Haas SB-28
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Weight
Spindle Power
max cutting diameter
Overview
The Haas SB-28 is a box-way CNC turning center that prioritizes rigidity and vibration damping over the linear-guide speed of the ST series. Where the ST models ride on linear guides for faster rapids, the SB-28 uses hardened and ground box ways that provide superior load capacity and damping characteristics. For shops cutting tough materials, running heavy interrupted cuts, or turning large-diameter chucked parts, that difference matters.
The spindle delivers 29.8 kW (40 hp) with a max speed of 3,200 RPM on an A2-6 spindle nose. Peak torque sits at 542 Nm (400 ft-lb) at 500 RPM, with an optional gearbox pushing 1,898 Nm (1,400 ft-lb) at 150 RPM. The 254 mm (10 in) chuck and 74 mm (2.9 in) bar capacity handle the majority of production bar stock sizes. Spindle bore is 89 mm (3.5 in).
The box-way construction shows its advantage on heavy roughing. The ways absorb vibration that would cause chatter on linear-guide machines, allowing deeper depths of cut and higher feed rates in tough materials like stainless steel, Inconel, and hardened alloys. Thermal growth is also more predictable on box ways because the contact surface area is larger and distributes heat more evenly.
The SB-28 uses a 12-station bolt-on turret without live tooling in the base configuration. This is a turning-focused machine. No Y-axis, no live tooling standard. If you need milling, Haas offers the SB-28Y with Y-axis and live tooling at a higher price point. The base SB-28 is for shops that want the best possible turning rigidity and finish at the most competitive price.
At $75,000-$100,000 configured, the SB-28 undercuts the ST-25Y and competes with the Doosan Puma 2600 series and Okuma LB3000 EX II in the box-way segment. It is a straightforward turning machine built for shops that value cut quality and rigidity over speed and multi-tasking features. Popular in oil and gas, heavy equipment, and defense shops working in demanding materials. Specs sourced from Haas Automation published data.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Cutting Diameter | 13.50 in |
| Max Cutting Length | 21.3 in |
| Max Swing Over Front Apron | 806 mm (31.75 in) |
| Max Swing Over Cross Slide | 527 mm (20.75 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 3,200 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 40.0 hp |
| Spindle Torque | 542 Nm (400 ft-lb) @ 500 RPM |
| Spindle Torque Optional Gearbox | 1,898 Nm (1,400 ft-lb) @ 150 RPM |
| Spindle Nose | A2-6 |
| Spindle Bore | 3.39 in |
| Chuck Size | 10.0 in |
| Bar Capacity | 2.90 in |
| X Axis Travel | 318 mm (12.5 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 711 mm (28 in) |
| Rapid Traverse X | 10.2 m/min (400 IPM) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 15.2 m/min (600 IPM) |
| Tool Capacity | 12 Stations |
| Way Type | Hardened and ground box ways |
| Coolant Capacity | 40 gal |
| Machine Weight | 7,711 kg (17,000 lb) |
| CNC Control | Haas Next Generation Control (NGC) |
| Capacities | S.A.E |
| Max Part Swing | 23.6 in |
| Between Centers Max | 29.7 in |
| Travels | S.A.E |
| X Axis | 9.00 in |
| Z Axis | 23.20 in |
| Feedrates | S.A.E |
| Rapids On X | 630 ipm |
| Rapids On Z | 787 ipm |
| Axis Motors | S.A.E |
| Max Thrust X | 7780 lbf |
| Max Thrust Z | 7780 lbf |
| Spindle | S.A.E |
| Spindle Taper | A2-8 |
| Max Rating | 5.0 hp |
| Max Speed | 4000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 300.0 ft-lbf @ 500 rpm |
| Draw Tube Bore | 2.95 in |
| Main Spindle C Axis | S.A.E |
| Positioning | 0.01 ° |
| Brake Diameter | 13.9 in |
| Brake Holding Torque | 250 ft-lbf |
| Control Type | Interpolated Motion and Positioning |
| Tailstock | S.A.E |
| Taper | MT5 |
| Travel | 19.7 in |
| Turret | S.A.E |
| Od Vs Id Tools | Any Combination (will vary with turret) |
| Boring Bar Rear Clearance | 2.00 in |
| Live Tooling | S.A.E |
| Tooling | BMT65 |
| General | S.A.E |
| Air Requirements | S.A.E |
| Air Required | 4 scfm @ 100 psi |
| Inline Air Hose | 3/8 in |
| Coupler | 3/8 in |
| Air Pressure Min | 80 psi |
| Electrical Specification | S.A.E |
| Drive System | Direct Speed, Belt Drive |
| 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 | 172.0 in x 90.0 in x 81.0 in |
| Export Pallet | 172.0 in x 90.0 in x 81.0 in |
| Machine Weight | 12600 lb |
Specifications sourced from haascnc.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Box-way construction provides superior rigidity and vibration damping compared to linear-guide ST-series machines
- 40 hp spindle with 400 ft-lb of torque handles heavy roughing in stainless, Inconel, and hardened alloys without chatter
- Optional gearbox delivers 1,400 ft-lb at 150 RPM for large-diameter interrupted cuts in the toughest materials
- At $75-100K, it undercuts comparable box-way lathes from Okuma and Doosan by a meaningful margin
- 17,000 lb machine mass provides excellent thermal stability for tight-tolerance production turning
- Same NGC control as every Haas machine for consistent programming and operator training
- Box ways handle higher load capacity than linear guides, extending machine life under heavy cutting conditions
Limitations
- Slower rapids at 400 IPM in X and 600 IPM in Z compared to ST-series linear-guide machines at 472/945 IPM
- No live tooling or Y-axis in the base SB-28 configuration limits it to turning-only operations
- Box ways require more careful lubrication and maintenance than linear guides to prevent wear
- No sub-spindle option limits done-in-one capability for parts needing back-working
- Bolt-on turret is less rigid than the BMT-65 used on ST-Y models for shops that add optional live tooling
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Base price starts around $75,000. Configured with tailstock, chip conveyor, gearbox, and high-pressure coolant, expect $85,000-$100,000. The optional gearbox is a common add-on for shops cutting tough materials.
02
The SB-28 uses box ways for rigidity while the ST-25Y uses linear guides for speed. The ST-25Y adds Y-axis and live tooling for milling. The SB-28 is for shops that need the best possible turning performance. The ST-25Y is for shops that need both turning and milling in one machine.
03
Box ways provide more surface contact area, better vibration damping, and higher load capacity. They excel at heavy roughing, interrupted cuts, and machining tough materials. Linear guides offer faster rapids and acceleration, which reduces cycle time on lighter cutting operations.
04
Not to the base SB-28. Haas offers the SB-28Y model with Y-axis and live tooling for shops that need both box-way rigidity and milling capability. The SB-28Y costs about $50,000 more than the base SB-28.
05
The Okuma offers tighter tolerances, a more refined control, and better out-of-the-box accuracy. It also costs $30-50K more. The SB-28 delivers competitive rigidity at a Haas price point with the advantage of the HFO service network.
Videos
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Haas Automation UK
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Haas Automation, Inc.
Haas Automation, Inc.
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