The construction of lightweight furniture provides future-oriented stimulus along the entire process chain for the furniture industry and interior design. In demand is intelligent engineering that links innovative material concepts with new functionalities – thereby providing significant added value in furniture making. At the supplier trade fair Zow in Bad Salzuflen, innovations in lightweight furniture construction have been presented to a broad trade audience since 2009. In 2013, the members of the Interessengemeinschaft Leichtbau e.V. – igeL (www.igel-ev.net) [German Lightweight Construction Interest Group] will present their special material and process expertise at the igeL Forum in Hall 22.1. Here, from 18-21 February, potential customers will be able to inform themselves first-hand.
The use of lightweight construction in furniture has already been anticipated in many respects: special machines, special drilling and milling tools, new edging technologies and fittings systems have been developed; usage details and proposed standards formulated. Suitable lightweight and sandwich materials have already made their mark in furniture construction where there is a cost advantage or added value for the end customer, retail or logistics. In practice, it is frequently hybrid designs that allow entry into lightweight construction.
For furniture producers, igeL’s extensive network is the central source of information and exchange. Anyone who wants to know more about lightweight furniture construction and has concrete questions about materials and processes can speak with many igeL members in person at Zow. The igeL Forum in Hall 22.1 is open to all interested parties.
