Applications & technologies from WINTERSTEIGER

Modern manufacturing solutions are particularly beneficial for wood processing, industrial production, lightweight construction, and manufacturing businesses with high requirements in terms of precision and efficiency. 

Yes, WINTERSTEIGER delivers custom integration solutions for existing production plants. TRC systems are integrated into ongoing processes via individual transport systems and automation interfaces. Planning is carried out on a plant-specific basis according to customer specifications.

WINTERSTEIGER developed the first thin-cutting frame saw in 1970 and immediately set a new benchmark for industrial wood processing. Today, WINTERSTEIGER is the global technology leader in thin-cutting saws, with headquarters in Ried im Innkreis, Austria.

At WINTERSTEIGER, engineering is the interdisciplinary development of customer-specific production plants from the feasibility study through CAD design, simulation, and control system development to commissioning and remote maintenance. Interdisciplinary teams from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software development, and project management deliver both in-house developments and bespoke projects for automotive applications, lightweight construction, and insulation materials.

Machine Vision is an industrial image processing system for automatically detecting, analyzing, and evaluating workpieces in real time. WINTERSTEIGER uses Machine Vision for fully automated defect detection in TRC systems (cracks, knots, resin pockets) and for real-time quality control in automated production lines. The systems enable data-based process optimization without manual interventions.

Roundwood processing is the conversion of logs into lumber products such as boards, timbers, and planks. WINTERSTEIGER provides roundwood sawing solutions under the SERRA Maschinenbau brand with mobile sawmills (e.g., KE 90) and stationary sawmills (e.g., XE 160) for trunk diameters of up to 160 cm (63 inches). Our sawmills are currently in use in about 80 countries around the world.

System integration in plant engineering is the integrated connection of machines, plant components, software solutions, and IT systems to create a continuous, automated production process. WINTERSTEIGER relies on open interfaces and standardized communication protocols to connect machines, robots, and software from different manufacturers – including MES, ERP, and CAD/CAM systems.

Thin-cutting technology from WINTERSTEIGER enables precise cutting for industrial production with minimal kerf and maximum material yield. Developed to produce ready-to-glue surfaces immediately after cutting (without any additional processing steps), it is used around the world in the flooring, furniture, panel, board, and lightweight construction industry.

The plant engineering and custom machine building team at WINTERSTEIGER develops turnkey production systems, from initial planning through fully integrated implementation. The range extends from thin-cutting production lines and TRC automation solutions through robotics solutions and material handling to end-of-line systems for packing and palletization. All systems are modular and scalable.

The sawmill technology under the SERRA brand encompasses mobile and stationary sawmills for tree trunks with a diameter of up to 160 cm/63 inches. SERRA is a leading manufacturer of wide-band saw mills with more than 1,500 systems installed in over 80 countries around the world.

Contour cutting is the precise cutting of complex shapes and geometries using digitally controlled band saws and cutting systems. In contrast to straight separating cuts, contour cutting enables individual profiles, curves, and free-form shapes to be cut in wood, PU foam, rock wool, insulation materials, and technical plastics. At WINTERSTEIGER, contour cutting solutions are provided under the HEMA (Heermann Maschinenbau GmbH) brand.

WINTERSTEIGER offers solutions for cutting processes, automation, wood surface repair, and machine vision in industrial manufacturing.

For optimal cutting results, the cutting speed (25–50 m/s) and feed (5–50 m/min) as well as the spraying and/or lubrication intervals must be coordinated with one another based on the cutting width, wood type, saw type, and moisture levels. With WINTERSTEIGER band saws, you can save product-specific cutting programs.

The band speed and feed rate must be precisely coordinated to each other. Higher band speeds (25–50 m/s) improve the surface quality and cutting accuracy, while the feed rate (5–50 m/min) is adjusted based on the wood type, cutting width, and moisture levels. WINTERSTEIGER machines allow you to save optimized parameters as cutting programs that you can load as needed.

Technologies control, optimize, and link production processes. They ensure efficiency, quality, and cost-effective manufacturing. 

The crown (cambered gliding surface of the band deflection pulleys) positions the saw band's row of teeth correctly and plays a crucial role in even cutting. Regrinding in line with the manufacturer's specifications is recommended after about 5,000 hours of operation.

WINTERSTEIGER thin-cutting saws achieve kerfs from as small as 0.7 mm. The thin kerf minimizes material loss during cutting, helping maximize yield and profitability, especially with high-value materials such as walnut, cherry, tropical hardwoods, or with composite materials.

The correct blade tension is crucial for cutting accuracy and surface quality. Too low a tension results in unstable saw band tracking and conical cuts; too high a tension can damage or destroy the saw band.

Lamellas starting from a thickness of 1.0 mm can be produced using WINTERSTEIGER thin-cutting band saws. The minimum thickness that can be achieved depends on the wood type, moisture levels, and machine type. When combined with kerfs starting from 0.7 mm, this results in exceptionally high material yield per board foot of cutting.

WINTERSTEIGER automation solutions support predictive maintenance through intelligent sensor technology, real-time data monitoring, and digital remote maintenance systems. Condition monitoring helps to detect wear and deviations before failures occur to minimize downtimes and enable data-based maintenance scheduling.

The Faulty Spot Eye detects defects in wood top layers using laser triangulation without database comparisons. All defects are individually recalculated for each board from scratch. The detection threshold is 0.5 mm (knothole diameter, crack width) with a scanning speed of around 72 m/min.

TRC (Timber Repair & Cosmetics) is a fully automated system for detecting and repairing defects in wood surfaces. The process is divided into three steps: Detect (scanning for defects), Clean (pre-cleaning), and Repair (filling with thermoplastic, organic material, or real wood patches). WINTERSTEIGER delivers complete end-to-end solutions.

WINTERSTEIGER thin-cutting machines achieve a cutting accuracy within a tolerance range of ±0.20 mm. This precision enables ready-to-glue surfaces to be produced directly after cutting and minimizes the need for downstream processing steps such as sanding or planing.

The applications and technologies from WINTERSTEIGER help companies achieve higher material yields, stable processes, reduced defect rates, and improved predictability in production.

The blade tension is established pneumatically and adjusted directly via the machine control system based on the saw blade. Too low a tension has a negative impact on the cutting accuracy.