Format4 | D-Jet CNC Drill and Dowel Machining Centre
Space-Saving CNC Drilling and Dowel Precision
The CNC-controlled drilling and dowel insertion centre from Format4 is the ideal machine to take your cabinet production to the next level. The D-Jet is the perfect solution for industrial cabinet making as a supplement to a CNC nesting machine, but also as a stand-alone solution for the skilled craftsman. The machine stands out due to its space-saving design with a small footprint of only 3.5 m² as well as its outstanding price-performance ratio. Maximum efficiency through zero set-up time: time-consuming positioning of consoles or vacuum cups is completely eliminated. The benefits at a glance: Intuitive controls Flexibility in the choice of joints Drill head with three horizontal and three vertical spindles as well as a grooving saw Up to four workpieces simultaneously processable Automatic dowel insertion by means of a large-dimensioned oscillating feeder Small installation dimensions due to a space-saving design
- Intuitive controls
- Flexibility in the choice of joints
- Drill head with three horizontal and three vertical spindles as well as a grooving saw
- Up to four workpieces simultaneously processable
- Automatic dowel insertion by means of a large-dimensioned oscillating feeder
- Small installation dimensions due to a space-saving design
Key Features
Highlights
- Compact Footprint with Maximum Efficiency: Occupies just 3.5 m², making it an ideal space-saving solution for industrial cabinet making or skilled craftsmen. The zero-setup time eliminates the need for time-consuming console or vacuum cup positioning, significantly boosting productivity in constrained workshop environments.
- Advanced DH6 Drilling Head: Standard-equipped with three vertical and three horizontal drilling spindles plus a grooving saw in the X direction, this head delivers versatile and precise drilling and doweling, catering to a wide range of cabinet production needs with high-quality results.
- Intuitive 24" Touch-Screen Control: Features a clearly structured, self-explanatory user interface on a 24" monitor, allowing quick, easy, and accurate execution of programs, set-points, and commands via graphical displays, ensuring maximum operator comfort and productivity.
Details
- Pendulum Operation with Multiple Working Areas: Comes with two working areas as standard for productive pendulum operation, with an option for four areas upon request. Retractable fences enable processing of components up to 2800 mm in length/width and 80 mm in height, accommodating a variety of workpiece sizes with ease.
- Workpiece Clamping System: Includes four standard workpiece clamps (upgradable to six), ensuring optimum hold during machining. This robust clamping system supports precise and stable processing, especially for larger or heavier workpieces.
- Flexible Workpiece Dimensions: The large working area handles components from a minimum of 20 mm length/width and 10 mm height up to 1400 mm length/width (optionally extendable to 2800 mm) and 80 mm height, with table extensions available for managing large, heavy workpieces effectively.
- Phenolic Resin Work Table: Crafted from durable phenolic resin, the work table enables precise and careful placement of workpieces, enhancing stability and accuracy during machining operations, particularly for delicate or high-value materials.
- Automatic Dowel Insertion: Features a large-dimensioned oscillating feeder for fully automatic insertion of anchors and glue. Anchor lengths from 20 to 40 mm are adjustable without tools, with software-managed glue quantities tailored to specific needs. Standard 8 mm diameter anchors are used, with optional 5, 6, or 10 mm sizes available.
- Specialized Connector Processing: Supports perfect processing of "Lamello Clamex P" and "OVVO/Lockdowel" connectors with additional processing units. The Lamello unit inserts Clamex pockets on front or upper surfaces, while the Lockdowel unit mills grooves on face or top surfaces, expanding jointing options.
- Lubrication System: Applies lubrication as needed to the guide carriages of the X, Y, and Z axes, as well as the bearing spindles in Y and Z, via an automatic system triggered after a preset time. This ensures smooth operation and extends the lifespan of moving parts.
- Guiding Systems: The X-axis uses recirculating ball bearings on hardened and polished linear guides with a cambered rack and pinion gear for positioning. The Y- and Z-axes employ recirculating ball spindles on similar guides, ensuring precise movement and durability across all axes.
- F4®Integrate Software: Provides a state-of-the-art, all-inclusive interface with a tool library (F4Toolbox), programming section (F4Create with integrated CAD), and machine operation control (F4Operate) on a single screen. Based on G-Code, it supports external industry programs, facilitating seamless program transfers and integration.
- Comfort Foot Switch Bar: Integrated along the entire length of the working area at the machine front, this foot switch eliminates the need to search for or reposition a pedal, blending into the machine’s coherent design for ergonomic operation during workpiece positioning.
- Attachments and Accessories: Optional enhancements include table extensions for larger workpieces, additional clamps (up to six), and software upgrades like F4®Integrate. Web information suggests compatibility with advanced drilling heads or automated tool changers, though not detailed here, reflecting Format4’s modular approach.
- Durability and Precision: Built with solid design and premium components from Austria, the D-Jet ensures uncompromised productivity and engineering precision, supported by a perfect service package and automation solutions, making it a reliable investment for professional use.
Technical Specifications
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Specifications
Felder Format4 D-Jet CNC Drill & Dowel Machining Centre FAQs
What is the Format4 D-Jet CNC Drill & Dowel Machining Centre?
The Format4 D-Jet is a CNC-controlled drilling and dowel insertion machining centre designed to drill accurate hole patterns and drive dowel connectors quickly and consistently — ideal for furniture, cabinet, and panel assembly operations. It automates repetitive joinery tasks to improve quality and throughput.
What types of machining operations can the D-Jet perform?
The D-Jet can perform **vertical and horizontal drilling**, **dowel hole drilling**, **dowel insertion**, and multi-directional hole patterns in panels and components used in furniture and cabinet construction. It’s optimized for repetitive, high-accuracy joinery tasks.
How does the D-Jet support furniture production workflows?
The machine automates critical joinery operations — such as dowel-hole drilling and dowel insertion — used in furniture components (e.g., carcass sides, shelves, rails), improving consistency and reducing manual labor compared with handheld or bench-mounted drills.
Can the D-Jet insert dowels automatically?
Yes. The D-Jet can be equipped with **automatic dowel insertion**, which places dowel pins precisely after holes are drilled, saving time and ensuring uniform fit in furniture assembly.
What panel sizes can the D-Jet handle?
The D-Jet supports a range of panel widths and lengths commonly used in furniture and cabinetry (variable table widths and longitudinal travel), making it suitable for drilling and dowel work on components like sides, tops, shelves, and frames.
How precise is the drilling automation on the D-Jet?
Drill positioning is controlled via CNC to **±0.1 mm accuracy** or better, ensuring repeatable hole placement crucial for quality furniture joinery and proper alignment of dowels and connectors.
Does the D-Jet support vertical and horizontal drilling?
Yes. The machine supports both **vertical and horizontal drilling heads**, enabling multi-directional hole patterns without manual repositioning — especially useful for rail and stile joinery in furniture frames.
What joinery standards does the D-Jet support?
The machine can be programmed for a range of dowel sizes and spacing patterns used in standard furniture and cabinet joinery, including **common commercial dowel diameters and spacing presets** used across industries.
How is workpiece positioning handled?
The D-Jet uses a CNC-controlled table with integrated clamps and stops to secure panels and parts during drilling and dowel insertion, ensuring accurate alignment and repeatability of production runs.
Does the D-Jet include software for hole pattern creation?
Yes. The D-Jet is operated via an **intuitive CNC interface** that allows creation and recall of drilling patterns, part programs, and dowel sequences, making it easy to manage jobs for diverse furniture components.
Can the D-Jet be integrated into a modular production line?
Yes. The D-Jet can be positioned in a line with panel loaders, unloaders, and conveyors for **high-volume furniture manufacturing**, allowing automated throughput and reduced manual handling between cells.
Can the machine handle small furniture parts?
Yes. Clamp systems and table staging allow secure support of both **large panels and smaller furniture parts**, enabling drilling and dowel insertion on legs, rails, and accessory components without loss of accuracy.
What tooling does the D-Jet use for drilling?
The machine uses high-quality drill spindles and bits sized for common furniture joinery. Tool holders and spindles are designed for repeatability and long tool life in high-volume production environments.
How does the D-Jet improve assembly quality?
By automating hole placement and dowel insertion with high CNC accuracy, the D-Jet improves alignment consistency in furniture joints, reducing gaps, mis-fits, and rework compared with manual methods.
Why choose the Format4 D-Jet for furniture manufacturing?
The D-Jet provides **automated drilling, precise hole patterns, CNC consistency, dowel insertion options, and integration flexibility**, which together reduce labor, improve quality, and increase throughput in furniture and cabinet assembly workflows.