EMAG VLC 200 GT
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Workpiece ⌀
max workpiece length
max chuck diameter
turning spindle speed
Overview
The EMAG VLC 200 GT is a vertical grinding/turning combination machine that integrates hard turning and finish grinding into a single platform, eliminating separate machines and inter-operation handling for high-precision chuck-type components up to 200 mm (7.87 in) diameter. The GT designation stands for Grinding/Turning, reflecting the machine’s ability to perform both operations in a single chucking — first hard turning to near-finish dimensions, then grinding to final tolerances and surface finish specifications.
The VLC 200 GT features EMAG’s inverted vertical spindle design with integrated pick-up automation. The main spindle delivers 22 kW (29.5 hp) with speeds up to 3,000 RPM for turning operations. The grinding spindle is mounted on a separate slide and delivers up to 45 m/s peripheral wheel speed with external or internal grinding wheel configurations depending on the application. The 12-position turret carries turning tools including CBN inserts for hard turning, while the grinding spindle handles final finish operations.
The MINERALIT polymer concrete machine base provides vibration damping critical for grinding operations where surface finish quality is measured in fractions of a micrometer. The vertical orientation and pick-up automation carry over from the VL platform, meaning the VLC 200 GT handles its own part loading and unloading via conveyor belt without external robots or gantry loaders. This integrated automation makes the VLC 200 GT one of the most productive combined grinding/turning platforms available for high-volume production of bearing races, gear components, and fuel injection parts.
The Fanuc 31i control manages both turning and grinding cycles including in-process gauging, wheel dressing compensation, and automatic grinding cycle optimization. X-axis travel of 1,700 mm and Z-axis travel of 250 mm accommodate the machine’s multi-slide architecture. New VLC 200 GT machines price between $350,000 and $500,000, significantly less than purchasing separate turning and grinding machines with comparable automation.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Workpiece Diameter | 200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Max Workpiece Length | 100 mm (3.94 in) |
| Max Chuck Diameter | 210 mm (8.3 in) |
| Turning Spindle Speed | 3,000 RPM |
| Turning Spindle Power | 22 kW (29.5 hp) |
| Grinding Wheel Speed | Up to 45 m/s peripheral |
| Grinding Spindle Power | 12 kW (16 hp) |
| X-Axis Travel | 1,700 mm (66.9 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| Turret Stations | 12 (VDI 40) |
| Machine Base | MINERALIT polymer concrete |
| Workpiece Handling | Integrated pick-up automation with conveyor |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 31i |
| Machine Weight | 6,800 kg (14,991 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 2,400 x 2,600 mm (94.5 x 102.4 in) |
| Surface Finish Capability | Ra 0.2 µm (8 µin) or better |
| 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
- Combines hard turning and finish grinding in a single chucking, eliminating re-chucking error and reducing total cycle time by 30-40% versus separate operations
- Integrated pick-up automation provides fully automated part handling via conveyor without external robots, matching the VL platform productivity standard
- MINERALIT polymer concrete base delivers vibration damping critical for achieving sub-micron surface finishes during grinding operations
- Single-machine solution replaces separate hard turning and grinding machines plus inter-operation automation, reducing total cell cost and floor space by 40-50%
- 12-position turret with CBN inserts handles hard turning while dedicated grinding spindle delivers finish operations in the same cycle
- In-process gauging with automatic grinding cycle compensation ensures consistent dimensional accuracy across production lots without operator intervention
Limitations
- 200 mm maximum workpiece diameter limits the VLC 200 GT to smaller chuck-type parts — larger components require EMAG VLC 400 GT or similar platforms
- Combined grinding/turning operation requires operators trained in both disciplines, increasing the skill level needed for setup and troubleshooting
- Grinding wheel dressing and management adds maintenance complexity compared to turning-only VL machines in the same product family
- Not suitable for high-stock-removal grinding — the VLC 200 GT is designed for finish grinding after hard turning, not full-stock grinding operations
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New VLC 200 GT machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on grinding spindle configuration, gauging systems, and automation interface options. This investment is significantly less than purchasing separate hard turning and grinding machines with equivalent automation capability.
02
Combining hard turning and finish grinding in the VLC 200 GT eliminates re-chucking error that occurs when parts transfer between separate machines. For bearing races where concentricity between bore and OD must be within 2-3 microns, single-chucking is essential. The approach also reduces cycle time, floor space, and total automation cost by 40-50% versus separate machines.
03
The VLC 200 GT achieves Ra 0.2 micrometers or better in grinding mode, meeting surface finish requirements for bearing races, sealing surfaces, and precision bores. With appropriate grinding wheel selection and dressing parameters, Ra 0.1 micrometers is achievable. The hard turning operation typically achieves Ra 0.4-0.8 micrometers before the grinding finish pass.
04
Yes, the VLC 200 GT uses the same conveyor-based automation as EMAG VL turning machines and integrates via EMAG TrackMotion transport system. A typical configuration includes a VL for soft turning, heat treatment, then the VLC 200 GT for combined hard turning and finish grinding. The pick-up automation handles the TrackMotion interface automatically.
