The finger-jointing process is a wood joining method where pieces of wood receive toothed front faces (fingers), glued, and joined together under pressure.

The process was developed in the 1950s and has been continuously further developed by HOWIAL since 1961.

It is suitable for solid wood, glued laminated timber, lumber, furniture components, and window and door frames.

The shape of the teeth resembles small wedges that interlock thus creating a particularly stable joint.

Important standards include DIN EN 385 and EN 15497, which specify requirements for wood species, glues, and testing.

First, the defective sections are cut out of the board. Next, the finger-joint profile is milled into the board ends and the glue is applied. The board sections are then joined and pressed together to create the finger-joint connection.

Modern PU or MUF glues are commonly used, as they guarantee high strength and moisture resistance. EPI glues (emulsion polymer isocyanate) are also not subject to any restrictions.

Properly made connections achieve strength values equal to or higher than those of the source material.

Depending on the machine and wood species, the process takes only a few seconds up to minutes: Milling, gluing, and pressing are completed in a few seconds, while the subsequent curing—depending on the glue used—takes several minutes.

Yes, as long as the material properties are compatible and the glues are selected accordingly.

HOWIAL develops and manufactures both compact finger-jointing systems like the Flyback HVP-28 and high-performance DUOZINK cycle centers.

They offer high durability, a good price-performance ratio, patented technology, decades of experience, and high flexibility.

For high cycle rates and applications in industrial timber construction.

Crosscut saws such as the HOWIAL AS-33 and AS-36 cut out the defective sections and ensure straight cut edges.

Bending and shear tests ensure the quality of the joint and document the results in compliance with standards.

In lumber, glued laminated timber, furniture manufacturing, as well as in windows, doors, and packaging.

The construction industry, furniture manufacturers, producers of glued laminated timber, and window and door manufacturers.

Yes, with high-performance systems such as the HOWIAL DUOZINK systems.

Yes, it enables the efficient use of wood scraps and reduces the need for raw materials.

Higher material yield, less waste, short production times, and high productivity. The finger-jointing system makes it possible to produce long components for load-bearing timber construction in the required quality. By removing defects, high-quality components are produced.

Because HOWIAL has been developing machines since 1961 which combine precision, durability, and efficiency.

Often within just a few years, depending on production volume and use of materials.

Yes, HOWIAL systems are considered future-proof—thanks to their robust construction, modern control technology, and long overall service life. Additionally, a strong service network ensures ongoing support during operation. Through integration into the MINDA Group, customers also benefit from the stability of a larger, long-term oriented company that, as a family business, is particularly known for continuity and reliability.

Through bending and shear tests using testing machines, as well as electronic and visual inspections.

Modern HOWIAL control systems with FlowMate simplify operation, process control, and integration.

Yes, different standards apply in Europe, North America, and Asia, which must be taken into account.

Trends include automation, digitalization, and sustainability.

Because HOWIAL combines decades of experience, state-of-the-art technology, and reliable service.