GF Machining Mikron VCE 1400 Pro

The Mikron VCE 1400 Pro is the largest of GF Machining Solutions' three VCE PRO sizes, built around 1400 mm of X travel. Y is 600 mm and Z 675 mm, the table measures 1400 x 620 mm and carries up to 1700 kg, and feed on all axes is 32 m/min.

That last figure is where this size departs from its smaller siblings. The Mikron VCE 800 Pro and Mikron VCE 1000 Pro both list 40 m/min, so the long machine moves more slowly between features. On long parts with few tool changes the difference matters little; on short, busy programs it adds up, and a buyer comparing cycle times should use the lower figure.

What the VCE 1400 Pro gives in return is room. A 1400 mm table takes several vises in a row, a long plate in one setup, or a rotary table at one end with fixtures on the rest, and the series is promoted as fourth-axis ready. The 675 mm of Z is the most in the series, which helps with tall castings and with long drills in deep pockets. Spindle options are shared with the smaller sizes: a belt-driven 10,000 rpm ISO40/BT40 spindle as standard, which GF describes as high-torque, or an optional STEP TEC inline spindle at 16,000 rpm with 99 Nm. The magazine holds 24, 40 or 60 tools.

The closest alternative in the Mikron range is the Mikron MILL E 1200, with 1250 x 600 x 600 mm, a 1450 x 600 mm T-slot table for 1500 kg and spindles up to 20,000 rpm. The VCE 1400 Pro has more X, more Z and 1700 kg of table load. Through-spindle coolant at 18 or 42 bar and the SYSTEM 3R-compatible robot interface are options.