In 2024, Auburn University in Alabama, USA invested in a CLT press from Kallfass, a machine manufacturer from Klosterreichenbach, Germany. This investment will be used for basic research into cross laminated timber.
As the second largest university in the state of Alabama, Auburn University has set itself the goal to test cross laminated timber in a study for its structural properties under various conditions, also in respect of fire protection. The aim is to verify the suitability of CLT as a building material and thus strengthen confidence within the industry and among construction companies. Professor David W. Hinson, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, is leading this study and became aware of their CLT press featured on the Kallfass homepage.
Suitable solution with automatic drawer infeed
Auburn University was looking for a turnkey press with flexible control that could variably press different dimensions, regardless of shape and thickness, and found the right solution in the modular CLT press from Kallfass. As fully automatic feeding of the press in the laboratory was not possible, Kallfass developed a special drawer infeed. The cross laminated timber layers to be pressed are placed manually with individual, planed and glued boards on the drawer infeed at the zero line and moved into the press at the touch of a button.
The drawer infeed remains retracted during the pressing process. If the laboratory space is to be used for other purposes and panels are not produced, the drawer and alignment stop can be stowed compactly in the press.
Modular design: The Kallfass CLT press with the drawer infeed specially developed for the university
Large product variety
The CLT press can produce boards of any length from 750 to 3,600 mm and widths from 800 to 3,200 mm. Using intelligent pressure distribution and individual cylinder shut-off, asymmetrical or particularly small boards can also be produced for laboratory tests. This large product variance is of the utmost importance for the intended test series. The continuously adjustable pressure of up to 1 N/mm2 is automatically regulated and adjusted via the integrated system control. The elastic behaviour of wood is also taken into account when determining the required pressure. To achieve a smooth surface with visual quality as end result, the Kallfass CLT press is also equipped with a one-sided side pressure.
Auburn University started with two press modules at the end of last year. If an extension is required at a later date, this is easily realised due to the modular design of the Kallfass press.
Following a two-week installation period, Kallfass put the CLT press into operation at the beginning of November 2024. Kallfass project manager Steffen Haist, who carried out the on-site training of the Auburn University operating personnel, was extremely satisfied with the smooth running of the project. Thanks to the simple and intuitive control of the press, the staff were able to implement the trained content quickly”, he summarises.
Simple operating: Kallfass project manager Steffen Haist (back right) introducing the CLT press at Auburn University
