Machine Comparison
Willemin-Macodel 408MT vs Willemin-Macodel 508MT2
Willemin-Macodel vs Willemin-Macodel · Mill-Turn Machines
Summary
The Willemin-Macodel 408MT and Willemin-Macodel 508MT2 are both from Willemin-Macodel's mill-turn machines lineup, making this a common upgrade or lineup decision for shops already invested in the Willemin-Macodel ecosystem. The Willemin-Macodel 508MT2 leads in x travel (200 mm (7.87 in) vs 160 mm (6.30 in)). The Willemin-Macodel 508MT2 leads in tool capacity (40 tools vs 36 tools). The Willemin-Macodel 508MT2 shows specification advantages in 8 categories, though the Willemin-Macodel 408MT 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 | Willemin-Macodel 408MT | Willemin-Macodel 508MT2 |
|---|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 160 mm (6.30 in) | 200 mm (7.87 in) ▲ |
| Y-Axis Travel | 80 mm (3.15 in) | 100 mm (3.94 in) ▲ |
| Z-Axis Travel | 280 mm (11.02 in) | 350 mm (13.78 in) ▲ |
| Tool Capacity | 36 tools | 40 tools ▲ |
| Accuracy | 1.5 um (0.00006 in) ▲ | 2 um (0.00008 in) |
| Control | Fanuc 31i-B5 | Fanuc 31i-B5 |
| Max Bar Capacity | 32 mm (1.26 in) diameter | 50 mm (1.97 in) diameter ▲ |
| Main Spindle Power | 7.5 kW | 11 kW ▲ |
| Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm ▲ | 8,000 rpm |
| Sub Spindle Power | 7.5 kW | 11 kW ▲ |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm ▲ | 8,000 rpm |
| Milling Spindle Power | 12 kW | 15 kW ▲ |
| Milling Spindle Speed | 40,000 rpm | 40,000 rpm |
| Milling Spindle Interface | HSK-E32 | HSK-E40 |
| Price Range | $300,000 - $420,000 ▲ | $350,000 - $500,000 |
Advantages
Willemin-Macodel 408MT
- Tighter positioning accuracy at 1.5 um (0.00006 in) for precision-critical work
- Superior main spindle speed at 10,000 rpm vs 8,000 rpm
- Superior sub spindle speed at 10,000 rpm vs 8,000 rpm
- More competitive pricing at $300,000 - $420,000 compared to $350,000 - $500,000
Willemin-Macodel 508MT2
- Greater x travel of 200 mm (7.87 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater y travel of 100 mm (3.94 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Greater z travel of 350 mm (13.78 in) accommodates larger workpieces
- Larger tool magazine with 40 tools capacity reduces manual tool changes on complex parts
- Superior max bar capacity at 50 mm (1.97 in) diameter vs 32 mm (1.26 in) diameter
Verdict
The Willemin-Macodel 508MT2 edges ahead on specifications in this comparison, particularly in X Travel and Y Travel. However, the Willemin-Macodel 408MT 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.