Haas Automation Vertical Machining Centers

Haas VC-400SS

$195,000 - $240,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

559 mm (22 in)

Y Travel

406 mm (16 in)

Z Travel

508 mm (20 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CT40 / BT40 / HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

30+1 SMTC

Overview

The Haas VC-400SS is the super-speed version of the VC-400, pairing the integrated 2-pallet changer with a 12,000 RPM inline direct-drive spindle. The VC-400 already solves the spindle utilization problem with its pallet system, and the SS variant solves the cycle time problem by adding high-speed spindle performance. For production shops running aluminum parts, this combination of automation and speed is hard to beat at the price.

The 22.4 kW (30 hp) spindle runs to 12,000 RPM with 122 Nm (90 ft-lbf) of torque at 2,000 RPM. The inline direct-drive eliminates belts and gears, providing smoother operation and better surface finishes at high RPM. Taper options include CT40, BT40, and HSK-A63. The spindle is liquid-cooled for thermal stability during long production runs where the pallet changer keeps parts flowing continuously.

Travel is 559 x 406 x 508 mm (22 x 16 x 20 in) with 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. The 30+1 SMTC posts faster tool change times than the standard VC-400, with approximately 1.6-second tool-to-tool and 2.2-second chip-to-chip averages. Rapid traverse runs at 30.5 m/min (1,200 ipm), a significant improvement over the standard VC-400's 20.3 m/min.

The combination of 12,000 RPM spindle speed, 1,200 ipm rapids, fast tool changes, and a pallet changer creates a production cell that maximizes both spindle utilization and cutting performance. For shops running repeat aluminum parts in medium-to-high volumes, the VC-400SS delivers the throughput gains that justify the premium over both the standard VC-400 and a standalone VF-2SS. Specs derived from Haas Automation published data for the VC-400 and SS platform.

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	12,000 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	1.80 s
Chip To Chip	2.40 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	21.2 m/min (833 ipm)
Rapid Traverse X	30.5 m/min (1,200 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Y	30.5 m/min (1,200 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	30.5 m/min (1,200 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	12000 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	833 ipm
Rapids On X	1200 ipm
Rapids On Y	1200 ipm
Rapids On Z	1200 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
Dimensions Shipping	S.A.E
Domestic Pallet	202.0 in x 100.0 in x 124.0 in
Export Pallet	181.0 in x 91.5 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 plus 12,000 RPM spindle combines automation and speed in one platform
30.5 m/min (1,200 ipm) rapids are 50% faster than the standard VC-400, dramatically reducing non-cutting time
1.6-second tool-to-tool is significantly faster than the standard VC-400's 2.3-second tool changes
30 HP liquid-cooled direct-drive spindle handles both high-speed aluminum and production steel work
15-second pallet change keeps spindle cutting while operator loads the next part
399 kg pallet load capacity handles production fixtures for medium-size parts

Limitations

559 mm (22 in) X travel limits part size compared to VF-series machines with 30+ inches of X
15-second pallet change is slow compared to horizontal machining center standards of 3-8 seconds
Price premium over the standard VC-400 requires aluminum-heavy workload to justify the SS upgrade
559 x 368 mm pallet size restricts fixture dimensions compared to full-size VMC tables

Best For

Medium-to-high volume aluminum production shops that need both pallet automation and high-speed cutting Automotive and motorsport component manufacturers producing repeat aluminum parts with tight cycle times Shops running two-shift operations where pallet changing keeps the spindle cutting during load/unload Production environments machining aluminum housings, enclosures, and brackets under 22 inches Shops upgrading from a standard VC-400 seeking significant cycle time improvements from the SS spindle and rapids

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Haas VC-400SS cost?

Base price is approximately $195,000. With through-spindle coolant, probing, and common options, expect $220,000-$240,000. The optional pallet pool adds additional cost for extended unattended run time.

02 What is the difference between the VC-400 and VC-400SS?

The SS version upgrades the spindle from 8,100 to 12,000 RPM with an inline direct-drive, increases rapids from 800 to 1,200 ipm, and adds a faster SMTC tool changer. The pallet system, travel envelope, and table capacity remain identical. The SS commands a premium of roughly $27K over the standard VC-400.

03 How does the VC-400SS compare to a VF-2SS?

Both share the same 12,000 RPM spindle and 30 HP motor. The VC-400SS adds a 2-pallet changer for production automation but has less X-travel (22 vs 30 in). The VF-2SS costs significantly less. Choose the VC-400SS for repeat production parts where spindle utilization matters; choose the VF-2SS for job shop versatility.

04 Can the VC-400SS 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.