Machine Comparison
SMEC PL 45LY vs SMEC SL 2500
SMEC vs SMEC · CNC Lathes
Summary
The SMEC PL 45LY and the SMEC SL 2500 are both CNC turning centers that top out at 3,500 rpm, but the SMEC PL 45LY is the larger machine in every size figure. It turns up to 650 mm (25.6 in) in diameter and 805 mm (31.7 in) in length, against 430 mm and 554 mm on the SMEC SL 2500, and passes 102 mm (4.0 in) bar against 76 mm.
The SMEC PL 45LY also has the stronger spindle, 26 kW (35 hp) continuous and gear-driven, against 15 / 18.5 KW (Cont./Max.), and it has a Y-axis for milled features. The SMEC SL 2500 covers mid-size chuck and bar work; its mill type version trades some capacity for driven tools, at 405 mm diameter and 497 mm length.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | SMEC PL 45LY | SMEC SL 2500 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 310 mm (12.2 in) ▲ | 245 mm |
| Z-Axis Travel | 835 mm (32.9 in) ▲ | 600 mm [540 mm, mill type] |
| Max Turning Diameter | 650 mm (25.6 in) ▲ | 430 mm [405 mm, mill type] |
| Max Turning Length | 805 mm (31.7 in) ▲ | 554 mm [497 mm, mill type] |
| Bar Capacity | 102 mm (4.0 in) ▲ | 76 mm |
| Max Spindle Speed | 3,500 RPM max | 3500 RPM |
| Spindle Power | 26 kW (35 hp) continuous, gear-driven ▲ | 15 / 18.5 KW (Cont./Max.) |
Advantages
SMEC PL 45LY
- 650 mm (25.6 in) max turning diameter against 430 mm
- 805 mm (31.7 in) max turning length against 554 mm
- 102 mm (4.0 in) bar capacity against 76 mm
- 26 kW (35 hp) continuous gear-driven spindle against 15 / 18.5 KW (Cont./Max.)
SMEC SL 2500
- Sized for mid-size chuck and bar work that does not need the larger machine's capacity
- Offered as a plain turning machine or as a mill type with driven tools
Verdict
Choose by part size. Shops turning heavy flanges, discs and shafts need the SMEC PL 45LY: 650 mm (25.6 in) of turning diameter, 102 mm (4.0 in) bar capacity and a 26 kW (35 hp) gear-driven spindle, plus a Y-axis for keyways and cross holes. Shops whose chuck and bar work stays within 430 mm diameter and 76 mm bar are served by the SMEC SL 2500, in plain turning or mill type form, at the same 3,500 rpm.