Hwacheon Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Hwacheon Vesta 500

Est. $55,000 - $95,000 Possible older model Updated 2026-10-03

This model was not found in Hwacheon's current lineup when we checked on 2026-09-25 (lineup page). It may be a superseded or older model; the specifications below are as we last recorded them.

Key Specifications

X Travel

500 mm (19.7 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

BT 40 (BT 30 optional)

Tool Capacity

How much does the Hwacheon Vesta 500 cost?

Estimated price range

Est.$55,000 - $95,000

Our best estimate for a vertical machining centers (vmc) in this class — not a quote from Hwacheon. Configuration moves it a long way.

Overview

The Hwacheon Vesta 500 is a small 40-taper vertical with 500 mm (19.7 in) of X, 400 mm (15.7 in) of Y and 400 mm (15.7 in) of Z over a 600 x 360 mm (23.6 x 14.2 in) table. It does not appear in Hwacheon's current lineup and may be an older model, so anyone looking at one is likely inspecting a second-hand machine. Nobody has been able to check the listed figures against the maker, so treat them as a starting point and confirm them on the actual machine.

The listed spindle runs to 12,000 RPM at 11 kW (15 hp), with a BT 40 taper and BT 30 given as an option. That option matters on a used machine: find out which taper the spindle actually has before buying tooling. A 16-tool changer with a 1.5 sec (tool-to-tool) change, 36 m/min (1,417 ipm) rapids and roller-type linear guideways complete the picture. The listed accuracy is ±0.005 mm positioning and ±0.003 mm repeatability.

The workpiece limit is 300 kg (661 lb) and the listed machine weight is 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) approx., light enough for most shop floors. The control is listed as a Fanuc 0i-MF Plus; check what the machine in front of you actually carries.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	500 mm (19.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	BT 40 (BT 30 optional)
Spindle Motor Power	11 kW (15 hp)
Table Size	600 x 360 mm (23.6 x 14.2 in)
Max Workpiece Weight	300 kg (661 lb)
Tool Capacity	16
Tool Change Time	1.5 sec (tool-to-tool)
Rapid Traverse Rate	36 m/min (1,417 ipm)
Guideway Type	Roller-type linear guideways
Positioning Accuracy	±0.005 mm
Repeatability	±0.003 mm
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-MF Plus
Machine Weight	3,200 kg (7,055 lb) approx.

Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

12,000 RPM spindle at 11 kW (15 hp) on a compact 500 x 400 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 x 15.7 in) envelope
36 m/min (1,417 ipm) rapids on roller-type linear guideways
1.5 sec (tool-to-tool) change with a 16-tool magazine
Machine weight of 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) approx. eases installation

Limitations

Not in Hwacheon's current lineup, and the listed figures have not been checked against the maker
A 600 x 360 mm (23.6 x 14.2 in) table and 300 kg (661 lb) workpiece limit restrict it to small parts
16 tools is a small magazine for jobs with many operations
The taper may be BT 40 or the optional BT 30, which changes what tooling a used machine accepts

Best For

Small aluminium and steel parts within 500 x 400 mm (19.7 x 15.7 in) Short-run work needing a 12,000 RPM spindle Shops with limited floor space and lifting capacity Used-machine buyers wanting a compact 40-taper vertical

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is the Hwacheon Vesta 500 still made?

It does not appear in Hwacheon's current lineup and may be an older model. The listed figures have not been checked against Hwacheon, so confirm travels, spindle and control on any machine you inspect. Current compact VESTA models include the VESTA-500T, a twin-spindle machine with a 720 x 400 mm (28.3 x 15.7 in) table.

02 What spindle does the Vesta 500 have?

The listed figures give a 12,000 RPM spindle at 11 kW (15 hp) with a BT 40 taper, and BT 30 as an option. On a used machine, check which taper is fitted before buying holders, since the two are not interchangeable.

03 How large a part can the Vesta 500 take?

The table is 600 x 360 mm (23.6 x 14.2 in) and the listed workpiece limit is 300 kg (661 lb). Travels are 500 mm (19.7 in) in X, 400 mm (15.7 in) in Y and 400 mm (15.7 in) in Z, so the machine suits small parts and compact fixtures.

04 How accurate is the Vesta 500?

The listed figures are ±0.005 mm positioning accuracy and ±0.003 mm repeatability. On a used machine those values depend on its condition, so ask for a recent ballbar or laser check rather than relying on the original figures.