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Victorian-based prefabricated timber processing specialist Vicbeam positioned for growth with purchase of advanced CNC processing machine
Founded in 2003, Vicbeam has been manufacturing and supplying prefabricated laminated timber beams for its national clients and accommodating all types of structural timber designs.
It’s a story that draws its foundations from an early recognition by Andrew Wallace, founder of Vicbeam, that a large part of structural prefabricated laminated timber beam market remained ignored due to the challenges of processing structural timber elements.
Equipped with international experienced erecting glulam (glue-laminated timber) developments such as the 1991 Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club, Andrew and his family returned to Australia several years later, and up until earlier this year, all prefabrication work on their glulam beams was performed manually.
A succession of tools, that in the right hands delivered many successful projects including the award-winning Phillip Island Penguin Parade (visitors centre), who according to Brendan De Neef – Kane Project Manager, “produced an excellent quality product despite the complex geometry and tight timeframes”.
With the increasing demand for mass timber developments, demand for Vicbeams’ prefabricated glulam beams also witnessed exponential growth, in part, not only to the growing awareness and market acceptance of the sustainability of timber building but also the biophilia ‘rewards’ that accompany timber buildings.
Interestingly, a recent study of commercial rent returns in the UK indicated that per annum, mass timber buildings yield 15% more than conventional concrete buildings.
To meet increasing demand the decision was made to buy an advanced prefabricated timber CNC processing machine, the Essetre Techno One.
“We wanted to reduce the time for some jobs that took months to days, increase precision, and to also explore all sorts of different joints and connections that we wouldn’t have attempted by hand,” said Caleb Wallace, Project Manager, Vicbeam.
A key consideration in Vicbeam’s decision to buy the Essetre ‘Techno One’ CNC was the machines automatic tool change system: the ability to automatically swap between circular saw blades, drills, milling tools, chain saw and a mortise aggregate (a device that is attached to the spindle drive of a CNC to allow the user to rout or drill at different angles).
See: vicbeam.com.au
See: blissandreels.com.au
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