Timber › Notes › 2.2 Technical considerations

2.2 Technical considerations

• Mechanisation: machines operated by people replace hand labour (e.g. driver-operated forklift, panel saw, thicknesser). Automation: machines controlled by computer run with little human input (CNC routers, CNC beam saws, automatic edge banders, robotic sanding/spraying).
• Specialisation: workers repeat one task (fast, but boring, repetitive strain). Generalisation/multi-skilling: workers trained across tasks (flexible, motivated, cover absences).
• Mass production: standardised parts and production lines; low unit cost; flat-pack with knock-down fittings (e.g. IKEA). Less customisation.
• New and emerging technologies: CAD/CAM; CNC nesting routers; handheld CNC (Shaper Origin); 5-axis CNC; laser cutting/engraving; 3D printing for prototypes; drones/LiDAR for forest inventory; kiln control systems; engineered timber (LVL, glulam, CLT); low-VOC finishes and UV-cured coatings; online configurators for custom furniture.

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