Honor Seiki VL-500CM

The Honor Seiki VL-500CM has 24 tool positions, the highest count in the VL range, alongside a 50-2,250 rpm live spindle. It turns 6,000 mm (236.2 in) in diameter and 2,600 mm (102.3 in) in height and carries 80,000 kg (176,367 lb).

Tool count climbs through the CM models as the machines grow. The VL-300CM and VL-400CM have 20 positions; the VL-500CM and VL-600CM have 24. The turning-only VL-500C stays at 16. On a part that may take days to machine, more positions mean fewer stops to change tools by hand, and spare positions can hold duplicate inserts for long cuts in hardened rings.

Is a live spindle that tops out at 2,250 rpm a limit? Not for the work this machine sees. Bolt holes in a six-metre flange are large, and the cutters that make them run slowly. The more useful questions are about torque and reach, and the page answers neither: it gives no power, torque or taper for the live spindle. A dual speed gearbox for it is an option.

Honor Seiki states that the range uses a wide span column, box ways and its patented Solid lock tool clamping mechanism and is intended for huge workpieces and hardened material in the wind power industry. The standard table carries a manual 8-jaw chuck. The cabinet air conditioner is standard for the CM series.

No table diameter, table speed, travel or weight figures are published. Options include high-pressure coolant through the tool holder, linear encoders on X and Z, a lubricant chiller, a tool presetter, a workpiece probe and a Siemens controller.