Ecoca MT-208MC

A 6,000 rpm milling spindle is the reason to look at the Ecoca MT-208MC. It is the driven-tool version of the MT-208, an 8 in (203 mm) chuck slant-bed lathe, and no MC model in Ecoca's MT tables is given a faster milling speed. The main spindle runs to 4,800 rpm on an 18.5/22 kW (24.8/29.5 hp) motor.

Fast rotary tools matter on small features. Cross holes of a few millimetres, keyways cut with small end mills and light engraving all want surface speed that a slow driven station can't deliver. On a machine whose chuck already points it toward smaller parts, the pairing makes sense.

The cost of the MC turret is diameter. Maximum turning diameter is 250 mm (9.8 in), where the MT-208 turns 380 mm (15.0 in). Turning lengths are unchanged at 500 / 750 / 1,000 mm (19.7 / 29.5 / 39.4 in), and the turret carries 12 tools against 10. Ecoca gives no power or torque for the milling drive and does not describe the C axis, so heavy milling should not be assumed.

One line on the accessories list deserves attention: tool holders and sleeves are optional for living tool. Budget for the driven holders the parts need. The rest of the standard list, including the hydraulic chuck, tailstock, coolant and lubrication systems, is the same as on the two-axis machine. Guideways are HARD RAIL, and the weight by bed length is 4,000 / 4,900 / 5,500 kg (8,818 / 10,802 / 12,125 lb).