Honor Seiki VL-100C

At 1,200 mm (47.2 in) of swing and turning diameter and 3,500 kg (7,716 lb) on the table, the Honor Seiki VL-100C is the point in the Heavy Duty Series where the hydraulic chuck gives way to a table with a manual 4-jaw chuck as standard. Turning height is 650 mm (25.5 in), and the tool carrier has 12 positions.

Honor Seiki's accessory list says one more thing about this model by name: the VL-100C and 100CM have a fixed type crossrail. A fixed crossrail keeps the structure simple and stiff, at the cost of a ram that must reach down to short parts. The same table shows a VL-100CR with 800 mm (31.4 in) of turning height on otherwise identical figures, so buyers with taller work have a column to move to.

Weight capacity is the headline. The High Speed VL-100A/AR, with a similar turning diameter of 1,100 mm (43.3 in), is rated for 1,000 kg (2,205 lb). The VL-100C takes three and a half tonnes, which opens it to solid forgings, thick-walled rings and steel castings that the lighter machine cannot hold. The series is described as a box way design in Meehanite iron aimed at tough materials.

Because the standard table is a manual 4-jaw, each part is set true by hand. A hydraulic chuck and cylinder, in a choice of sizes, is the option for repeat work. The page does not give table speed, drive power, travels or the control. A higher power motor, a lubricant chiller, X/Z linear encoders and a Siemens controller are offered as options.