Fidia VHE 1166

Q: How much does the Fidia VHE 1166 cost?

The price estimate for the Fidia VHE 1166 is uncertain: we have no price for it that we can cite and no estimate we can stand behind, so we give no figure. Configuration, tooling, automation and installation move the final price substantially. A specific price can be requested at https://machinetoolindex.com/machines/fidia-vhe-1166#price; the request is passed to Fidia or an authorised dealer.

Specs verified 2026-10-05 · fidia.it Updated 2026-10-05

Fidia VHE series high-torque vertical machining centre

Image: fidia.it, Fidia

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

6,000 rpm

Spindle Taper

ISO 50 or BT#50

Tool Capacity

24 positions, swing arm

Table Size

1,270 x 640 mm (50 x 25 in)

Accuracy

P 0.015 mm (P 0.012 mm with optical scales, optional), VDI 3441

Repeatability

PS 0.01 mm (PS 0.008 mm with optical scales, optional), VDI 3441

How much does the Fidia VHE 1166 cost?

Price estimate

Uncertain

We do not have a price for the Fidia VHE 1166 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

The Fidia VHE 1166 is a high-torque 3-axis vertical machining centre on box ways, built for heavy roughing of dies and steel parts. Travels are 1,100 mm (43 in) in X, 610 mm (24 in) in Y and 610 mm (24 in) in Z, with a 1,270 x 640 mm (50 x 25 in) table rated for 1,200 kg (2,640 lbs).

The spindle explains the name. An ISO 50 or BT#50 taper at 6,000 rpm is driven by a 12 kW/18.5 kW motor through a ZF gear box 1:4, for a maximum torque of 708 Nm. That is face-mill and large-drill territory. The guides are hardened steel box ways, finished with Turcite-B and hand scraping, and the vertical axis has pneumatic compensation with a double cylinder.

Of the three VHE sizes this is the quick one: the axis feed rate is 24 m/min (945 ipm), where the VHE 1687 is listed at 10 m/min (394 ipm). Positioning is P 0.015 mm to VDI 3441, or P 0.012 mm with the optional optical scales.

A 24-position swing arm changer is standard and takes tools up to 125/300 mm, 15 kg. The machine weighs 8,500 kg (18,739 lb) and needs 25 kVA. Spindle options include an ISO50/BT#50 unit with a maximum torque of 956 Nm through the ZF gear box, and faster units without a gear box.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Size	1,270 x 640 mm (50 x 25 in)
T-Slots	3 x 18 mm (.7 in), pitch 125 mm (5 in)
Max Table Load	1,200 kg (2,640 lbs)
X Axis Travel	1,100 mm (43 in)
Y Axis Travel	610 mm (24 in)
Z Axis Travel	610 mm (24 in)
Axis Feed Rate Xyz	24 m/min (945 ipm)
Distance Spindle to Column	660 mm (26 in)
Distance Spindle Nose to Table	100 mm ~ 710 mm (3.93 ~ 28 in)
Floor to Table Top	895 mm (35.2 in)
Spindle Motor	12 kW/18.5 kW, 115/177 Nm (S1-S6 40%), ZF gear box 1:4, max torque 708 Nm
Spindle Taper	ISO 50 or BT#50
Max Spindle Speed	6,000 rpm
Tool Capacity	24 positions, swing arm
Tool Change Time	5/10 sec (tool to tool/chip to chip)
Max Tool Size	125/300 mm, 15 kg (diameter/length, weight)
Ballscrews	40-12/40-12/40-12 mm (diameter-pitch, X/Y/Z), direct coupling
Ballscrew Precision Class	C3 - mm/300 mm : 0.008
Box Ways	2 / 4 / 2 (X/Y/Z)
Positioning Accuracy	P 0.015 mm (P 0.012 mm with optical scales, optional), VDI 3441
Repeatability	PS 0.01 mm (PS 0.008 mm with optical scales, optional), VDI 3441
Coolant Tank Capacity	200 liters / 66 liters/min
Power Requirement	25 kVA
Machine Weight	8,500 kg (18,739 lb)

Specifications sourced from fidia.it — verified 2026-10-05

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Maximum spindle torque of 708 Nm through a ZF gear box 1:4 on ISO 50 or BT#50
Hardened steel box ways with Turcite-B, hand scraped
Axis feed rate of 24 m/min (945 ipm), the fastest in the VHE range
1,200 kg (2,640 lbs) table load on a 1,270 x 640 mm (50 x 25 in) table
Structures fully in GGG40 cast iron

Limitations

Standard spindle speed is 6,000 rpm, which limits small-tool finishing
Y travel is 610 mm (24 in); the VHE 1687 offers 815 mm (32 in)
Optical scales are optional; without them positioning is P 0.015 mm
Box ways trade rapid speed for damping: 24 m/min (945 ipm) at best

Best For

Heavy roughing of stamping dies and steel blocks Large face mills and drills on a 50-taper spindle Parts up to 1,200 kg (2,640 lbs)

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How much torque does the Fidia VHE 1166 spindle deliver?

The standard spindle has a 12 kW/18.5 kW motor with 115/177 Nm (S1-S6 40%) and a ZF gear box 1:4, giving a maximum torque of 708 Nm at up to 6,000 rpm. The toolholder is ISO 50 or BT#50.

02 What are the travels of the VHE 1166?

X is 1,100 mm (43 in), Y is 610 mm (24 in) and Z is 610 mm (24 in). The table is 1,270 x 640 mm (50 x 25 in) with a maximum loading of 1,200 kg (2,640 lbs), and the spindle to table top distance is 100 mm ~ 710 mm (3.93 ~ 28 in).

03 What kind of guideways does the VHE 1166 use?

Box ways: oversized, reinforced guides in hardened steel, with Turcite-B and hand scraping. The table of characteristics lists 2 / 4 / 2 box ways on X/Y/Z, and Fidia says the 4 guides on the Y axis give equal weight distribution along the whole X travel.

04 How accurate is the VHE 1166?

Positioning to VDI 3441 is P 0.015 mm, or P 0.012 mm with optical scales, which are optional. Repeatability is PS 0.01 mm, or PS 0.008 mm with the scales. Fidia notes that the values are measured in an air conditioned room.