EMAG VL 4
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Weight
Spindle Power
max turning diameter
max rotation length
chuck diameter
Overview
The EMAG VL 4 is a vertical pick-up turning machine designed for high-volume production of medium-sized chucked parts with diameters up to 200 mm. Sitting between the compact VL 2 (100 mm) and the larger VL 6 (400 mm), the VL 4 occupies the sweet spot for automotive components like brake disc blanks, gear blanks, CV joint housings, hub units, and medium-sized bearing races that are too large for the VL 2 but do not require the full capacity of the VL 6.
The VL 4 uses EMAG's proven inverted spindle pick-up architecture: the main spindle descends to retrieve a raw part from the integrated workpiece conveyor, retracts to the machining position, and presents the part to the 12-station turret mounted below. After machining, the spindle deposits the finished part back on the outfeed conveyor. This self-loading concept eliminates external robots and gantry loaders. The spindle delivers 28 kW of power at up to 4,500 RPM with 200 Nm of torque, providing substantial cutting capability for steel, cast iron, and hardened materials.
The Mineralit polymer concrete machine base provides six to eight times better vibration damping than cast iron, which translates directly to improved surface finish and extended tool life in continuous production. The 12-station turret supports both static and driven tools, enabling turning, grooving, drilling, tapping, and light milling in a single setup. For applications requiring complete machining, EMAG offers configurations with Y-axis capability for off-center milling operations.
As part of EMAG's modular platform, VL 4 machines integrate seamlessly into multi-machine production lines using the TrackMotion automation system. Parts flow automatically from VL 4 to VL 4 for two-sided turning, or from VL 4 to grinding, hardening, or gear cutting stations — all without manual handling. This line integration capability makes the VL 4 a building block for complete automated machining systems in automotive and industrial component production.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | 200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Max Rotation Length | 150 mm (5.91 in) |
| Chuck Diameter | 260 mm (10.2 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 4,500 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 28 kW (38 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 200 Nm (148 ft-lbf) |
| Spindle Type | Inverted pick-up spindle |
| Turret Stations | 12 |
| Turret Driven Tool Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Axes | 2 (X, Z) with optional Y-axis |
| Automation | Integrated pick-up automation with conveyor |
| Machine Base | Mineralit polymer concrete |
| Machine Dimensions | ~2,700 x 2,100 x 3,000 mm |
| Machine Weight | 6,000 - 8,000 kg (13,228 - 17,637 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
- 200 mm turning diameter covers the high-volume automotive sweet spot for brake discs, gear blanks, and hub units
- 28 kW spindle with 200 Nm torque handles aggressive roughing on steel and cast iron at production rates
- Integrated pick-up automation eliminates external loading systems, reducing total cell cost and floor space
- 12-station turret with driven tools enables complete machining of complex chucked components in a single setup
- Mineralit polymer concrete base delivers superior vibration damping for consistent surface finish over millions of parts
- TrackMotion line integration enables automated multi-operation production without manual part handling
Limitations
- 200 mm maximum diameter excludes larger automotive components that require the VL 6 or VL 8 platforms
- Production-focused design is not economical for job shop work or volumes below 50,000 parts per year
- EMAG's dealer and service network is smaller than major competitors in some regions
- Higher capital cost than conventional CNC lathes, justified only at high production volumes
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The VL 4 handles chucked parts up to 200 mm (7.87 in) in diameter with a 260 mm chuck. Maximum turning length is approximately 150 mm. For larger parts, EMAG offers the VL 6 (up to 400 mm) and VL 8 (up to 400 mm with more power).
02
The VL 4 handles parts up to 200 mm diameter versus 100 mm for the VL 2, and has significantly more spindle power (28 kW vs 19.5 kW) and torque (200 Nm vs 75 Nm). The VL 2 is for small components like small bearing races and valve seats; the VL 4 handles medium automotive parts like brake discs, gear blanks, and hub units.
03
Yes. The rigid Mineralit base and powerful spindle make the VL 4 well suited for hard turning of case-hardened components up to approximately 62 HRC. Hard turning on the VL 4 can replace finish grinding operations in many applications, reducing cycle time and eliminating a separate grinding machine.
04
The VL 4 is typically justified at annual volumes above 50,000 parts. The integrated pick-up automation reduces per-part labor costs dramatically, and the economics improve with volume. Complete OP10/OP20 lines with TrackMotion are typically justified above 100,000 parts per year.
