Colchester Storm VL-850
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-850 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Colchester Storm VL-850 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-850 is a mid-size vertical machining centre on linear guideways: 850 mm (33.5 in) in X, 510 mm (20.1 in) in Y, 560 mm (22.0 in) in Z, with a 1,000 x 500 mm (39.4 x 19.7 in) table that carries 800 kg (1,764 lb). This is the envelope many subcontract shops treat as their standard machine, big enough for two or three vices in a row and small enough to stay quick.
Its table rating is worth a second look. 800 kg (1,764 lb) is more than the box-way Storm VH-850 is listed for, at 750 kg (1,653 lb), even though box ways are usually the heavier-duty choice. On Colchester's figures, then, the linear-guideway machine gives up nothing in load at this size and should be the quicker of the two in positioning.
The spindle is the BT40 unit used throughout the VL series, rated 11 kW (14.8 hp) at up to 10,000 rpm, fed by a 24-tool twin arm changer. Spindle nose to table distance is 150 - 710 mm (5.9 - 28.0 in). Five T-slots of 18 mm (0.7 in) run along the table.
Colchester's options include through spindle coolant, probing for tools and components, and a 4th and 5th axis rotary or tilting table. With 560 mm (22.0 in) of Z and a table rated this high, a trunnion or a 4th axis with tailstock is a realistic addition here, which it is not on the lighter Storm VL-800.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X Axis Travel | 850 mm (33.5 in) |
| Y Axis Travel | 510 mm (20.1 in) |
| Guideway Construction | Linear Guideways |
| Table Size | 1,000 x 500 mm (39.4 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
- 800 kg (1,764 lb) table load on a 1,000 x 500 mm (39.4 x 19.7 in) table
- 850 x 510 x 560 mm (33.5 x 20.1 x 22.0 in) travels
- Linear guideways with a 10,000 rpm BT40 spindle
- Room and load capacity for a 4th axis or small trunnion, both listed as options
Limitations
- 11 kW (14.8 hp) spindle; the box-way Storm VH-1100 and the models above it have 15 kW (20.1 hp)
- Y travel of 510 mm (20.1 in) is modest for the table length
- No rapid rates, accuracy figures or tool size limits are published
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
X travel 850 mm (33.5 in), Y travel 510 mm (20.1 in) and Z travel 560 mm (22.0 in). The table is 1,000 x 500 mm (39.4 x 19.7 in) with 5 T-slots of 18 mm (0.7 in) and a maximum load of 800 kg (1,764 lb).
02
The Storm VH-850 is the box-way machine with the same travels and table size, rated for 750 kg (1,653 lb). The VL-850 uses linear guideways and is rated for 800 kg (1,764 lb). Colchester describes the VH series as the one for high-torque, high-load cutting and the VL series as the high-speed one.
03
Spindle taper BT40, spindle speed 10,000 rpm and spindle power 11 kW (14.8 hp). The distance between spindle nose and table is 150 - 710 mm (5.9 - 28.0 in). No torque figure is given.
04
The Storm VL-1000, which keeps the 510 mm (20.1 in) Y and 560 mm (22.0 in) Z travels and extends X to 1,020 mm (40.2 in) on a 1,200 x 500 mm (47.2 x 19.7 in) table. Table load is 800 kg (1,764 lb) on both.
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