Haas VF-2SS Super Speed VMC

The Haas VF-2SS is the Super Speed version of the VF-2. Travels and table are unchanged at 30 × 16 × 20 in (762 × 406 × 508 mm) and 36 × 14 in (914 × 356 mm). What changes is how fast everything moves, and how much the table is allowed to carry.

Three upgrades define the SS package. Spindle speed rises from the VF-2's 8,100 rpm to 12,000 rpm. Rapids go from 1,000 ipm (25.4 m/min) on the VF-2 to 1,400 ipm (35.6 m/min), and maximum cutting feed from 650 ipm (16.5 m/min) to 833 ipm (21.2 m/min). The tool changer becomes a 30+1 side-mount unit where the VF-2 has 20 tools, and Haas quotes 1.8 s tool-to-tool and 2.4 s chip-to-chip for it.

There is a cost, and it is on the table. The VF-2SS is rated for 1,500 lb (680 kg), half the 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) of the VF-2. Most vise work never comes near either figure, but a rotary table with a fixture and a steel part can, so add it up first. The spindle itself gains speed without gaining muscle: 30 hp (22.4 kW) and 90 ft-lbf (122 N·m) at 2,000 rpm, as on the VF-2, and the table for this model carries no gearbox figure. Axis thrust is 1,995 lbf (8,874 N) on X and Y and 3,085 lbf (13,723 N) on Z.

Tool size depends on how the magazine is loaded. A full magazine limits diameter to 2.5 in (64 mm); leaving the adjacent pockets empty allows 5 in (127 mm). Length is limited to 11 in (279 mm) and weight to 12 lb (5.4 kg). If 16 in of Y is too tight, the VF-2SSYT keeps the SS spindle and rapids with 20 in (508 mm) of Y and a 36 × 18 in (914 × 457 mm) table. The base VF-2SS ships at 7,800 lb (3,539 kg), or 8,380 lb (3,801 kg) with the optional chip conveyor, and its starting price is US$83,995.