DMG Mori NLX 1500

20,000 - 70,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

4,500 RPM

Tool Capacity

12 stations

Rapid Traverse

30 m/min (1,181 ipm) X and Z

Spindle Power

15 kW (20.1 hp)

Max Turn Length

516 mm (20.3 in)

max turning diameter

280 mm (11.0 in)

Overview

The DMG Mori NLX 1500 is the compact member of the NLX universal turning family, designed for shops that need NLX-grade rigidity and thermal stability in a smaller package. With a maximum turning diameter of 280 mm (11.0 in) and turning length up to 516 mm (20.3 in), the NLX 1500 handles small-to-mid-size chuck and shaft work with the kind of build quality that separates premium Japanese/German lathes from entry-level competitors.

The main spindle delivers 15 kW (20.1 hp) at 4,500 RPM with 321 Nm (237 ft-lb) of torque through an A2-6 spindle nose. The turnMASTER spindle technology developed for the NLX platform provides thermal stability through an integrated cooling jacket and high-precision spindle bearings. Bar capacity is 52 mm (2.05 in) with a standard 8-inch chuck. The optional sub-spindle enables complete part processing from bar stock.

The NLX 1500 can be configured with either VDI 30 or BMT 40 turret options. The BMT 40 turret spins driven tools at up to 12,000 RPM with integrated motor technology, providing the same milling advantage found on larger NLX machines. The optional Y-axis adds plus/minus 40 mm of travel for off-center features. Box guideways provide the vibration damping that linear guide machines cannot match, which shows up directly in surface finish quality.

Thermal displacement control is standard, with cooled ball screws, spindle temperature management, and bed temperature monitoring. The SmartSCALE direct measuring system (on 2nd Generation models) replaces encoder-based feedback for tighter positional accuracy. The machine runs CELOS with either Siemens or Mitsubishi MAPPS controls.

At 20,000-70,000 new, the NLX 1500 competes with the Haas ST-10Y, Okuma LB2000 EX III, Mazak QT-200, and Doosan Lynx 2600. Used NLX 1500 machines from 2016-2022 trade between 5,000 and 10,000. For shops that demand NLX-level build quality in a compact frame, this is the entry point.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Turning Diameter	280 mm (11.0 in)
Max Turning Length	516 mm (20.3 in)
Max Spindle Speed	4,500 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	15 kW (20.1 hp)
Spindle Torque	321 Nm (237 ft-lb)
Spindle Nose	A2-6
Chuck Size	210 mm (8 in)
Bar Capacity	52 mm (2.05 in)
X Axis Travel	210 mm (8.3 in)
Y Axis Travel	+/-40 mm (+/-1.6 in), optional
Z Axis Travel	516 mm (20.3 in)
Turret Type	VDI 30 or BMT 40, 12-station
Tool Capacity	12 stations
Driven Tool Speed	Up to 12,000 RPM (BMT 40)
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min (1,181 ipm) X and Z
Machine Weight	4,000 kg (8,818 lb)
CNC Control	CELOS with Siemens or Mitsubishi MAPPS
386 Mm	15.2 in.
515 Mm	20.3 in.
52 Mm	2 in.
260 Mm	10.2 in.
100 Mm	3.9 in.
590 Mm	23.2 in.
Customer Benefits	Before the actual machining, the machining status can be checked by using a graphic

Specifications sourced from us.dmgmori.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

BMT 40 turret with 12,000 RPM driven tools provides milling capability that outperforms most competing lathes in this size class
Box guideways deliver vibration damping that shows up directly in surface finish quality, especially on finish passes in harder materials
turnMASTER spindle with integrated cooling maintains thermal stability across production runs without operator adjustment
Compact footprint with NLX-grade build quality gives shops a premium turning platform that fits in tight floor plans
SmartSCALE direct measuring system on 2nd Gen models provides tighter positional accuracy than encoder-based systems
Thermal displacement control with cooled ball screws holds tolerances that drift on uncompensated machines during long runs

Limitations

52 mm bar capacity limits bar-fed work to smaller stock sizes, and shops needing larger bar capacity should consider the NLX 2500
15 kW spindle power is on the lower end for shops doing heavy roughing in stainless or superalloys
Starting at 20K, it costs 50-80% more than a Haas ST-10Y or Doosan Lynx 2100 for similar turning envelopes
DMG Mori service and parts costs run higher than all entry-level and most mid-range competitors

Best For

Precision job shops producing small turned components in stainless, titanium, and high-alloy steels where surface finish matters Medical device manufacturers producing implants, instruments, and components with tight tolerances from bar stock Automotive suppliers running bar-fed production of small shaft and fitting components in medium-to-high volumes Shops wanting NLX-grade build quality and thermal stability in a compact package for space-constrained facilities Production cells pairing NLX 1500 with bar feeder for unattended small-part turning

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a DMG Mori NLX 1500 cost?

A new NLX 1500 starts around 20,000 in base configuration. Adding BMT 40 turret, Y-axis, sub-spindle, and bar feeder prep pushes the price to 55,000-70,000. Used machines from 2016-2022 sell between 5,000 and 10,000.

02 Difference between NLX 1500 and NLX 2000?

The NLX 2000 has a larger turning diameter (300 mm vs 280 mm), longer turning length (660 mm vs 516 mm), more powerful spindle (18.5 kW vs 15 kW), and larger bar capacity (65 mm vs 52 mm). The NLX 1500 is more compact and less expensive.

03 What turret options are available?

The NLX 1500 offers VDI 30 and BMT 40 turret options, both with 12 stations. The BMT 40 provides 12,000 RPM driven tools with integrated motor for superior milling capability.

04 Does the NLX 1500 have the 2nd Generation upgrade?

Yes, DMG Mori released 2nd Generation NLX 1500 models with SmartSCALE direct measuring, improved bar capacity, and reduced power consumption. Check the model year to confirm which generation.

05 NLX 1500 vs Haas ST-10Y?

The NLX 1500 costs roughly twice the Haas but delivers box guideways, BMT turret milling at 12,000 RPM, thermal compensation, and superior build quality. The Haas wins on purchase price and simplicity. Choose the NLX for precision work and long production runs.