DMG Mori DMF 260

$800,000 - $1,200,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

ISO 40

Table Size

2,600 × 900 mm (102.4 × 35.4 in)

Rapid Traverse

30 m/min (X/Y/Z)

Spindle Power

37 kW (49.6 hp)

Accuracy

±0.008 mm

x axis travel

2,600 mm (102.4 in)

Overview

The DMG Mori DMF 260 is the larger portal horizontal machining center in the DMF series, built for shops that need to machine extra-long workpieces in a single uninterrupted setup. The "260" indicates 2,600 mm of X-axis travel, accommodating workpieces up to approximately 2,500 mm in length on a fixed table measuring 2,600 × 900 mm. This is the machine for rail bogies, large aerospace structural members, ship propulsion components, turbine bases, and machine tool beds that cannot physically fit on a 1,800 mm machine or that would require re-fixturing — introducing alignment errors — on a smaller platform.

The main spindle delivers 37 kW (49.6 hp) at 8,000 RPM with 400 Nm of torque through an HSK-A100 interface. This additional torque over the DMF 180 acknowledges that longer workpieces typically mean heavier castings and weldments with more material to remove. The Y-axis extends to 1,100 mm (43.3 in) and Z-axis to 900 mm (35.4 in), maintaining generous vertical and depth coverage across the longer table. Maximum table load capacity reaches 6,000 kg (13,228 lb), double that of the DMF 180, reflecting the typically heavier workpieces that justify a 2,600 mm machine.

The moving-column gantry design keeps the part stationary while the column traverses in X, enabling heavy workpiece loads without any table movement during machining. Roller guideways on all axes provide the balance of rigidity and rapid traverse capability at 30 m/min that production environments demand. The standard 40-tool magazine is expandable to 80 or 120 tools. Optional swiveling spindle head adds B-axis access for compound-angle features without repositioning.

CELOS with Siemens 840D sl or FANUC 30i controls the DMF 260 from a 21.5-inch ERGOline touchscreen. At $800,000–$1,200,000 for configured machines, the DMF 260 competes with the Heller MCH 350, Starrag STC 800, and Niigata HN series. Buyers in this segment are heavy manufacturers and Tier 1 automotive/rail/energy suppliers who justify the investment through reduced setups, eliminated part re-location errors, and the ability to quote work that smaller shops cannot execute.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	2,600 mm (102.4 in)
Y Axis Travel	1,100 mm (43.3 in)
Z Axis Travel	900 mm (35.4 in)
Table Size	2,600 × 900 mm (102.4 × 35.4 in)
Max Table Load	6,000 kg (13,228 lb)
Spindle Speed	8,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	37 kW (49.6 hp)
Spindle Torque	400 Nm
Spindle Interface	HSK-A100
Tool Magazine	40 tools standard (80 / 120 optional)
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min (X/Y/Z)
CNC Control	CELOS with Siemens 840D sl or FANUC 30i, 21.5" ERGOline
Machine Design	Moving column gantry (portal)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.008 mm
Machine Weight	~50,000 kg (110,231 lb)
Manufacturer	DMG Mori
Model	DMF 260
Spindle Taper	ISO 40

Specifications sourced from machinio.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

2,600 mm X travel and 6,000 kg table load capacity handle the largest workpieces in the portal HMC class, enabling single-setup machining of parts that would require re-fixturing on any smaller machine
37 kW / 400 Nm spindle delivers the cutting force needed for high material removal on large steel castings, iron engine blocks, and welded structural steel frames
Moving column design keeps the workpiece perfectly stationary throughout machining, eliminating table inertia and workpiece movement errors that affect accuracy on very heavy parts
Expandable to 120-tool magazine for complex parts with many operations, enabling fully unattended overnight runs on large, long-cycle workpieces

Limitations

Machine weight approaching 50,000 kg demands exceptionally robust foundations with deep concrete pads, significant site engineering, and specialized rigging for installation
At $800,000–$1,200,000, this is a capital investment that requires careful ROI justification; it is difficult to keep fully loaded without a steady stream of large-part contracts
Lead times for large portal machines can exceed 18 months from order to delivery, requiring long-range production planning and early capital commitment

Best For

Rail and transportation manufacturers producing bogie frames, wheel sets, and undercarriage components that exceed 2,000 mm in length Large automotive Tier 1 suppliers machining engine blocks, transmission housings, and chassis structural components for trucks and heavy equipment Energy and power generation shops producing turbine bases, compressor frames, large pump bodies, and pressure vessel end caps in single fixtured operations Shipbuilding and marine propulsion suppliers machining propeller hubs, rudder components, and large shaft support structures that require long-travel access

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a DMG Mori DMF 260 cost?

A new DMF 260 starts around $800,000 in standard configuration. Adding swiveling spindle head, expanded tool magazine, high-pressure through-spindle coolant, chip conveyor systems, and measurement probing typically brings the total to $1,000,000–$1,200,000. These are typically financed or leased through manufacturer programs. Foundation preparation adds significant cost on top of the machine price.

02 What is the difference between the DMF 180 and DMF 260?

The DMF 260 provides 2,600 mm of X-axis travel (vs 1,800 mm), a larger table (2,600 × 900 vs 1,800 × 900 mm), double the table load capacity (6,000 vs 4,000 kg), and higher spindle torque (400 vs 350 Nm). Both share the same portal gantry architecture, CELOS control, and HSK-A100 spindle interface. The DMF 260 is for shops whose longest workpieces exceed what the DMF 180 can reach, or whose part weights approach the DMF 180's limit.

03 Can the DMF 260 machine titanium and Inconel?

Yes. The 37 kW spindle and HSK-A100 interface handle titanium and nickel superalloy machining with appropriate tooling and cutting parameters. Large aerospace structural titanium components are a target application. Shops should plan for dedicated tooling strategies, high-pressure coolant (up to 80 bar optional), and adaptive feed control to manage tool life on these difficult materials.

04 Does the DMF 260 support automation?

Yes. The DMF 260 can be integrated with overhead gantry loaders, pallet systems, and roller conveyor workpiece staging for automated loading and unloading of large workpieces. DMG Mori's automation division designs custom integration for portal machine cells. For large workpieces, overhead crane integration is often preferred over robot loading due to the weights involved.

05 How does the DMF 260 compare to the Heller MCH 350?

Both are large portal HMCs for heavy component machining. The Heller MCH 350 has a strong reputation in automotive powertrain manufacturing with excellent spindle life and thermal stability. The DMG Mori DMF 260 competes with broader market coverage, CELOS ecosystem integration, and strong European service infrastructure. In automotive-dense regions like Bavaria, both brands have comparable service response. Machine selection often comes down to specific part fit, spindle configuration options, and existing fleet standardization.