Wall manufacturers across North America are facing tighter deadlines, a shortage of skilled labor, rising material costs, and increasingly complex building designs (from single-family homes to multi-unit developments).
All of this comes while they try to achieve the balance of quality, accuracy, and throughput - a constant challenge. And when it comes to raked (or sloped) wall frames, the challenge only grows.
While standard wall panels have benefited from years of automation, raked walls are often still produced manually. They require additional time, precision, and skilled labor - all of which add cost and complexity. As a result, some fabricators limit the number of raked wall jobs they take on, while others avoid them altogether.
But what if there was another way? What if your team could build both standard and raked wall frames on a single production line - with one machine?
What are the Challenges of Raked Wall Production Today?
We understand that producing raked wall panels manually is no simple task. Non-standard angles demand careful measuring and precise positioning, both which require skilled operators - a resource that is increasingly scarce.
But even with the right team, output is limited by how much lumber/stud components each operator can safely handle during a shift.
The common challenges?
- Precision and Quality Control: Achieving precise results is difficult when every cut and connection depends on manual effort.
- Production Delays: Intricate job files, rework, and material waste can interrupt schedules.
- Labor Shortages: Skilled operators are increasingly hard to find and retain.
- Space Constraints: Raked wall production often takes place on separate lines or areas which can disrupt workflow and material handling.
The result? Delays, higher operating costs, and missed opportunities.
But with the right technology, that doesn’t have to be the case.
Meet the Spida Raked Wall Extruder
The Spida Raked Wall Extruder is purpose-built to simplify the production of both standard AND raked wall panels using the same equipment, same line, same workflow – all with just one operator.
No extra machines, no additional setup, no complicated processes.
Here’s how it works:
- Automation: The machine automatically adjusts to the wall height specified in your job file. No manual measuring or setup required.
- Precision Operation: With top and bottom nail plates clamped securely, the operator is able to position studs and components against the stud pins with precision. Then the four nail guns automatically nail the studs, up to 8” lumber.
- Dual Functionality: Transitioning from straight panels to complex rakes is seamless, load the job file and let the software and machine do the rest.
- Design Integration: Intelligent software reads your job files and builds panels to specification with consistent accuracy. All major job formats are supported.
- Seamless Workflow: Both standard and raked walls move down the same production line. The operator follows familiar prompts, so the workflow remains consistent regardless of panel type.
There’s no new process to learn, just the same reliable workflow enhanced by advanced automation.
Watch the Spida Raked Wall Extruder in action to learn more!
Built for Continuous Production
The Spida Raked Wall Extruder is one of the fastest purpose-built wall extruders available, designed for high throughput and accuracy. It supports C, L, and U stud assemblies, giving operators full flexibility across job types. Longer studs for raked walls are automatically managed, maintaining precision without extra effort.
Whether you’re producing walls for residential housing or large commercial builds, this system helps you keep production moving efficiently, day in, day out.
The Real Benefits
Let's talk results. The Spida Raked Wall Extruder isn’t just another machine on your floor; it’s a way to unlock real value:
- Boosted Efficiency: Keep your line running smoothly by removing the raked wall production bottleneck.
- Lower Labor Costs: Reduce manual handling and the number of skilled operators needed - a single extruder operator can manage both standard and raked panels.
- Consistent Quality: Each panel, straight or raked, is produced to precise standards, job after job.
- Scalable Production: Increase output without adding extra machines or complicating your workflow.
- Cost Savings: One machine replaces the need for multiple extruders or dedicated wall lines, simplifying investment and operation.
Integrates Smoothly with Your Wall Line
The Raked Wall Extruder integrates seamlessly into the Spida Wall Frame Line, further enhancing productivity and consistency across the entire process.
From the Stud Extruder (for assembling C, L, and U studs and nailing fireblocks) to the Curved Conveyor (for transferring studs and minor sub-assemblies to the extruder) and the Wall Stacker Outfeed (accumulating finished frames ready for loading) and everything in between - Spida’s complete wall line is designed to deliver an end-to-end automated solution that fits your production space, budget, and goals.
Explore our full wall line solutions here
Smarter Solutions for Modern Fabrication
At Spida, our focus is on simplifying complex manufacturing processes. The Raked Wall Extruder removes one of the biggest production challenges - the time and labor required for non-standard wall types, without sacrificing quality or speed.
The Raked Wall Extruder really is a game changer - no more switching lines or setting up separate stations, and when a rake job comes in - it's just as simple as loading the job and the machine will handle the rest.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to improve your wall framing workflow and take the complexity out of raked wall production, we’d love to help.
Talk to us today about how the Spida Raked Wall Extruder can be integrated into your operation - helping you build smarter, faster, and with greater precision.
