Specialist CNC machining solutions From JJ Smith

For many years, JJ Smith Woodworking Machinery has offered specialist, bespoke equipment to suit customers’ individual production requirements. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the company has carefully selected a number of key partners to work with, each specialists in different, but associated, sectors of manufacturing.

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This is highlighted by the co-operation JJ Smith has established with three leading manufacturers of CNC equipment: Comec Group, lntorex and Pade MZ. The Comec Group and JJ Smith have been working together for over 25 years, initially offering a range of mechanical drilling, slotting, shaping and cutting machines mainly for use in the solid wood furniture industry. As the company grew and expanded, it entered into the design and manufacturing of a range of specialist CNC machinery that can be adapted and used to produce a wide range of components.

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Frontal series
The Frontal series of machines consists of a vertical automatic hopper feed loader with a step-by-step throughfeed system, delivering the component to different machining stations, which can include saw units, horizontal/vertical drilling, routing and end/face milling. This particular model can be used for producing general furniture components, rails, tenoning/slotting window and door parts, plus the machining of drawer fronts. The MD series is available in three different versions: MD Classic, MD Top and MD Jamb. All can be configured with a number of different machining heads, including vertical and/or horizontal milling and NC drilling groups, which can be specified to work on all the faces/ends of a furniture rail. In addition, a C axis can be added, making it possible to cut components to size with either straight or angled cutting. Another of the MD’s unique features is the fact it can be equipped with an automatic hopper feed loading system, offering continuous production. The MD Jamb is specifically designed for the volume production of door components and door linings, with the possibility of adding automatic infeed and outfeed loading systems.

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Intorex CNC machines
While Intorex is probably best known for producing woodturning lathes, four- and five-axis between centres CNC machines now account for over 50% of annual production with sales made worldwide. These machines can produce a wide range of traditional, contemporary or complex-shaped furniture parts along with stair spindles and newel posts. A unique feature is the fact that all incorporate CNC-controlled sanding heads, which allow for the components to come off as finished sanded items. In addition, thanks to the automatic hopper feed loading, it’s possible to set up for continuous, uninterrupted production. The TC1000 model is equipped with a CNC­-controlled milling head for shaping, with either one or two vertical/horizontal router heads, which can perform other machining operations. The TMC model has five interpolated axes with a total of eight CNC axes controlling the shaping head, sanding head, saw blade for turning, and overhead router with eight-position rotary tool changer. The working length capacity is either 1,500mm or 3,000mm while blanks with up to a 300mm square section can be loaded and machined. On request, the TMC can be equipped with an additional ninth CNC axis for a vertical sanding unit, allowing sand-turned components to be finished. The latest addition to the range is the TKC1500, which can be supplied with up to six different heads for shaping, sanding, milling and turning. As standard, all machines are supplied with intorEDIT 3D design software, while the TMC features the Solidworks and Solidcam software package. The saw blade used for turning on TMC and TKC models has been specially designed to meet Intorex’s exact specification, thus ensuring the very best possible results in terms of detail and finished quality on each turned component. Another unique feature available across the range is the patented eccentric tailstock, offering the facility to load and machine offcentre timber blanks, which is particularly useful when producing table or chair legs. To date, nine machines have been sold into the UK, with one customer having recently installed a second machine.

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Pade MZ Project’s CNC-controlled bandsaws
Finally, Pade MZ Project has introduced a complete range of CNC-controlled bandsaws, eliminating the need for manual cutting, marking out and jigs, making the operation much quicker and safer compared to using standard manual bandsaws. They can be specified to cut either solid wood and/or flat panel material, with the top-of-the-range Pluris model fitted with router and drill heads making it possible to nest and cut sofa/chair frame parts from 2.5 × 1.2m sheets – larger available on request – with the possibility of cutting up to four boards high, thus increasing the machine’s productivity. Lastly, a full range of gantry style five-axis CNC machining centres are also available, suitable for a wide range of complex machining operations. 15 Pluris machines are now installed at various UK sofa and chair frame manufacturers, with one company running a total of four machines.

For more information, contact JJ Smith on 0151 548 9000, email [email protected] or visit www.jjsmith.co.uk.

COMPANY INFO
JJ Smith Woodworking Machinery Ltd
Moorgate Point
Kirkby
Liverpool L33 7DR
0151 548 9000

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