Burkhardt+Weber MPW200

Q: What is a W-axis boring spindle and why does it matter?

The W-axis is a spindle extension axis that advances the boring bar forward into the workpiece independently of the Z-axis column movement. This allows the machine to bore deep into the workpiece while keeping the column and head stationary, which preserves the angular alignment between the boring bar and the workpiece bore axis. Without a W-axis, boring deep holes requires Z-axis column movement, which introduces accumulated positional errors for aligned bore features.

Q: What boring diameter range does the MPW200 cover?

The MPW200 with its 200 mm spindle diameter and W-axis extension can bore diameters typically ranging from 60 mm to over 2,000 mm using appropriate boring bar setups and fly cutter configurations. The practical range for precision bearing housing boring is typically 150-800 mm, where the combination of W-axis extension and precision spindle bearing provides the best accuracy.

Q: How does the MPW200 compare to a floor-type boring mill?

A floor-type boring mill allows larger workpieces to be placed directly on the shop floor and machined from above or the side. The MPW200 table configuration is better suited for workpieces that need multi-face machining via rotary table indexing without unclamping. Floor-type mills handle very large or irregular workpieces that cannot be fixtured on a table; the MPW200 is preferred for precision-critical work where table clamping provides better control over workpiece distortion.

Q: What industries commonly use CNC boring machines like the MPW200?

Power generation (turbine and generator manufacturers), heavy industrial gearbox and transmission manufacturers, aerospace structural component machining, marine propulsion systems, oil and gas equipment manufacturers (large pump and compressor housings), and mining equipment manufacturers are the primary users of large precision CNC boring mills.

Q: Can the MPW200 perform milling operations in addition to boring?

Yes, the MPW200 is a machining center as well as a boring mill. The horizontal spindle can carry milling cutters, face mills, and drills in addition to boring bars. The CNC control coordinates multi-axis milling, drilling, and boring operations in a single setup. The machine is not optimized for high-speed light-cut milling, but for the combination of precision boring and facing operations on large workpieces it is the appropriate tool.

$2,000,000 - $4,000,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

4,000 mm (157.5 in)

Y Travel

2,500 mm (98.4 in)

Z Travel

1,500 mm (59.1 in)

Max Spindle

2,500 RPM

Spindle Taper

ISO 50

Weight

70,000 kg (154,324 lb)

Overview

The Burkhardt+Weber MPW200 is a precision CNC horizontal boring mill designed for large, complex workpieces requiring precision bored holes, precision facing, and multi-axis milling in a single setup. Burkhardt+Weber built its reputation in large-format precision machining, and the MPW200 represents their precision boring mill category, targeting aerospace structural components, large gearbox housings, turbine bearing housings, and heavy-industry part families where bore alignment and roundness tolerances in the single-digit micron range are non-negotiable.

The MPW200 features a horizontal boring spindle that extends (W-axis) independently of the Z-axis column movement, allowing precision boring of deep holes and bores without moving the workpiece or the column. This W-axis boring spindle is the defining feature of a horizontal boring mill versus a horizontal machining center: the spindle can advance into the workpiece while the tool holder geometry remains in the optimal cutting position. This is critical for precision in-line boring of aligned bearing housings, where any column movement introduces angular error between bored features.

The machine table accommodates workpieces up to 2,000 kg with large table dimensions suited for gearbox housings and structural assemblies. The rotary table provides 360-degree indexing for multi-face machining without unclamping the workpiece. The Siemens Sinumerik control manages the complex multi-axis coordination required for in-line boring, face milling, and simultaneous multi-spindle operations.

Burkhardt+Weber builds the MPW200 to the same careful standards as their machining centers, with hand-scraped ways, precision ground spindle bores, and thermal compensation systems. These are machines built for customers where the cost of a mis-bored turbine bearing housing or gearbox casing is measured in hundreds of thousands of dollars in scrapped material and lost production time.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Spindle Diameter	200 mm (7.87 in)
W Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
X-Axis Travel	4,000 mm (157.5 in)
Y-Axis Travel	2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Z-Axis Travel	1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Max Spindle Speed	2,500 RPM
Spindle Taper	ISO 50
Spindle Motor Power	45 kW (60.3 hp)
Spindle Torque	4,000 Nm
Table Load Capacity	2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
Positioning Accuracy	< 0.006 mm (< 6 µm)
Boring Accuracy	< 0.003 mm roundness (< 3 µm)
CNC Control	Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl
Machine Weight	70,000 kg (154,324 lb)

Specifications sourced from burkhardt-weber.de — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

W-axis boring spindle extension enables in-line boring of aligned bearing housings with single-setup precision that column movement cannot replicate
Sub-3-micron roundness accuracy in bored features meets the most demanding bearing housing tolerances in turbine and gearbox applications
4,000 Nm spindle torque provides the cutting force for precision boring of large-diameter bores in hardened steel and cast iron without deflection
Large table travel (4,000 x 2,500 x 1,500 mm) and 2,000 kg load capacity cover the largest gearbox housings and structural assemblies in a single setup

Limitations

Price of $2M-$4M is accessible only to large manufacturers or specialized precision job shops with consistent demand for large precision boring work
At 70,000 kg, the MPW200 requires exceptional infrastructure: heavy reinforced foundations, overhead cranes, and dedicated shop space with thermal conditioning
Low maximum spindle speed of 2,500 RPM limits the machine to large-diameter boring and heavy face milling; it is not suitable for high-speed or small-diameter milling work

Best For

Power generation manufacturers boring aligned bearing housings in large turbine casings, generator frames, and gearbox housings to single-digit micron tolerances Aerospace and defense manufacturers precision boring large structural frames, landing gear cylinders, and hydraulic actuator housings Heavy industrial gearbox manufacturers where in-line bore alignment across multiple journal bearing locations is the critical process requirement Marine propulsion manufacturers boring propeller shaft housings and large marine gearbox cases requiring precision alignment across long bore spans

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is a W-axis boring spindle and why does it matter?

The W-axis is a spindle extension axis that advances the boring bar forward into the workpiece independently of the Z-axis column movement. This allows the machine to bore deep into the workpiece while keeping the column and head stationary, which preserves the angular alignment between the boring bar and the workpiece bore axis. Without a W-axis, boring deep holes requires Z-axis column movement, which introduces accumulated positional errors for aligned bore features.

02 What boring diameter range does the MPW200 cover?

The MPW200 with its 200 mm spindle diameter and W-axis extension can bore diameters typically ranging from 60 mm to over 2,000 mm using appropriate boring bar setups and fly cutter configurations. The practical range for precision bearing housing boring is typically 150-800 mm, where the combination of W-axis extension and precision spindle bearing provides the best accuracy.

03 How does the MPW200 compare to a floor-type boring mill?

A floor-type boring mill allows larger workpieces to be placed directly on the shop floor and machined from above or the side. The MPW200 table configuration is better suited for workpieces that need multi-face machining via rotary table indexing without unclamping. Floor-type mills handle very large or irregular workpieces that cannot be fixtured on a table; the MPW200 is preferred for precision-critical work where table clamping provides better control over workpiece distortion.

04 What industries commonly use CNC boring machines like the MPW200?

Power generation (turbine and generator manufacturers), heavy industrial gearbox and transmission manufacturers, aerospace structural component machining, marine propulsion systems, oil and gas equipment manufacturers (large pump and compressor housings), and mining equipment manufacturers are the primary users of large precision CNC boring mills.

05 Can the MPW200 perform milling operations in addition to boring?

Yes, the MPW200 is a machining center as well as a boring mill. The horizontal spindle can carry milling cutters, face mills, and drills in addition to boring bars. The CNC control coordinates multi-axis milling, drilling, and boring operations in a single setup. The machine is not optimized for high-speed light-cut milling, but for the combination of precision boring and facing operations on large workpieces it is the appropriate tool.