Safe automation for greater safety in timber construction

Nordpan Rubner Holzbauelemente GmbH is based in Tyrol, where it manufactures high-quality single and multi-layer panels for various applications in timber construction. To further improve the quality, material efficiency and sustainability of its products, the company automated the repair of defects such as knotholes, cracks and resin pockets. These repairs had previously been carried out manually. The result is a highly efficient production line that finishes natural wood panels with precision and is gentle on the material. With automation increasing, the focus also shifted to machinery safety, so Pilz implemented a comprehensive safety concept for Nordpan Rubner – ranging from risk assessment and CE compliance to the integration of safe sensor technology – The core of the hardware solution is the safety locking device PSENmlock. 

Pilz developed the safety concept and safety solution for the new repair facility and supported the project from risk analysis and definition of the required performance level through to technical implementation and CE compliance. Several sawing, milling and drilling units are in operation within the plant, so the safety gates must not be allowed to open until all hazardous movements have safely come to a standstill. That's why the safety locking device PSENmlock is used on the access gates to the enclosed production line: the integrated escape release on the safety locking device enables operators to exit the inside of the plant safely at any time in the case of danger. The result for Nordpan Rubner was a robust, future-proof safety solution, which combines high availability, safe maintenance processes and scalable automation for future expansion phases of the repair facility.

• Safe maintenance and operation of the repair facility thanks to safety gates with an integrated escape release
• A one-stop safety concept and robust safety gate solution for timber construction, resistant to dust and vibration
• A future-proof, standardisable safety architecture for further automation projects

“Innovation, ongoing investment and an uncompromising commitment to quality are our foundation. Because with a consistent safety concept, modern technology paves the way for natural product quality. Pilz's role is that of integrated partner – both technically and in an advisory capacity, and as a guarantor of legal compliance.”

Nordpan Rubner Holzbauelemente GmbH was founded in 1969 and has been manufacturing high-quality natural wood panels for a wide range of applications in timber construction for more than 50 years. Based in Strassen (East Tyrol), the company manufactures natural wood panels at its site for a range of applications and sectors: its portfolio includes single and multi-layer panels in various grades and sizes. More than five million square metres of natural wood panels are produced each year for use in industrial and commercial construction, interior fittings and facades.