DMG Mori NLX 2500/700
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Weight
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
Overview
The DMG Mori NLX 2500/700 is a mid-size universal turning center that's earned a reputation as one of the best production lathes in its class. The "/700" denotes 700 mm (27.6 in) of Z-axis travel, placing it in the longer-bed segment of DMG Mori's NLX lineup. A 2nd Generation redesign (launched at AMB 2024) brought meaningful upgrades across the board.
Max turning diameter is 366 mm (14.4 in) with a 705 mm (27.8 in) turning length. The 10-inch turnMASTER spindle delivers up to 828 Nm of torque at 4,000 RPM, or 1,273 Nm with the optional 12-inch chuck. Bar capacity jumped from 80 mm on the original to 105 mm (4.1 in) on both spindles, a spec that puts it well ahead of the Mazak QT-250M (65 mm) and Haas ST-20Y (51 mm) for bar-fed work.
DMG Mori's BMT (Built-in Motor Turret) is the highlight of the milling side. Available in BMT60, BMT40, or VDI40 configurations with 10 to 20 tool stations, the BMT option spins driven tools at up to 12,000 RPM with 100 Nm of torque. That motor sits inside the turret body, not bolted on top, so rigidity during milling operations is noticeably better than VDI or BOT designs. The optional Y-axis adds 120 mm (4.7 in) of travel for off-center drilling and milling.
Thermal stability is where this machine separates itself. Internally cooled ball screws, bed temperature control, and spindle thermal management work together with DMG Mori's SmartSCALE direct measuring system. Over 8-hour production runs in shops without climate control, this system holds tolerances that would drift on uncompensated machines. The 2nd Generation also cut power consumption by 16%, air by 12%, and oil by 50% compared to the original.
The NLX 2500/700 runs on CELOS with either Siemens or Mitsubishi (MAPPS) controls underneath. At $150,000-$220,000, it sits at the premium end of mid-size turning. Direct competitors are the Mazak QT-250MSY and Okuma LB3000 EX II, both solid machines at similar or slightly lower price points. Used first-generation NLX 2500 machines (2011-2018) trade in the $70,000-$120,000 range. Specs sourced from DMG Mori published data and verified dealer listings.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 366 mm (14.4 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 705 mm (27.8 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 4,000 RPM |
| Spindle Torque | 828 Nm (1,273 Nm with 12" chuck) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 2520 hp |
| Spindle Taper | A2-8 |
| Chuck Size | 10" |
| Bar Capacity | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| X Axis Travel | 10.2" |
| Y Axis Travel | 120 mm (4.7 in), optional |
| Z Axis Travel | 31.2" |
| Tool Capacity | 10-20 stations (BMT60/BMT40/VDI40) |
| Driven Tool Speed | Up to 12,000 RPM (BMT) |
| Driven Tool Torque | Up to 100 Nm |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) X and Z |
| Tailstock Taper | MT5 |
| Machine Weight | 6,000 kg (13,228 lb) |
| CNC Control | CELOS with Siemens or Mitsubishi MAPPS |
| Max Swing | 23.2" |
| Max Turning Diameter | 18.1" |
| Machining Length | 28.7" |
| Spindle Speeds | 4000 |
| Spindle Bore Bar Capacity | 3.1 in |
| Max Bar Capacity | 2.7" |
| Turret Tool Positions | 12 |
| Tailstock | Yes |
| Chip Conveyor | Yes |
| Cnc Control | CNC (DMG MORI CELOS) |
| Dimensions | 103X75X72 |
| Machine Weight | 9,900 |
| Condition | Used |
| Type | CNC LATHES 2 AXIS |
| Model | NLX 2500/700 |
| Year | 2020 |
| Stock | 210117 |
| Status | For Sale |
| Imperial | Metric |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Integrated thermal compensation with cooled ball screws, bed temp control, and SmartSCALE direct measuring holds tight tolerances across 8+ hour runs without operator adjustment
- 105 mm (4.1 in) bar capacity on both spindles handles larger stock than Mazak QT-250M (65 mm), Okuma LB3000 EX II (80 mm), or Haas ST-20Y (51 mm)
- BMT turret spins driven tools at up to 12,000 RPM with 100 Nm torque, outperforming most competitors' live tooling for milling-intensive turned parts
- 828 Nm spindle torque (1,273 Nm with 12" chuck) provides the grunt for aggressive roughing in tough materials and interrupted cuts
- 6,000 kg machine mass and box guideway construction give it damping and rigidity that shows up in surface finish on hard materials
- 2nd Generation cuts power consumption 16%, air 12%, and oil 50% versus the original, lowering operating costs over the machine's life
Limitations
- Starting at $150K, it costs 20-35% more than a Mazak QT-250M or Doosan Puma 2600SY for similar work envelopes
- 4,000 RPM max spindle speed is adequate but trails the Mazak's 4,000+ RPM and purpose-built high-speed lathes for small-diameter aluminum work
- DMG Mori parts and service costs are the highest among the major builders, and service quality can vary by region based on forum feedback
- CELOS interface adds a learning curve and complexity that some operators find unnecessary for straightforward 2-axis turning jobs
- Y-axis and sub-spindle are options that push configured price well past $200K
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Base price is around $150,000. Adding BMT live tooling, Y-axis, sub-spindle, and bar feeder prep can push configured price to $200,000-$220,000. Used first-generation NLX 2500 machines (2011-2018) sell in the $70,000-$120,000 range depending on hours and configuration.
02
Both are mid-size turning centers with similar work envelopes. The DMG Mori's advantages are thermal compensation, larger bar capacity (105 vs 65 mm), and the BMT turret at 12,000 RPM driven tools. The Mazak's MAZATROL conversational programming is faster for short-run job shops, and Mazak service is generally rated higher in North America. Price is close, with the DMG Mori typically $10-20K higher.
03
The number after the slash is the distance between centers. The /700 has 700 mm of center distance for longer parts; the /500 has 500 mm. Same spindle, same bed width, same turret options. Pick the /700 if you regularly turn parts longer than 400 mm.
04
On short runs under 2 hours, probably not noticeable. On 8+ hour production runs in a shop without climate control, DMG Mori's data shows the system holds tolerances within 0.005 mm that would otherwise drift 0.015-0.020 mm on uncompensated machines. For shops holding 0.01 mm or tighter over long shifts, it's worth the premium.
05
DMG Mori redesigned the NLX 2500 from the ground up for the 2nd Generation launched in 2024. Bar capacity increased from 80 mm to 105 mm on both spindles. The turnMASTER spindle now delivers up to 828 Nm (1,273 Nm with 12" chuck). Turret options expanded to 20 stations. Power consumption dropped 16% and oil consumption dropped 50%. The SmartSCALE direct measuring system replaced the previous encoder-based feedback.
06
The machine is rated at roughly 38 kVA, which works out to about 105 amps on 208V service. Forum users report running it on a 100A breaker without issues, but DMG Mori recommends dedicated electrical service to avoid voltage drops affecting other shop equipment during spindle ramp cycles.
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Community Discussions
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Pricing and buying discussion — DMG Mori Seiki NLX 2500/700 : r/machining - RedditMachine tool prices - NLX : r/Machinists - Redditquestion for all CNC lathe people out there : r/MachinistsVariable RPM Boring : r/machining - RedditDMG MORI NLX 2500 | 700 : r/Machinists - RedditDMG MORI NLX 2500/700
Pricing and buying discussion — Machine tool prices - NLX : r/Machinists - Reddit
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Community discussion — Variable RPM Boring : r/machining - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
