MS Interiors & Design Ltd, specialists in bespoke joinery and interior fit-outs, recently enhanced their edgebanding capabilities with the addition of the HOLZ-HER AURIGA 1308XL POWER. Furniture Joinery & Production spoke to Managing Director, Mark Sexton and Project Production Manager, Matthew Briggs, to find out how the new machine is transforming their operations.
The decision to switch to this advanced edgebanding solution has already brought about tangible, wide-ranging improvements, from faster turnaround times and energy savings to dramatically better finishing and higher operator confidence.
The team had previously relied on a traditional glue pot system, which was not only time-consuming and labour-intensive, but also lacked precision. “With our previous machine, many jobs required hand-finishing, a time-consuming process that significantly increased our labour costs,” explains Matthew.
Glue application was inconsistent, often resulting in weak bonds and visible glue joints, particularly problematic with darker or textured boards. “With our old machine, even the smallest imperfection, like a lump or crust, would cause problems. Now, that’s no longer an issue,” he adds.
With the arrival of the AURIGA 1308XL, everything changed. Thanks to HOLZ-HER’s Glu Jet System and thin-film technology, MS Interiors has virtually eliminated the need for hand finishing.
The glue line is now so precise and seamless that even on black or white cabinets, they can use neutral adhesive without compromising on visual quality. The result is a consistently flawless finish that far surpasses what was previously possible, with the team reporting a five-fold improvement in overall quality.
Operators have found the AURIGA 1308XL remarkably easy to use compared to their previous machine, which required frequent adjustments and was overly complex. “It’s great to have precise control, allowing you to make exact adjustments at the push of a button, so you can specify exactly how much movement you need,” says Matthew.
Switching between thin and thick panels is effortless, and unlike the old glue pot roller system, the Glu Jet handles both with ease and consistency.
The team were particularly impressed by the hands-on support provided by HOLZ-HER, especially Regional Sales Manager Richard Hird, who was brilliant to deal with and ensured a smooth and seamless sales process, and UK-based engineers Matt Boak and Krzysztof Zakreta, their in-depth training and responsive aftercare made a real difference.. His practical, step-by-step approach meant operators felt fully supported from the outset.
“The training was brilliant and really easy to follow,” says Matthew. “Thanks to that, our team is confident running the machine independently, with very little need for supervision.”
The Glu Jet’s just-in-time heating system, with a heat-up time of just three minutes, has brought welcome energy savings. Previously, the edgebander had to be left on all day, wasting both electricity and glue. Now, the AURIGA is only switched on when needed, which not only cuts energy costs but also protects adhesive quality and reduces waste.
Routine maintenance has been greatly simplified. Instead of difficult and time-consuming cleaning processes, the Glu Jet requires only a quick clean every 48 hours, a task the team describes as “child’s play” thanks to both the machine’s design and the thorough training provided.
The team has also noted a significant increase in bond strength, even when using EVA glue. The Glu Jet system’s full strength, precise and consistent glue distribution ensures a full bond across every panel, eliminating previous issues with incomplete and weak adhesion.
HOLZ-HER, National Sales Manager, Paul Nightingale added, “Because the Glu Jet system only heats the glue it needs on demand, glue strength and colour are never compromised and are always delivered at the precise point required. This means that the costly time spent finishing panels on the bench is not required. Rapid heat-up times, fast set-ups, repeatability and exceptional performance save so much time and money.”
Fully capable of handling PUR adhesive, the system will soon be used by MS Interiors in high-moisture environments such as tearoom and washroom areas. While full PUR processing hasn’t yet begun, the team is confident in both its value and ease of use.
The cleaning process is refreshingly straightforward, requiring just two wax cartridges and a wire brush, allowing for a smooth transition between adhesive types as needed.
This upgrade has already delivered measurable business benefits, faster throughput, reduced glue consumption per piece, and the elimination of additional finishing. “In practice, the machine saves us so much time that it essentially pays for itself,” says Matthew.
As one operator summed it up, “It’s working really well, the lads are happy, the finish is spot on, and it’s saving us time and money. It’s just so much better.”
Experience the machine in action by booking an appointment to visit the Michael Weinig (UK) Ltd showroom, where a dedicated operator will demonstrate the HOLZ-HER AURIGA 1308XL POWER, highlighting measurable improvements in efficiency, performance, and profitability.
01235 557600
