Machine Comparison
Niles-Simmons N40 MC vs Niles-Simmons N60 MC
Niles-Simmons vs Niles-Simmons · Mill-Turn Machines
Summary
The Niles-Simmons N40 MC and Niles-Simmons N60 MC are both from Niles-Simmons's mill-turn machines lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Niles-Simmons ecosystem. The Niles-Simmons N60 MC leads in x travel (600 mm (23.6 in) vs 450 mm (17.7 in)). The Niles-Simmons N60 MC shows specification advantages in 9 categories, though the Niles-Simmons N40 MC may still be the better choice depending on your shop's specific needs and the type of work you run. Both machines are proven performers in production environments and represent solid investments for shops in the market for a mill-turn machine.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Niles-Simmons N40 MC | Niles-Simmons N60 MC |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 450 mm (17.7 in) | 600 mm (23.6 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | +/-125 mm (+/-4.92 in) | +/-150 mm (+/-5.91 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 3,000 - 6,000 mm (118.1 - 236.2 in) | 4,000 - 12,000 mm (157.5 - 472.4 in) ▲ |
| Max Turning Length | 3,000 - 6,000 mm (118.1 - 236.2 in) configurable | 4,000 - 12,000 mm (157.5 - 472.4 in) configurable ▲ |
| Control | Siemens 840D SL | Siemens 840D SL |
| Max Swing Diameter | 800 mm (31.5 in) | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) ▲ |
| Main Spindle Power | 65 kW (87 hp) continuous | 100 kW (134 hp) continuous ▲ |
| Main Spindle Speed | 2,000 rpm ▲ | 1,500 rpm |
| Main Spindle Bore | 130 mm (5.12 in) | 180 mm (7.09 in) ▲ |
| Milling Spindle Power | 30 kW (40 hp) | 37 kW (50 hp) ▲ |
| Milling Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm ▲ | 8,000 rpm |
| B Axis Range | +/-120 degrees | +/-120 degrees |
| B Axis Resolution | 0.001 degree | 0.001 degree |
| Tool Magazine Capacity | 60 - 120 tools | 80 - 160 tools ▲ |
| Price Range | $700,000 - $1,200,000 ▲ | $1,200,000 - $2,500,000 |
Advantages
Niles-Simmons N40 MC
- Superior main spindle speed at 2,000 rpm vs 1,500 rpm
- Superior milling spindle speed at 10,000 rpm vs 8,000 rpm
- More competitive pricing at $700,000 - $1,200,000 compared to $1,200,000 - $2,500,000
Niles-Simmons N60 MC
- Greater x travel of 600 mm (23.6 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater y travel of +/-150 mm (+/-5.91 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater z travel of 4,000 - 12,000 mm (157.5 - 472.4 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Superior max turning length at 4,000 - 12,000 mm (157.5 - 472.4 in) configurable vs 3,000 - 6,000 mm (118.1 - 236.2 in) configurable
- Superior max swing diameter at 1,200 mm (47.2 in) vs 800 mm (31.5 in)
Verdict
The Niles-Simmons N60 MC edges ahead on specifications in this comparison, particularly in X Travel and Y Travel. However, the Niles-Simmons N40 MC remains competitive and may be the better choice depending on price, dealer support in your area, or specific workholding and tooling considerations. Both are capable machines — the best decision comes from running your actual parts and evaluating total cost of ownership including tooling, training, and service.