Honor Seiki VL-300C

The Honor Seiki VL-300C is the first model in the maker's Large vertical lathe range. It swings and turns 3,600 mm (141.7 in), accepts parts 2,000 mm (78.7 in) tall and is rated for a 30,000 kg (66,138 lb) workpiece, with 16 tool positions.

The jump from the Heavy Duty Series is plain in the load row. The VL-250C, the largest machine of that series, carries 15,000 kg (33,069 lb) on a 2,970 mm (116.9 in) turning diameter. The VL-300C doubles the weight for about a fifth more diameter, and adds height. Honor Seiki's description of the range names a wide span column, box ways and its patented Solid lock tool clamping mechanism, and says the machines are meant for huge workpieces and hardened material, the wind power industry in particular.

Workholding changes with the scale. In place of the 4-jaw table used on the Heavy Duty machines, the standard here is a table with a manual 8-jaw chuck. Eight jaws spread the clamping load around a thin ring, which matters when the part is a slewing bearing race or a tower flange that will distort if gripped at four points.

This C model is for turning only; the live spindle row is blank. For drilled and milled features the VL-300CM adds a live spindle and has 20 tool positions. Honor Seiki also mentions an optional dual spindles model for higher output, without listing its figures.

Table speed, table diameter, motor power and machine weight are absent from the page. A higher power motor, a lubricant chiller for the spindle bearing and gear, linear encoders on X and Z, and extended Z travel are options.