CHILE - In June 2023, Masisa S.A. implemented Dieffenbachers's EVOsteam steam preheating system at its Cabrero, Chile particleboard plant, praised by Roberto Stück, Masisa's Technical Director, for its cost-effective advantages.

EVOsteam, installed directly at the press infeed, employs steam injection to dramatically reduce mat heating time, boosting production speed and capacity by up to 20%. Tobias Hempel, Dieffenbacher's Product Manager, explains the system's versatility, serving as a steam shower or injecting steam into the mat.

Significantly, EVOsteam conserves resources, particularly resin, amid escalating gas and resin costs. It allows resin to thoroughly cure during continuous pressing, forming "resin bridges" that enhance board quality with reduced resin consumption.

EVOsteam enables precise steam adjustments in each mat zone, ensuring excellent density profiles, enhancing heat penetration, reducing sanding needs, and trimming production costs while minimizing blister formation.

The system also prevents belt condensation by using thermal oil from the press's secondary heating to preheat the steam platen. It offers user-friendliness, low maintenance, and minimal wastewater, contributing to cost-effectiveness, making it a potential alternative to press extensions.

Dieffenbacher provides comprehensive services for new EVOsteam installations, ensuring seamless integration and optimal production results, including fully integrated recipe management.

EVOsteam has succeeded with other companies like Pfleiderer and Sumitomo Group's Vina Eco Board, enhancing production speed, accommodating low-emission glue, and proving effective for lightweight boards.

In summary, EVOsteam, suitable for particleboard, MDF, and OSB production, offers a cost-effective solution to boost capacity, improve board quality, and reduce resource consumption. It's available for new installations and retrofits.