Haas PMC-500SS
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Haas PMC-500SS is a Super Speed positioning machine that combines the VF-2SS's proven performance envelope with a built-in pallet changer for high-production vertical machining. With 762 x 508 x 508 mm (30 x 20 x 20 in) of travel, a 12,000 RPM inline direct-drive spindle, and an integrated 2-station pallet system, the PMC-500SS minimizes spindle idle time by allowing operators to load and unload parts on one pallet while the machine cuts on the other.
The spindle delivers 22.4 kW (30 hp) with 122 Nm (90 ft-lbf) of torque at 2,000 RPM through a liquid-cooled inline direct-drive system. Taper options include CT40 and BT40. The Super Speed designation means 35.6 m/min (1,400 ipm) rapids on all axes and a 24+1 SMTC with 1.6-second tool-to-tool and 2.2-second chip-to-chip averages.
Each pallet measures 508 x 508 mm (20 x 20 in) and holds up to 454 kg (1,000 lb). The pallet change time is approximately 16 seconds. The T-slot configuration on each pallet provides flexible fixturing options. Pallet change is servo-driven for reliability and positioning accuracy.
The machine weighs approximately 5,443 kg (12,000 lb). Positioning accuracy is plus or minus 0.005 mm (0.0002 in) with plus or minus 0.003 mm (0.00012 in) repeatability. Coolant capacity is 208 L (55 gal).
At approximately $135,000-$175,000 configured, the PMC-500SS delivers pallet-changer productivity at a fraction of what horizontal machining centers cost. For shops running moderate-to-high volume work where spindle utilization drives profitability, the PMC-500SS adds 10-30% effective spindle uptime by eliminating load/unload dead time. Specs derived from Haas VF-2SS and PMC platform published data.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 762 mm (30 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 508 mm (20 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 508 mm (20 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | CT or BT 40 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 30.0 hp |
| Spindle Torque Max | 122 Nm (90 ft-lbf) @ 2,000 RPM |
| Spindle Drive | Inline Direct-Drive |
| Spindle Cooling | Liquid Cooled |
| Tool Capacity | 24+1 SMTC |
| Tool To Tool | 1.80 s |
| Chip To Chip | 2.40 s |
| Max Tool Diameter | 2.5 in |
| Max Tool Weight | 12.0 lb |
| Pallet Size | 508 x 508 mm (20 x 20 in) |
| Pallet Stations | 2 |
| Pallet Change Time | 16 sec |
| Pallet Load Max | 454 kg (1,000 lb) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 35.6 m/min (1,400 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Y | 35.6 m/min (1,400 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 35.6 m/min (1,400 ipm) |
| Max Cutting Feedrate | 21.2 m/min (833 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.005 mm (±0.0002 in) |
| Repeatability | ±0.003 mm (±0.00012 in) |
| Machine Weight | 5,443 kg (12,000 lb) |
| CNC Control | Haas Next Generation Control (NGC) |
| Coolant Capacity | 55 gal |
| Air Required | 4 scfm @ 100 psi |
| Electrical Low | 220 VAC 3-phase, 70 A |
| Electrical High | 440 VAC 3-phase, 35 A |
| Travels | S.A.E |
| X Axis | 24.00 in |
| Y Axis | 16.00 in |
| Z Axis | 16.00 in |
| Spindle Nose To Platter | 4.0 in |
| Spindle | S.A.E |
| Max Rating | 30.0 hp |
| Max Speed | 179 °/sec |
| Max Torque | 90.0 ft-lbf @ 2000 rpm |
| Drive System | Inline Direct-Drive |
| Taper | CT40 | BT40 | HSK-A63 |
| Bearing Lubrication | Air / Oil Injection |
| Cooling | Liquid Cooled |
| B Axis Tilt | S.A.E |
| Travel | 360 ° |
| Torque | 1854 ft-lbf |
| Brake Torque | 900 ft-lbf |
| Control Type | Positioning Only |
| C Axis Rotation | S.A.E |
| Max Part Swing | 18.0 in |
| Platter | S.A.E |
| Platter Diameter | 15.70 in |
| Max Weight On Platter | 500 lb |
| Max Weight On Platter W Pallet Pool | 200 lb |
| T Slot Width | 0.626 in to 0.630 in |
| Number Of Std T Slots | 5 |
| T Slot Center Distance | 2.48 in |
| Feedrates | S.A.E |
| Max Cutting | 833 ipm |
| Rapids On X | 1200 ipm |
| Rapids On Y | 1200 ipm |
| Rapids On Z | 1200 ipm |
| Axis Motors | S.A.E |
| Max Thrust X | 3300 lbf |
| Max Thrust Y | 3300 lbf |
| Max Thrust Z | 4050 lbf |
| Tool Changer | S.A.E |
| Type | SMTC |
| Capacity | 30+1 |
| Max Tool Diameter Large | 5.0 in |
| Max Tool Length | 12.00 in |
| General | S.A.E |
| Air Requirements | S.A.E |
| Inline Air Hose | 3/8 in |
| Coupler | 3/8 in |
| Air Pressure Min | 80 psi |
| Electrical Specification | S.A.E |
| Input Ac Voltage Low | 220 VAC |
| Full Load Amps Low | 70 A |
| Input Ac Voltage High | 440 VAC |
| Full Load Amps High | 35 A |
| Dimensions Shipping | S.A.E |
| Domestic Pallet | 128.0 in x 98.0 in x 110.0 in |
| Export Pallet | 128.0 in x 92.0 in x 101.0 in |
| Export Crate | 128.0 in x 101.0 in x 123.0 in |
| Machine Weight | 11900 lb |
| Domestic Pallet W Conveyor 501 Smtc | 128 in x 98 in x 110 in |
| Export Pallet W Conveyor 501 Smtc | 128 in x 92 in x 100 in |
| Domestic Pallet W 701 Smtc | 128.0 in x 101.0 in x 120.0 in |
| Export Crate W 701 Smtc | 128.0 in x 101.0 in x 141.5 in |
| Weight W 701 Smtc | 13,320 lb |
| Weight W Conveyor 501 Smtc | 11941 lb |
| Domestic Pallet W Conveyor 1201 Smtc | 131.0 in x 120.0 in x 108.5 in |
| Weight W Conveyor 1201 Smtc | 13,960 lb |
| Export Pallet W Conveyor 1201 Smtc | 133.5 in x 122.5 in x 120.0 in |
Specifications sourced from haascnc.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Integrated 2-station pallet changer increases effective spindle utilization by 10-30% versus single-table VMCs
- 12,000 RPM spindle with 1,400 ipm rapids provides Super Speed performance for aluminum and steel
- 16-second pallet change eliminates load/unload idle time during production runs
- 1.6-second tool-to-tool changes minimize non-cutting time within each machining cycle
- Liquid-cooled spindle maintains thermal stability for tight-tolerance production work
- Significantly less expensive than horizontal machining centers with comparable pallet capability
Limitations
- 20 x 20 inch pallet size limits workpiece dimensions compared to larger PMC models
- 1,000 lb pallet load restricts fixture weight versus the PMC-750SS and PMC-1000SS
- Only 2 pallet stations; for higher automation, horizontal pallet pool systems offer more capacity
- 24+1 tool changer may limit complex multi-operation parts that need more tool positions
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Base price starts around $135,000. With through-spindle coolant, probing, and options, configured price runs $155,000-$175,000.
02
Same spindle, same speed, similar travel. The PMC-500SS adds a 2-station pallet changer with 16-second pallet change. This means the operator loads one pallet while the machine cuts on the other, increasing spindle utilization significantly.
03
With two pallets, you get one extra cycle of unattended cutting while the finished pallet waits at the load station. For longer unattended runs, pair with a probing system and tool breakage detection. It is not a full lights-out solution but extends productive cutting time.
04
HMCs offer better chip evacuation, more pallet stations, and tombstone fixturing. The PMC-500SS costs roughly half what an entry-level HMC does and provides pallet-changer productivity in a more compact VMC format. For high-volume production needing 4+ pallets, an HMC is better.
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