Haas Automation Vertical Machining Centers

Haas VF-5/50XT

$120,000 - $165,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

7,500 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 50

Tool Capacity

30+1 side-mount

Table Size

1,524 x 559 mm (60 x 22 in)

Rapid Traverse

15.2 m/min (600 in/min)

Spindle Power

22.4 kW (30 hp)

Overview

The Haas VF-5/50XT is the extended-travel, 50-taper variant of the VF-5 platform. It pairs the 1,524 mm (60 in) X-axis of the XT frame with a CAT 50 spindle delivering 22.4 kW (30 hp) at up to 7,500 RPM. The bigger taper means more spindle rigidity, better torque transmission, and the ability to push larger face mills and indexable tools harder in steel and cast iron.

Y-axis travel is 660 mm (26 in) and Z-axis is 635 mm (25 in). The table measures 1,524 x 559 mm (60 x 22 in) with a 1,814 kg (4,000 lb) load capacity. The 30+1 side-mount tool changer accommodates the larger CAT 50 toolholders.

Machine weight is approximately 6,350 kg (14,000 lb) — heavier than the 40-taper XT variant, adding mass that improves vibration damping during heavy roughing. Rapids run at 15.2 m/min (600 in/min), slower than the 40-taper version due to the heavier spindle and slides.

The NGC control handles the 50-taper machine identically to any other Haas. No programming differences beyond toolholder compatibility.

At $120,000-$165,000 configured, the VF-5/50XT is the heavy-cut option in the Haas extended-travel lineup. Shops machining steel, stainless, and cast iron on long parts will appreciate the spindle rigidity that CAT 50 provides. For aluminum-focused shops, the lighter 40-taper XT variant is the better fit.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X Axis Travel	1,524 mm (60 in)
Y Axis Travel	660 mm (26 in)
Z Axis Travel	635 mm (25 in)
Table Size	1,524 x 559 mm (60 x 22 in)
Table Load Capacity	1,814 kg (4,000 lb)
Max Spindle Speed	7,500 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	22.4 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Taper	CAT 50
Tool Capacity	30+1 side-mount
Rapid Traverse Rate	15.2 m/min (600 in/min)
Machine Weight	6,350 kg (14,000 lb)
Coolant Capacity	284 L (75 gal)
CNC Control	Haas Next Generation Control (NGC)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

CAT 50 taper provides superior spindle rigidity for heavy cutting in steel and cast iron
1,524 mm (60 in) X-travel handles long parts, mold halves, and multi-part setups
6,350 kg machine weight damps vibration during aggressive roughing operations
30+1 tool changer holds more tools than the 40-taper variant's 20+1
1,814 kg table load supports heavy fixture plates and large workpieces
Significantly cheaper than comparable 50-taper extended-travel machines from Mazak or Okuma

Limitations

15.2 m/min rapids are notably slower than the 40-taper variant — adds non-cutting time on multi-feature parts
7,500 RPM max spindle speed limits high-speed aluminum work
CAT 50 tooling costs 30-50% more per holder than CAT 40
6,350 kg weight requires reinforced floor and potentially limits placement flexibility
Larger footprint than the standard VF-5 due to the extended frame

Best For

Heavy roughing in steel, stainless, and cast iron on large parts requiring 60 inches of X-travel Mold and die shops working on long steel mold halves and large die blocks Job shops that need 50-taper rigidity for heavy face milling and deep pocketing on extended parts Structural steel component manufacturers machining plates and weldments Shops transitioning from worn-out knee mills or bridgeports to a proper 50-taper CNC platform

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Haas VF-5/50XT cost?

Base price is around $120,000. With through-spindle coolant, probing, chip conveyor, and common options, expect $145,000-$165,000 configured. The 50-taper XT commands a $25,000-$35,000 premium over the 40-taper VF-5/40XT.

02 When should I choose the 50-taper over the 40-taper XT?

Choose the VF-5/50XT when your primary work is steel, cast iron, or other tough materials at aggressive cutting parameters. The CAT 50 taper provides more rigidity, less chatter, and better tool life under heavy loads. If most of your work is aluminum or lighter materials, the 40-taper VF-5/40XT is faster and cheaper to tool.

03 Why are the rapids slower on the 50-taper version?

The heavier spindle, larger slides, and increased machine mass reduce rapid traverse rates from 25.4 m/min to 15.2 m/min. This is the trade-off for more rigidity. On jobs with many tool changes and repositions, the slower rapids add non-cutting time compared to the 40-taper variant.

04 Can I use CAT 40 tooling in the VF-5/50XT with a reducer?

Technically yes, with a CAT 50 to CAT 40 reducer sleeve, but it defeats the purpose of the 50-taper machine. The reducer introduces runout and reduces rigidity. If you plan to use mostly CAT 40 tooling, buy the VF-5/40XT instead.