Burkhardt+Weber MCB Series CNC Boring Center

$900,000 – $2,200,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Spindle Diameter

100 mm (3.94 in) standard; 130 mm optional

X Travel

2,500 – 5,000 mm (98 – 197 in) depending on variant

Y Travel

1,600 – 2,500 mm (63 – 98 in)

Z Travel

1,000 – 1,500 mm (39.4 – 59 in) column axial + W-axis quill extension

Spindle Speed Range

1 – 2,500 RPM (boring-optimized)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A100 / SK 50; boring bar interface optional

Overview

The Burkhardt+Weber MCB Series is a specialized CNC boring center from Burkhardt+Weber of Reutlingen, Germany, engineered for applications requiring precise deep-bore operations, extended spindle quill travel, and high-accuracy internal geometry machining in large housing components. Where the standard MC Series targets general-purpose horizontal boring and milling, the MCB Series is optimized for customers whose primary requirement is deep, accurate boring of large cylindrical bores in turbine housings, gearbox cases, pump bodies, and engine blocks — applications where extended W-axis quill travel and bore diameter accuracy are the critical parameters.

The MCB Series features an extended W-axis spindle quill that provides additional axial travel beyond the Z-axis column movement, enabling the boring bar to reach deep into large castings without repositioning the column. The spindle is available in 100 mm and 130 mm diameters, providing greater rigidity for large-diameter boring operations and supporting heavier single-point boring bars and adjustable boring heads. Spindle speed range is optimized for boring and facing operations rather than high-speed milling, with maximum speeds typically in the 1,500–2,500 RPM range.

The MCB Series shares the MC Series floor-type traveling-column architecture, with the spindle head traversing on a vertical cross-rail and the column traversing along the floor plate. This configuration handles the large, heavy castings typical of MCB Series applications — workpieces that may weigh 20,000 kg or more and require precise alignment of multiple bore features across large distances. Thermal compensation and precision linear guideways maintain bore-to-bore positional accuracy across the full column travel range.

Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl is the standard control, providing full contouring capability for combined boring, milling, and drilling operations in a single setup. Burkhardt+Weber supports the MCB Series with application engineering from Reutlingen, covering fixturing design, boring bar selection, and process optimization for demanding large-bore applications.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Spindle Diameter	100 mm (3.94 in) standard; 130 mm optional
X Travel	2,500 – 5,000 mm (98 – 197 in) depending on variant
Y Travel	1,600 – 2,500 mm (63 – 98 in)
Z Travel	1,000 – 1,500 mm (39.4 – 59 in) column axial + W-axis quill extension
Spindle Speed Range	1 – 2,500 RPM (boring-optimized)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A100 / SK 50; boring bar interface optional
Table Size	Optional rotary table 1,600 × 1,600 mm to 2,500 × 2,500 mm
Rotary Table	B-axis rotary, CNC continuous; indexing to 1 arc-second optional
Control System	Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl
Machine Weight	50,000 – 100,000 kg depending on variant and table configuration

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Extended W-axis spindle quill travel enables deep boring into large castings without column repositioning, maintaining bore straightness and positional accuracy
130 mm spindle diameter option provides exceptional rigidity for large-diameter boring bars and reduces deflection in deep-bore applications
Floor-type traveling-column design handles the largest and heaviest castings in aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment manufacturing
Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl control supports integrated boring cycles, in-process gauging interfaces, and thermal compensation for long-cycle accuracy
Burkhardt+Weber application engineering provides deep process expertise in boring bar selection, speed and feed optimization, and workholding design

Limitations

Highest acquisition cost in the Burkhardt+Weber lineup — the MCB Series is a highly specialized machine justifiable only by consistent large-bore production volume
Lower maximum spindle speed compared to milling-optimized boring mills — the MCB Series is not the best choice for shops requiring equal milling and boring capability
Site installation requirements are extensive: massive foundation, overhead crane, temperature-controlled environment recommended for achieving rated accuracy

Best For

Turbine and compressor housing manufacturers requiring precise deep-bore alignment of bearing bores, shaft journals, and seal seats in large energy sector castings Marine and industrial engine manufacturers boring cylinder bores, main bearing housings, and transmission cases in large cast iron engine blocks Aerospace landing gear and actuation system manufacturers boring large-diameter bore features in high-strength steel and titanium housings Industrial gearbox and pump manufacturers producing precision bore geometries in large steel and cast iron housing components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the W-axis on the MCB Series and why is it important for boring?

The W-axis is the spindle quill axial travel — an additional linear axis that extends or retracts the spindle quill independently of the Z-axis column movement. For deep-bore applications, the W-axis allows the boring bar to reach further into the casting after the column has completed its Z-axis travel, enabling deep bores without repositioning the entire column. This improves bore straightness and reduces setup time compared to repositioning the workpiece.

02 What bore diameters can the MCB Series machine?

The MCB Series, equipped with a 100 or 130 mm spindle and adjustable boring heads, can machine bores ranging from approximately 50 mm diameter (with fine boring heads) up to 1,500 mm or larger with back-boring tools and custom boring bars. Practical limits depend on boring bar rigidity, depth-to-diameter ratio, and material type.

03 Can the MCB Series also perform milling and drilling operations?

Yes. The MCB Series uses the Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl control with full contouring capability and supports angular milling heads and drilling cycles. While the spindle speed range is optimized for boring rather than high-speed milling, the machine performs complete machining of complex housing features including milled faces, drilled bolt patterns, and tapped holes in a single setup.