EMAG VT 4

$300,000 - $450,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Rapid Traverse

30 m/min (X and Z)

Max Workpiece ⌀

400 mm (15.75 in)

machine type

Inverted vertical CNC turning center

max workpiece length

300 mm (11.81 in)

max workpiece weight

40 kg (88 lb)

main spindle speed

Up to 3,000 RPM

Overview

The EMAG VT 4 is a vertical pick-up turning center engineered for high-volume production of medium-sized chucked components up to 400 mm in diameter. EMAG pioneered the inverted spindle concept for production turning, and the VT 4 represents the current generation of this architecture scaled to the medium-diameter segment where brake discs, transmission housings, differential components, and compressor bodies are the archetypal applications. The self-loading spindle eliminates external automation by building the loading function directly into the machine: the spindle descends, picks up a raw part from the integrated conveyor below, retracts to the machining position, performs all operations, and deposits the finished part—all without a robot or gantry.

At 400 mm maximum workpiece diameter with 43 kW (58 hp) spindle drive, the VT 4 handles medium-sized automotive and industrial chucked components with the cutting performance required for aggressive steel and cast iron turning at production rates. The integral C-axis enables driven tool operations—milling, drilling, and tapping—within the turning cycle, allowing complete machining of complex housings and gear blanks in a single setup without a secondary machining center. The 12-tool turret accommodates turning and driven tooling in a single configuration.

Gravity-assisted chip evacuation is an architectural feature of the VT 4, not an afterthought: all chips fall directly downward from the inverted cutting zone into the chip conveyor below, keeping the machining zone clean, preventing chip recutting, and eliminating chip packing around the chuck that reduces tool life and surface quality in conventional horizontal lathes. At the production volumes where the VT 4 operates, this chip management advantage translates to significant improvements in tool life and surface finish consistency over millions of parts.

EMAG's TrackMotion automation system links multiple VT 4 machines in production lines where parts travel automatically between OP10 and OP20 operations—enabling unmanned two-operation complete machining of chucked components at automotive production volumes. This line integration capability is what distinguishes EMAG's approach from conventional lathe-plus-robot automation and makes VT machines the backbone of high-volume automotive powertrain production.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Machine Type	Inverted vertical CNC turning center
Max Workpiece Diameter	400 mm (15.75 in)
Max Workpiece Length	300 mm (11.81 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	40 kg (88 lb)
Main Spindle Speed	Up to 3,000 RPM
Main Spindle Drive	43 kW (57.6 hp)
Turret Positions	12 positions including driven tools
C Axis	Integral C-axis for driven tool orientation
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min (X and Z)
Machine Base	Mineralit polymer concrete
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B or Siemens 840D sl
Floor Space	Approx. 2,500 mm × 2,700 mm

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

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Limitations

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Best For

Automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers producing brake disc and drum blanks, transmission housings, differential components, and torque converter bodies at annual volumes justifying dedicated production lines Bearing and ring manufacturers producing precision bearing races and industrial rings in the 100–400mm diameter range at sustained high production volumes with automated OP10/OP20 complete machining Compressor and pump housing manufacturers producing cast iron and steel housings requiring combined turning and driven tool operations in automated production cells Agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers producing high-volume medium-sized chucked components where integrated automation reduces per-part labor cost

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the maximum workpiece size for the EMAG VT 4?

The EMAG VT 4 handles workpieces up to 400mm (15.75 inches) in diameter, 300mm (11.81 inches) in length, and 40kg (88 lb) in weight. This covers medium-sized automotive chucked components including brake discs, transmission housings, and differential components.

02 How does the VT 4's self-loading system work?

The VT 4's main spindle is mounted vertically with the chuck facing downward. At cycle start, the spindle descends to the loading zone where a raw part is positioned on the integrated conveyor or turntable. The chuck grips the part, the spindle retracts to the machining position, all turning and driven tool operations are performed, then the spindle returns to the unload zone and releases the finished part—the complete loading cycle is performed by the machine spindle without any external handler.

03 What is the price of an EMAG VT 4?

New EMAG VT 4 vertical turning centers typically range from $300,000 to $450,000 for the base machine. Complete production line configurations with TrackMotion automation, tooling, and installation typically run $800,000–$1,200,000 for a two-machine OP10/OP20 line. Used EMAG VT 4 machines are occasionally available through EMAG's used equipment program.

04 How does the VT 4 differ from the VT 2?

The VT 4 handles workpieces up to 400mm diameter compared to the VT 2's 160mm limit, and has significantly higher spindle power (43 kW vs 26 kW). The VT 2 is sized for small chucked components like bearing rings and small gear blanks; the VT 4 handles medium-diameter components like brake discs, larger housings, and differential parts. Both use the same self-loading inverted spindle architecture.

05 What industries use EMAG VT machines?

EMAG VT machines are primarily deployed in automotive powertrain production (brake components, transmission and differential housings, gear blanks), bearing manufacturing (inner and outer rings), compressor and pump manufacturing (housing components), and general high-volume production of medium-sized chucked components where integrated automation and gravity chip evacuation provide production advantages over conventional horizontal turning.