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Future-Proof System Design in Modular Construction
The core requirement for ter Hürne was to enhance its surface finishing capabilities, as the refinement of wood surfaces plays a crucial role in standing out in the flooring market. The previous manual processes were to be replaced by an innovative lacquer and oil coating line that guarantees maximum efficiency, flexibility, and quality. The goal was to unlock new possibilities in paint and oil coating applications.
"With this system, we have brought entirely new capabilities into our company, and there really is no comparison to the old setup. The previous process was manual. Now, we have a highly automated process that allows us to work more efficiently and apply multiple coating layers to our products in succession," says Hendrik Voß, Managing Director of Technology and Supply Chain Management at ter Hürne. "We wanted a system that was modular, expandable, and ultimately compatible with the various lacquer and oil systems available on the market."
In addition to the required flexibility and modularity, the system had to handle various coating systems and be planned with future expansions in mind. Another key requirement was seamless structural integration, as the new system had to be installed in the existing production hall without disrupting ongoing operations. Moreover, the project had to be completed within a tight schedule to ensure the system was fully operational in time for the launch of new products at a major trade fair in Munich.
Ease of Maintenance and Operation as Key Success Factors
Following initial discussions at LIGNA 2023, the close collaboration between ter Hürne and BÜRKLE began. Project planning started in July 2023, followed by intensive process development and coating trials in November of the same year.
"We had our first hands-on experience with BÜRKLE's lacquering and oiling technology in Freudenstadt, where we reviewed several systems and machines. The ease of maintenance and operation impressed us from the start, and this gave us the confidence to proceed with BÜRKLE," reflects Voß on the decision process.
The final order was placed in January 2024. Within just eight months, the system was designed and built at BÜRKLE before being seamlessly integrated into ter Hürne’s existing production line during a twelve-week installation phase.
Today, the new system sets benchmarks in parquet and flooring surface finishing. It enables fully automated processing with a cycle rate of six cycles per minute. Through state-of-the-art control technology and the sophisticated interplay of robotics and coating technology, the system ensures maximum process reliability and efficiency.
Technical highlights include a dual station for light and dark stains, allowing quick changes of coating media without production interruptions, high-efficiency UV dryers for optimized energy usage, automated robotic loading and unloading, and BÜRKLE’s central control system for intuitive operation and recipe management to quickly adapt to changing production requirements. Additionally, the system was integrated into ter Hürne’s MES system, ensuring seamless data exchange and real-time monitoring of production processes.
Close Coordination and Modern Technologies as Success Drivers
"This project with ter Hürne is an excellent example of how BÜRKLE’s modern surface technology can sustainably optimize production processes. Our highly automated solution not only enables greater efficiency and process reliability but also offers enormous flexibility for various lacquer and oil systems. Particularly noteworthy is the collaborative partnership between our teams," says Patrick Lenz, Sales Manager for Roller Coating at BÜRKLE. “Despite demanding technical and time constraints, we successfully realized one of the most advanced coating and oiling systems in Europe. This demonstrates how crucial close coordination and modern technologies are in machinery and plant engineering to provide our customers with a lasting competitive advantage.”
The close alignment between ter Hürne and BÜRKLE proved to be a key success factor. Regular meetings via video conferences and on-site visits ensured a smooth project flow. The constant availability of a dedicated technical contact at BÜRKLE allowed rapid responses to challenges. Virtual robot simulation also supported the project execution even before actual system integration. Despite the tight schedule, the system was successfully commissioned on time.
"With this new system, we now have one of the most advanced coating and oiling lines in Europe and are well prepared for the future," concludes Hendrik Voß. His final verdict on the collaboration with BÜRKLE: “On time and on budget – that says it all.”
The successful implementation of the new surface finishing system has elevated ter Hürne to a new technological level. The significant increase in efficiency enables the company to respond more flexibly to customer demands while optimizing production costs. The modular design of the system allows for future expansions, ensuring the investment is secured for the long term. Both project teams from Südlohn and Freudenstadt are enthusiastic about the outcome.
