Northwood Iron Horse Dual Processing
Image: northwoodmachine.com, Northwood
Key Specifications
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Spindle Power
control
table orientations
How much does the Northwood Iron Horse Dual Processing cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Northwood Iron Horse Dual Processing that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
Two tooling plates over two tables: the Northwood Iron Horse Dual Processing is a three-axis router that cuts two different parts at the same moment. Northwood builds it for high-volume plants where one head over one sheet is the bottleneck.
The control is the clue to how it works. Where the single-head Iron Horse 3 lists a FANUC 0i-Model F Plus, this machine lists the same control in a Dual Path version, with a 31i series control as an option. Two paths let the control run a separate program on each side, so the two tables do not have to carry the same nest. Northwood describes the tables as separate twin tables for continuous or pendulum processing, in a wide or a narrow layout.
Spacing between the two heads can be fixed, adjustable or servo controlled. Each side draws on the usual Iron Horse tooling: spindles of 13 kW (17.4 hp) air cooled, 16 kW (21.5 hp) liquid cooled or 25 kW (33.5 hp) liquid cooled with HSK63F or HSK63A tooling, a 12-tool changer with 8, 10 and 20 as options, and line boring units from 5-line to 40-line. A saw row is listed as well, from a single direction saw to a programmable 360-degree saw/V-groover and a 5-axis direct drive version.
Table sizes are 49 x 97 in (1,245 x 2,464 mm), 61 x 121 in (1,549 x 3,073 mm), 61 x 145 in (1,549 x 3,683 mm) or custom, and Z travel is 14 in (356 mm) or 24 in (610 mm) upgraded. Feeding two tables by hand soon limits output, so the table also lists automatic and manual material management systems for loading, unloading and labeling.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| CNC Control | FANUC 0i-Model F Plus with Alpha iD Servo System Dual Path (Optional 31i series) |
| Table Size | 49 x 97 in (1,245 x 2,464 mm), 61 x 121 in (1,549 x 3,073 mm), 61 x 145 in (1,549 x 3,683 mm), custom |
| Table Orientations | Single or twin (wide or narrow) |
| Table Options | Single or multiple vacuum zones, 3-standard automatic part location stops (additional available) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 13 kW (17.4 hp) air cooled, 16 kW (21.5 hp) liquid cooled, 25 kW (33.5 hp) liquid cooled |
| Spindle Mounted Fourth Axis | C-axis |
| Spindle Taper | HSK63F and HSK63A |
| Tool Capacity | 12 standard (optional 8, 10 and 20) |
| Adjustable Spindle Spacing | Spindle center spacing (manual or servo) or independent X/Y on multi-tool machines |
| Z Axis Travel | 14 in (356 mm) standard, 24 in (610 mm) upgraded |
| Tool Part Probe | Standard Northwood Probe (optional Renishaw TS27R, NC4 non-contact or RMP400) |
| Line Boring Drill Unit | 5-line, 9-line, 21-line (13 vertical, 8 horizontal), 29-line, 35-line (all vertical), 40-line |
| Saw | Single direction, programmable 360-degree saw/V-groover, direct drive servo, 5-axis direct drive |
| Automatic Material Management System | Loading, unloading, labeling |
| Manual Material Management System | Loading, unloading, labeling |
| Vacuum Pumps | 40 hp Liquid Ring, 10 hp Dry Claw, 25 Dry Claw, 10 hp Rotary Vane, stacked system |
| Optional Features | Fencing, Keyence scanners, MQL, zipper ducts, barcode reader |
Specifications sourced from northwoodmachine.com — verified 2026-10-05
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Twin tables with twin tooling plates cut two unique parts simultaneously
- FANUC 0i-Model F Plus Dual Path control, with a 31i series control as an option
- Head spacing can be fixed, adjustable or servo controlled
- Saw options up to a programmable 360-degree saw/V-groover and a 5-axis direct drive saw
- Automatic or manual material management for loading, unloading and labeling
Limitations
- Z travel is 14 in (356 mm) as standard and 24 in (610 mm) upgraded, so the machine is limited to sheet and panel work
- Two heads and two tables need two sets of tooling, vacuum zones and programs to keep both sides busy
- Northwood publishes no rapid rates, spindle speed, footprint or weight for the machine
- The table lists no molder row, although Northwood mentions molder heads for solid surface and millwork applications
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Each of the two tables has its own tooling plate, and the two cut at the same time. Northwood says the Iron Horse Dual Processing can cut two unique parts simultaneously and lists a Dual Path version of the FANUC 0i-Model F Plus control. The tables can run continuously or in pendulum mode.
02
Northwood offers three arrangements: fixed spacing, adjustable spacing and servo-controlled spacing. The specification table words it as spindle center spacing, manual or servo, or independent X/Y on multi-tool machines. Servo spacing is the one to ask about if sheet sizes or nest layouts change often.
03
The spindle row lists 13 kW (17.4 hp) air cooled, 16 kW (21.5 hp) liquid cooled and 25 kW (33.5 hp) liquid cooled, with HSK63F and HSK63A tool interfaces. The automatic tool changer holds 12 tools as standard, with 8, 10 and 20 as options, and a spindle-mounted C-axis is listed as the fourth axis.
04
The Iron Horse Dual Processing runs two tooling plates and cuts two parts at once. The Iron Horse Multi Tool has one tooling plate that carries several tools and completes one operation at a time. Table sizes, spindle ratings and Z travel are the same in both tables; the Iron Horse Multi Tool adds a molder row.
