Some exciting developments have been in the works at Panels Plus. Not only are we launching a new product, but we’re also launching an entirely new product category, the Platinum Series, that is focused on increased automation. Our team is thrilled to announce the addition of the Platinum Series Automated Sheathing Bridge to the list of Panels Plus product offerings.
In addition to more-automated processes, the new Platinum Series Sheathing Bridge boasts a new interface that is compatible with MiTek’s ShopNet™ software, one of the most popular design software products in the building component industry. MiTek’s ShopNet™ provides the automated bridge nailing information for even greater fastener consistency and accuracy. This new interface is adaptive and can accommodate different building codes, reducing the user-error associated with changes in nail spacing from panel to panel.
How it all started
Although the concept of creating an Automated Sheathing Bridge had been around for some time, development of the new automated bridge didn’t start until the middle of 2019. The idea to create a more-automated sheathing station was based on market feedback and customer requests. “We have heard from our customers, and the market in general, about the need for an affordable system that includes automation,” said Tim Kaasa, National Sales Manager for Panels Plus. Tim added, “We also recognized that there was a lack of options between the semi-automated systems that we provide like our Framing, Squaring, Sheathing, and Floor Cassette Stations, and the fully automated multi-million-dollar systems that are being offered by other companies. We wanted to create a product offering that was a ‘sweet spot’ for those who wanted to implement a more-automated system into their facility, but don’t have a couple million dollars lying around.” Enter the Panels Plus Platinum Series.
Well, that’s new
The current Panels Plus Sheathing Station features some semi-automated processes and requires an operator to be physically present throughout panel production. To begin production, the operator pushes the wall panel into the machine and clamps the panel, then drives the bridge to align the laser with the stud. The operator assists the Sheathing Station throughout the sheathing process until the panel is completed.
The Platinum Series Automated Sheathing Station reduces the amount of time the operator needs to be hands-on during the sheathing process. To begin production, the operator pushes the wall panel into the machine, selects the correct wall file through the ShopNet™ software, and initiates production. The operator is then free to work elsewhere on the production line until the panel is completed.
Developing the Automated Sheathing Bridge
Two Panels Plus team members played a key role in the development and design of the new Automated Sheathing Bridge: Jeff Brown, Panels Plus Product Manager and Ross Krueger, Panels Plus Software Engineer. Jeff and Ross worked tirelessly to spearhead both the equipment design and the software needed to drive the automation. However, designing a new system came with its challenges.
“We originally thought we could add the electrical controls to our existing sheathing unit, but as we started to develop the electrical and test the machine, we found that many of the mechanical components on the machine needed to be changed to be able to withstand the torque requirements to achieve the operating speed required. In addition, several components needed to be designed to be more rigid to achieve the accuracy we were looking for.” – Tim Grahn, Panels Plus General Manager
Once we nailed down the product requirements, our team reached out to our partners and other experts in the building component industry. We worked closely with MiTek and Yaskawa to procure components and create the new interface for the Automated Sheathing Bridge.
We worked closely with the Yaskawa, a leading global manufacturer of variable frequency drives, servo systems, machine controllers, and industrial robots to procure the most up-to-date components for the new Platinum Series, such as the internal drives and motors. “The Yaskawa team was very helpful and have helped us a lot with programing the new drives, their team has a lot of experience with gantry systems,” said Ross Krueger, Panels Plus Software Engineer.
MiTek provides products, software, services, and automation to the component industry and has been a valuable distributor of Panels Plus equipment for many years. Because of our long-standing history with MiTek, we were able to work with their team to make our Automated Sheathing Bridge compatible with their ShopNet™ software.
“Partnering with MiTek has given us the opportunity to design a machine that is compatible with one of the most popular design software products in the panel building industry,” – Tim Kaasa, Panels Plus Sales Manager.
What’s next?
You may be asking, “What’s next in the Platinum Series?” First on our list is to increase our compatibility with other panel design software. Our team will also be adding additional offerings to the Platinum Series product line including an Automated Framing Station and an Automated Panel Stacking System.
As a leader in manufacturing panelized wall panel and floor cassette equipment, we’ve been providing innovative equipment for the off-site, modular, and prefabricated building industries for over 20 years. We’re excited to continue the tradition of creating innovative equipment for the building component industry. We will be showcasing our new Automated Sheathing Bridge at BCMC this October. We encourage you to stop by Panels Plus, Booth #1233, to view our new product and talk with our team!
Be on the lookout for more information on the Platinum Series and Automated Sheathing Bridge coming to our website in the future. www.panplus.com