In today’s competitive woodworking and cabinet manufacturing environment, labor shortages, rising costs, and production bottlenecks are forcing shops to rethink edgebander automation.

BARBARIC Return Systems offer scalable automation solutions designed to:

• Enable one-man edgebander operation

• Reduce labor costs

• Increase throughput

• Improve ergonomics

• Prevent surface damage

• Deliver ROI in less than one year

But which system is right for your shop?

This guide compares:

• RTS Compact – Entry-level standalone automation

• RTS Professional – Modular high-performance automation

• RTS Industrial – Heavy-duty industrial return system

Why Automate Your Edgebander Return?

Manual part return creates:

• Labor inefficiency

• Operator fatigue

• Surface damage risks

• Machine downtime

• Inconsistent stacking

BARBARIC Return Systems eliminate these issues through vacuum-based gentle handling, automated rotation (90°/180°), and intelligent stacking.

RTS Compact – Fast ROI, Minimal Footprint

The RTS Compact is a standalone return system designed for universal connection to any edgebander, regardless of brand.

Best For:

• Small to mid-size cabinet shops

• Shops upgrading from manual return

• Limited floor space environments

• Operations needing fast installation (≈ 0.5 days)

Key Features:

• Connectable to all manufacturers

• Adjustable throughput speed

• Optional ergonomics package (lifting table + air cushion table)

• Optional extension conveyor for transverse edging

• One-man operation capability

• Small parts rotation device

The RTS Compact is the fastest path to automation with minimal installation disruption.

RTS Professional – Modular, High-Throughput Automation

The RTS Professional is designed for growing shops needing scalability and advanced stacking functionality.

Best For:

• Medium to high production shops

• Serial production environments

• Shops requiring custom layouts

• Multi-stack zone operations

Key Features:

• Modular, customer-specific configuration

• 90° / 180° turning function

• Dual mode (picks up two parts simultaneously)

• Interlocked layer stacking for serial production

• Self-programmable stacking spots

• Installation approx. 2 days

• Compatible with all edgebanders

• Payback under one year

Dual mode significantly increases throughput by handling two parts at once.

RTS Industrial – Heavy-Duty Production Automation

For large industrial operations, the RTS Industrial offers:

• 100 kg load capacity

• Parts up to 4100 mm in length

• Full automation via data interface

• Optional pallet or conveyor stacking

• 90° / 180° turning

• One-man operation

Ideal for high-volume panel processing and large-format production.

RTS Compact vs RTS Professional – Direct Comparison FAQ

What is the main difference between RTS Compact and RTS Professional?

RTS Compact is a standalone return solution, while RTS Professional is a modular, customizable automation system.

Which system installs faster?

RTS Compact installs in approximately 0.5 days. RTS Professional typically installs in around 2 days.

Which system is better for small shops?

RTS Compact is ideal for smaller shops with limited space.

Which system offers higher throughput?

RTS Professional, especially with Dual Mode enabled.

Does RTS Professional support dual part handling?

Yes. It can pick up two parts simultaneously.

Can both systems connect to all edgebanders?

Yes. Both are brand-independent.

Which system is more scalable?

RTS Professional offers greater modular expansion options.

Which provides the fastest ROI?

Both typically deliver ROI under one year depending on volume.

Which Return System Should You Choose?

Choose RTS Compact if:

• You want quick installation

• You run moderate production

• You need entry-level automation

Choose RTS Professional if:

• You need higher throughput

• You require stacking flexibility

• You want scalability

Choose RTS Industrial if:

• You run heavy or oversized panels

• You operate at industrial scale

• You require advanced automation integration

Final Thoughts

Edgebander automation is no longer optional for competitive cabinet and panel shops. BARBARIC Return Systems offer scalable solutions from entry-level automation to full industrial handling.

If you're ready to reduce labor, increase utilization, and improve production flow — one of these systems is the right fit.  https://youtu.be/bbRogDKXg6k?si=NTRcboCrJTOhTPDJ