LAB Wood and Versowood collaborate on developing digital data transfer solutions for glulam production

Versowood uses a 3D model based on the internationally recognised IFC standard produced by the lead structural designer. The model contains the geometry and associated information of glued laminated timber elements. As the IFC standard is widely used internationally, it enables Versowood to receive consistent data from designers representing its clients around the world. In practice, however, the IFC models received by Versowood are not directly suitable for the production of glulam elements.

In collaboration between Versowood and the information modelling experts at LAB University of Applied Sciences, technical solutions were developed to transform the designers’ IFC models to better meet Versowood’s production requirements. The key challenge was how to generate the curved shape of the beam soffit caused by the required pre‑cambering of long glulam ridge beams for CNC machining.

The selected solution was an operating model in which the beam geometry contained in the designer’s IFC model is modified using AI‑assisted programming. This enables the beam soffit to be curved and also adjusts related features, such as the locations of holes and drillings, which are then incorporated into a new IFC model. This new model can be used as input data for CAM software that generates the information required for CNC machining. The new operating model makes the modification of beam geometry more efficient and reliable compared to previously used approaches. 

“We are pleased with this new idea of transforming designers’ IFC models to suit our glulam production needs using open‑source software and AI‑assisted programming. However, further development is still required before the solutions can be implemented in production,” says Marko Järvinen, Production Director responsible for Versowood’s glulam business.

LAB Wood has identified the advancement of digitalisation and automation in the production chains of engineered wood products as a key focus area for research and product development in collaboration with wood industry companies. With support from the European Regional Development Fund and as part of the Innovative Cities (Innokaupungit) programme, five pilot projects have been carried out together with Versowood and six other companies to address practical challenges related to the transfer of building information models and product data.

“Collaboration with companies teaches us ourselves and opens up new development opportunities at a practical level. At the same time, the university of applied sciences can offer companies new perspectives in a rapidly developing field that is transforming business operations,” says Markku Mäki‑Hokkonen, Leading Expert at LAB.