Ecoca SL-8

The Ecoca SL-8 is a compact linear-guide turning center with an 8 in (203 mm) chuck, 320 mm (12.6 in) of maximum turning diameter and 480 mm (18.9 in) of turning length. Where the MT lathes of similar chuck size run on box ways, the SL series is built on linear guideways on both axes, which Ecoca says reduce machining time and increase accuracy.

That choice sets the character of the machine. Linear guides have low friction, so axes accelerate quickly and position without stick-slip, and short cycle times on light and medium cuts are the benefit. What they do not offer is the damping of a scraped box way under a heavy interrupted cut. For bar-sized parts in free-machining steel, aluminium or brass the SL-8 is the natural fit; for hard, intermittent roughing the MT-108 is the alternative with the same chuck.

It is also one of the few Ecoca pages that names its drive supplier. The description states that the series employs FANUC β series spindle and axial servo motors. The spindle motor is listed as 11/15 kW (14.8/20.1 hp), noticeably more than the 7.5/11 kW (10.1/14.8 hp) of the MT-108, with a top speed of 4,500 rpm.

The turret has 10 stations. Swing over the bed is 420 mm (16.5 in) and swing over the cross slide 350 mm (13.8 in), on a bed slanted at 30 degree. At 3,350 kg (7,385 lb) the machine is easy to place. A hydraulic tailstock, live center, coolant system and heat exchanger are among the standard accessories.