Amada AE 255 NT

$200,000 - $320,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Weight

Approx. 13,000 kg (28,660 lb)

Accuracy

+/-0.05 mm

working area

2,500 x 500 mm (98 x 20 in)

max punching force

200 kN (22.5 tons)

max stroke rate

600+ strokes/min

max sheet thickness

6.35 mm (0.25 in) mild steel

Overview

The Amada AE 255 NT is a compact-format servo-electric CNC turret punch press with a 2,500 x 500 mm (98 x 20 in) working area. The 255 designation indicates the narrower Y-axis travel compared to the AE 2510 NT, making this machine optimized for processing narrower sheet formats, strip material, and smaller blanks where a full 1,000 mm Y-axis is not required.

The machine shares the same core technology as the AE 2510 NT: 200 kN (22.5 tons) servo-electric punching force, 600+ strokes per minute hit rate, and servo-electric drive that eliminates hydraulic systems. Available with 45 or 51 station turrets with 4 auto-index positions, the AE 255 NT provides the same tool capacity as its wider sibling. The AC servo drive consumes less than half the power of comparable hydraulic machines.

The narrower format has practical advantages beyond just handling smaller sheets. The reduced Y-axis travel means the machine has a smaller footprint, shorter repositioning times on narrow parts, and lower cost than the 2510 model. For shops that primarily process narrow panels, strips, or components where the full 1,000 mm width is wasted, the AE 255 NT is the more efficient and cost-effective choice.

The AE 255 NT includes brush table design for scratch-free processing, power vacuum slug pull, and the PC-based NT control with touchscreen interface. New machines price between $200,000 and $320,000 depending on tooling and options. The machine is particularly well-suited for HVAC duct fabrication, narrow electrical panel production, and strip-fed progressive punching applications.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Working Area	2,500 x 500 mm (98 x 20 in)
Max Punching Force	200 kN (22.5 tons)
Max Stroke Rate	600+ strokes/min
Max Sheet Thickness	6.35 mm (0.25 in) mild steel
Tool Stations	45 or 51 stations with 4 auto-index
Positioning Accuracy	+/-0.05 mm
Traverse Speed	90 m/min
Drive Type	AC servo-electric (no hydraulics)
CNC Control	Amada PC-based NT control (touchscreen)
Table Type	Brush table (scratch-free processing)
Slug Removal	Power vacuum slug pull system
Power Consumption	Less than half of comparable hydraulic machines
Machine Weight	Approx. 13,000 kg (28,660 lb)

Specifications sourced from amada.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Compact footprint takes up less floor space than the wider AE 2510 NT while offering the same punching capabilities
200 kN servo-electric drive with 600+ strokes/min provides the same performance as the wider AE 2510 model
Shorter Y-axis travel means faster repositioning on narrow parts -- higher throughput on narrow-format work
Lower cost than the AE 2510 NT makes it accessible for shops that primarily process narrow sheets
Same 45-51 tool station capacity as the 2510 model -- no compromise on tool flexibility
Servo-electric drive eliminates hydraulic maintenance, oil disposal, and delivers 50%+ energy savings

Limitations

500 mm Y-axis limits the machine to narrow sheets -- standard 1,000 mm and wider sheets cannot be processed
Narrow format means this is a specialized machine -- shops needing wide-format capability will need a second machine
200 kN punching force is adequate but not class-leading for heavy-duty forming operations
Limited resale market compared to the more common 2510 format

Best For

HVAC duct fabricators processing narrow panels and strip material Electrical panel and enclosure manufacturers working with narrow blanks and door panels Shops with limited floor space that need turret punch capability in the smallest possible footprint Strip-fed and progressive punching applications where narrow format is standard Fabricators processing narrow shelving, brackets, and channel components in production volumes

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the AE 255 NT and AE 2510 NT?

The primary difference is Y-axis working area: 500 mm on the AE 255 vs 1,000 mm on the AE 2510. Both share the same 2,500 mm X-axis, punching force (200 kN), hit rate (600+ strokes/min), tool capacity, and servo-electric drive technology. The AE 255 costs less and has a smaller footprint but can only process narrow sheets.

02 What sheet sizes can the AE 255 NT handle?

The 2,500 x 500 mm working area handles sheets up to approximately 98 x 20 inches. This is suitable for narrow panels, strips, and blanks. Standard 5x3 ft or 5x4 ft sheets do not fit without pre-cutting to narrow strips.

03 Is the AE 255 NT good for HVAC fabrication?

Yes. HVAC duct panels are typically narrow (under 500 mm wide), making the AE 255 NT an efficient and cost-effective choice for high-volume duct fabrication. The servo-electric drive, 600+ hit rate, and brush table are well-suited for the thin-gauge galvanized steel common in HVAC work.

04 Can I upgrade to the AE 2510 NT later?

The AE 255 NT and AE 2510 NT are separate machines -- there is no field upgrade path to widen the Y-axis. However, the same tooling, programming software, and operator skills transfer directly between the two models, so adding a 2510 alongside an existing 255 is straightforward.