EMAG VT 2
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Weight
Spindle Power
max turning diameter
max workpiece length
spindle torque
Overview
The EMAG VT 2 is a vertical pick-up shaft turning machine optimized for high-volume production of shaft-type workpieces up to 160 mm in diameter and 400 mm in length. While the VL 2 handles chucked parts like gears and bearing rings, the VT 2 is specifically configured for shafts — input shafts, output shafts, pinions, rotor shafts, and similar elongated components that require turning, grooving, and driven tool operations in a production environment.
The VT 2 shares the same inverted spindle pick-up architecture as the VL series: the spindle descends, grips a raw shaft from the integrated conveyor, retracts to the machining position, and presents the part to the turret-mounted tooling below. After machining, the spindle deposits the finished shaft back onto the conveyor. This self-loading concept eliminates external robots and gantry loaders, keeping the cell compact and reducing automation investment. The spindle delivers 26 kW of power at up to 5,400 RPM with a maximum torque of 163 Nm, providing the cutting capability needed for aggressive turning on steel and alloy shafts.
The 12-station turret accommodates both static and driven tools, enabling complete machining of shaft features including OD turning, grooving, thread cutting, cross-drilling, and flat milling in a single setup. The driven tool stations run at up to 6,000 RPM, handling the off-center drilling and milling operations common on transmission and drivetrain shafts. Gravity-assisted chip evacuation — a fundamental advantage of the inverted architecture — keeps the machining zone clean and prevents chip recutting that degrades surface finish and tool life.
EMAG's TrackMotion automation system links multiple VT 2 machines in production lines for two-operation shaft machining: OP10 turns one end of the shaft, the TrackMotion system flips and transfers the part, and OP20 turns the other end. This enables fully automated complete shaft machining without manual handling, which is the standard configuration for automotive powertrain shaft production at volumes justifying dedicated lines.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | 160 mm (6.3 in) |
| Max Workpiece Length | 400 mm (15.75 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 5,400 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 26 kW (35 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 163 Nm (120 ft-lbf) |
| Spindle Type | Inverted pick-up spindle |
| Turret Stations | 12 |
| Turret Driven Tool Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Axes | 2 (X, Z) with C-axis for driven tools |
| Automation | Integrated pick-up automation with conveyor |
| Machine Base | Mineralit polymer concrete |
| Machine Dimensions | ~2,600 x 2,000 x 2,900 mm |
| Machine Weight | 5,500 - 7,000 kg (12,125 - 15,432 lb) |
| CNC Control | Fanuc or Siemens (configuration dependent) |
| Workpiece Dia Max | mmin |
| Workpiece Length Max | mmin |
| Chuck Dia Max | mmin |
| Swing Diameter | mmin |
| Gripper Diameter Max | mmin |
| X Axis Travel | mmin |
| Z Axis Travel | mmin |
| Main Spindle Power Rating At 40 100 Duty Cycle | kW ./ hp |
| Main Spindle Torque At 40 100 Duty Cycle | Nm ./ ft-lb |
| Main Spindle Speed Max | rpm |
Specifications sourced from emag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Purpose-built for shaft-type workpieces with workholding and part handling optimized for elongated components up to 400 mm
- 26 kW spindle with 163 Nm torque provides aggressive cutting capability on steel and alloy shafts
- Integrated pick-up automation handles shafts without external robots, keeping cell footprint compact and reducing investment
- 12-station turret with driven tools enables complete shaft machining including cross-drilling and milling in a single setup
- TrackMotion integration enables automated two-operation shaft machining with automatic flip and transfer between OP10 and OP20
- Mineralit polymer concrete base provides superior vibration damping for consistent surface finish across production runs
Limitations
- 160 mm maximum diameter and 400 mm length limit the machine to small and medium shafts only
- Production-focused design is not economical for job shop work or volumes below 50,000 parts per year
- EMAG's service network is smaller than major Japanese and European competitors in many regions
- TrackMotion line integration adds significant cost beyond the base machine price for complete production lines
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The VT 2 is configured for shaft-type parts (up to 160 mm diameter, 400 mm length) while the VL 2 handles chucked parts (discs, rings, flanges up to 100 mm diameter). Both use the same inverted spindle pick-up architecture but have different workholding and part handling systems optimized for their respective part geometries.
02
TrackMotion is a linear conveyor system that links two VT 2 machines in an OP10/OP20 configuration. The first machine turns one end of the shaft, then TrackMotion picks up the part, flips it 180 degrees, and delivers it to the second machine for turning the other end. The entire process is fully automated without operator intervention.
03
The VT 2 handles carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and case-hardened materials. The 26 kW spindle with 163 Nm torque provides the cutting power for aggressive roughing on tough materials, and the Mineralit base ensures the stability needed for finish turning to tight tolerances.
04
The VT 2 is typically justified at annual volumes above 50,000 shafts. Below this threshold, a conventional CNC lathe with a bar feeder or simple loader may be more cost-effective. The VT 2's economics improve rapidly with volume as the integrated automation reduces per-part labor and handling costs.
