Haas VM-2

The Haas VM-2 is the entry point in Haas's mold-making VMC lineup, and it's built for the kind of work that standard VF machines handle but not as well: deep cavities, fine surface finishes, and precise 3D contouring. It shares the VF-2's 762 x 508 x 508 mm (30 x 20 x 20 in) travel envelope but adds features that mold and die shops actually need.

The inline direct-drive spindle runs at 12,000 RPM with 22.4 kW (30 hp) and 122 Nm (90 ft-lbf) of torque at 2,000 RPM. That's the same spindle as the VF-2SS, giving you enough speed for fine finishing in hardened steel while maintaining torque for roughing. Taper options include CT40, BT40, and HSK-A63.

The table is wider than the VF-2 at 914 x 457 mm (36 x 18 in) with a unique T-slot layout: 7 slots in Y and 3 in X on 111 mm centers. That cross-slot pattern makes it easier to clamp mold halves and irregular workpieces. Table load is 1,361 kg (3,000 lb), matching the VF-2.

The 30+1 SMTC tool changer holds more tools than the VF-2's standard 20-pocket carousel, with 2.8-second tool-to-tool and 3.6-second chip-to-chip averages. Rapid traverse is 18.0 m/min (710 ipm) on all axes -- slower than the DM series but consistent with mold machines where contouring accuracy matters more than traverse speed. Axis thrust is 15,124 N (3,400 lbf) on X and Y, with 24,910 N (5,600 lbf) on Z.

At a base price around $113K, the VM-2 undercuts dedicated mold machines from Makino and Okuma by a wide margin. It won't match those machines on surface finish or thermal stability, but for shops doing injection molds, die casting dies, and precision 3D work on a budget, the VM-2 delivers serious capability. Specs sourced from Haas Automation published data.