GERMANY - Wood-based panels manufacturing systems provider Dieffenbacher has shared details on a number of plant modernizations projects designed to help wooden panel producers stay competitive.

The Eppingen, Germany-based company said one example is the retrofitting of a steam preheater at Pfleiderer’s MDF plant in Baruth, Brandenburg, Germany.

The companies’ collaboration led to Dieffenbacher’s EVOsteam technology installed directly at the press infeed. The EVOsteam preheats the mat by injecting steam, reducing the time needed to heat the mat inside the press, accelerating production.

The technology will also be used to boost particleboard production for Vina Eco Board Co Ltd in the province of Long An, Vietnam.

Vina Eco Board also commissioned Dieffenbacher to convert the forming station of the same line. By installing roller screens in both wind formers, spreading accuracy is improved, leading to better surface quality of the produced boards. Installation and commissioning of both modernization projects are scheduled for summer/fall 2021.

Another forming station conversion is underway for Pfleiderer at its Grajewo site in northeastern Poland, where it produces MDF and particleboard.

To meet increased demands for particleboard surface quality, Pfleiderer worked with Dieffenbacher to develop a surface layer forming process for high quality products.

With a design adapted to the airflow, the new forming station accommodates shorter, space-saving wind formers. The project is scheduled to go into operation as early as next spring.