Haas Automation 5-Axis Machining Centers

Haas VS-3-5AX

$550,000 - $650,000 Updated 2026-03-12

Key Specifications

X Travel

3,810 mm (150 in)

Y Travel

1,270 mm (50 in)

Z Travel

1,270 mm (50 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A63

Tool Capacity

70+1 SMTC

Overview

The Haas VS-3-5AX takes the massive work envelope of the VS-3 platform and adds a full 5-axis gimbal head with a 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 integral spindle. With 3,810 x 1,270 x 1,270 mm (150 x 50 x 50 in) of linear travel, plus B-axis tilt of plus/minus 120 degrees and C-axis rotation of plus/minus 245 degrees, this machine handles simultaneous 5-axis profiling on parts that would require a multi-million-dollar European gantry mill from most other builders.

The 21.6 kW (29 hp) integral spindle reaches 20,000 RPM with 27 Nm (20 ft-lbf) of torque at 7,500 RPM. This is a high-speed spindle tuned for composites, aluminum, and engineered plastics. The integral motor design provides fast acceleration and deceleration, which matters during continuous 5-axis contouring when spindle speed is constantly adjusting. Liquid cooling keeps thermal growth in check during extended runs.

The B-axis delivers 639 Nm of continuous torque with 616 Nm brake torque and rotates at 112 degrees per second. The C-axis provides 386 Nm continuous torque with 600 Nm brake torque at 208 degrees per second. These torque values are substantially higher than the GM-2-5AX gimbal head, reflecting the heavier cutting loads expected on this larger platform.

The table measures 3,886 x 1,245 mm (153 x 49 in) with a 4,536 kg (10,000 lb) load rating. The 70+1 SMTC provides ample tool capacity for complex multi-tool 5-axis programs. Tool-to-tool time is 6.0 seconds and chip-to-chip is 15.0 seconds, which is consistent with the large-format tool change mechanism. Rapids are 9.1 m/min on X and 15.2 m/min on Y and Z. The machine requires 220 VAC 3-phase at 70 amps. For shops that need to profile, trim, and contour large composite or aluminum structures with full 5-axis simultaneous capability, the VS-3-5AX is the largest gimbal-head machine in the Haas lineup. Specs sourced from Haas Automation published data.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	3,810 mm (150 in)
Y-Axis Travel	1,270 mm (50 in)
Z-Axis Travel	1,270 mm (50 in)
Spindle Nose To Table Max	1,397 mm (55 in)
Spindle Nose To Table Min	127 mm (5 in)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A63
Spindle Motor Power	29.0 hp
Spindle Torque Max	27 Nm (20 ft-lbf) @ 7,500 RPM
Spindle Drive	Integral Spindle/Motor
Spindle Cooling	Liquid Cooled
B Axis Tilt	S.A.E
B Axis Speed	112 °/sec
B Axis Torque Continuous	639 Nm (470 ft-lbf)
B Axis Brake Torque	616 Nm (454 ft-lbf)
C Axis Rotation	S.A.E
C Axis Speed	208 °/sec
C Axis Torque Continuous	386 Nm (285 ft-lbf)
C Axis Brake Torque	600 Nm (442 ft-lbf)
Tool Capacity	70+1 SMTC
Tool To Tool	6.00 s
Chip To Chip	15.00 s
Max Tool Diameter	4.0 in
Max Tool Weight	30.0 lb
Table Size	3,886 x 1,245 mm (153 x 49 in)
Table Load Max	4,536 kg (10,000 lb)
Max Cutting Feedrate	9.1 m/min (360 ipm)
Rapid Traverse X	9.1 m/min (360 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Y	15.2 m/min (600 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	15.2 m/min (600 ipm)
Max Thrust X	4000 lbf
Max Thrust Y	4000 lbf
Max Thrust Z	6300 lbf
Machine Weight	20,702 kg (45,640 lb) combined est.
CNC Control	Haas Next Generation Control (NGC)
Coolant Capacity	95 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	150.00 in
Y Axis	50.00 in
Z Axis	50.00 in
Spindle Nose To Table	5.0 in
Spindle	S.A.E
Max Rating	29.0 hp
Max Speed	208 °/sec
Max Torque	20.0 ft-lbf @ 7500 rpm
Drive System	Integral Spindle/Motor
Taper	HSK-A63
Bearing Lubrication	Grease Packed
Cooling	Liquid Cooled
Travel	245 ° to 245- °
Torque	285 ft-lbf
Brake Torque	442 ft-lbf
Table	S.A.E
Length	153.0 in
Width	49.0 in
Thickness	1.9 in
Max Weight On Table	10000 lb
Feedrates	S.A.E
Max Cutting	360 ipm
Rapids On X	360 ipm
Rapids On Y	600 ipm
Rapids On Z	600 ipm
Axis Motors	S.A.E
Tool Changer	S.A.E
Type	SMTC
Capacity	70+1
Max Tool Diameter Large	10.0 in
Max Tool Length	6.00 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
Haas Rotary	HAAS MACHINE
Hrt1000	VS-3-5AX
Hrt450	VS-3-5AX
Hrt800	VS-3-5AX
Tr310	VS-3-5AX

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Full simultaneous 5-axis gimbal head with 150 inches of X-travel covers the largest aerospace composite panels and structural parts
20,000 RPM HSK-A63 integral spindle delivers excellent surface finishes on composites and aluminum at high surface footage
B-axis torque of 639 Nm and C-axis torque of 386 Nm are substantially stronger than the GM-2-5AX for heavier cutting loads
70+1 SMTC provides enough tool capacity for complex multi-operation 5-axis programs without manual intervention
10,000 lb table load handles heavy composite layup assemblies and large aluminum billets
Haas price point undercuts comparable European gimbal-head gantry mills by hundreds of thousands of dollars

Limitations

29 HP spindle with 27 Nm torque is designed for composites and aluminum; this is not a steel-cutting machine
15-second chip-to-chip time adds up on jobs with frequent tool changes across 70+ tools
9.1 m/min X-axis rapids mean significant traverse time when moving across the full 150-inch envelope
Multi-assembly shipping and installation requires extensive rigging planning and floor preparation
Limited installed base compared to UMC series means fewer user experience reports and forum discussions

Best For

Aerospace composite trimming and profiling on large fuselage panels, wing skins, and structural components 5-axis aluminum profiling on structural aerospace parts over 2 meters long Large mold and pattern making in foam, Ren Board, and modeling materials with complex 3D surfaces Defense and space applications requiring large-format 5-axis machining at competitive lead times Shops upgrading from 3-axis gantry routers to full 5-axis capability on the same large-format platform

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the VS-3-5AX compare to the GM-2-5AX?

Both are gimbal-head 5-axis gantry machines, but the VS-3-5AX has 50 inches of Y and Z travel versus 87.5 and 39.3 on the GM-2-5AX. The VS-3-5AX has stronger rotary axis torque (639 Nm B-axis vs 339 Nm) and a more powerful 29 HP spindle versus 16 HP. The VS-3-5AX is the heavier-duty machine for larger, thicker workpieces.

02 What materials is the VS-3-5AX designed for?

The 20,000 RPM HSK-A63 spindle is optimized for carbon fiber composites, fiberglass, aluminum alloys, plastics, Ren Board, and other non-ferrous materials. For steel and cast iron work on this platform size, the VS-3 with its 50-taper gearbox spindle is the correct choice.

03 What does a new Haas VS-3-5AX cost?

Pricing is in the $550,000 to $650,000 range depending on options. This is a fraction of comparable European gimbal-head gantry mills, which typically start above $1 million for similar travel specifications.

04 Can the VS-3-5AX do full simultaneous 5-axis?

Yes. The gimbal head with B and C axes supports full simultaneous 5-axis contouring. The Haas control includes G268 Feature Coordinate System and G253 Orient Spindle Normal to Feature Coordinate System for simplified tilted work plane programming.

05 What CAM software supports the VS-3-5AX?

Any CAM system that outputs simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths with tool vector orientation will work. Mastercam, NX, CATIA, hyperMILL, and Autodesk Fusion all support gimbal-head post configurations. Haas provides post processor support through their dealer network.