For glulam produced for specific building-projects, at least part of the factory assembly typically takes place at the plant of the glulam manufacturer. The term “factory assembly” includes all work steps from layout to constructing the individual members of a timber structure ready for installation.
The members are almost always at least planed, straight line edged, chamfered and cross cut to right angles. Generally, drill holes, slits and penetrations are also performed, sometimes welded steel parts or shaped steel sheet parts are also attached. Reinforcements against tensile stress perpendicular to the grain in the form of glued-in steel rods are always performed by the manufacturer.
More complex member and connection geometries are achieved using CNC assembly systems with high precision. In some manufacturing plants, larger format 5-axle CNC systems are also available for larger members.
