For many years JJ Smith Woodworking Machinery has offered specialist, bespoke equipment to suit customers’ individual production requirements. Rather than take a one-size-fits-all approach, JJ Smith has carefully selected a number of partners to work with each of whom is specialist in different, but associated sectors of manufacturing.
This is highlighted by the cooperation JJ Smith has established with three leading manufacturers of CNC equipment: Comec Group, Intorex and MZ Project.
The Comec Group and JJ Smith have been working together for over 20 years, initially offering a range of mechanical drilling, slotting, shaping and cutting machines mainly for use in the solid wood furniture industry. As the Comec Group grew and expanded it entered into the design and manufacture of a range of specialist CNC machinery that can be adapted and used to produce a wide range of components.
The Frontal series of machines consists of a vertical automatic hopper feed loader, with a step by step through-feed system which delivers the component to different machining stations which can include saw units, horizontal/vertical drilling, routing and end/face milling.
This particular model of machine can be used for producing general furniture components, rails and in particular for drawer fronts, with three machines already working in the UK dedicated for this type of production.
The MD series of CNC machining centre is available in three different versions MD Classic MD, Top and MD Jamb. All of these can be configured with a number of different machining heads, including vertical and/or horizontal milling heads 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 meaning it is possible to cut components to size, with either straight or angled cutting.
Another key feature of the MD is that it can be equipped with an automatic hopper feed loading system to offer continuous production. The MD Jamb model is specifically designed for the volume production of door components and door linings, with the possibility to have automatic infeed and outfeed loading systems. Intorex is known worldwide as a leading manufacturer of wood turning equipment, and in particular for its range of CNC lathes which has become increasingly popular due to its quick, simple set-up and flexibility.
There are three different models to choose from, each offering different levels of productivity and machining options depending on customers individual requirements. In recent years Intorex has developed its range of four and five axis CNC ‘between centres’ machining centres which can produce a wide range of complex shaped furniture parts along with stair spindles and newel posts. JJ Smith says that the unique feature of these machines is the CNC-controlled sanding heads, which allows for the components to come off as finished sanded items.
In addition, thanks to the automatic hopper feed loading it is possible to set-up for continuous, uninterrupted production. The TC800 model is equipped with a CNC controlled milling head for shaping and then either one or two vertical/horizontal router heads that can perform other machining operations.
The TMC model which can have a working capacity of either 1500 or 3000mm is fitted with a router head and six position automatic tool-changer and a milling head for shaping, giving even more machining possibilities.
On request, it can also be fitted with flat bed Matrix tables meaning conventional four-axis machining operations can take place, in addition to the five-axis ‘between centres’ operation. Finally from MZ Project there is a complete range of CNC-controlled bandsaw machines, which eliminates the need for manual cutting, marking out and jigs, meaning the operation is much quicker and safer than when 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 being fitted with router and drill heads meaning it is possible to cut nested sofa/chair frame parts from 2.5 x 1.2m sheets, with the possibility to cut up four boards high thus making the machine very productive.
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