EMAG VLC 100

$180,000 - $250,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

100 mm (3.94 in)

Z Travel

200 mm (7.87 in)

Max Spindle

6,000 RPM

Spindle Power

13.5 kW (18 hp)

Max Workpiece ⌀

100 mm (3.94 in)

max workpiece length

75 mm (2.95 in)

Overview

The EMAG VLC 100 is a compact vertical pick-up turning machine optimized for high-speed, high-volume production of small chuck-type components up to 100 mm (3.94 in) diameter. Positioned as the entry point in EMAG's VLC line, the VLC 100 targets the mass production of small precision parts — bearing races, gear components, valve seats, fuel injector bodies, and transmission synchronizer rings — where cycle times measured in seconds determine competitive advantage. The integrated pick-up automation handles its own part loading and unloading, making the VLC 100 one of the most productive turning platforms available for small-diameter high-volume work.

The main spindle delivers 13.5 kW (18 hp) continuous power with speeds up to 6,000 RPM. The higher spindle speed compared to larger VL machines reflects the smaller workpiece diameters where maintaining optimal surface speed requires higher RPM. Maximum torque of 144 Nm (106 ft-lb) is more than adequate for the light to moderate cuts typical of small precision components. The spindle accommodates a 125 mm (4.92 in) hydraulic chuck, and the vertical inverted design ensures clean chip evacuation for the fine chips generated during precision finishing operations.

The VLC 100 features an 8-position VDI 30 turret optimized for the smaller tooling used with parts in this size range. X and Z axis travels of 100 mm (3.94 in) and 200 mm (7.87 in) are tightly optimized for small-part geometries, minimizing wasted axis travel and reducing cycle times. The compact MINERALIT polymer concrete base provides the vibration damping needed for achieving tight tolerances on small parts, and the overall machine footprint of approximately 1,800 x 2,000 mm enables extremely high machine density in production facilities.

The Fanuc 31i control with EMAG's production interface manages the pick-up automation with a load-to-load cycle time of approximately 5-6 seconds — among the fastest in the industry for automated turning. This rapid part exchange means the VLC 100 spends more time cutting and less time loading, which is critical when individual part cycle times are only 15-30 seconds. New VLC 100 machines are priced between $180,000 and $250,000, making them among the most affordable automated turning solutions available and highly cost-effective for shops producing 200,000+ parts per year.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Workpiece Diameter	100 mm (3.94 in)
Max Workpiece Length	75 mm (2.95 in)
Max Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	13.5 kW (18 hp)
Spindle Torque	144 Nm (106 ft-lb)
X-Axis Travel	100 mm (3.94 in)
Z-Axis Travel	200 mm (7.87 in)
Turret Stations	8 (VDI 30)
Chuck Size	125 mm (4.92 in)
Rapid Traverse X	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Machine Base	MINERALIT polymer concrete
Workpiece Handling	Integrated pick-up automation with conveyor
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i
Machine Weight	3,800 kg (8,378 lb)
Floor Space Required	1,800 x 2,000 mm (70.9 x 78.7 in)
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

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

5-6 second load-to-load time is among the fastest in automated turning — critical for small parts where loading time is a significant percentage of total cycle time
Ultra-compact 1,800 x 2,000 mm footprint enables extremely high machine density — shops can fit 3-4 VLC 100s in the space of one conventional lathe plus robot cell
6,000 RPM spindle speed provides optimal surface speeds for small-diameter parts where lower-RPM machines cannot achieve efficient cutting conditions
$180K-$250K price point with integrated automation makes the VLC 100 accessible for high-volume shops that cannot justify $300K+ larger VL machines
MINERALIT base provides the vibration damping needed for tight tolerances on small precision parts where surface finish is critical
Integrated automation eliminates separate robot costs and programming — the VLC 100 is production-ready out of the crate

Limitations

100 mm maximum diameter severely limits the VLC 100 to small parts only — any workpiece growth requires stepping up to the VL 2 or VL 4
8-position turret is compact — complex parts requiring many tools may need multiple operations or a machine with more tool stations
VDI 30 toolholders limit tool shank size, restricting the VLC 100 to lighter cutting tools appropriate for small parts
Not suitable for shaft-type workpieces — the VLC platform handles disc and ring-type parts exclusively
6,000 RPM maximum may still be limiting for very small diameter parts in aluminum where optimal surface speeds require higher RPM

Best For

Bearing manufacturers producing small inner and outer races in volumes exceeding 500,000 parts per year Automotive suppliers machining small transmission components including synchronizer rings, thrust washers, and valve seats Fuel system manufacturers producing injector bodies, nozzle seats, and small precision-turned fuel system components Precision fastener manufacturers turning small, high-tolerance flanges, bushings, and spacers at extreme production volumes Shops building high-density production cells where 4-8 VLC 100 machines operate in parallel or sequential configurations for maximum throughput

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the VLC 100 compare to the EMAG VL 2?

Both handle parts up to 100 mm diameter, but they differ in construction and purpose. The VL 2 is a slightly larger platform with a 12-position turret and higher spindle power, designed for heavier cuts on parts at the upper end of the 100 mm range. The VLC 100 is more compact, faster in part exchange (5-6 seconds vs 6-8 seconds), and costs approximately $50K-$70K less. For simple, high-speed production of small parts, the VLC 100 is more cost-effective. For more complex parts requiring more tools or heavier cutting, the VL 2 is the better choice.

02 What production volumes justify the VLC 100?

The VLC 100's integrated automation becomes cost-effective at approximately 100,000-200,000 parts per year, depending on part complexity and cycle time. Below 100,000 parts annually, a conventional CNC lathe with manual loading may be more economical despite lower productivity. Above 200,000 parts per year, the VLC 100's automated loading and compact footprint deliver clear cost-per-part advantages. Many VLC 100 installations produce 500,000 to 2,000,000 parts per year per machine.

03 Can the VLC 100 perform hard turning?

Yes, the VLC 100 handles hard turning of case-hardened parts up to 62 HRC, which is a common requirement for small bearing races and transmission components. The MINERALIT base's vibration damping is advantageous for hard turning where surface finish quality is critical. For small bearing races, many manufacturers use the VLC 100 for both soft turning (before heat treatment) and hard turning (after), simplifying the production flow.

04 How many VLC 100 machines can fit in a production cell?

The VLC 100's 1,800 x 2,000 mm footprint allows extremely dense cell configurations. A typical 10 x 10 meter production area can accommodate 8-12 VLC 100 machines with adequate access for maintenance and part supply. Connected via EMAG's TrackMotion system, these machines can operate as a coordinated production line or as parallel independent stations. This machine density is 3-4 times higher than conventional horizontal lathes with robot loading in the same floor space.