Machine Comparison
DMG Mori NLX 2500/700 vs Okuma LB3000 EX II
dmg-mori vs okuma · CNC Lathes
Summary
The DMG Mori NLX 2500/700 and Okuma LB3000 EX II are both tier-1 production turning centers that you'll find in serious job shops and OEM production cells worldwide. They target the same sweet spot — medium-sized turned parts up to roughly 400mm diameter — but they get there with different engineering philosophies. DMG Mori's NLX 2500/700 leans on its thermal compensation system, which the company calls their turnMILL integrated cooling. The coolant runs through the bed, headstock, and turret to keep thermal growth under control during long production runs. That's a real advantage when you're holding tenths over an 8-hour shift. The 700mm Z-travel also gives you more room for longer shaft work. Okuma counters with the Thermo-Friendly Concept built into the LB3000 EX II, plus a beefier spindle: 22 kW and 4,200 RPM versus DMG Mori's 18.5 kW and 3,500 RPM. That extra power and speed matter when you're hogging material on larger diameters or running at the top of the speed range on smaller bar work. Okuma also comes in at a lower price point — $130K-$180K versus $150K-$220K for the NLX. The control choice is a genuine differentiator here. DMG Mori offers Siemens or Mitsubishi through their CELOS platform, while Okuma runs their proprietary OSP-P300L. Both are excellent, but your shop's existing experience with one platform or the other should carry weight in this decision.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | DMG Mori NLX 2500/700 | Okuma LB3000 EX II |
|---|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 366 mm (14.4 in) | 400 mm (15.7 in) ▲ |
| Max Turning Length | 460 mm (18.1 in) | 500 mm (19.7 in) ▲ |
| Max Spindle Speed | 3,500 RPM | 4,200 RPM ▲ |
| Spindle Power | 18.5 kW (24.8 hp) | 22 kW (30 hp) ▲ |
| Bar Capacity | 80 mm (3.15 in) | 80 mm (3.15 in) |
| Tool Capacity | 12-station (BMT optional) | 12-station turret |
| Rapid Traverse | 30 m/min | 30 m/min |
| Z Travel | 700 mm ▲ | 500 mm |
| Machine Weight | 5,200 kg | 4,800 kg ▲ |
| Control | Siemens 840D / Mitsubishi M800 (CELOS) | OSP-P300L |
| Price Range | $150K-$220K | $130K-$180K ▲ |
Advantages
DMG Mori NLX 2500/700
- 700mm Z-travel handles longer shaft and bar work that won't fit the Okuma's 500mm turning length
- Integrated coolant thermal compensation through the bed, headstock, and turret holds tighter tolerances over long runs
- BMT (built-in motor turret) option enables high-performance live tooling for mill-turn operations
- CELOS platform with choice of Siemens or Mitsubishi controls matches your shop's existing ecosystem
- DMG Mori's global service network provides faster response in many regions
Okuma LB3000 EX II
- 22 kW spindle delivers 19% more power than the NLX — you'll feel it on aggressive roughing passes
- 4,200 RPM max speed gives better surface footage on smaller diameters and aluminum work
- 400mm max workpiece diameter handles larger chucking work the NLX can't swing
- Lower price point of $130K-$180K saves $20K-$40K versus the comparable NLX configuration
- Okuma's OSP control is built in-house and tightly integrated with the machine's thermal compensation
- Lighter at 4,800 kg with proven Thermo-Friendly Concept for thermal stability
Verdict
For most general-purpose turning work, the Okuma LB3000 EX II offers more machine for less money. You get a stronger spindle, faster RPM, larger swing, and a lower price tag. It's hard to argue against that combination if your parts fit within its 500mm turning length. The NLX 2500/700 earns its premium when you need that extra Z-travel for longer parts, or when BMT live tooling for mill-turn capability is on the table. If you're running shaft work over 500mm, the decision makes itself — you need the NLX. Both machines will hold tolerances and run reliably for years. If your shop already runs Okuma or DMG Mori equipment, staying within the same ecosystem for controls, tooling, and service relationships is usually the tiebreaker.