Franklin Connections Blog

• Lightweight Panel, Hot Air Edgebands at Ligna

  May-23-2013 | Comments: 0 | Posted By: Bill Esler, Wood Products Magazine
  

  For wood products and panel manufacturing, the place to be in May is Germany. Here in Hannover, I'm attending the LIGNA 2013 trade show - where I can see up close new machinery and wood manufacturing technology developments. Next week I will head south to Interzum in Cologne,(...) <read more>

• What’s Next in Wood Technology

  Apr-04-2013 | Comments: 1 | Posted In: | Posted By: Bill Esler, Wood Products Magazine
  

  Wood industry industrial trade shows in Europe next month – Ligna 2013 in Hannover, and Interzum in Cologne – will be showcases for new technology. U.S. wood manufacturing firms generally don’t make the trip to visit, and that’s a shame. (Canadians visit in far larger numbers, both absolute and relative).(...) <read more>

• Haptic Effects in Interior Surfaces

  Mar-07-2013 | Comments: 2 | Posted By: Bill Esler, Wood Products Magazine
  

  Firms involved in panel and veneer production have seen rising interest in textured surfaces. The trend is rooted in several areas. The textured wood surface harkens to more natural lumber qualities, with intentional imperfections and saw blade effects remaining on rough-hewn panels and solid woods.(...) <read more>

• America the Varied: Regional Design Preferences

  Feb-07-2013 | Comments: 2 | Posted By: Bill Esler, Wood Products Magazine
  

  One style doesn’t fit all regions, when it comes to selecting cabinets. While we think of big box stores dominating furniture and cabinetry retailing, these national retailing brands must cater to regional preferences.(...) <read more>

• Kitchen Cabinet Island for Dogs and Cats

  Jan-04-2013 | Comments: 2 | Posted By: Bill Esler, Wood Products Magazine
  

  Cabinetry to accommodate pets will find a ready market in the millions of households with dogs or cats.Amy Britton's Artisan Kitchens, Osterville Village, ME, offers custom cabinetry with dog-bone drawer pulls and an LED-lit recess with a raised shelf to keep pet food bowl insets above the floor.(...) <read more>

• The Wood Industry's Research Lab

  Dec-05-2012 | Comments: 0 | Posted In: | Posted By: Bill Esler, Wood Products Magazine
  

  Wood shops and wood production factories alike have a need for research, to develop new products, new methods, and to test materials. The very largest panel and solid wood products manufacturers have the resources to conduct their own research, often in in-house labs and testing facilities(...) <read more>