EMAG VT 200 CD
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Workpiece ⌀
Max Turn Length
max workpiece length
spindle configuration
Overview
The EMAG VT 200 CD is a specialized vertical pick-up turning machine configured for high-precision shaft machining of components up to 80 mm in diameter and 540 mm in length. The CD designation indicates a counter-drive configuration optimized for complete shaft machining with driven tool operations and high-accuracy concentricity requirements. Built on EMAG's proven modular shaft platform, the VT 200 CD targets the precision end of shaft production where tight tolerances on features like bearing journals, seal surfaces, and thread forms demand a dedicated machine concept.
While the standard VT 200 handles workpieces up to 200 mm diameter, the VT 200 CD narrows the diameter range to 80 mm maximum but retains the 540 mm workpiece length capability, focusing its rigidity and precision on the smaller-diameter shafts common in automotive transmissions, precision hydraulics, and electric motor applications. The counter-drive spindle arrangement allows machining of both ends of the shaft without manual intervention, maintaining the concentricity between features that is critical for rotating components.
The VT 200 CD inherits the VT platform's MINERALIT polymer concrete base for vibration damping and thermal stability, along with EMAG's signature inverted pick-up spindle for automated workpiece loading and unloading. The vertical orientation ensures gravity-assisted chip evacuation, which is particularly beneficial for the long-chip materials common in precision shaft work. The integrated automation concept handles loading, inter-operation transfer, and unloading without external robots, keeping the production cell compact and reliable.
The counter-drive configuration allows the workpiece to be transferred between main spindle and counter spindle during the machining cycle, enabling six-sided complete machining of shaft components. This eliminates the need for a second operation on a separate machine, reducing handling time, improving concentricity, and cutting total production cost per part.
New VT 200 CD machines typically price between $350,000 and $550,000 depending on tooling configuration, driven tool options, and automation interface requirements. The machine competes with twin-spindle horizontal shaft lathes from Index, Citizen, and Star for the precision small-shaft production segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 80 mm (3 in) |
| Max Workpiece Length | 540 mm (21.5 in) |
| Spindle Configuration | Main spindle + counter-drive spindle |
| Max Spindle Speed | 4,500 RPM (estimated from VT platform) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 38 kW (51 hp) (estimated from VT platform) |
| Turrets | Dual turrets with driven tools |
| Machine Base | MINERALIT polymer concrete |
| Workpiece Handling | Integrated pick-up automation with counter-drive transfer |
| CNC Control | Siemens Sinumerik |
| Name | Matomo(To data protection) |
| Purpose | Tracking/analysis |
| Max Turning Diameter | 80 mm (3 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 540 mm (21.5 in) |
Specifications sourced from emag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Counter-drive spindle configuration enables six-sided complete machining of shafts without re-chucking, maintaining concentricity within microns
- 540 mm maximum workpiece length handles medium-length precision shafts including transmission input shafts and motor rotor shafts
- Integrated pick-up automation eliminates external robots for loading, transfer between spindles, and unloading
- MINERALIT polymer concrete base provides exceptional vibration damping for the tight tolerances required on precision shaft features
- Vertical chip evacuation by gravity keeps the cutting zone clean during long-chip machining of steel shafts
- Complete machining in one clamping cycle eliminates the concentricity errors inherent in multi-machine shaft production
Limitations
- 80 mm maximum workpiece diameter severely limits the machine to small-diameter shafts only
- Counter-drive configuration adds mechanical complexity and requires specialized programming compared to single-spindle machines
- EMAG service and parts availability in North America can lag behind Japanese competitors
- Production-focused design with integrated automation is not economical for low-volume or job-shop shaft work
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
CD stands for counter-drive, indicating the machine has both a main spindle and a counter spindle. This allows the workpiece to be transferred between spindles during the machining cycle for complete six-sided machining of shafts without manual intervention or re-chucking.
02
The VT 200 CD has a smaller maximum workpiece diameter (80 mm vs. 200 mm) but adds a counter-drive spindle for six-sided complete shaft machining. The standard VT 200 is better for larger-diameter shafts, while the CD variant focuses on precision complete machining of smaller shafts with tight concentricity requirements.
03
Yes, for shaft components up to 80 mm diameter and 540 mm length. The VT 200 CD provides comparable six-sided machining capability with the added benefits of gravity-assisted chip evacuation and integrated pick-up automation. However, for diameters exceeding 80 mm, a larger machine is required.
04
By machining all features in a single clamping cycle with automated transfer between main and counter spindles, the VT 200 CD achieves concentricity levels that are not possible when transferring parts between separate machines. Typical concentricity values are in the single-digit micron range, depending on part geometry and process conditions.
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