EMAG VT 4

The VT 4's main spindle moves to a pickup position above the part conveyor, lowers, and grips the raw workpiece with its chuck. The spindle then carries the part to the machining position where the turret performs all turning, drilling, and milling operations. After machining, the spindle deposits the finished part back on the conveyor. This entire pick-up, machine, and deposit cycle happens automatically, with the conveyor buffering multiple parts for unattended operation.

TrackMotion is EMAG's proprietary automation system that links multiple vertical turning machines into a production line. A track-mounted gripper unit travels between machines, picking finished parts from one machine's conveyor and delivering them to the next machine's input station. This enables automatic OP10-to-OP20 transfer for parts that need machining on both sides. TrackMotion is simpler and more compact than conventional robot-based line automation.

The VT 4 is designed for shaft-type and larger chucked parts with 400 mm diameter capacity and 43 kW spindle power. The VL 2 targets smaller disc-type parts with 160 mm diameter capacity in a more compact package. Both use the same pick-up spindle concept and can be linked via TrackMotion. Choose the VT 4 for medium-sized powertrain components; choose the VL 2 for smaller parts like bearing races and small gears.

EMAG's Mineralit polymer concrete base provides 6-8 times better vibration damping than cast iron, which directly translates to better surface finish and longer tool life — critical advantages in high-volume production where every 10% improvement in tool life saves significant annual tooling costs. Polymer concrete also has better thermal stability than cast iron, reducing dimensional drift during long production runs. The material is cast at room temperature, allowing more complex internal geometries for coolant channels and cable routing.

Cycle times depend entirely on the part complexity and material. Typical automotive applications see 30-90 second cycles for operations like gear blank turning, bearing race machining, and CVJ component turning. The pick-up and deposit sequence adds approximately 6-8 seconds per cycle. For multi-operation parts using TrackMotion lines, the line cycle time is determined by the longest individual station cycle, so balancing operations across stations is critical for throughput optimization.

While the VT 4 can technically handle small batches, its value proposition is strongest in medium to high-volume production where the integrated automation and rapid cycle times are fully utilized. For small-batch work, the pick-up system adds cycle time compared to manual loading a conventional vertical lathe. Shops running fewer than 500 parts per setup may find a standard vertical turning center more cost-effective. The VT 4 shines at 5,000+ parts per month.