THE COMPARISON - VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL

THE COMPARISON - VERTICAL OR HORIZONTAL Reprint from "dds" (Magazine for furniture & interiors), issue 1/2002 Vertical or horizontal saw - just a question of philosophy? Choosing the right panel saw can save up to 33.000 Euro each year. For years now, vertical and horizontal saws have been vying for customer preference. The issue is only clear-cut in industrial applications in which large batches of panels have to be cut. This is indisputably the domain of horizontal panel cutting centres. They are the only machines that are capable of cutting up thick stacks of panels at speed. The situation is different in all the other woodworking enterprises in which small and medium-sized batches are the norm. Here, it is essential to make a precise comparison of the economical aspects of the various competing systems. Both the manufacturers of vertical as well as horizontal panel saws have made major efforts recently to add significant new features to their machines and to improve their cost-effectiveness. Innovative panel saw specialist Striebig has taken a close look at the cost-effectiveness of vertical and horizontal panel saws in a comparative survey. In recent years, the market for panel saws in the lower and medium-performance sector has made tremendous advances. Both systems have moved closer together. The manufacturers of vertical panel saws have unleashed a veritable firework display of innovations in the last few years to catch up with horizontal panel saw technology. On the other hand, almost all the manufacturers of horizontal panel saws have slimmed down their large installations and developed affordable entry-level models, the basic versions of which are sold at prices well below the magical 50.000 Euro limit. All the more reason for Striebig AG's general manager Marcel Brunner to compare The survey included all major technical and commercial aspects in its evaluation. Sophisticated technology To avoid comparing apples with oranges, Striebig set great store in the survey on comparable performance and used the entry-level model data issued by leading manufacturers for their horizontal panel cutting centres as the basis. Where technical features and cutting performance are concerned, there is little between horizontal panel saws and Striebig's CONTROL model. Both systems offer close dimensional adherence matched by a cutting precision of 1/10 mm and finishing-cut quality. Scoring saw units ensure clean cuts on both systems. There are practically no differences in terms of operating convenience on modern machines. Horizontal panel saws have a slight advantage in stack-cutting operation. They can cut stacks up to 200 mm thick while vertical saws are limited to 80 mm. However, maximum cutting depth is a subordinate aspect in the case of small to medium-sized batches. For a long time, automatic panel-edge trimming was restricted to horizontal systems. With its new CONTROL model, Striebig has succeeded in catching up in this area, too, and can now offer the technology required for trimming on four sides without the need for turning. Automatic feed speeds can also be adjusted to suit the material on most vertical systems as with Striebig's CONTROL model. In summary, it can be said that vertical panel saws and Striebig's CONTROL model are fully comparable in terms of technical specifications. Both vertical as well as horizontal panel saws are universal allrounders. Specific data based on practical examples To provide a solid basis for decisions when investing in panel saws, Striebig has put together a comparison of costs between entry-level, horizontal panel saw models and Striebig's vertical CONTROL model. It was clear to all those involved in the survey that the comparison could make no claim to completeness. Nevertheless, it provides clear key factors that should be taken into consideration when investing in a panel saw. Considerations focused on issues subsequent

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