What Is Intermac? Definition & Guide
Quick Definition
Intermac is an Italian manufacturer of CNC stone processing machinery, owned by the Biesse Group. The company produces bridge saws, CNC machining centers, waterjet cutters, and edge polishers used by countertop fabrication shops worldwide. Intermac equipment is widely installed across North American fabrication shops, sitting in the professional-to-premium tier between domestic manufacturers like Park Industries and ultra-premium brands like Breton.
TL;DR
- Intermac is part of the Biesse Group, a major Italian industrial machinery conglomerate
- They make CNC bridge saws, machining centers, waterjets, and polishers for stone fabrication
- Equipment pricing typically ranges from $100,000 to $500,000+
- Strong presence in US market through Biesse America, based in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Known for the Master series (CNC machining centers) and Primus series (waterjets)
- Mid to high-volume fabrication shops (20-60+ kitchens/month) are the primary buyers
- US service is handled through Biesse America's network of field technicians
Intermac: Italian Engineering for American Fabrication Shops
The Biesse Connection
Intermac operates as the stone division of the Biesse Group, an Italian company that also makes CNC equipment for wood, glass, and advanced materials processing. Biesse is publicly traded on the Italian stock exchange and generates over $800 million in annual revenue across all divisions.
For fabricators, this corporate backing means:
- Financial stability - Intermac isn't going anywhere. Parts and support will be available for years.
- R&D investment - Biesse spends significantly on research and development, and innovations from other divisions (wood, glass) often translate to stone processing improvements.
- US presence - Biesse America, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, provides direct sales, installation, training, and field service across North America.
Intermac Equipment Lines
CNC Machining Centers
| Model | Capabilities | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Master 33 | 3-axis CNC machining | Mid-volume residential |
| Master 43 | 4-axis CNC with tilt head | Versatile residential/commercial |
| Master 55 | 5-axis full CNC | High-volume, complex work |
The Master series is Intermac's flagship for countertop fabrication. These machines handle sink cutouts, edge profiling, drilling, and shaping - essentially all secondary fabrication after the primary slab cuts are made.
The Master 43 is the most popular choice for US fabrication shops in the 20-40 kitchen/month range. Its 4-axis capability handles 90% of residential countertop profiles and cutouts, while costing $50,000-$100,000 less than a full 5-axis system.
Bridge Saws
Intermac's bridge saw lineup includes models for both entry-level and production environments:
- Arena - Entry-level CNC bridge saw for shops entering automated cutting
- Gemini - Mid-range bridge saw with strong value proposition
- Donatoni (Intermac brand) - Premium bridge saw models for high-volume cutting
Waterjet Systems
The Primus waterjet series handles complex shapes, curves, and inlays that traditional bridge saws can't achieve. Waterjets cut with a high-pressure stream of water mixed with abrasive garnet, allowing intricate shapes without heat-induced stress on the stone.
Edge Polishers
Intermac produces inline edge polishing systems that automate straight and profiled edge finishing. These machines run stone edges through a series of polishing heads, producing consistent finishes in a fraction of the time required for hand polishing.
Intermac vs. Competitors: What Fabricators Need to Know
| Factor | Intermac | Park Industries | Breton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Italy (US ops in Charlotte, NC) | St. Cloud, Minnesota | Italy |
| Price Range | $100K-$500K+ | $80K-$400K+ | $150K-$800K+ |
| US Service Model | Biesse America field techs | Direct domestic | Distributor network |
| Strongest Product | CNC machining centers (Master) | Bridge saws (Yukon) | CNC centers (ShapeOne) |
| Best Fit | 20-60+ kitchens/month | 15-40 kitchens/month | 50-100+ kitchens/month |
| Parts Lead Time | 1-5 days (Charlotte warehouse) | 1-3 days (domestic) | 3-10 days (from Italy) |
Buying Intermac: Practical Considerations
Visit the Charlotte showroom. Biesse America's Charlotte headquarters has a full working demonstration center. Seeing machines run actual stone - not just marketing videos - helps you evaluate cut quality, speed, and operator workflow. Many fabricators combine a Charlotte visit with StonExpo or other trade shows.
Compare total cost of ownership. Intermac machines carry higher sticker prices than Park Industries for similar capabilities, but lower prices than Breton. The real comparison should include:
- Purchase price or lease terms
- Installation and site preparation ($15,000-$40,000)
- Annual maintenance and service contract costs ($5,000-$15,000/year)
- Tooling consumption (blades, bits, polishing pads)
- Training time and costs
Plan for parts inventory. Keep common wear items (spindle bearings, tool holders, seals) in stock at your shop. Even with Biesse America's Charlotte warehouse, shipping delays happen. A $200 part sitting on your shelf prevents a $5,000/day production stoppage.
Connect your CNC to your management system. Your Intermac machine's productivity depends on having the right job, the right slab, and the right cut program ready when the operator walks up to the controls. SlabWise connects your job pipeline to your production floor - verified templates feed directly into scheduling, and slab assignments are confirmed before production starts. This prevents the 10-15% waste that happens when jobs are cut from the wrong slab or with outdated templates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Intermac?
Intermac is owned by the Biesse Group, an Italian industrial machinery company publicly traded on the Italian stock exchange.
Where is Intermac service in the US?
Biesse America, headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides sales, service, training, and parts support for Intermac equipment across North America.
How much does an Intermac CNC cost?
Intermac CNC machining centers range from approximately $100,000 for entry-level 3-axis models to $400,000+ for 5-axis production systems. Bridge saws and waterjet systems have similar ranges.
What is the Intermac Master series?
The Master series is Intermac's line of CNC machining centers for stone processing. Available in 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis configurations, these machines handle cutting, profiling, drilling, and shaping operations.
Can Intermac machines cut quartz and porcelain?
Yes. Intermac equipment is designed to process all common countertop materials including quartz, granite, marble, quartzite, and porcelain with appropriate tooling.
Does Intermac offer training?
Yes. Biesse America provides operator and programmer training at their Charlotte facility and on-site at your shop during installation. Ongoing training courses are available for advanced operations.
How does Intermac compare to Park Industries?
Intermac offers broader CNC machining center options and Italian engineering precision. Park Industries offers domestic manufacturing, faster US parts delivery, and typically lower pricing. Both are strong choices for mid-volume US fabrication shops.
What is the typical lifespan of Intermac equipment?
With proper maintenance, Intermac stone processing machines commonly operate for 15-20+ years. The Biesse Group's industrial engineering standards ensure long-term durability.
Does Intermac offer financing?
Yes. Biesse America works with equipment financing partners to provide leasing and loan options. Terms typically range from 3-7 years depending on equipment cost and buyer qualifications.
Can I buy used Intermac equipment?
Used Intermac machines are available through equipment dealers and the secondary market. Verify the machine's service history and consider having a Biesse technician inspect it before purchasing.
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Your Intermac CNC needs verified templates, matched slabs, and optimized nesting to run at peak efficiency. SlabWise handles the upstream workflow - template verification, slab assignment, and AI-powered nesting - so your equipment runs productive cuts instead of costly remakes.
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Sources
- Intermac/Biesse Group - Product specifications and company data (intermac.com)
- Biesse America - US operations and service information
- Park Industries - Competitive market data
- Stone World Magazine - Equipment industry coverage
- Natural Stone Institute - Fabrication technology resources
- ISFA - Industry equipment surveys and benchmarks