DMG Mori SL-603

0,000 - 5,000 (used) Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

3,000 RPM

Tool Capacity

12 stations (driven tools optional)

Rapid Traverse

20 m/min (787 ipm) X, 20 m/min (787 ipm) Z

Spindle Power

22 kW (29.5 hp)

Max Turn Length

1,020 mm (40.2 in)

max turning diameter

480 mm (18.9 in)

Overview

The DMG Mori SL-603 (originally Mori Seiki SL-603) is the big brother to the legendary SL-403, stepping up in every dimension for shops that need to swing larger workpieces. With a maximum turning diameter of 480 mm (18.9 in), turning length up to 1,020 mm (40.2 in), and a 22 kW (29.5 hp) spindle delivering 890 Nm (657 ft-lb) of torque, the SL-603 handles the heavier production work that exceeds the SL-403’s capacity.

The A2-11 spindle nose with standard 12-inch (305 mm) chuck runs at 3,000 RPM. Bar capacity is 92 mm (3.62 in), significantly larger than the SL-403’s 76 mm, enabling bar-fed work on bigger stock. The machine uses box guideways on both X and Z axes, delivering the same surface finish quality and vibration damping that made the SL-400 series a machinist favorite. The 45-degree slant bed provides excellent chip evacuation for production turning.

The 12-station turret accepts VDI 50 tooling, a size up from the SL-403’s VDI 40. Optional driven tools and C-axis enable cross-drilling, tapping, and light milling. The larger VDI 50 tooling provides more rigidity for heavier cuts on the bigger workpieces the SL-603 is designed to handle.

Like the SL-403, the SL-603 was available with MSC-501 (Mitsubishi-based) or MAPPS IV controls. The machine is no longer in production (replaced by the NLX 3000 and NLX 4000), but used units from 2003-2015 trade between 0,000 and 5,000. The SL-603 is one of the best values on the used large-lathe market, offering build quality that new machines at twice the price struggle to match.

Parts availability through DMG Mori service and aftermarket suppliers remains good. The SL-603 shares many components with the SL-403 and other Mori Seiki SL-series machines, simplifying service for shops running multiple models. For shops that need a reliable large-frame lathe without the six-figure price tag of new equipment, the SL-603 deserves serious consideration.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Turning Diameter	480 mm (18.9 in)
Max Turning Length	1,020 mm (40.2 in)
Max Spindle Speed	3,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (29.5 hp)
Spindle Torque	890 Nm (657 ft-lb)
Spindle Nose	A2-11
Chuck Size	305 mm (12 in)
Bar Capacity	92 mm (3.62 in)
X Axis Travel	280 mm (11.0 in)
Z Axis Travel	1,020 mm (40.2 in)
Turret Type	VDI 50, 12-station
Tool Capacity	12 stations (driven tools optional)
Rapid Traverse Rate	20 m/min (787 ipm) X, 20 m/min (787 ipm) Z
Guideway Type	Box guideways, X and Z
Machine Weight	7,200 kg (15,873 lb)
CNC Control	MSC-501/MAPPS IV (Mitsubishi-based)
930 Mm	36.6 in.
4000 Mm	157.5 in.
375 Mm	14.8 in.
485 Mm	19.1 in.
4150 Mm	163.4 in.
1150 Mm	45.3 in.
2150 Mm	84.6 in.
3150 Mm	124 in.
1000 Mm	39.4 in.
2000 Mm	78.7 in.
3000 Mm	118.1 in.

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Box guideways on both axes deliver the surface finish quality and vibration damping that larger-diameter turning demands for acceptable results
890 Nm spindle torque through A2-11 nose handles heavy roughing on large-diameter parts in steel and stainless without backing off feed rates
92 mm bar capacity exceeds the SL-403 (76 mm) and enables production bar-fed work on larger stock sizes
480 mm turning diameter and 1,020 mm turning length cover a wide range of large shaft and chuck work
Used prices of 0,000-5,000 deliver premium Mori Seiki build quality at a fraction of new large-lathe pricing
VDI 50 tooling interface provides more rigidity than VDI 40 for heavier cuts on larger workpieces
Parts commonality with SL-403 and other SL-series machines simplifies service for multi-machine shops

Limitations

No longer in production and only available used with varying hours and condition
Older controls lack modern touchscreen interfaces, connectivity, and CAM integration capabilities
No Y-axis option limits milling to C-axis indexed positions only, which may be insufficient for complex milled features
3,000 RPM max spindle speed limits productivity on smaller-diameter parts where higher surface footage is needed
7,200 kg weight requires solid foundation and rigging planning for installation

Best For

Shops needing a reliable large-frame lathe for steel and stainless turning at used-market pricing Oil and gas job shops producing mid-to-large valve bodies, flanges, and fittings where rigidity matters General manufacturing shops expanding into larger-diameter work without the capital outlay for a new NLX 3000 or NLX 4000 Facilities running multiple Mori Seiki machines that benefit from parts and service commonality across the SL platform Second-shift or backup machines where proven reliability is more important than latest-generation features

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a used SL-603 cost?

Used SL-603 machines from 2003-2015 typically trade between 0,000 and 5,000. Later models with MAPPS IV controls and lower hours command the top end. Earlier machines in good condition can be found under 0,000.

02 What replaced the SL-603?

The NLX 3000 and NLX 4000 are the closest current-production equivalents. Both offer modern BMT turret technology, CELOS control, thermal compensation, and Y-axis options. However, they cost 80,000-00,000 new versus 0-95K for a used SL-603.

03 SL-603 vs SL-403?

The SL-603 has a larger turning diameter (480 mm vs 410 mm), longer turning length (1,020 mm vs 610 mm), more torque (890 Nm vs 610 Nm), larger bar capacity (92 mm vs 76 mm), bigger chuck (12-in vs 10-in), and VDI 50 tooling (vs VDI 40). The SL-403 is faster at 4,000 RPM vs 3,000 RPM.

04 Are parts still available?

Yes. DMG Mori service supports the SL platform. Aftermarket suppliers stock common wear items. Many components are shared across the SL-400 and SL-600 series, which helps availability.

05 What should I check when buying a used SL-603?

Inspect spindle runout, guideway condition, turret indexing accuracy, hydraulic system, and control board condition. Check for signs of crashes or overload. Machines from 2008-2015 with MAPPS IV controls offer the best balance of modern features and remaining service life.