Colchester Storm VL-1000
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 VL-1000 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Colchester Storm VL-1000 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
A metre of X travel on a narrow machine: the Colchester Storm VL-1000 moves 1,020 mm (40.2 in) in X while keeping Y at 510 mm (20.1 in) and Z at 560 mm (22.0 in). Its table is 1,200 x 500 mm (47.2 x 19.7 in). The format is made for long parts and for rows of vices, and it avoids the floor space and cost in iron of a wider machine.
Mechanically it is a stretched Storm VL-850. Y travel, Z travel, the 800 kg (1,764 lb) table load, the 150 - 710 mm (5.9 - 28.0 in) spindle nose to table distance and the 5 T-slots of 18 mm (0.7 in) are the same on both. Only X and table length differ. A shop choosing between them needs to answer one question, which is whether its parts or its fixture plates exceed the 850 mm (33.5 in) stroke of the Storm VL-850.
The spindle is a BT40 running to 10,000 rpm with 11 kW (14.8 hp), and the twin arm changer holds 24 tools. Linear guideways carry all three axes. Bars, rails, extrusions and manifold blocks are the natural work, as are three or four vices each holding a different operation of the same part.
If the parts are wide as well as long, look at the Storm VL-1050 instead. The Storm VL-1050 has 610 mm (24.0 in) in both Y and Z, with only slightly more X.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X Axis Travel | 1,020 mm (40.2 in) |
| Y Axis Travel | 510 mm (20.1 in) |
| Guideway Construction | Linear Guideways |
| Table Size | 1,200 x 500 mm (47.2 x 19.7 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) |
| Distance Spindle Nose to Table | 150 - 710 mm (5.9 - 28.0 in) |
| T-Slots | 5 slots, 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Max Table Load | 800 kg (1,764 lb) |
| Spindle Taper | BT40 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm |
| Spindle Motor Power | 11 kW (14.8 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
- 1,020 mm (40.2 in) of X travel on a 1,200 x 500 mm (47.2 x 19.7 in) table
- 800 kg (1,764 lb) table load
- Same proven proportions as the smaller VL model, extended in X only
- 10,000 rpm BT40 spindle and 24-tool twin arm changer
Limitations
- Y travel remains 510 mm (20.1 in), so wide parts do not fit
- Spindle power is 11 kW (14.8 hp)
- No published figure for rapid traverse or machine weight
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
X-axis travel is 1,020 mm (40.2 in), Y-axis travel 510 mm (20.1 in) and Z-axis travel 560 mm (22.0 in). The table is 1,200 x 500 mm (47.2 x 19.7 in) and takes 800 kg (1,764 lb).
02
The Storm VL-850 has 850 mm (33.5 in) of X travel on a 1,000 x 500 mm (39.4 x 19.7 in) table. Every other row of the two tables matches, including Y, Z, table load, spindle and tool changer. The VL-1000 is the longer-X version.
03
Yes. The Storm VH-1000 has the same travels and table size on box ways, with a table load of 750 kg (1,653 lb) and a spindle nose to table distance of 130 - 690 mm (5.1 - 27.2 in). Colchester also offers a geared head spindle configuration in the VH series.
04
Colchester lists a choice of CNC control with integrated safety, touch screen control, a coolant wash down and air clean down gun, and LED status lights built into the front guards. The specification names the Fanuc 0i-MF Plus and Siemens 828D.
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