The trip home provided for some much-needed quiet time to reflect on the most successful B.C.M.C. of modern times. I believe the equipment displayed well represented the advancements made by our industry over the last decade or two. It also offered a glimpse into the future where automation in this digital age firmly settles into the factories of tomorrow. I have passed a ¼ century in this industry, when we were known for our rudimentary practices and physical labor was the way to accomplish the job. Automation is not only increasing production, or better utilizing natural resources, it is also protecting today’s workforce. I am impressed and proud to be a part of this industry as we continue to be better stewards to the planet and each other.
Square 1 Design established a new precedent for the 2018 B.C.M.C. with the LARGEST display of production equipment in the industry. Revolutionizing North America’s wall panel production with Spida Machinery’s newest Wall Extruder, Stud Extruder and Sheather. Software-driven wall panel production equipment at an affordable price brings a new era to wall panel production. I had the luxury to see this style of equipment in action in 2004 and spent the last eight years trying to bring the equipment into the North American market. Finally, this year, I felt as though I understood how to properly showcase this equipment. Never have I seen so many fabricators recording a process or a machine in action. The live demos provided at this year’s show offered a new insight to the future of panel fabrication.
Debuted at the B.C.M.C. is the Square 1 Design Intelligent Floor Truss System that has the integrated capability allowing trusses up to 40” deep to pressed (patent pending). This machine was as absolute knockout for floor truss manufacturers, who have always been limited by the equipment manufacturers.
Similarly, Square 1 Design displayed an upgraded version of the Floor Truss Finish Roller that pneumatically adjusts from 4x2 trusses to 2x4 trusses in seconds. Rapid changeovers allow the operator to switch from floor trusses to roof trusses in an instant. It also provides component manufacturers the opportunity to better utilize factory floor space and minimize capital expenditures.
While I may be self-promoting, I also recognize that many manufacturers are debuting improved processes, improved software, and advancements. In practice, it can be difficult to find all of the newest developments in the open market, because it takes years to develop a reliable piece of equipment (plus more time to develop the marketing materials required to assist in sales efforts). Fortunately, the latest and greatest products that will be industry-changing can be found at the B.C.M.C. We hope to see you at the next show in Columbus, OH in 2019!