by Aislinn Esterle

System TM has once again joined forces with Bosch Rexroth to develop a state-of-the-art long-length finger-jointing press, designed to deliver increased capacity and precision, especially for CLT- and GLT-production lines.

At System TM, innovation and customization are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to introduce a major development that embodies these values: our brand-new finger-jointing press. It is currently featured in two state-of-the-art production lines for cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (GLT) in North America. These lines are scheduled to begin operating later in 2026, marking a significant step forward in expanding our global market position and meeting the growing demand for engineered wood products.

TM News story – click here to read the full issue 1/2026.

Tailored Solutions for Complex Challenges

Our greatest strength lies in developing solutions that are tailored down to the last detail to our customers’ individual requirements. This new press is no exception. It has been designed from the ground up for the highest precision and maximum flexibility, setting new standards in high-performance timber processing: greater capacity, greater control, greater efficiency. To meet the demanding needs of CLT and GLT production, we needed a system capable of dynamic speed and torque control. A capability that goes beyond traditional hydraulic or standard AC motor solutions. That’s why we turned to our long-standing innovation partner, Bosch Rexroth. Their ctrlX AUTOMATION platform delivers exactly the power, precision, and flexibility we need for the next generation of our presses—and turns a visionary idea into a high-performance reality.

A Partnership Driving Innovation

By collaborating closely with Bosch Rexroth’s teams in Denmark and Germany, we were able to rethink conventional approaches and integrate advanced technology into our press. Their ctrlX CORE system is equipped with an integrated PLC, motion synchronization, and modular servo drives. This allowed us to build a press that operates continuously at high speeds with exceptional precision and reliability.

As Thomas Jonstrup Thomsen, Electrical Engineer at System TM, points out, “The ability to synchronize multiple axes and use ready-made functional blocks for the flying saw within the ctrlX system, for example, has been a game changer in our development process.”

Bosch Rexroth’s application experts contributed valuable insights from other industries, such as printing and metalworking. These insights helped us introduce new motion control functions that improve efficiency and product quality.

High-Powered Precision: Servo Motors and Pressure Capabilities

On the whole line, there are no less than 62 Bosch Rexroth servo motors built in. The press alone is equipped with 27 motors that enable it to continuously apply a pressure of 6N/mm² on the workpieces. This high level of precision ensures consistently strong bonds and structural integrity in every piece produced.

The press operates at speeds of up to 160 meters per minute, while the flying saw can execute an impressive 15 cuts per minute. At maximum speed, assuming optimal workpiece dimension, the press applies a continuous pressure of approximately 4,200 kilograms to press the finger joints and create structurally exceptional workpieces of potentially infinite length. To put this into perspective, that’s roughly equivalent to the weight of two of our service vans pressing down on the wood. Alternatively, imagine three small cars, eight polar bears or a fully grown, slightly overweight, white rhino bull.

Reducing the speed to 85 meters per minute results in a press force of up to 8,400 kilograms, equivalent to six small cars, sixteen polar bears, or one Tyrannosaurus rex. The extraordinary capability of this press to exert continuous high pressure is a testament to the system’s robustness and reliability.

Looking Ahead: Building the Future of Wood Construction

Our new finger-jointing press, which seamlessly integrates into the Opti-Joint horizontal and vertical systems, is designed to produce the long, high-quality workpieces essential for CLT and GLT manufacturing. This innovation exemplifies our commitment to advancing engineered wood technologies while promoting sustainability. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of engineered wood production – building not just machines, but the future of living spaces.

“Our partnership with Bosch Rexroth has delivered scalable solutions, outstanding collaboration, and fast, qualified support. We always feel in good hands.”

– Søren Lindhardt, head of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at System TM

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