Homag, SCM, Weinig, Biesse and Leitz set aside competition to create ETML, the future of the wood industry

The ETML standard enables barrier-free communication between tools, machines and software platforms from different manufacturers, revolutionizing the woodworking industry.

In an unprecedented move for the sector, industry giants have collaborated to break down technology barriers. ETML (European Tool-Machine Language) introduces a standardized language for communication between tools and machines, regardless of make or manufacturer, ushering in a new era of interoperability and efficiency in woodworking factories.

What is ETML?

ETML is revolutionizing the industry by creating a common platform that allows all equipment to "speak the same language". The initiative, launched by Eumabois (European Federation of Woodworking Machinery Manufacturers) and supported by VDMA (German Association of Car Manufacturers)has been developed through the cooperation of leading companies in the sector.

Who are the founders of ETML?

The development and implementation of ETML has been a joint effort between the major players in the market: Ake, Biesse, Jso, Ima Schelling, Kohnle, Holz-Her, Homag powered by tapio, Leitz, Leuco, Scm and Weinig. For the first time, these competing companies have worked together to create a standard that benefits the entire industry, putting common interest ahead of competition.

Unlike previous proprietary systems, which limited data exchange to a single manufacturer's equipment, ETML allows data to flow freely and securely throughout the entire tooling lifecycle, from initial setup to re-setup and re-use.

Smart Cloud Platform - the heart of the ETML system

At the center of ETML is "Smart Cloud, the platform that is fundamentally changing the way modern woodworking mills operate. This centralized hub enables:

Upload, manage and download verified tool data directly to machines
Precise identification of each tool by unique serial number
Efficient and automatic machine configuration
Full integration into digital workflows
Consistent access for all participants in the value chain

Why is ETML revolutionary for the industry?

Implementing ETML brings immediate and tangible benefits:

Eliminating costly errors and drastically reduce downtime
Setup 3-5 times faster and more secure machinery and tools
Automatic tool data updateincluding after resharpening
Easy transition between cars of different brands within the same factory
Secure data infrastructure common among all producers
New sources of income through digital services and advanced monitoring

ETML at LIGNA 2025 - First official presentation at the world's most important trade fair

ETML will be presented at LIGNA 2025, the benchmark event for the wood and woodworking industry, to be held May 26-30, 2025 in Hannover, Germany. ETML's stand will be located in the VDMA Area, at Ligna.FutureSquare (Hall 12), one of the most visited areas of the fair.

On the occasion of LIGNA's 50th anniversary, a record attendance of more than 80,000 professional visitors from more than 160 countries and approximately 1,300 exhibiting companies is expected. It will be the perfect time to discover the benefits of ETML in action and see live demonstrations of interoperability between equipment from different manufacturers.

WoodIndustry.News will be present at LIGNA 2025 to bring you the latest information about ETML straight from the source. We will interview representatives from the companies involved in developing the standard and document practical demonstrations of the technology in action.

What industry leaders say

Gian Luca Fariselli, head of ETML's Marketing Group, underlines the ambitious vision of the project: "ETML is not just a standard: it's a strategic shift towards full interoperability and transparency in wood manufacturing. It unlocks new efficiencies and lays the foundation for digital business models across our industry".

ETML is already implemented by the partner companies mentioned and is freely accessible to all Eumabois members, either directly or through national associations such as VDMA, Acimall or other affiliated European associations.

The power behind innovation

The Eumabois Federation, coordinator of the ETML initiative, is an impressive force in the European economy, with more than 800 member companies, 35,000 employees and an estimated turnover of €7 billion. The organization includes associations such as Acimall (Italy), Aimmap (Portugal), Aimsad (Turkey), Droma (Poland), Evolis (France), Fmti (Austria), Hbt (Switzerland), Technology Industries of Finland (Finland), Vdma (Germany) and Zsdsr (Slovakia).

ETML in the broader context of Industry 4.0

ETML fits perfectly into the broader digitization and automation trend of Industry 4.0, complementing other initiatives such as "Woodworking made izy" - a project launched in 2021 by seven major companies (Biesse, Bürkle, Homag, IMA Schelling, SCM, Weber and Weinig) to standardize machine-to-machine communication.

While "izy" focuses on communication between different machines, ETML specifically addresses communication between tools and machines, completing the puzzle of total interoperability in the industry.

A crucial step towards the smart factories of the future

In an increasingly digitized world, ETML is the missing element for woodworking factories aspiring to higher levels of automation and efficiency. By removing communication barriers between tools and machines from different manufacturers, the standard paves the way to: