Colchester Storm VL-1200
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-1200 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Colchester Storm VL-1200 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 VL-1200 carries 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) on its table, the figure that lifts it out of the light end of the Storm VL series. Travels are 1,200 mm (47.2 in) in X and 610 mm (24.0 in) in both Y and Z, over a 1,300 x 600 mm (51.2 x 23.6 in) table.
Load capacity and envelope together decide whether a machining centre can take tooling work, and here they line up. A steel bolster, a pair of mould halves or a welded fixture loaded with castings will come in under the limit with margin, where the Storm VL-1050 beside it in the range stops at 700 kg (1,543 lb). The two machines have the same Y, Z and spindle height range, 150 - 760 mm (5.9 - 29.9 in).
It is still a VL, so the ways are linear guideways and the spindle is the 10,000 rpm BT40 with 11 kW (14.8 hp). That is a finishing and medium-roughing spindle. Shops that rough hard steel all day will find the box-way VH series, with its geared head option, closer to their needs; shops that mix aluminium, tooling plate and pre-hardened steel will be well served here.
Twenty-four tools sit in a twin arm changer. The table has 5 T-slots of 18 mm (0.7 in). Tool setting and component probing are options, and on tooling work they pay for themselves quickly because every job is a new setup.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X Axis Travel | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Y Axis Travel | 610 mm (24.0 in) |
| Guideway Construction | Linear Guideways |
| Table Size | 1,300 x 600 mm (51.2 x 23.6 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 610 mm (24.0 in) |
| Distance Spindle Nose to Table | 150 - 760 mm (5.9 - 29.9 in) |
| T-Slots | 5 slots, 18 mm (0.7 in) |
| Max Table Load | 1,200 kg (2,646 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
- 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) maximum table load
- 1,200 x 610 x 610 mm (47.2 x 24.0 x 24.0 in) travels
- 1,300 x 600 mm (51.2 x 23.6 in) table with 5 T-slots
- 10,000 rpm BT40 spindle for finishing and medium roughing
- Probing for tools and components is available
Limitations
- 11 kW (14.8 hp) spindle power, the same as on the smallest VL
- Probing and through spindle coolant are options, not standard
- Rapid rates and axis accuracy are not published on the page
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Maximum table load is 1,200 kg (2,646 lb), which includes fixtures and workholding. The table is 1,300 x 600 mm (51.2 x 23.6 in) with 5 T-slots of 18 mm (0.7 in).
02
X-axis travel is 1,200 mm (47.2 in), Y-axis travel 610 mm (24.0 in) and Z-axis travel 610 mm (24.0 in). The distance from spindle nose to table surface is 150 - 760 mm (5.9 - 29.9 in).
03
The Storm VL-1300 is a size larger in every direction: 1,300 mm (51.2 in) in X and 700 mm (27.6 in) in Y and Z, on a 1,450 x 700 mm (57.1 x 27.6 in) table rated for 1,500 kg (3,307 lb). Spindle and tool changer are unchanged.
04
It is a BT40 spindle with 11 kW (14.8 hp) and 10,000 rpm, and Colchester gives no torque figure. That supports finishing and moderate roughing in steel with 40-taper tooling. For sustained heavy cuts Colchester points to the box-way VH series.
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