Haas Automation Vertical Machining Centers

Haas VM-3

$131,000 - $170,000 Updated 2026-03-12

Key Specifications

X Travel

1,016 mm (40 in)

Y Travel

660 mm (26 in)

Z Travel

635 mm (25 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CT or BT 40

Tool Capacity

30+1 SMTC

Overview

The Haas VM-3 is the mid-range mold machine in the VM lineup, stepping up to 1,016 x 660 x 635 mm (40 x 26 x 25 in) of travel. That's a significant jump over the VM-2 in every axis and puts medium-to-large injection molds, die casting dies, and stamping dies well within reach.

The spindle matches the VM-2: 12,000 RPM inline direct-drive with 22.4 kW (30 hp) and 122 Nm (90 ft-lbf) of torque at 2,000 RPM on a CT/BT 40 taper. That combination handles roughing in P20 and finishing in hardened H13 without breaking a sweat. The spindle sits in a casting that provides good thermal stability for the price point.

The table is where the VM-3 really separates itself. At 1,372 x 610 mm (54 x 24 in) with 13 T-slots in Y and 6 in X on 100 mm centers, it gives you a grid of clamping options that mold shops need. Table load is 1,814 kg (4,000 lb), so large mold bases aren't an issue. Spindle nose to table clearance ranges from 107 mm to 742 mm (4.2 to 29.2 in), giving you room for tall parts and deep cavity work.

The 30+1 SMTC posts 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. Axis thrust is 18,238 N (4,100 lbf) across all three axes, giving uniform rigidity. The machine weighs 6,940 kg (12,720 lb base), providing mass for chatter-free cutting in steel.

At a base price around $131K, the VM-3 offers large-envelope mold machining at a fraction of what Makino, Okuma, or DMG Mori charge for comparable travel. Shops running molds up to 40 inches should look at the VM-3 before shopping premium brands. Specs sourced from Haas Automation published data.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	1,016 mm (40 in)
Y-Axis Travel	660 mm (26 in)
Z-Axis Travel	635 mm (25 in)
Spindle Nose To Table Max	742 mm (29.2 in)
Spindle Nose To Table Min	107 mm (4.2 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CT or BT 40
Spindle Motor Power	30.0 hp
Spindle Torque Max	122 Nm (90 ft-lbf) @ 2,000 RPM
Spindle Drive	Inline Direct-Drive
Tool Capacity	30+1 SMTC
Tool To Tool	2.80 s
Chip To Chip	3.60 s
Max Tool Diameter	2.5 in
Max Tool Weight	12.0 lb
Max Tool Length	13.00 in
Table Size	1,372 x 610 mm (54 x 24 in)
Table Load Max	1,814 kg (4,000 lb)
T Slots	13 in Y, 6 in X, 100 mm (3.94 in) center distance
Max Cutting Feedrate	12.7 m/min (500 ipm)
Rapid Traverse X	18.0 m/min (710 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Y	18.0 m/min (710 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	18.0 m/min (710 ipm)
Max Thrust X	4100 lbf
Max Thrust Y	4100 lbf
Max Thrust Z	4100 lbf
Machine Weight	6,940 kg (12,720 lb) (base)
CNC Control	Haas Next Generation Control (NGC)
Coolant Capacity	55 gal
Air Required	4 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	40.00 in
Y Axis	26.00 in
Z Axis	25.00 in
Spindle Nose To Table	4.2 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	CT or BT 40
Table	S.A.E
Length	54.0 in
Width	24.0 in
T Slot Width	0.626 in to 0.630 in
T Slot Center Distance	3.94 in
Number Of Std T Slots	13 in Y and 6 in X
Max Weight On Table	4000 lb
Feedrates	S.A.E
Max Cutting	500 ipm
Rapids On X	710 ipm
Rapids On Y	710 ipm
Rapids On Z	710 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	3/8 in
Coupler	3/8 in
Air Pressure Min	80 psi
Electrical Specification	S.A.E
Input Ac Voltage Low	220 VAC
Full Load Amps Low	70 A
Input Ac Voltage High	440 VAC
Full Load Amps High	35 A
Dimensions Shipping	S.A.E
Domestic Pallet	156.0 in x 102.0 in x 105.0 in
Export Pallet	164.0 in x 91.5 in x 101.0 in
Machine Weight	12720 lb
Domestic Pallet W 501 Smtc	156 in x 102 in x 125 in
Export Pallet W 501 Smtc	164 in x 92 in x 101 in
Weight W 501 Smtc	15600 lb
Haas Rotary	HAAS MACHINE
Ha2ts	VM-3
Ha5c	VM-3
Ha5c T	VM-3
Ha5c2	VM-3
Ha5c2 T	VM-3
Ha5c3	VM-3
Ha5c3 T	VM-3
Ha5c4	VM-3
Ha5c4 T	VM-3
Ha5cs	VM-3
Hqda5	VM-3
Hrc160	VM-3
Hrc210	VM-3
Hrt100	VM-3
Hrt160	VM-3
Hrt160 2	VM-3
Hrt160sp	VM-3
Hrt160ss	VM-3
Hrt200hs	VM-3
Hrt210	VM-3
Hrt210 2	VM-3
Hrt210ht	VM-3
Hrt210m	VM-3
Hrt210sp	VM-3
Hrt210ss	VM-3
Hrt210vm	VM-3
Hrt310	VM-3
Hrt310sp	VM-3
Hrt310ss	VM-3
Hrt450	VM-3
Hrta5	VM-3
Hrta6	VM-3
Lt260	VM-3
Lt350	VM-3
T5c	VM-3
T5c2	VM-3
T5c3	VM-3
T5c4	VM-3
Th240	VM-3
Th450	VM-3
Tr160	VM-3
Tr160 2	VM-3
Tr200y	VM-3
Tr210	VM-3
Tr310	VM-3
Trt100	VM-3
Trt160	VM-3
Trt210	VM-3
Trt310	VM-3
Trt70	VM-3

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

1,016 x 660 x 635 mm travel envelope handles medium-to-large molds that the VM-2 can't reach
1,372 x 610 mm table with 13+6 cross T-slots provides exceptional clamping flexibility for irregular mold shapes
1,814 kg (4,000 lb) table load supports large mold bases and heavy steel workpieces
12,000 RPM 30 hp spindle handles both roughing and finishing in tool steels
6,940 kg machine mass provides stability for chatter-free cutting in hardened steel
Base price around $131K is roughly half what comparable Makino or Okuma mold machines cost
742 mm spindle nose to table clearance accommodates tall parts and deep cavity molds

Limitations

710 ipm rapids add non-cutting time on long-traverse programs across the 40-inch X travel
CT/BT 40 taper lacks HSK option that the VM-2 and VM-6 offer, limiting high-RPM tool holding
Thermal stability won't match premium mold machines during 8+ hour finishing cycles
12,720 lb base weight plus shipping adds significant rigging and foundation requirements
500 ipm max cutting feedrate limits high-speed machining strategies for finishing

Best For

Mold shops running medium-to-large injection molds, die casting dies, and stamping tools up to 1,016 mm (40 in) Shops needing large-envelope mold machining without the $250K+ price of premium brands Die and mold work in P20, H13, and S7 tool steels where travel and table load are priorities Prototype and short-run mold shops that need roughing and finishing on one machine Shops stepping up from a VM-2 or VF-4 into larger mold work

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What's the difference between the VM-3 and VM-2?

The VM-3 adds 254 mm to X (1,016 vs 762 mm), 152 mm to Y (660 vs 508 mm), and 127 mm to Z (635 vs 508 mm). The table is substantially larger at 1,372 x 610 mm with 13+6 T-slots. Table load increases to 1,814 kg. The spindle is identical. Price difference is about $18K.

02 What does a Haas VM-3 cost?

Base price is approximately $131,000. With through-spindle coolant, probing, high-speed machining software, and a 50+1 tool changer, expect $150,000-$170,000 fully optioned.

03 Can the VM-3 finish hardened steel?

Yes. The 12,000 RPM spindle handles finishing in hardened tool steels to HRC 50-55 with proper tooling and feeds. For heavy roughing in hard materials, the 30 hp and 122 Nm of torque are adequate but not exceptional. Many shops rough soft and finish hard on the VM-3.

04 How heavy is the VM-3?

Base machine weight is 6,940 kg (12,720 lb). With a 50+1 SMTC, weight increases to about 7,077 kg (15,600 lb). Plan for appropriate floor loading and rigging.

05 Does the VM-3 have HSK tooling?

The VM-3 is listed with CT or BT 40 taper options. Unlike the VM-2 and VM-6, it does not list HSK-A63 as a factory option. Check with your HFO for current availability.