Boarke's BWM-FN481AVD CNC machining center with 5-axis double column and nesting table.

Tech Talks of Woodworking.com has been exploring the woodworking machinery industry in Taiwan. According to the Taiwan Foreign Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Taiwan Woodworking Machinery Corporation has been cooperating closely with North American machinery brands and furniture factories for decades. In his November FDMC article, Taiwanese machinery manufacturers talked about technology and innovation for North America, and editorial director Will Sampson discussed how the country has become a key player in the global woodworking industry. Woodworking.com interviewed four Taiwanese woodworking machinery companies to learn more about their technology. The four articles in this series detail Leadermac, Borke, Bravoprodigy and OAV.

In this article, Woodworking Network examines the Borke Group. The company currently has distributors in 48 countries and regions and exports to more than 100 countries. Its main product lines can be divided into three major categories: CNC machine tools, wide-band sanders and packaging factory exports.

The company stated that it has been active in the U.S. market since 1976, and many new ideas were actually developed by U.S. end users. 

Woodworking Network spoke with Bill Hung, President of Borke Group.

Woodworking Network: What sets your CNC machine tools apart from competitors?

Bill Hung: We provide a variety of multifunctional modules and integrate them on the same machine. Our technology can integrate multiple machines into intelligent production lines to meet customer needs. In addition, our machines have multiple fail-safe devices to prevent operator error from causing serious damage to the machine. We provide CAM software services, so customers can send us processing objects, we will perform reverse engineering and send CAM files to customers by email for subsequent processing.

WN: How can your machine become more user-friendly?

Bill Hung: We can set the configuration of the control system to match the location where the customer will use the machine. Our machines now have an automatic length detection system, which helps to reduce machine preparation time and prevent human error.

WN: How does COVID-19 affect the speed at which companies adopt CNC automation?

Bill Hung: Automation is a long-term trend in the industry, but the impact of COVID-19 has accelerated its implementation. Conventional automation systems require professionals to work on site, but they can remotely monitor, operate and even repair automated CNC machines via the Internet.

WN: How effective is your remote support for machines sold to customers in North America?

Bill Hung: For more than ten years, Borke has been providing its integrated remote after-sales service system software. After many updates, it is well received by customers. The system was originally used to provide after-sales service and maintenance, but since the pandemic, we have also used it extensively to provide online instructions for new machine delivery. As long as customers are connected to the Internet, they can access our complete range of services.

Bolk is one of many Taiwanese woodworking machinery companies that has been transforming and adopting automation and smart technology. Learn more about the other three Taiwanese woodworking machinery companies: Leadermac, Bravoprodigy and OAV.

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