X-TENDA™ 3600: The machine to extend your framing capabilities, uptime and ROI

A breakthrough in extendable framing for interior fit outs 

When the X-TENDA™ 3600 was introduced to the market a few years ago, it was a breakthrough in roll-forming technology. The unique telescopic framing system it manufactures allows builders to effortlessly fit panels into any space - no matter how uneven or unpredictable.  

From fast internal framing to intricate retrofits, it promises precise framing that can be installed onsite in half the time, requiring less labour and almost zero waste. 

From day one of its launch, this machine set the gold standard for framing innovation. 

To understand why this machine remains the market leader for speed, precision, and versatility; and why the competition is still playing catch–up, you only need to take a closer look at its game-changing capabilities and proven performance in real projects. 

The gold standard in framing innovation – telescopic and otherwise 

Howick launched the X-TENDA™ 3600 to tackle one of construction's greatest challenges: framing internal spaces, as they are never square. 

Think of the X-TENDA™ 3600 like a standard light steel roll-forming machine, but with telescopic superpowers. It effortlessly handles the same standard frame and truss requirements as our go-to FRAMA™ 3200 manufactures, but it goes beyond to produce the components required for telescopic panels. All this without the need for any extra attachments or another machine!  

Unique extendable framing system for interior steel walls and ceilings 

​Our unique extendable framing system comprises of three basic components: a C Stud, R Telescopic Stud, and U Track.  

Expansion of scope of work: Using X-TENDA™ 3600 telescopic panels expands contractors’ capability to take on work with challenging in-situ constraints, such as hospital and school refurbishments or rebuilds, most of which do not provide the luxury of closure. Hospitals, in particular, do not shut down, but also require that work is carried out with minimal noise, dirt and waste. The telescopic panels are ideal for these environments. Work can be done quickly within allocated times, and the onsite noise and dust created by chop saws is non-existent. 

The tooling set of the X-TENDA™ 3600 is capable of creating intricate shapes and sizes, including curve panels, enabling contractors to reach for (potentially more lucrative) projects with some complexity that may have not been attainable before. 

And because the X-TENDA^TM 3600 is equally capable of producing standard frame and truss components and panels, contractors can manufacture standard light steel framing with the one machine – no additional tooling is required, saving costs and increasing uptime. 

Better quality, better product: The accuracy of prefabricated telescopic panels provides better quality control allowing contractors to provide a better product. 

Reduced costs: With rising building costs, the X-TENDA™ 3600 telescopic framing provides a cost-effective solution to clients – compressed timelines, faster installation times, efficient labour allocation, zero onsite waste, reduced or zero re-work – which allows contractors to bid for more work, and makes it more attractive to be awarded contracts.  

Reduced re-work: The X-TENDA™ 3600 telescopic framing is accurate, with the telescopic element taking up the slack of the inaccurate as-built environment. Re-work on framing is reduced, or practically zero-ed out. 

With a reputation built on delivering accurate framing that is installed on time (or ahead of time), contractors can expect to be highly regarded to deliver an efficient and quality product, increasing opportunities to be awarded work. 

Applications of the Howick X-TENDA^TM 3600 – The most extendable machine in our range. 

The panels manufactured by the X-TENDA™ 3600 can be used in a wide variety of situations to increase the efficiency of almost any construction project. What’s more, because the machine is so versatile, it can also be used to manufacture standard framing.  

Here are some of the many applications this machine can be used to build: 

Soffit Panels   

Two-Axis Extendable Steel Panels for walls and ceilings 

Multi-Axis Extendable Steel Panels for walls and ceilings

With Two-Axis and Multi-Axis expanding panel configurations, panels can adjust on the spot to the size and angle of any opening, with doors and windows remaining level and plumb. 

Standard Wall Panels, Roof & Floor Trusses 

With a single machine, you can build standard, non-telescopic wall panels and lattice trusses for roof and floor. This means you can expand your production capability and extend your ROI from a single machine investment.  

Bulkheads  

Do away with the need to make onsite adjustments to accommodate for bulkhead spaces. Just line up the telescopic panels, drop to fit the area and line. 

Raked or Vaulted Ceilings 

Telescopic panels easily fit spaces which are demanding, for example, contemporary or period spaces with tricky, arbitrary designs and shapes.  

Refurbishment 

Often multi-storeyed refurbishment projects have limited workable space, limiting lift access, restricting workflows and schedules. Lightweight and retractable telescopic panel can squeeze into almost any area with ease. 

• For the $300 million refurbishment of a 5-star hotel and office block, telescopic framing was used to fit effortlessly around the fire stop double-Ts cast in concrete. What would have taken 45 minutes to an hour per section using traditional methods was reduced to just 2 minutes per section. 

• For the Indigo Hotel in Brisbane, Smart-Wall (the trade name given to our telescopic framing solution by Howick customer, Rondo, an Australian steel building products manufacturer) was used. This solved the problem of needing to frame 2.9m walls, where crane lifts were not an option. With an elevator height of only 1.9m, prefabrication was not an option, so panels were supplied flat packed with components marked out. This provided all the benefits of faster construction and less wastage, while allowing for a safer site. 

• Also in Brisbane, for Jubilee Hotel, Smart-Wall prefabricated panels were manufactured and assembled in the factory. These were then delivered to site and lifted 19m above ground with a boom lift. This approach enabled complex designs and fast construction. Watch the full video here for an overview of both the Indigo Hotel and Jubilee Hotel projects. 

• At Westfield Newmarket Shopping Centre in Auckland, NZ, where the project was 3 months behind schedule, the use of telescopic soffit panels helped to get the team back on track and on budget. 

To really see how far the X-TENDA™ 3600 can push the boundaries of imagination, you only have to take a moment to check out the unique collaboration between Howick and Autodesk.

For these and other award-winning projects around the world, the X-TENDA™ 3600 has successfully minimised material waste, reduced labour costs, and eliminated the need for rework. Its lightweight, easy-to-assemble panels make it ideal for both new builds and retrofits, allowing builders to complete complex framing tasks in a fraction of the time. 

Continuing to lead with innovation 

While others in the industry play catch-up, the X-TENDA™ 3600 remains the original game changer. It offers a streamlined, all-in-one solution for everything from standard framing to more complex installations.  

As more projects embrace offsite manufacturing and modular building techniques, the X-TENDA™ 3600, with its proven track record, is an invaluable tool for architects, engineers, and contractors who want to push the limits on design, speed and profitability. 

Ready to extend your capabilities and ROI with the X-TENDA™ 3600? Get in touch today. 

If you are thinking about how the X-TENDA™ 3600 could give your business the lead in the light steel framing game, talk to us today.  

We can discuss your operation and how best to leverage the speed, precision, and flexibility of this machine to achieve your goals and build next-generation projects. 

Get in touch today. Our expert team has the hands-on experience and is here to guide you every step of the way.