement. Just a few clicks allow to design and manufacture pieces of any shape and easily apply several typologies of edges. This “All-in-one technology” solution is unique on the market in having an unrivalled price-performance ratio and in offering several advantages. Morbidelli p200 also offers a superior quality thanks to the edgebanding unit which can process edges up to 80 mm height. Other advantages are the head borings fitted with RO.AX spindles with greater rigidity and a rotation speed up to 8000 rpm, the 5-axis JQX electrospindle for an unparalleled finish and the FAST 14 tool change that ensures a tool change in less than 15 seconds. The HE-PODs, synonymous of flexibility and innovation, bring the third dimension to the worktable surface. The machine can lift up the pieces to be processed and avoid unnecessary repositioning, making the most of the worktable size and reducing production cycle times by 30%. The Maestro edge software is ideal to manage and optimise the entire routing, drilling and edge banding process of panels and shaped components. The application guarantees maximum simplicity, unparalleled performance levels and a considerable reduction in the production cycle times.
  Edgebanding: stefani kd        Heavy duty and versatile edge bander for working different types of panels even with delicate surfaces thanks to the upper belt presser. The working speed of up to 20 m/min and the processing of solid wood strips up to 12 mm thick make this edge bander ideal for industrial companies that need to produce panels in large quantities and with extreme quality.        The SGP glue pot, supplied as standard, with the special non-stick plasma treatment allows the use of two different types of glue, EVA and PUR, for perfect edgebanding quality even on the latest generation panels. The optimal glue dosage and the special spreading roller ensures a perfect glue line. The SGP glue pot can be loaded both manually and with automatic pre-melters and the glues can be interchanged thanks to the automatic glue change/cleaning cycle with unloading onto the removable collection box. The possibility of having 2 premelters at the same time, the QMS-P for EVA glue and the PU BOX L for PUR glue, always guarantees the best glue quality. Wide belt sanders: dmc sd70          The dmc sd range of high-tech sanding solutions is ideal for small-size manufacturers who look for effectiveness, efficiency and high level of versatility.  In fact dmc sd 70 is perfect for different types of machining.  In the furniture sector this wide belt sander is ideal for calibrating MDF, plywood and solid wood as well as sanding veneered panels and finishing painted surfaces.        The configurations can vary from two or three units, combining roller, pad, superfinishing, brush units as well as crossbelt unit. In recent years, the dmc sd range has also been enhanced with new solutions that are unique on the market such as the led bar to optimise belt wear, the interchangeable brush unit to produce different machining processes (paint, structuring, chamfering etc.) and lastly the new eye-S control panel with Maestro active interface.        IndiaWood visitors will also be able to find out other SCM technologies for windows and doors manufacturing as well as joinery machines, world leader for top of the range, unique performance and continuous innovation.
SCM EXPANDS REACH WITH A NEW SUBSIDIARY IN BENGALURU        IndiaWood will also be the opportunity for SCM to announce the opening of a new Subsidiary in Bengaluru in April-May 2024. This is a great news for Indian customers and as anticipated by the new Country Manager, Kunal Roy, “SCM has made strategic investments to provide local businesses in the woodworking industry with an even more extensive and all-round assistance not only In India, but in the whole region including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal & Maldives”. “We are in process of expanding our Sales&Service infrastructure in India to cater to the entire region. We have executed some very prestigious projects in 2023 across various regions in India, such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu&Telangana and Delhi. We are continuously expanding our service team across India to ensure that we are able to provide a highly specialised, fast and reliable service support to any customers in the region”.        IndiaWood will be an ideal opportunity to meet the SCM team. “We are looking forward to welcoming and meeting Indian customers at our booth, in order to demonstrate SCM products and services best suited to their machining requirements”. Source: SCM Gruop