Fadal VMC 2520
Image: fadal.com, Fadal
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Table Size
Spindle Power
x axis travel
How much does the Fadal VMC 2520 cost?
Price estimate
We do not have a price for the Fadal VMC 2520 that we can stand behind, so we show no number. Configuration, options and installation move the final price a long way: a quote is the reliable figure.
Overview
With 25.5 in (648 mm) of X travel, the Fadal VMC 2520 is the shortest of Fadal's 40-taper machines, but it is not a light one. Y and Z are both 20 in (508 mm), the spindle carries the same standard figures as the larger VMC 4020, 10,000 rpm and 220 ft-lb (298 Nm), and the machine weighs 10,978 lb (4,980 kg).
That spindle is the reason to look at this model instead of the smaller BT-30 VMC 2015HS. Fadal drives it through a dual belt high/low system, which gives two ranges, and rates the motor at 22.5 hp (16.8 kW) peak. Low range gives the torque for steel and harder alloys in small workpieces. High range reaches 10,000 rpm for aluminium. A 15,000 rpm spindle is an option, offered with grease pack or air/oil lubrication, as is coolant through the spindle. The standard taper is CAT-40; BT-40 is optional.
The axes run on roller ways. Rapids are 1,410 ipm (35.8 m/min) in X and Y and 1,187 ipm (30.1 m/min) in Z, driven by 40 mm (1.6 in) ballscrews that are dual supported and pre-tensioned. The 24 tool dual arm changer needs 1.5 sec tool to tool.
Work area is where the limits lie. The table is 31.6 x 17.75 in (803 x 451 mm) and is rated for 990 lb (449 kg). Is 20 in (508 mm) of Z enough? For vise work, yes. With a rotary table, a tailstock and long tools it gets tight, and Fadal offers an extended Z travel of 30 in (762 mm) that moves the spindle nose range from 5-25 in (127-635 mm) to 5-35 in (127-889 mm).
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X Axis Travel | 25.5 in (648 mm) |
| Y Axis Travel | 20 in (508 mm) |
| Z Axis Travel | 20 in (508 mm); 30 in (762 mm) optional |
| Distance Spindle Nose to Table | 5-25 in (127-635 mm); 5-35 in (127-889 mm) optional |
| Distance Spindle Center to Column | 21 in (533 mm) |
| Table Size | 31.6 x 17.75 in (803 x 451 mm) |
| T-Slots | (3) 5 x .709 x 1.25 in (127 x 18 x 32 mm) |
| Max Table Load | 990 lb (449 kg) |
| Spindle Taper | CAT-40; BT-40 optional |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm; 15,000 rpm optional |
| Spindle Torque | 220 ft-lb (298 Nm) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22.5 hp (16.8 kW) peak |
| Rapid Traverse Xyz | 1,410 / 1,410 / 1,187 ipm (35.8 / 35.8 / 30.1 m/min) |
| Ballscrew Diameter Xyz | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Tool Capacity | 24 |
| Tool Change Type | Dual Arm |
| Tool Change Time | 1.5 sec tool to tool |
| Max Tool Weight | 15 lb (6.8 kg) |
| Max Tool Diameter (full magazine) | 4.9 in (124 mm); 3.1 in (79 mm) with adjacent tool |
| Max Tool Length | 13.5 in (343 mm) |
| Tool Selection Method | Random |
| Machine Dimensions | 100 x 96 x 107 in (2,540 x 2,438 x 2,718 mm) (L x W x H) |
| Machine Dimensions with Chip Conveyor | 161 x 96 x 107 in (4,089 x 2,438 x 2,718 mm) (L x W x H) |
| Machine Weight | 10,978 lb (4,980 kg) |
Specifications sourced from fadal.com — verified 2026-10-04
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Full 40-taper spindle in a short machine: 10,000 rpm, 220 ft-lb (298 Nm) and 22.5 hp (16.8 kW) peak
- Dual belt high/low drive gives two spindle ranges, one for torque and one for speed
- Roller way construction with rapids of 1,410 ipm (35.8 m/min) in X and Y
- 20 in (508 mm) of Y travel, as much as the VMC 4020 offers, on a machine with 25.5 in (648 mm) of X
- Z travel can be extended from 20 in (508 mm) to 30 in (762 mm) as an option
Limitations
- Table load is 990 lb (449 kg), which a rotary table, fixture and steel part can use up
- X travel of 25.5 in (648 mm) rules out long parts and wide multi-vise setups
- The magazine holds 24 tools and the table for this model lists no larger option
- Chain type chip conveyor, coolant through the spindle and the 4th axis pre-wire are all options
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
X is 25.5 in (648 mm) and Y is 20 in (508 mm). Z is 20 in (508 mm) as standard, with 30 in (762 mm) available as the extended Z option. The spindle nose to table distance is 5-25 in (127-635 mm) on the standard machine and 5-35 in (127-889 mm) with the longer Z.
02
Only in X travel, going by Fadal's tables. The VMC 2520 has 25.5 in (648 mm) of X and the VMC 3320 has 33 in (838 mm). Both list the same 31.6 x 17.75 in (803 x 451 mm) table, the same 990 lb (449 kg) table load, the same spindle and the same 10,978 lb (4,980 kg) machine weight.
03
It gives the spindle two ranges. Fadal describes a dual belt high/low drive system with 220 FT/LBS of torque as standard: low range for smaller workpieces in harder materials, high range for cutting non-ferrous materials at higher rates. The top speed is 10,000 rpm and the motor is rated 22.5 hp (16.8 kW) peak.
04
The dual arm changer holds 24 tools with random selection and changes in 1.5 sec tool to tool. Each tool can weigh up to 15 lb (6.8 kg) and measure up to 13.5 in (343 mm) in length. Maximum diameter is 4.9 in (124 mm), reduced to 3.1 in (79 mm) when the adjacent pockets are occupied.
05
Not as delivered. The 4th axis pre-wire is an option, and so are the servo disconnects, which Fadal lists in a 4 axis ready and a 4+1 axis ready version. A manual-clamp tailstock with quill is offered for the FR-6D and FR-8D rotary tables. Count the weight of all of it against the 990 lb (449 kg) table load.
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