GF Machining Mikron VCE 1000 Pro

The Mikron VCE 1000 Pro is the middle size of GF Machining Solutions' VCE PRO series, with 1020 x 560 x 600 mm of travel, a 1000 x 560 mm table rated for 1350 kg and 40 m/min feed. It sits between the Mikron VCE 800 Pro at 800 x 500 x 540 mm and the Mikron VCE 1400 Pro at 1400 x 600 x 675 mm, and it is the smallest of the three whose table lists a 60-pocket magazine.

The 600 mm of Z is the figure to look at first. Over the 540 mm of the Mikron VCE 800 Pro it leaves more room for long drills, tall angle plates and a rotary table with its workpiece, which matters on a series GF promotes as fourth-axis ready. The table, 1000 mm long, is slightly shorter than the 1020 mm X stroke, so a part can be machined across its full length without the spindle running out of travel at the table edge.

Spindle options are the same on all three sizes. The standard unit is belt-driven, 10,000 rpm with ISO40 or BT40 taper, described by GF as the high-torque choice for heavy cutting and large tools. The optional STEP TEC inline spindle runs to 16,000 rpm with HSK-A63, ISO40 or BT40 and 99 Nm, for finishing and small cutters. The magazine can be 24, 40 or 60 pockets; GF quotes 8 seconds chip-to-chip for the series and loads tools while the machine cuts.

Through-spindle coolant at 18 or 42 bar and a robot interface for SYSTEM 3R or third-party automation are options. Against the Mikron MILL E 800, with 850 x 600 x 600 mm and a 1050 x 600 mm T-slot table rated 1000 kg, the VCE 1000 Pro offers more X and more table load, while the MILL E 800 offers 600 mm of Y and spindles up to 20,000 rpm.