The vertical or on-end joint is a kind of finger jointing connection (seekeilzinkenverbindung).

For the vertical joint, the zinc profile is milled parallel to the narrow side of the workpiece. Thus, the zigzag profile is visible in the area.

Application

Provided it has not to be omitted for aesthetic reasons, it is jointed vertically when using package plants (Paketanlagen).

For compact systems the vertical joint is used when the router head is arranged horizontally and the workpieces is transported flat through the machine.

Advantages

• When using package plants significantly higher capacities can be reached, compared to the horizontal joint.
• Only one milling tool is necessary, even for different workpiece cross-sections.
• A scoring aggregate is not needed.
• A lifting spindle is not needed. (For most systems, however, an offset of half a finger width between first and second milling process is produced for quality reasons. This avoids the occurring of tiny steps at the connections during pressing.)

Disadvantages

• A zigzag profile is visible in the area.
• At the same workpiece cross-section, compared to the horizontal joint, a larger spindle length and higher motor power is needed. The milling machine has to be designed more robust.

Versions

One version is the Trapezzinkung (trapeze joint). This is usually used for almost square workpieces when a more pleasing appearance is desired and half cut tines should be avoided. Here, a horizontal joint would not be beneficial for optical reasons, since the profile would still be clearly visible on one side of the workpiece.

Furthermore, versions with different tine lengths and angles exist. However, these are rarely found since supporting finger jointing connections are standardized nationally and on an European level.

Image source: Dirk Bartens