Fire doors are classified by their ability to resist fire for set periods — typically FD30, FD60, FD90, and FD120 — ensuring occupants have enough time to evacuate safely. To meet these standards, every component of a fire door must contribute to its structural integrity. Among these components, Hoffmann Dovetail Keys play a crucial role, particularly in securing joints within vision panel cassettes. These keys are certified for FD30 and FD60 applications and have also been successfully tested in composite fire door blanks and solid wood door frames.
Consistent, high-quality fire door production depends not only on certified components but also on safe and precise machinery. Equipment must ensure both operator safety and manufacturing accuracy. Hoffmann’s MS-35 and MS- 35-SF machines are designed with these priorities in mind, providing a safe working environment while delivering reliable results.
Practical benefits of this system are highlighted by industry users. Mitch Johnson, Branch Manager at Door and Joinery Solutions, notes that adopting the Hoffmann MS35-SF for producing glazing bead cassettes has simplified their workflow while improving both quality and efficiency. The precision of the joints eliminates the need for filling before finishing, allowing cassettes to be lacquered prior to fitting. This has streamlined production and increased output by approximately 20%. The company’s satisfaction with the system led them to invest in a second machine as their operations expanded.
Process
The manufacturing process itself is straightforward and efficient. A workpiece is positioned on the table, and with the press of a button, it is clamped. Both saw units’ cycle from above to make the mitre cuts. The parts remain clamped whilst the tables open to allow the router units to rout one or two dovetail slots for jointing with Hoffmann Keys, sizes W-1/2/3. The machine tables close, clamping is released and the finished workpiece is removed. The next machine cycle begins.
The Machine Safety Guard closes automatically after starting the processing cycle and re-opens when complete. A Clear vision panel retains the dust and scrap end, for better operator comfort. A Fence stop system is also available for longer profiles up to 4000 mm. The Hoffmann MS35SF can be used solely as a Double Mitre Saw, to cut to length profiles such as glazing beads, cornices plinths etc. in wood, aluminium, and plastic at 45° angles.
As well as producing mitre joints, the Hoffmann MS35SF can also be integrated with a cross-cut saw to make the square cut when manufacturing three-part door architraves.
Further special improvements were made to the Double Mitre Combination machine MS 35-SF. The Hoffmann design team has reduced vibration, enhanced cutting precision and eliminated the need for further finishing. A chip breaker ensures clean cuts, and low noise levels improve the working environment. Newer models, such as the MS40-SF, feature a larger saw blade (400mm), increasing cutting width to 105mm, as well as a new waste ejector which automatically removes off cuts at the front of the unit. Automatic router positioning is also available via NC axis and touch screen adjustment.
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