The superior quality of the final product has always been the chief goal when processing solid wood. Good tools are the most important factor. For quite a while, people had to make due with a series of compromises: The tools fastened to the spindle with a nut did not have the necessary rigidity or concentricity to ensure the best quality at high feed speeds.

Satisfactory results were only achieved after the introduction of hydraulic tools. Nevertheless, even this technology could not yield a satisfactory response to the new demands for flexibility in production.

 

The decisive step came in 1999: The PowerLock tool system was born. To the surprise of many, this quantum leap did not originate from a specialist but from WEINIG, the world's leader in the market for machines and systems for processing solid wood. In comparison to conventional tools, the PowerLock system was much lighter, more compact and extremely easy to handle. It clamps and releases at the push of a button. The lightning fast exchange of tools allows you to reduce setup time to a minimum. This is a major factor in attracting customers who were confronted with increasingly smaller batch sizes and shorter delivery times.

Nevertheless, PowerLock would not have succeeded if it were not able to artfully link greater productivity with outstanding surface quality. This is provided by the extremely precise HSK grip of the tool by a special tool holder. A respectable three tons of pull force make the two components a perfect unit without any tolerance for fit. This enables speeds up to 12,000 rpm - an unheard of speed before PowerLock came on the scene.

An increasing number of companies will be replacing their old machines with the new WEINIG Powermat series with the PowerLock system. Today, 10 years after its launch, more than 5,000 molders with the PowerLock tool system are being used around the globe. Nearly every wellknown tool manufacturer includes it in their standard line.

Of course, just like with every outstanding development, PowerLock had its imitators. Nevertheless, on its 10th anniversary, the patented original WEINIG PowerLock tool system is still clearly the leader. Peter Martin, Manager of Development for molders: "Only the WEINIG PowerLock runs up to 12,000 rpm, is joinable up to 10,000 rpm, and achieves feed speeds up to 200 m/min. if necessary." Another unique feature: Its 300 mm working width without an outboard bearing.

In addition, only WEINIG is able to deliver machines, tools and accessories from a single source. Perfectly harmonized grinding and measuring systems, adjusting tools and software that transfers online data to the machine control: These all ensure that the system can operate at maximum efficiency. An entire decade of experience with the HSK clamping system has kept the world's leader in the market in first place. "Our problem is being number one," confidently notes Peter Martin. "WEINIG PowerLock will remain highly attractive to woodworkers around the world in the future as well."