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A team from the DOST- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) recently trained in Jinan, China on the operation of a CNC router, a machine that can create intricate designs on wooden crafts and furniture in just one click (photo above).
A CNC or computer numerical controlled router is a sophisticated equipment that neatly cuts and shapes various hard materials such as wood, aluminium, steel and plastic. According to DOST-FPRDI’s Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, “CNC routers can speed up and simplify carpentry and wood work. Since the designs are computer-programmed, prototypes are easier to make and adjusted if necessary.”
A CNC router can be used to produce furniture pieces, door carvings, wood panels, sign boards, wooden frames and musical instruments, among others. Mass production of these items is also possible with the aid of the machine.
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| DOST-FPRDI’s Mr. Nathaniel Ramos observes how the CNC lathe operates. Aside from the CNC router, participants were also trained on using different types of laser engravers. |
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| The DOST-FPRDI project team (2nd from L-R: Mr. Ramos, Dr. Cabangon, Ms. Monina Cheska Castro, Engr. Edward Marasigan, and Engr. Albert Pareja) with the trainers from Hinoki Global Concepts Inc. The training was held from April 9-13, 2018. |
The training is part of DOST-FPRDI’s initiative that aims to establish a forest products innovation center in the Philippines. Led by Dr. Cabangon, the program intends to produce innovative and high-quality products that can keep up with the demands of the foreign market. It also seeks to encourage creative exchanges between the public and private sectors, and the academe in product design, processing and utilization of wood and non-wood forest products. ### (Apple Jean Martin- de Leon, 26 April 2018)
