EMAG VL 2

$250,000 - $400,000 (estimated) Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

6,000 RPM

Weight

4,500 - 6,000 kg (9,920 - 13,230 lb)

Spindle Power

19.5 kW (26 hp)

max turning diameter

100 mm (3.94 in)

max rotation length

150 mm (5.91 in)

chuck diameter

160 mm (6.3 in)

Overview

The EMAG VL 2 is a vertical pick-up turning machine designed from the ground up for high-volume production of chucked parts up to 100 mm in diameter. Unlike conventional horizontal lathes where gravity pulls chips into the cut and an operator loads parts manually, the VL 2 inverts the spindle, uses gravity to clear chips from the workpiece, and incorporates automated part handling that loads and unloads itself. The result is a self-contained production cell that can run with minimal operator intervention, which is exactly what automotive Tier 1 suppliers and high-volume component manufacturers need.

The inverted pick-up spindle runs at 6,000 RPM with 19.5 kW of power and 75 Nm of torque. The working spindle travels on a compound slide in the X and Z axes while the 12-station turret sits below, carrying turning tools, driven tools (rated at 6,000 RPM, 8.5 kW, 40 Nm), and optional drilling or milling tools. The 160 mm chuck handles workpieces up to 100 mm turning diameter with a maximum rotation length of 150 mm. This is a small work envelope by conventional lathe standards, but it is precisely matched to the transmission gears, bearing races, CV joint components, and valve seats that the VL 2 was designed to produce.

The automation concept is what makes the VL 2 special. The pick-up spindle retrieves raw parts from an integrated conveyor or peripheral loading system, machines them, and deposits finished parts back onto the conveyor. Cycle times are driven by the travel distances of the compact slide system, and the machine's small footprint makes it easy to line up multiple VL 2 units for multi-operation production lines. EMAG also offers the VL 2 P with a second turret for simultaneous machining, and the VT 2 variant configured for shaft-type parts.

The VL 2 competes in a different space than conventional CNC lathes. Its closest competitors are the Emag VL 4 (for larger parts), the Index V160 vertical turning center, and multispindle automatics for very high volumes. At an estimated weight of 4,500-6,000 kg and a compact footprint of approximately 2,500 x 1,800 mm, the VL 2 fits into production lines where a conventional horizontal lathe would require additional automation, loading equipment, and floor space. For shops running automotive components in volumes above 100,000 pieces per year, the VL 2's integrated automation pays for itself quickly.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Turning Diameter	100 mm (3.94 in)
Max Rotation Length	150 mm (5.91 in)
Chuck Diameter	160 mm (6.3 in)
Max Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	19.5 kW (26 hp)
Spindle Torque	75 Nm (55 ft-lbf)
Spindle Type	Inverted pick-up spindle
Turret Stations	12
Turret Driven Tool Speed	6,000 RPM
Turret Driven Tool Power	8.5 kW
Turret Driven Tool Torque	40 Nm
Axes	3 (X, Z, plus optional Y in turret)
Automation	Integrated pick-up automation with conveyor
Machine Dimensions	~2,500 x 1,800 x 2,800 mm
Machine Weight	4,500 - 6,000 kg (9,920 - 13,230 lb)
CNC Control	Fanuc or Siemens (configuration dependent)
Workpiece Dia Max	mmin
Workpiece Length Max	mmin
Chuck Dia Max	mmin
Swing Diameter	mmin
X Axis Travel	mmin
Y Axis Travel	mmin
Z Axis Travel	mmin
Main Spindle Power Rating At 40 100 Duty Cycle	kWhp
Main Spindle Torque At 40 100 Duty Cycle	Nmft-lb
Main Spindle Speed Max	rpm

Specifications sourced from emag.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Integrated pick-up automation eliminates the need for separate loading robots or gantry systems, reducing total cell cost
Inverted spindle design uses gravity to clear chips from the workpiece, improving chip evacuation and surface quality
12-station turret with driven tools (6,000 RPM, 8.5 kW) enables turning, drilling, and milling in a single setup
Compact 2,500 x 1,800 mm footprint allows multiple units to be lined up for multi-operation production lines
6,000 RPM spindle with 19.5 kW power handles both soft and hard machining of chucked components
Designed specifically for high-volume production with cycle time optimization built into the machine concept
EMAG's modular platform allows configuration for turning, grinding, gear hobbing, and laser welding operations

Limitations

100 mm maximum turning diameter limits the machine to small chucked components only
Not suitable for job shop or low-volume work due to the production-focused design and setup requirements
EMAG's dealer and service network is smaller than Mazak or DMG Mori in North America
Pick-up automation requires parts to be presented in a specific orientation, adding upstream handling considerations
Higher capital cost than a conventional small CNC lathe, justified only at production volumes above 50,000-100,000 parts/year
Limited aftermarket parts and tooling ecosystem compared to mainstream horizontal turning centers

Best For

Automotive Tier 1 suppliers producing transmission gears, bearing races, and CV joint components in high volumes Bearing manufacturers machining inner and outer races up to 100 mm diameter Hydraulic component manufacturers turning valve seats, pistons, and housing components Production lines requiring multiple turning operations where VL 2 units can be linked in sequence Shops transitioning from manual or semi-automatic turning to fully automated production for small chucked parts Hard turning applications replacing grinding on case-hardened automotive components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the VL 2 pick-up automation work?

The inverted spindle descends to a parts conveyor or loading station, grips the raw part with the chuck, lifts it into the machining position, and machines it against the turret mounted below. After machining, the spindle moves the finished part back to the unload position on the conveyor. No separate robot or gantry loader is needed, which reduces cell cost and complexity.

02 What volume levels justify the VL 2?

The VL 2 is designed for high-volume production, typically 50,000 to several million parts per year. At volumes below 50,000 per year, a conventional CNC lathe with a bar feeder or simple loader may be more cost-effective. The VL 2's economics improve rapidly with volume because the integrated automation reduces per-part labor and handling costs.

03 What is the difference between the VL 2, VL 2 P, and VT 2?

The VL 2 is the standard single-turret pick-up turning machine for chucked parts. The VL 2 P adds a second turret for simultaneous machining, reducing cycle times on complex parts. The VT 2 is configured for shaft-type parts rather than chucked parts. All three share the same modular platform and inverted spindle concept.

04 Can the VL 2 do hard turning?

Yes, the VL 2 supports both soft and hard machining. The 6,000 RPM spindle and rigid machine construction enable hard turning of case-hardened components, which can replace grinding operations in many applications. EMAG also offers combined turning and grinding configurations on the same platform for applications requiring both processes.