Haas Automation Vertical Machining Centers

Haas VC-400

$168,000 - $210,000 Updated 2026-03-12

Key Specifications

X Travel

559 mm (22 in)

Y Travel

406 mm (16 in)

Z Travel

508 mm (20 in)

Max Spindle

8,100 RPM

Spindle Taper

CT40 / BT40 / HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

30+1 SMTC

Overview

The Haas VC-400 is a vertical machining center with an integrated 2-pallet changer, designed to keep the spindle cutting while the operator loads the next part. In production shops where spindle utilization is everything, the VC-400 eliminates the single biggest source of downtime on a standard VMC: part loading.

The spindle is the proven 22.4 kW (30 hp) inline direct-drive unit running at 8,100 RPM with 122 Nm (90 ft-lbf) of torque at 2,000 RPM. Taper options include CT40, BT40, and HSK-A63. This is the same spindle found in the VF-2, giving it the power and torque for serious steel and stainless work. The spindle is liquid-cooled for thermal stability during long production runs.

Travel is 559 x 406 x 508 mm (22 x 16 x 20 in) with the pallets measuring 559 x 368 mm (22 x 14.5 in). Each pallet holds 399 kg (880 lb), and the pallet change takes 15 seconds. That's not as fast as horizontal machining center pallet changers, but it's a massive improvement over stopping the spindle to load parts manually.

The 30+1 SMTC posts 2.3-second tool-to-tool and 3.2-second chip-to-chip averages, which are faster than the standard VF-series carousel. Rapid traverse is 20.3 m/min (800 ipm) on all axes. Axis thrust is 15,035 N (3,380 lbf) across all axes.

At a base price around $168K, the VC-400 costs more than a VF-2 but delivers substantially higher spindle utilization. For shops running lights-out or long unattended cycles, the pallet changer pays for itself quickly. The VC-400 also supports an optional pallet pool for even more automation. Specs sourced from Haas Automation published data.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	559 mm (22 in)
Y-Axis Travel	406 mm (16 in)
Z-Axis Travel	508 mm (20 in)
Spindle Nose To Table Max	610 mm (24 in)
Spindle Nose To Table Min	102 mm (4 in)
Max Spindle Speed	8,100 RPM
Spindle Taper	CT40 / BT40 / HSK-A63
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
Pallet Quantity	2
Pallet Size	559 x 368 mm (22 x 14.5 in)
Pallet Load Max	399 kg (880 lb)
Pallet Change Time	15 s
Tool Capacity	30+1 SMTC
Tool To Tool	2.30 s
Chip To Chip	3.20 s
Max Tool Diameter	2.5 in
Max Tool Weight	12.0 lb
Max Tool Length	12.00 in
Table Size	559 x 368 mm (22 x 14.5 in)
Table Load Max	399 kg (880 lb)
T Slots	3 slots, 70 mm (2.76 in) center distance
Max Cutting Feedrate	12.7 m/min (500 ipm)
Rapid Traverse X	20.3 m/min (800 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Y	20.3 m/min (800 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	20.3 m/min (800 ipm)
Max Thrust X	3380 lbf
Max Thrust Y	3380 lbf
Max Thrust Z	3380 lbf
Max Part Diameter	22.5 in
Max Part Height	20.0 in
Machine Weight	7,947 kg (17,520 lb)
CNC Control	Haas Next Generation Control (NGC)
Coolant Capacity	95 gal
Air Required	9 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	22.00 in
Y Axis	16.00 in
Z Axis	20.00 in
Spindle Nose To Table	4.0 in
Spindle	S.A.E
Max Rating	30.0 hp
Max Speed	8100 rpm
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
Table	S.A.E
Length	22.0 in
Width	14.5 in
T Slot Width	0.626 in to 0.630 in
T Slot Center Distance	2.76 in
Number Of Std T Slots	3
Max Weight On Table	880 lb
Pallet Changer	S.A.E
Pallet Length	22.00 in
Pallet Width	14.50 in
Max Pallet Load	500 lb
Feedrates	S.A.E
Max Cutting	500 ipm
Rapids On X	800 ipm
Rapids On Y	800 ipm
Rapids On Z	800 ipm
Axis Motors	S.A.E
Tool Changer	S.A.E
Type	SMTC
Capacity	30+1
Max Tool Diameter Large	5.0 in
General	S.A.E
Air Requirements	S.A.E
Inline Air Hose	1/2 in
Coupler	1/2 in
Air Pressure Min	100 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	201.8 in x 100.0 in x 124.0 in
Export Pallet	181.0 in x 95.5 in x 96.0 in
Machine Weight	17520 lb
Axis Travels	559 x 406 x 508 mm
Spindle Nose To Table Maximum And Minimum	610 mm, 102 mm
Rapids	20.3 m/min
Maximum Cutting Feedrate	12.7 m/min
Spindle Speed	8100 rpm (15,000 rpm)
Spindle Rating Drive System	22.4 kW, Inline Direct-Drive
Standard Tool Changer Capacity	30+1 (50+1)
Number Of Pallets	2 (6+1)
Pallet To Pallet Change Time	18 Seconds
Maximum Weight On Pallet	399 kg (227 kg)

Specifications sourced from haascnc.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Integrated 2-pallet changer eliminates part loading downtime and pushes spindle utilization toward 85-90%
30 hp liquid-cooled spindle with CT40/BT40/HSK-A63 options handles steel, stainless, and aluminum production
30+1 SMTC with 2.3-second tool-to-tool is faster than standard VF-series tool changers
800 ipm rapids are faster than VF-series machines, reducing non-cutting time
15-second pallet change keeps cycle interruptions short between parts
399 kg pallet load capacity handles production fixtures for medium-size parts
Optional pallet pool expands automation capability for extended unattended operation

Limitations

559 mm (22 in) X travel limits part size compared to the VF-2's 762 mm
8,100 RPM max spindle speed limits high-speed aluminum work; no SS variant available
15-second pallet change is slow compared to horizontal machining center standards (3-8 seconds)
Higher air requirements at 9 scfm versus 4 scfm for standard Haas VMCs
At $168K base, it costs roughly 3x a VF-2 for less travel and a pallet system
559 x 368 mm pallet size restricts fixture dimensions compared to full-size VMC tables

Best For

Medium-volume production shops running 500+ identical parts that benefit from uninterrupted spindle time Shops looking to add automation without jumping to a full horizontal machining center Lights-out and minimally attended machining operations using the pallet changer for continuous production Steel and stainless steel production parts under 559 mm that need consistent cycle times Contract manufacturers running repeat orders where pallet fixtures amortize across thousands of parts Shops evaluating HMCs but preferring the simpler vertical spindle orientation for their parts

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Haas VC-400 cost?

Base price is approximately $168,000. With through-spindle coolant, probing, and common options, expect $190,000-$210,000. The optional pallet pool adds additional cost but significantly extends unattended run time.

02 How does the VC-400 compare to a horizontal machining center?

The VC-400 provides pallet-changing automation in a vertical configuration. HMCs offer better chip evacuation, more pallet options, and faster pallet changes (3-8 sec vs 15 sec). The VC-400 costs significantly less than most HMCs and suits parts that work better with a vertical spindle orientation.

03 Can the VC-400 run unattended?

Yes. With two pallets, the operator loads pallet B while pallet A is being machined. For longer unattended runs, the optional pallet pool expands capacity. The 30+1 tool changer and 360L coolant tank support extended cycles.

04 What parts are best suited for the VC-400?

Production parts under 559 mm (22 in) in X and 508 mm (20 in) tall that run in batches of 100 or more. The pallet changer pays off when you're running the same fixture repeatedly. Single-piece jobs don't benefit from the pallet system.

05 Does the VC-400 use the same spindle as the VF-2?

Yes. The 30 hp, 8,100 RPM inline direct-drive spindle is the same unit found in the VF-2. It's liquid-cooled on the VC-400, providing better thermal stability for long production runs. Taper options include CT40, BT40, and HSK-A63.