Honor Seiki VL-66MT

The Honor Seiki VL-66MT is the M-configured twin on the VL-66 frame, with a turning diameter of 700 mm (27.5 in) and a turning height of 650 mm (25.5 in) on each of two spindles. Swing is 800 mm (31.4 in), the chucks are 457 mm (18 in), the spindle range is 25-2,000 rpm and tool positions are listed as 12+12.

Its neighbour in the table, the VL-66AT, has more room to cut: 760 mm (29.9 in) across and 750 mm (29.5 in) tall. The MT is the smaller machine in both directions while sharing the same swing and the same 650 kg (1,433 lb) load limit. The single-spindle VL-66M shows exactly the same figures, which confirms that the MT is that machine in twin form.

As with every M model in the High Speed and Twin tables, the reason for the reduced envelope is not printed. There is no live spindle row. A buyer who expects milling or drilling from an M machine has to get that in writing from Honor Seiki, because the published page supports only the turning figures.

On those figures alone the VL-66MT is a sound two-operation lathe for mid-size parts under 650 mm tall: gear blanks, pump covers, brake drums and bearing housings. The maker says the two spindles and two turrets can do the same operation on both sides or separate operations in order, with a saving in labour.

Hydraulic 3-jaw chucks with rotary cylinders, coolant through the turret, bed wash down and a hinge type chip conveyor are standard. Spindle power, travels and floor space are not given. High and low pressure chucking, a tool presetter and X/Z axis encoders are options.