GF Machining Liechti Turbomill 1400i
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Weight
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
Overview
The GF Machining Solutions Liechti Turbomill 1400i is a large-format 5-axis blade machining center from the Turbomill i-series, built for oversized turbine blades, guide vanes, and nozzle segments requiring a 1,400 mm workzone. With a recommended part diameter of 400 mm, the 1400i is positioned for large low-pressure (LP) turbine blading, industrial gas turbine (IGT) first-stage blades, and steam turbine components.
The i-series updates bring improved thermal stability management and enhanced process monitoring over the legacy g-series platform. Liechti's thermal compensation algorithms reduce dimensional drift during extended roughing cycles on large superalloy blades where cycle times can exceed 60 minutes per part.
The spindle delivers 20,000 RPM through an HSK-A63 interface with 55 kW (74 hp) continuous power and 170 Nm torque — scaled up from the 800i to handle the heavier cuts required on larger blade stock. Complete machining in one setup covers milling, turning, threading, chamfering, engraving, and brushing.
Turbosoft+ CAM provides application-specific blade strategies for large airfoil surfaces, complex root forms, and shroud features. The Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl control manages smooth simultaneous 5-axis interpolation across the extended travel range. High-pressure through-spindle coolant at 80 bar maintains chip evacuation performance even in deep pockets and root features common on large blade geometries.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Workzone Length | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Max Part Diameter | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Number Of Axes | 5-axis simultaneous |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 55 kW (74 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 170 Nm |
| Spindle Configuration | Single spindle |
| Tool Capacity | 40 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.004 mm (4 µm) |
| Cam Software | Liechti Turbosoft+ |
| CNC Control | Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl |
| Coolant System | High-pressure through-spindle (80 bar) |
| Machine Weight | 28,000 kg (61,729 lb) |
Specifications sourced from gfms.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,400 mm workzone handles the largest LP turbine and IGT blades beyond the reach of 800mm-class machines
- i-series thermal compensation keeps dimensional accuracy stable through extended roughing cycles on large parts
- 55 kW spindle with 170 Nm torque provides the cutting force needed for large superalloy blade stock removal
- Turbosoft+ CAM with decades of OEM-proven large blade machining strategies
- Complete machining in one clamping — milling, turning, threading, chamfering, engraving, brushing
- Proven Liechti platform with extensive aerospace OEM installed base worldwide
Limitations
- At $2.2M-$3.8M, requires high-volume large blade production to justify investment
- 28,000 kg machine weight demands significant foundation preparation and floor loading capacity
- 20,000 RPM max spindle speed — less productive for small blade finishing compared to higher-speed platforms
- Dedicated blade machining platform — not versatile for general 5-axis work
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The 1400i is the updated i-series with improved thermal compensation algorithms and enhanced process monitoring sensors. The 1400g uses the earlier g-technology platform. Both share the 1,400 mm workzone, similar spindle specs, and Turbosoft+ CAM, but the i-series provides better dimensional consistency on long machining cycles.
02
With a 1,400 mm workzone, the 1400i handles large LP turbine blades up to approximately 600 mm, IGT first-stage blades, large steam turbine blading, and oversized guide vanes. It is the single-spindle Turbomill for the largest blade applications in the i-series.
03
The 1400i has a 75% larger workzone (1,400 vs 800 mm), more spindle power (55 vs 50 kW), more torque (170 vs 150 Nm), and significantly heavier construction (28,000 vs 20,000 kg). Choose the 1400i for blades exceeding the 800i workzone, or the 800i for medium blades where the smaller footprint is preferable.
04
Inconel 718, Waspaloy, Rene 80, Ti-6Al-4V, single-crystal nickel superalloys, cobalt-chrome alloys, and stainless steels. The 55 kW spindle with 80 bar through-spindle coolant handles heavy material removal rates on these aerospace superalloys.
Videos
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