Nicolas Correa FOX
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Tool Capacity
Spindle Power
travel z ram
spindle diameter
Overview
The Nicolas Correa FOX is a floor-type CNC boring and milling machine built by the Spanish manufacturer that has been producing heavy machine tools since 1947. The FOX is designed for machining large workpieces that sit directly on the floor plate or a T-slot table, with a moving column that provides X-axis travels starting at 3,000 mm and extending well beyond depending on configuration. This is the type of machine you find in shops producing large molds, heavy equipment frames, energy sector components, and structural aerospace parts that are too big for conventional machining centers.
The FOX features a ram-type boring spindle housed in a moving column that travels on floor-mounted guideways. The W-axis ram provides additional reach, and the spindle accepts both boring bars and face milling heads for the variety of operations these large parts require. Spindle options include gear-driven heads for heavy boring with high torque at low RPM, as well as direct-drive options for shops that also need reasonable milling speed. The column rides on hardened and ground guideways with hydrostatic support on the most demanding configurations.
Nicolas Correa builds the FOX column and base structures from heavily ribbed Meehanite cast iron that provides the mass and damping needed to take heavy cuts at extended ram positions. The Y-axis (vertical column travel) typically reaches 2,500 to 3,000 mm, and the Z-axis ram stroke adds another 600 to 800 mm of reach. For machining large die/mold blocks, turbine casings, or press frames, this combination of reach and rigidity is essential.
The machine runs on a Heidenhain TNC 640 control, which handles the complex 3+2 and continuous path operations common on large structural parts. Automatic head changers are available for switching between boring, milling, and right-angle heads without manual intervention. Nicolas Correa has a strong reputation in Europe and growing presence in North America for large-part machining, offering an alternative to Italian and Japanese floor-type boring machines at competitive pricing.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 3,000 - 12,000+ mm (118 - 472+ in), configurable |
| Y-Axis Travel | 2,500 - 3,000 mm (98.4 - 118.1 in) |
| Travel Z Ram | 600 - 800 mm (23.6 - 31.5 in) |
| Spindle Diameter | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Spindle Speed | Up to 4,000 RPM (gear head); higher with direct-drive option |
| Spindle Motor Power | 37 - 45 kW (50 - 60 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | Up to 2,500 Nm |
| Tool Capacity | 40 - 80 tools (ATC magazine) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min (787 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Y | 15 m/min (591 ipm) |
| Table Options | Floor plates, rotary tables, T-slot tables (configurable) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | Depends on floor/table configuration; typically 20,000+ kg |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box ways; hydrostatic option |
| Automatic Head Changer | Available (boring, milling, right-angle heads) |
| CNC Control | Heidenhain TNC 640 |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 30,000 - 50,000 kg depending on configuration |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Massive X-axis travel (3,000 mm to 12,000+ mm) handles the longest workpieces found in energy, aerospace, and heavy industry
- Heavy Meehanite cast iron column and base provide exceptional rigidity for boring and milling at full ram extension
- Automatic head changer enables switching between boring, face milling, and right-angle operations without manual setup
- Configurable floor plate and table options accommodate virtually any workpiece size and weight
- High spindle torque (up to 2,500 Nm) powers through heavy boring operations in cast iron, steel, and stainless steel
- Heidenhain TNC 640 control handles complex toolpaths on large structural parts with full continuous-path capability
Limitations
- Floor-type machines require substantial floor space and often foundation work or pit installation for the guideways
- Machine weights of 30,000 to 50,000 kg and above create significant installation and rigging requirements
- Long lead times for custom configurations since most FOX machines are built to order
- Nicolas Correa's North American service network is growing but still limited compared to established Japanese and German builders
- Machines of this class require skilled operators familiar with large boring mill operations and setup procedures
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Nicolas Correa FOX machines typically range from $800,000 to over $2,000,000 depending on X-axis travel length, spindle configuration, head changer options, and table/floor plate setup. Each machine is largely built to order based on the customer's requirements.
02
The FOX competes directly with Italian builders like Pama and Japanese builders like SNK in the floor-type boring mill category. Nicolas Correa generally offers competitive pricing with European build quality. The choice often comes down to specific spindle options, regional support, and the customer's experience with each builder.
03
The FOX's floor-type configuration means workpiece size is limited primarily by the X-axis travel (3,000 to 12,000+ mm) and column Y-axis travel (2,500 to 3,000 mm). Workpiece weight depends on the floor plate or table configuration but typically exceeds 20,000 kg. There is no fixed table boundary restricting part size.
04
Nicolas Correa offers automatic head changing between boring heads, face milling heads, and right-angle heads. This allows the machine to perform boring, face milling, slotting, and side milling operations on large parts without manual head swaps, which saves significant setup time on complex jobs.
05
Nicolas Correa has been expanding their North American presence with direct sales and service operations. While not as extensive as Japanese or German builders, they provide installation, training, and ongoing support. Many customers also use third-party service providers experienced with Heidenhain-controlled floor-type boring machines.
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