Haas Automation Vertical Machining Centers

Haas VF-3

$56,000 - $90,000 Updated 2026-03-10

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,016 mm (40 in)

Y Travel

508 mm (20 in)

Z Travel

635 mm (25 in)

Max Spindle

8,100 RPM

Spindle Taper

CT/BT 40

Tool Capacity

20-station carousel (30+1 or 40+1 SMTC optional)

Overview

The Haas VF-3 picks up where the VF-2 leaves off, pushing X-travel to 1,016 mm (40 in) on a 1,219 x 457 mm (48 x 18 in) table. Same 22.4 kW (30 hp) inline direct-drive spindle, same NGC control, same parts ecosystem. The extra 10 inches of X opens up work that gets cramped on the VF-2's 30-inch table, and the 1,588 kg (3,500 lb) table load means you can bolt down serious fixtures without worrying about capacity.

Work envelope runs about 0.38 cubic meters (13.4 cubic feet), roughly 35% more volume than the VF-2. At 5,670 kg (12,500 lb), the machine has enough mass to damp vibration during heavier cuts in steel and cast iron. It's not a rigid-rail box way design, but the inline direct-drive spindle puts 122 Nm (90 ft-lb) of torque at 2,000 RPM through a CT/BT 40 taper, and that covers a wide range of job shop material.

The standard 20-station carousel tool changer handles most setups. Shops running longer programs or palletized work typically upgrade to the 30+1 or 40+1 side-mount changer, which also speeds up chip-to-chip times. For higher spindle speed, the VF-3SS jumps to 12,000 RPM with faster rapids and the SMTC included. Haas also sells the VF-3YT with 660 mm (26 in) of Y-travel, and the VF-3YT/50 with a 50-taper spindle for heavy roughing.

Positioning accuracy sits at ±0.0051 mm (±0.0002 in), repeatability at ±0.0025 mm (±0.0001 in). Rapids are 25.4 m/min (1,000 ipm) across all three axes. Those numbers are typical for the VF line and hold up well for general job shop tolerances.

Direct competitors include the Doosan DNM 5700, Okuma GENOS M560-V, and Mazak VCN-530C. The VF-3 undercuts all three on base price, starting around $56,000-$66,000 depending on the current Haas price list. Most shops configure with TSC, probing, and a tool changer upgrade, landing at $75,000-$90,000. The used market stays active: 2010-2020 models trade between $20,000 and $40,000, and even 2024-era machines show up for $45,000-$60,000 at auction.

This is the machine for shops that outgrew the VF-2's envelope but don't need the VF-4's 50-inch reach. Aerospace job shops, mold makers, and fixture builders keep buying them because the support network is fast and parts are on the shelf. Specs sourced from Haas Automation published data.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,016 mm (40 in)
Y-Axis Travel	508 mm (20 in)
Z-Axis Travel	635 mm (25 in)
Max Spindle Speed	8,100 RPM
Spindle Taper	CT/BT 40
Spindle Motor Power	22.4 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Torque	122 Nm (90 ft-lb) @ 2,000 RPM
Tool Capacity	20-station carousel (30+1 or 40+1 SMTC optional)
Table Size	1,219 x 457 mm (48 x 18 in)
Max Table Load	1,588 kg (3,500 lb)
Rapid Traverse Rate	25.4 m/min (1,000 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.0051 mm (±0.0002 in)
Repeatability	±0.0025 mm (±0.0001 in)
Machine Weight	5,670 kg (12,500 lb)
CNC Control	Haas Next Generation Control (NGC)
Coolant Capacity	208 L (55 gal)
Program Memory	1 GB
Modelvf 3brandhaastypevertical Machining Centerscontrolcontact Sales Rep	Contact Sales Rep.
Modelvf 3brandhaastypevertical Machining Centerscontrol	Contact Sales Rep.
Model	VF-3
Brand	HAAS
Type	Vertical Machining Centers
X40y20z25power30 Hprpm8100 Rpm Atc20	TaperCT or BT 40Table-W18"Table-L48"# Axis3ControlCNC (HAAS)
X	40"
Y	20"
Z	25"
Power	30 hp
Rpm	8,100 RPM
Atc	20
Taper	CT or BT 40
Table W	18"
Table L	48"
Axis	3
Cnc Control	CNC (HAAS)
Looking To Purchase A New Haas Vf 3	Contact Sales Rep.
Listings	(31)
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Specifications sourced from machinetools.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

1,016 mm (40 in) X-travel gives 35% more work envelope than the VF-2, handling mid-sized parts without jumping to the larger VF-4
1,588 kg (3,500 lb) table load capacity supports heavy fixtures and multi-part setups that would overload smaller 40-taper VMCs
Base price around $56K-$66K undercuts the Doosan DNM 5700 and Okuma GENOS M560-V while offering comparable axis travel
Same NGC control, spindle, and drivetrain as the VF-2 means operators move between machines without retraining
4th-axis ready out of the box with factory provisions for rotary table mounting and wiring
Strong used market with 2010-2020 machines available at $20K-$40K, lowering the barrier for startups and garage shops
VF-3YT/50 variant available with 50-taper spindle and extended Y-travel for shops that need heavier cutting force down the line

Limitations

8,100 RPM standard spindle limits high-speed aluminum work; the VF-3SS (12K RPM) costs significantly more
20-station carousel tool changer with 4.5 sec chip-to-chip is slow compared to arm-type changers on Mazak or Okuma competitors
25.4 m/min (1,000 ipm) rapids are adequate but trail the 35+ m/min available on linear-guide machines from DMG Mori and Okuma
Longer X-axis travel means more deflection potential at full extension compared to the more compact VF-2 frame
12,500 lb machine weight and 8.5 ft height require solid floor slab and adequate ceiling clearance, limiting some garage and small-shop installs

Best For

Job shops running mid-sized steel and aluminum parts between 500 mm and 1,000 mm (20-40 in) Mold shops machining mold bases and fixtures that won't fit on a 762 mm (30 in) table Shops upgrading from a VF-2 that need more X-travel without the footprint of a VF-4 Multi-part fixturing setups that take advantage of the 1,219 mm (48 in) table length Production runs of 50-1,000 pieces in steel, aluminum, and cast iron Shops that value the Haas HFO support network and same-day parts availability

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Haas VF-3 cost?

Base price runs around $56,000-$66,000 depending on the current Haas price list. Most shops add through-spindle coolant, probing, and a tool changer upgrade, bringing a configured machine to $75,000-$90,000. Used VF-3s in good condition sell for $20,000-$40,000 depending on year and hours, with recent-year models at auction going for $45,000-$60,000.

02 What's the difference between the VF-3 and VF-3SS?

The VF-3SS bumps spindle speed to 12,000 RPM (vs 8,100), adds faster rapids, and uses a high-speed side-mount tool changer instead of the carousel. If your shop runs 50%+ aluminum, the SS pays for itself in cycle time savings. For steel-heavy work, the standard VF-3 is the better value.

03 Should I buy a VF-3 or a VF-4?

The VF-4 adds 10 more inches of X-travel (50 vs 40 in) and a wider table. If your typical parts fit within 40 inches, the VF-3 saves money and floor space. The VF-4 makes sense when you're regularly fixturing parts or running multi-vise setups that need that extra 10 inches.

04 How reliable is the Haas VF-3?

It shares the same drivetrain and control as the VF-2, which has a strong track record. Common maintenance items are spindle bearings (8,000-12,000 hours), way wipers, and coolant system upkeep. HFO service response is typically same-day. Older pre-2007 models can have outdated controls with limited parts support and expensive service calls.

05 Can the VF-3 handle stainless steel and titanium?

Stainless yes, with appropriate feeds, speeds, and through-spindle coolant. Titanium works for finishing and light roughing in limited quantities. The 30 hp spindle and 12,500 lb machine weight give it decent rigidity, but for heavy titanium roughing you'd want the VF-3YT/50 with a 50-taper spindle and more mass.

06 Can I put a Haas VF-3 in a home shop or garage?

It's been done, but plan carefully. The machine weighs 12,500 lb and stands 8.5 ft tall, so you need a reinforced concrete slab (6 inches minimum), adequate door and ceiling clearance, and 3-phase power or a quality phase converter. Budget 3 feet of clearance on all sides for service access. Rigging into a residential space adds cost.