Kimball’s A One-of-a-Kind Automated Wood Veneer Panel Processing Line

At Machine Solutions, we believe the best automation projects are built through collaboration. This recently completed wood veneer panel processing line for Kimball, a division of HNI, is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when industry-leading companies combine their expertise.

Working alongside Biesse and Bacci Automation, this project brought together years of engineering experience to develop a highly automated manufacturing system capable of processing custom wood veneer panels with exceptional speed, accuracy, and flexibility.

Collaboration Drives Innovation

Every successful automation project begins long before equipment arrives on the plant floor.

This system was the result of extensive engineering reviews, process development, simulations, and collaboration between all project partners. The goal was simple: create a fully integrated production line capable of handling a wide variety of panel sizes while maximizing manufacturing efficiency and minimizing manual intervention.

The result is a truly one-of-a-kind Industrial Automation System designed specifically for high-volume wood panel manufacturing.

Intelligent Material Flow from Start to Finish

Once panels are cut to size and veneer is applied, every part is automatically labeled and tracked throughout the manufacturing process.

Panels first enter a large vertical buffer tower where they complete a controlled cooling cycle before being released in the proper sequence for downstream operations. This intelligent material handling system keeps production flowing efficiently while maintaining complete part traceability.

Automated Sizing, Squaring & Edgebanding

After buffering, panels move automatically into a high-speed sizing, squaring, and edgebanding line.

Because every panel carries its own identification label, the system automatically recognizes each part’s dimensions and processing requirements. Some components require multiple passes through the line, while others move directly to the next operation. Veneer overhang trimming is also completed automatically during processing, eliminating additional manual steps.

This flexibility allows the line to efficiently process mixed production with little operator involvement.

High-Production Machining with Automatic Lock Dowel Insertion

Following edgebanding, parts enter the FTT machining line where multiple operations are completed in a continuous workflow.

Panels are processed in pairs for drilling, routing, additional machining, and automatic Lock Dowel insertion. When required, the system automatically flips parts to complete back-side machining before continuing through production.

By integrating multiple manufacturing processes into a single automated system, production throughput is increased while maintaining exceptional part quality and repeatability.

Automated Storage, Sorting & Kitting

The final stage of the process demonstrates the power of fully integrated manufacturing automation.

Finished parts are transferred into a large automated storage and sorting silo where components are organized by customer order. Once every required part has been completed, the system automatically releases the full kit for palletizing, wrapping, and shipment to the final assembly facility.

This intelligent kitting process ensures every order leaves complete and in sequence while significantly reducing manual handling.

Built for Manufacturing Efficiency

One of the most impressive aspects of this installation is its overall efficiency.

The average panel spends approximately 39 minutes moving through the entire production process—including a 20-minute cooling cycle—while the complete system is supervised by only four full-time operators.

That combination of automation, intelligent material handling, and integrated manufacturing allows Kimball to produce high-quality wood veneer panels with outstanding consistency and productivity.

Automation That Delivers Results

Projects like this showcase what’s possible when experienced automation partners work together toward a common goal.

At Machine Solutions, we specialize in bringing the best in the business to the table to design and integrate advanced Industrial Automation Systems that improve manufacturing efficiency, increase production capacity, and help manufacturers remain competitive in an evolving industry.

Whether you’re automating a single process or designing a complete production line, our team can help develop a solution tailored to your manufacturing goals.

Ready to explore automation for your facility? Contact Machine Solutions to discuss your next manufacturing automation project. 812-559-0606