Based just outside Barcelona, Intorex is recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of CNC woodturning lathes and associated equipment.
The company now produces three different models of CNC lathe, each suitable for different levels of production and working capacity. To date there are over 20 Intorex CNC machines working in the UK producing a wide range of turned stair parts and furniture components.
The most popular models of CNC lathe are the heavy duty CKI and CKX which have three controlled axes. The CKI features a semi-automatic loading system along with three cutting gouges, one hydraulically controlled for rounding the other two for turning, independently CNC controlled for roughing/finishing. Working length capacity can be either 1500 or 2500mm.
The CKX model has the same cutting gouge configuration, but is equipped with an automatic hopper-feed loading system for continuous production with an optional internal conveyor belt to transport the finished turned component to the end of the machine.
Working length capacity is 600, 1300 or 1600mm. Both models use the same dedicated intorEDIT software for the simple and quick design of the components to be turned, with the facility to program at the machine controller or on an office based PC with transfer via USB key.
Other standard features include hydraulic back knife units for dowelling that automatically operate through the program, infinitely variable and programmable spindle speed through inverter and a maximum turning diameter of 300mm.
Key options include a pneumatic overhead automatic roller steady to give extra support when turning thin components and/or a pneumatic steady device to hold turned components when being fluted or twisted with the milling head or router head. The CNB model is the entry level machine that can be supplied with either one or two CNC controlled gouges.
In all cases the main advantages of CNC lathes over old traditional hydraulic copy lathes is quick and simple set up times as no sample or template is needed, repeat machining accuracy and excellent quality and definition of the turned components thanks to the CNC control.
On request, both the CKI and CKX can be supplied in the PLUS version. This is basically a fourth CNC controlled axis that gives the machines an even greater level of flexibility and versatility.
The PLUS version allows the machine to be equipped with either a router or milling head for twisting/fluting that do not require removing as it in addition to the two CNC-controlled cutting gouges. Alternatively, instead of fitting a milling head or router head, a narrow flat sanding belt can be fitted meaning a component can be turned and sanded in one operation.
In addition to producing CNC lathes, Intorex also manufactures a range of programmable small component lathes for knobs, handles etc and has even supplied a machine to make car gear knob handles for a luxury brand car manufacturer.
Other equipment includes automatic rotary sanders along with specialist machines for boring/inserting of fixing screws in furniture feet along with dedicated dowel rounding and sanding machines.
