Colchester Tornado SL40MC / SL40LMC

Q: How much does the Colchester Tornado SL40MC / SL40LMC cost?

The price estimate for the Colchester Tornado SL40MC / SL40LMC is uncertain: we have no price for it that we can cite and no estimate we can stand behind, so we give no figure. Configuration, tooling, automation and installation move the final price substantially. A specific price can be requested at https://machinetoolindex.com/machines/colchester-tornado-sl40mc-sl40lmc#price; the request is passed to Colchester or an authorised dealer.

Specs verified 2026-10-04 · colchester.co.uk Updated 2026-10-04

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

2,500 rpm

Spindle Power

37 kW (49.6 hp)

Max Turn Length

830 / 1,380 mm (32.7 / 54.3 in)

Accuracy

0.010 mm (0.0004 in)

Repeatability

+/- 0.003 mm (+/- 0.0001 in)

spindle bore

103 mm (4.1 in)

How much does the Colchester Tornado SL40MC / SL40LMC cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the Colchester Tornado SL40MC / SL40LMC 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

BMT 65 tooling and 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) driven tools make the Colchester Tornado SL40MC / SL40LMC the one Tornado MC model built for real milling loads. The Tornado SL35MC / SL35LMC below it lists VDI 40 tooling and 3.5 kW (4.7 hp); this one bolts its holders to the turret face, which is the stiffer arrangement for side-loaded cutters. Driven tools run to 4,000 rpm.

Behind the turret sits the largest spindle Colchester fits to a slant-bed machine: 37 kW (49.6 hp), an A2-11 nose, a 103 mm (4.1 in) bore and a top speed of 2,500 rpm. The chuck is listed as 15 / 18 in (381 / 457 mm).

Unlike the smaller MC models, this one keeps its full diameter. Maximum cutting diameter is 550 mm (21.7 in), equal to the swing over the cross slide and identical to the figure for the Tornado SL40 / SL40L. Only length is given up: turning length is listed as 830 / 1,380 mm (32.7 / 54.3 in) for the two beds.

That combination suits big, heavy parts with secondary features, such as valve bodies, large flanges with drilled patterns and long shafts with keyways. There is no Y-axis and no sub-spindle, so the features must be reachable with X, Z and C. The table shows 12 tool stations. Fanuc 0i-TF Plus or Siemens 828D is the control choice, and the swarf conveyor and 20 bar coolant system come as standard.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Spindle Bore	103 mm (4.1 in)
Chuck Size	15 / 18 in (381 / 457 mm)
Swing Over Bed	750 mm (29.5 in)
Max Turning Length	830 / 1,380 mm (32.7 / 54.3 in)
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-TF Plus / Siemens 828D
C Axis Driven Tools	Yes
Y Axis	No
Sub Spindle	No
Max Spindle Speed	2,500 rpm
Spindle Motor Power	37 kW (49.6 hp)
Spindle Nose	A2-11
Turret Stations	12
Turret Tooling	BMT 65
Driven Tool Speed	4,000 rpm
Driven Tool Power	5.5 kW (7.4 hp)
Swing Over Cross Slide	550 mm (21.7 in)
Max Turning Diameter	550 mm (21.7 in)
Positioning Accuracy	0.010 mm (0.0004 in)
Repeatability	+/- 0.003 mm (+/- 0.0001 in)

Specifications sourced from colchester.co.uk — verified 2026-10-04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

BMT 65 turret tooling with driven tools rated 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) at up to 4,000 rpm
37 kW (49.6 hp) main spindle with a 103 mm (4.1 in) bore on an A2-11 nose
Keeps the full 550 mm (21.7 in) cutting diameter of the 2-axis version
Turning length of up to 1,380 mm (54.3 in) on the longer bed
Swarf conveyor, parts catcher and 20 bar coolant are standard

Limitations

Main spindle speed is limited to 2,500 rpm
No Y-axis for off-centre milling
No sub-spindle, so large parts must be turned round by hand or by a robot for the second side
The page publishes no weight, footprint or power-supply figures for this large machine

Best For

Large flanges and valve bodies with drilled and milled features up to 550 mm (21.7 in) diameter Long shafts with keyways within 1,380 mm (54.3 in) of turning length Milling on the lathe where 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) of driven-tool power is needed Thick-wall tube and bar up to the 103 mm (4.1 in) bore

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Why does the Tornado SL40MC / SL40LMC use BMT 65 instead of VDI?

Colchester's table lists the tooling type as BMT 65 for this model and does not explain the choice. As a general point, a BMT holder is bolted to the turret face rather than held by a single shank, which resists milling side loads better. It goes with the higher driven-tool rating here: 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) at up to 4,000 rpm.

02 Does the MC version lose cutting diameter?

No. Maximum cutting diameter is 550 mm (21.7 in), the same as the swing over the cross slide. Turning length is what shrinks, to 830 / 1,380 mm (32.7 / 54.3 in). On the 2-axis Tornado SL40 / SL40L the turning length is 950 / 1,500 mm (37.4 / 59.1 in).

03 What are the main spindle figures?

Spindle power is 37 kW (49.6 hp), maximum speed 2,500 rpm, spindle nose A2-11 and spindle bore 103 mm (4.1 in). Chuck size is listed as 15 / 18 in (381 / 457 mm). The table has 12 tool stations.

04 Which features are optional?

Colchester's options list covers a parts conveyor, Renishaw component inspection probe, barfeeder, hydraulic steady rest, hydraulic quick change collet chuck and robot interface. The Renishaw tool setting probe, parts catcher, swarf conveyor and 20 bar coolant system are in the standard list.