EMAG VM 9
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Spindle Power
Max Workpiece ⌀
max workpiece length
chuck diameter
Overview
The EMAG VM 9 is the largest machine in EMAG's modular VL/VM vertical turning platform, designed for high-volume production of large chucked components up to 400 mm in diameter and 350 mm in length. While the smaller VL machines handle automotive-scale parts, the VM 9 extends EMAG's inverted spindle concept into heavy industrial territory where workpieces include large bearing housings, truck brake drums, wind turbine components, and heavy equipment gear blanks that demand serious cutting power.
The VM 9 delivers 83 kW of spindle power with 990 Nm of torque through a bottom-mounted workpiece spindle configuration. These are among the highest power and torque figures in EMAG's vertical turning lineup, providing the muscle needed for aggressive roughing of large castings and forgings in cast iron, steel, and hardened materials. The 450 mm chuck handles workpieces up to 400 mm diameter with a 700 mm swing diameter, giving operators clearance for fixturing and tool access on large, complex geometries.
X-axis travel of 375 mm and Z-axis travel of 500 mm define a generous work envelope optimized for the large-diameter, relatively short chucked parts that the VM 9 targets. The turret accepts eight or twelve tool positions depending on the tooling interface selected (BMT or VDI), supporting both static turning tools and driven tools for drilling, tapping, and milling operations. This multi-tool capability allows many large chucked parts to be completed in a single clamping rather than shuttling between a lathe and a machining center.
The MINERALIT polymer concrete machine body provides the vibration damping critical for maintaining surface finish and dimensional accuracy when taking heavy cuts on large-diameter workpieces. An integrated probe enables in-process quality assurance, and the machine supports rotary indirect absolute encoders with optional linear glass scales for position feedback. The VM 9 represents EMAG's answer to the question of how to apply automated vertical turning to the largest class of chucked components while maintaining the productivity and chip evacuation advantages of the inverted spindle design.
New VM 9 machines typically price between $500,000 and $750,000 depending on configuration, turret selection, and automation level. The machine competes with large vertical turning centers from Scherer Feinbau, Weisser, and the EMAG VSC 400 series.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 400 mm (15.5 in) |
| Max Workpiece Length | 350 mm (14 in) |
| Chuck Diameter | 450 mm (17.5 in) |
| Swing Diameter | mmin |
| Spindle Motor Power | 83 kW (111 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 990 Nm (730 ft-lb) |
| X-Axis Travel | 375 mm (15 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 500 mm (19.5 in) |
| Turret Stations | 8 or 12 (BMT or VDI interface) |
| Turret Tools | Static and driven tools |
| Machine Base | MINERALIT polymer concrete |
| Position Feedback | Rotary indirect absolute encoders, optional linear glass scales |
| In Process Measurement | Integrated probe |
| Workpiece Handling | Integrated pick-up automation |
| CNC Control | Fanuc or Siemens |
| Workpiece Dia Max | mmin |
| Workpiece Length Max | mmin |
| Chuck Dia Max | mmin |
| X Axis Travel | mmin |
| Z Axis Travel | mmin |
Specifications sourced from emag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 83 kW spindle with 990 Nm torque delivers the highest cutting power in the EMAG modular turning lineup for aggressive roughing of large castings and forgings
- 400 mm workpiece capacity with 700 mm swing diameter accommodates large chucked components including brake drums, bearing housings, and gear blanks
- MINERALIT polymer concrete machine body provides superior vibration damping critical for heavy cuts on large-diameter workpieces
- Integrated probe enables in-process quality assurance without removing the part from the spindle
- Flexible turret interface (BMT or VDI) with 8 or 12 stations supports both turning and driven tool operations
- Integrated pick-up automation maintains EMAG's self-loading concept even at the largest workpiece sizes
Limitations
- Premium pricing of $500K-$750K requires high-volume production to justify the capital investment
- EMAG's service and support network in North America has historically been smaller than Japanese competitors
- 350 mm maximum workpiece length restricts the machine to disc and flange-type parts — longer shaft work requires the VT series
- The specialized vertical pick-up design is production-oriented and not suited for low-volume job shop environments
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The VM 9 is larger and more powerful than the VL 8. The VM 9 handles workpieces up to 400 mm diameter x 350 mm length with 83 kW and 990 Nm of torque, compared to the VL 8's 400 mm x 250 mm capacity with 39.5 kW and 800 Nm. The VM 9 also features a 700 mm swing diameter and a 450 mm chuck for greater clearance on complex fixturing.
02
The VM 9 offers either BMT or VDI turret interfaces with 8 or 12 tool stations depending on configuration. Both interfaces support driven tools for drilling, tapping, and milling operations, allowing complete part machining in a single clamping.
03
With 83 kW of spindle power and 990 Nm of torque, the VM 9 handles gray and ductile cast iron, carbon and alloy steels (soft and hardened), stainless steels, forged components, and aluminum alloys. The high torque is particularly advantageous for interrupted cuts on castings with varying wall thicknesses.
04
Yes, the VM 9 features an integrated probe for in-process quality assurance. This allows dimensional verification without removing the part from the spindle, enabling real-time tool wear compensation and statistical process control during production runs.
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