Our frequently asked questions
wood wool cement board plant questions
What are the electric power requirements to operate a WWCB plant?
For the Eltomation production line alone, the estimated installed capacity is approx. 900 kVA. When adding finishing operations, total installed power requirements are estimated at 1800 kVA.
How can you promote sustainable products if cement is used in the recipe?
While cement production contributes to CO₂ emissions, the industry is actively working on solutions to reduce its impact. In WWCB production, more than half of the board’s mass consists of renewable wood and water, making it a more sustainable option than many traditional building materials. Additionally, the low density of WWCB means that less material is needed to cover a given volume, further improving its environmental footprint. In general, we can state that 1 m³ of wood used creates approx. 4 m³ of end product.
Our plants are designed to (optionally) use LC3 cement as a lower-carbon alternative to standard Portland cement without compromising board quality. In addition, many of our clients add a percentage of limestone to reduce the overall cement content, further lowering emissions while maintaining durability and performance.
What are the raw material needed to produce boards or wall elements?
For all products coming from the production lines the ingredients are the same: softwood (typically pine or spruce), cement and water. Additives like limestone can be added to the mix to reduce the cement content and tweak the product for certain use cases. Rough proportions of the raw materials are as follows:
Wood wool: 31%
Cement: 45%
Water: 22%
Waterglass: 2%
Are your plants geared for circular manufacturing?
Our large element line runs a zero-waste production process, with all trimming waste reintegrated into new products. For our standard lines, we are actively working on recycling all trimming waste back into production. However, we do not process construction waste from demolition sites.
Can wall elements and acoustic panels be made on the same production line?
No. Only the very first section of the production line (block handling, production of wood wool and mixing with water and cement) is the same. After the dosing and mixing process, the production lines for acoustic panels and large elements follow the same principle but are created on different machines.
Does Eltomation also provide support during construction and land preparation for a new facility?
We have extensive knowledge we can share when it comes to raw materials needed, log yard capacity, dust extaction capacity, etc. we share in detail in the pre-engineering stage once we seriously proceed with a project.
How many plants have you supplied?
The company’s origins are in the 1950s. Since then, over 130 projects have been realized.
How much time is required to switch to another product type?
Switching between product thicknesses (using the same wood wool type) takes only a few minutes. A new form is supplied to the line, and settings adjust automatically in the Control System. Changing wood wool types (e.g., from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm) requires swapping the 16 pre-assembled knife cassettes in the Eltomatic, which takes about 15 minutes – typically done during a break.
How many shifts per day are WWCB lines operational?
Operational requirements vary per client. WWCB plants are designed for full 2- or 3-shift production, with each shift running for 7 hours plus 1 hour for cleaning. Most lines operate 5-6 days per week.
Do you also provide technical assistance in the ramp up phase?
Yes. Several Eltomation personnel will remain on site for 6 weeks after first commissioning to make sure the plant runs smoothly, and local operators / supervisors are properly trained.
large wall panel plant questions
How long do WWCB wall panels last?
With proper installation and maintenance, WWCB wall panels have an exceptionally long lifespan. They are highly durable, resistant to decay, and maintain their structural integrity over time.
How do WWCB wall panels contribute to energy efficiency?
The thermal insulation properties of WWCB panels help to maintain stable indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling costs. This contributes to overall energy savings and a more sustainable building.
Where can I visit a project made with large wood wool panels?
Visiting a project is a sensitive matter. Please contact us directly, and we will assess the possibility of arranging a visit.
What are the insulation properties of WWCB wall panels?
These panels provide both thermal and acoustic insulation. The open-pore structure of wood wool combined with the density of cement enhances energy efficiency and reduces noise transmission.
Can WWCB wall panels be used in all climates?
Yes, WWCB wall panels are resistant to moisture, mold, and extreme temperature fluctuations, making them suitable for various climatic conditions, from humid to dry regions.
What are the raw material needed to produce boards or wall elements?
For all products coming from the production lines the ingredients are the same: softwood (typically pine or spruce), cement and water. Additives like limestone can be added to the mix to reduce the cement content and tweak the product for certain use cases. Rough proportions of the raw materials are as follows:
Wood wool: 31%
Cement: 45%
Water: 22%
Waterglass: 2%
Are your plants geared for circular manufacturing?
Our large element line runs a zero-waste production process, with all trimming waste reintegrated into new products. For our standard lines, we are actively working on recycling all trimming waste back into production. However, we do not process construction waste from demolition sites.
Can wall elements and acoustic panels be made on the same production line?
No. Only the very first section of the production line (block handling, production of wood wool and mixing with water and cement) is the same. After the dosing and mixing process, the production lines for acoustic panels and large elements follow the same principle but are created on different machines.
Does Eltomation also provide support during construction and land preparation for a new facility?
We have extensive knowledge we can share when it comes to raw materials needed, log yard capacity, dust extaction capacity, etc. we share in detail in the pre-engineering stage once we seriously proceed with a project.
Are WWCB wall panels easy to maintain?
Yes, WWCB wall elements require minimal maintenance. Their durability and resistance to mold, moisture, and pests ensure that they remain in excellent condition for years with little upkeep.
Do you also provide technical assistance in the ramp up phase?
Yes. Several Eltomation personnel will remain on site for 6 weeks after first commissioning to make sure the plant runs smoothly, and local operators / supervisors are properly trained.
wood wool production plant questions
Does Eltomation also provide support during construction and land preparation for a new facility?
We have extensive knowledge we can share when it comes to raw materials needed, log yard capacity, dust extaction capacity, etc. we share in detail in the pre-engineering stage once we seriously proceed with a project.
What is wood wool (excelsior)?
Wood wool, in North America known as excelsior, are the wood strands that are made with industrial wood wool machines, where a log of wood is made into wood shavings. These wood strands can have different thicknesses, widths and lengths. The product is natural and fully biodegradable.
What wood species are required in the production process?
The basis is round soft wood, typically spruce or pine. Aspen and poplar also yield good results. Should you have other wood species at your disposal, contact us first.
Sustainable forest stewardship is important to us and we urge our customers to only use resources from forests that follow high sustainability standards, such as FSC and PEFC.
What knife sets do you have?
We have standard knife sets for 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm wood wool.
Optionally, we also offer sets with 0,75 / 1,5 / 2,5 / 3,5 mm and 8 mm.
Do you also provide technical assistance in the ramp up phase?
Yes. Several Eltomation personnel will remain on site for 6 weeks after first commissioning to make sure the plant runs smoothly, and local operators / supervisors are properly trained.
acoustic board line questions
Can WWCB boards be used in humid environments?
Yes, due to their cement content, WWCB boards have excellent moisture resistance. They can be used in environments with high humidity, such as basements, swimming pools, or cold storage facilities, without deteriorating.
How do these boards perform in terms of fire resistance?
WWCBs are inherently fire-resistant, achieving classifications such as B-s1,d0 and A2-s1,d0 (non-combustible) according to EN standards. The inclusion of mineral wool, EPS or XPS cores enhances this fire resistance, providing added safety in building constructions.
What are the electric power requirements to operate a WWCB plant?
For the Eltomation production line alone, the estimated installed capacity is approx. 900 kVA. When adding finishing operations, total installed power requirements are estimated at 1800 kVA.
Do you also provide technical assistance in the ramp up phase?
Yes. Several Eltomation personnel will remain on site for 6 weeks after first commissioning to make sure the plant runs smoothly, and local operators / supervisors are properly trained.
construction board line questions
How do these boards perform in terms of fire resistance?
WWCBs are inherently fire-resistant, achieving classifications such as B-s1,d0 and A2-s1,d0 (non-combustible) according to EN standards. The inclusion of mineral wool, EPS or XPS cores enhances this fire resistance, providing added safety in building constructions.
What are the electric power requirements to operate a WWCB plant?
For the Eltomation production line alone, the estimated installed capacity is approx. 900 kVA. When adding finishing operations, total installed power requirements are estimated at 1800 kVA.
How can you promote sustainable products if cement is used in the recipe?
While cement production contributes to CO₂ emissions, the industry is actively working on solutions to reduce its impact. In WWCB production, more than half of the board’s mass consists of renewable wood and water, making it a more sustainable option than many traditional building materials. Additionally, the low density of WWCB means that less material is needed to cover a given volume, further improving its environmental footprint. In general, we can state that 1 m³ of wood used creates approx. 4 m³ of end product.
Our plants are designed to (optionally) use LC3 cement as a lower-carbon alternative to standard Portland cement without compromising board quality. In addition, many of our clients add a percentage of limestone to reduce the overall cement content, further lowering emissions while maintaining durability and performance.
Do you also provide technical assistance in the ramp up phase?
Yes. Several Eltomation personnel will remain on site for 6 weeks after first commissioning to make sure the plant runs smoothly, and local operators / supervisors are properly trained.
insulation board line questions
Are WWCB insulation boards easy to install?
Yes, the boards are lightweight and can be installed using standard construction methods. They are often mounted with special screws, and their flexible nature allows them to be cut and shaped easily on-site. Get in contact with us to learn more.
Can WWCB insulation boards be used in humid environments?
Yes, due to their cement content, WWCB boards have excellent moisture resistance. They can be used in environments with high humidity, such as basements, swimming pools, or cold storage facilities, without deteriorating.
Are WWCB insulation boards effective for sound absorption?
Yes, the porous structure of wood wool, combined with insulation materials like mineral wool, offers high sound absorption performance. This makes these boards ideal for applications where noise reduction is important, such as in acoustic panels and ceilings.
How do these boards perform in terms of fire resistance?
WWCBs are inherently fire-resistant, achieving classifications such as B-s1,d0 and A2-s1,d0 (non-combustible) according to EN standards. The inclusion of mineral wool, EPS or XPS cores enhances this fire resistance, providing added safety in building constructions.
What is the maximum thickness of insulation material that can be processed on an Eltomation line?
Our lines can handle boards with a total thickness of up to 150 mm (6”).
What insulation materials can be handled on an Eltomation line?
Eltomation lines are designed to handle most common insulation materials, provided they are stiff. Core sheets typically consist of mineral wool, EPS or XPS (subject to applications) to which a one- or two-sided thin layer of WWCB is added. Contact us if you would like to process other materials.
What are the electric power requirements to operate a WWCB plant?
For the Eltomation production line alone, the estimated installed capacity is approx. 900 kVA. When adding finishing operations, total installed power requirements are estimated at 1800 kVA.
Do you also provide technical assistance in the ramp up phase?
Yes. Several Eltomation personnel will remain on site for 6 weeks after first commissioning to make sure the plant runs smoothly, and local operators / supervisors are properly trained.
quality and maintenance questions
What knife sets do you have?
We have standard knife sets for 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm wood wool.
Optionally, we also offer sets with 0,75 / 1,5 / 2,5 / 3,5 mm and 8 mm.
Do you offer remote support?
Yes, we offer live online support during office hours from 08:00 – 17:00 CET.
Can you also support us with improving board quality?
Yes, we can make assessments of your current operations and support with suggestions.
How do you guarantee long term high production efficiency and quality?
A service contract is included with each new production line. Our highly automated production lines are connected to our Controls department for real-time monitoring and troubleshooting. When needed, and in consultation with your technical staff, our technicians can remotely adjust machine settings. Global support is also available by phone or email. Bi-annual site visits are included in the service contract, with additional visits available as needed.
reinforced boards questions
What are the typical dimensions of these reinforcement poles or laths?
The number of poles or laths and dimensions differ per application. For example, in Scandinavian countries 2 thick poles of 70 mm diameter are added, providing for a very high snow-load. In other countries 3 smaller wooden sticks of 40 x 40 mm are added, enabling to limit the board thickness.
How is the insertion of reinforcement poles accomplished?
The reinforcement poles are inserted automatically using a pole insert system. At the right moment, the system releases the required number of poles onto the first layer of the wood-cement mixture in the moving forms. A second layer of mixture is then applied before the fresh material enters the stacking press, where the final board thickness is achieved during curing.
What span can be achieved for these reinforced boards?
Typical board length is up to 2,4 m.
EltoBoards questions
Can I transform my CBPB facility to produce EltoBoards?
No. The production processes for CBPB and EltoBoards are significantly different. Converting a CBPB facility would require a complete overhaul.
How do EltoBoards differ from cement-bonded particle boards (CBPB)?
EltoBoards are made from long fibers bonded with cement, rather than particles. This results in a lighter, less brittle board, which can be nailed or screwed. Raw material consumption is up to 25% lower, resulting in direct savings. For more detailed information on EltoBoards, please review the general datasheet.
Do you also provide technical assistance in the ramp up phase?
Yes. Several Eltomation personnel will remain on site for 6 weeks after first commissioning to make sure the plant runs smoothly, and local operators / supervisors are properly trained.
Our visiting address
We are happy to welcome you in our office. To make an appointment, contact our reception desk below.