Colchester Storm VH-1600
Image: colchester.co.uk, Colchester
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Spindle Power
x axis travel
How much does the Colchester Storm VH-1600 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Colchester Storm VH-1600 that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
The Colchester Storm VH-1600 is a heavy box-way vertical machining centre: 1,600 mm (63.0 in) in X, 800 mm (31.5 in) in Y and 800 mm (31.5 in) in Z, with an 1,800 x 840 mm (70.9 x 33.1 in) table that carries 2,200 kg (4,850 lb). The spindle is a BT40 rated 15 kW (20.1 hp) at up to 10,000 rpm.
More than two tonnes on the table puts this machine among the heavy-load models of the range. Large steel mould bases, press tool sets, machine-tool castings and heavy welded frames are within reach, and so is a substantial 4th axis with its support. The T-slots grow to match: 5 slots of 22 mm (0.9 in).
The spindle sits higher on this casting. Its nose never comes closer than 200 mm (7.9 in) to the table and rises to 1,000 mm (39.4 in). On tall work that is welcome. On thin plate clamped directly to the table it means longer tools or a sub-plate, and that should be planned when the tooling is bought.
A linear-guideway machine of comparable X, the Storm VL-1690, offers more Y and Z travel but carries 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) and has 11 kW (14.8 hp). The VH-1600 is the choice when weight on the table and force in the cut come first. Colchester's geared head option is worth pricing at this size, since a 15 kW (20.1 hp) BT40 spindle is the lightest part of an otherwise very heavy specification. The changer holds 24 tools.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X Axis Travel | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) |
| Y Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Guideway Construction | Boxways |
| Table Size | 1,800 x 840 mm (70.9 x 33.1 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Distance Spindle Nose to Table | 200 - 1,000 mm (7.9 - 39.4 in) |
| T-Slots | 5 slots, 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Max Table Load | 2,200 kg (4,850 lb) |
| Spindle Taper | BT40 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW (20.1 hp) |
| ATC Type | Twin Arm |
| Tool Capacity | 24 |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-MF Plus / Siemens 828D |
Specifications sourced from colchester.co.uk — verified 2026-10-04
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 2,200 kg (4,850 lb) table load
- 1,600 x 800 x 800 mm (63.0 x 31.5 x 31.5 in) travels on box ways
- 1,800 x 840 mm (70.9 x 33.1 in) table with 22 mm (0.9 in) T-slots
- Up to 1,000 mm (39.4 in) between spindle nose and table
- 15 kW (20.1 hp) spindle with a geared head alternative
Limitations
- Spindle nose comes no lower than 200 mm (7.9 in) above the table
- BT40 taper and 24 tools on a machine built for very heavy work
- No machine weight, footprint or foundation data on the page
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Travels of 1,600 mm (63.0 in) in X and 800 mm (31.5 in) in both Y and Z. The table is 1,800 x 840 mm (70.9 x 33.1 in) with 5 T-slots of 22 mm (0.9 in). Spindle nose to table distance is 200 - 1,000 mm (7.9 - 39.4 in).
02
2,200 kg (4,850 lb). That is well above the 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) of the Storm VH-1320, the next box-way model down, and of the linear-guideway Storm VL-1690.
03
The spindle nose stops 200 mm (7.9 in) above the table at the bottom of its travel. A short tool cannot reach a thin part clamped flat on the table, so low work needs a riser, a sub-plate or longer tool holders. Tall parts gain from the 1,000 mm (39.4 in) maximum.
04
A BT40 spindle with 15 kW (20.1 hp) and a speed of 10,000 rpm. Colchester states the VH series is also available with a geared head spindle configuration for heavier cutting, but gives no figures for it on the page.
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