Kitamura Machinery Vertical Machining Centers

Kitamura Kitamura Bridgecenter-12G

$550,000 - $800,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

3,050 mm (120.1 in)

Y Travel

1,615 mm (63.6 in)

Z Travel

800 mm (31.5 in)

Max Spindle

12,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 50 (HSK-A100 Optional)

Tool Capacity

40-tool ATC (60, 80 optional)

Overview

The Kitamura Bridgecenter-12G is the flagship of Kitamura's bridge-type VMC lineup, offering 3,050 x 1,615 x 800 mm (120.1 x 63.6 x 31.5 in) X/Y/Z travel that puts it in the 10-foot X-travel class. This is Kitamura's largest standard machining center, designed for the most demanding large-part manufacturing applications where hand-scraped precision across an enormous work envelope is the defining requirement.

The 12,000 RPM 4-step gear-driven spindle with NST No. 50 taper (HSK-A100 optional) provides heavy-duty torque for roughing large steel and cast iron workpieces. The Y and Z axis travels match the 10G at 1,615 mm (63.6 in) and 800 mm (31.5 in) respectively, while the X-axis extends another 510 mm (20 in) beyond the 10G to reach the full 120-inch stroke.

The table measures 1,370 x 3,500 mm (53.9 x 137.8 in) — nearly 12 feet long — with a 6,000 kg (13,227 lb) load capacity. This is enough table real estate for the largest automotive mold bases, aerospace structural assemblies, and industrial die blocks. Tool storage provides 40 tools standard with 60 or 80-tool options. Rapids hold at 24 m/min (945 ipm). Positioning accuracy of plus/minus 0.002 mm over full stroke with plus/minus 0.001 mm repeatability is maintained through hand-scraped surfaces.

New Bridgecenter-12G machines typically price between $550,000 and $800,000. At this investment level, the 12G competes with the largest bridge and gantry machines from Toyoda, SNK, Toshiba, and Nicolas Correa. Kitamura's hand-scraped precision at this scale is genuinely rare — most competitors at 120 inches rely on ground surfaces, making the 12G's accuracy retention over time a meaningful competitive advantage.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	3,050 mm (120.1 in)
Y-Axis Travel	1,615 mm (63.6 in)
Z-Axis Travel	800 mm (31.5 in)
Max Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 50 (HSK-A100 Optional)
Spindle Drive	4-Step Gear Driven
Tool Capacity	40-tool ATC (60, 80 optional)
Table Size	1,370 x 3,500 mm (53.9 x 137.8 in)
Table Load Capacity	6,000 kg (13,227 lb)
Rapid Traverse Xyz	24 m/min (945 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.002 mm (±0.000079 in) / Full Stroke
Repeatability	±0.001 mm (±0.000039 in)
Power Requirement	50 KVA, 200V AC, 3 Phase
CNC Control	Kitamura Arumatik-Mi

Specifications sourced from kitamura-machinery.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

3,050 mm (120 in) X-travel is the largest in Kitamura's lineup, handling the biggest mold bases and structural components
Hand-scraped mating surfaces deliver ±0.002 mm accuracy across 10 feet of X-travel — virtually unmatched at this scale
1,370 x 3,500 mm table with 13,227 lb capacity accommodates oversized workpieces and multi-part setups
Bridge (double-column) construction provides consistent rigidity and accuracy across the entire 120-inch stroke
50-taper 4-step geared spindle delivers the torque range needed for heavy roughing and precision finishing
1,615 mm Y-travel and 800 mm Z-travel provide generous depth and reach for complex 3D geometry

Limitations

24 m/min rapids across 120 inches of X-travel mean 7.5+ second positioning moves at full stroke
Massive machine requires dedicated floor space, heavy foundation, and crane access for installation
Price of $550-800K is a premium capital investment that demands high-value large-part production
50 KVA power requirement and heavy foundation needs add significantly to the total installed cost

Best For

Automotive mold base manufacturers working on the largest bumper, dashboard, and body panel molds Aerospace prime contractors machining oversized structural assemblies, wing components, and fuselage sections Die and tooling manufacturers producing the largest progressive, transfer, and forging dies Heavy-industry manufacturers machining large machine bases, frames, and industrial equipment components Shops requiring sub-thousandth-inch accuracy across 10 feet of travel that only hand-scraped bridge construction achieves

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Kitamura Bridgecenter-12G cost?

New machines typically price between $550,000 and $800,000 depending on options and configuration. Total installed cost including foundation, rigging, and electrical infrastructure can add $50-100K to the machine price.

02 How does the 12G compare to the 10G?

The 12G adds 510 mm (20 in) of X-travel (120 in vs 100 in) and a longer table (3,500 mm vs 3,000 mm). Y-travel, Z-travel, spindle specs, accuracy, and table load capacity are identical. The choice between them depends solely on whether you need the extra 20 inches of X-reach.

03 What kind of foundation does the 12G require?

The 12G requires a reinforced concrete foundation engineered for the machine weight plus maximum workpiece load plus dynamic cutting forces. Typical installations require 18-24 inches of reinforced concrete with proper isolation from surrounding structures and adjacent machines. Kitamura provides detailed foundation drawings for each installation site.

04 Is the 12G suitable for aluminum aerospace work?

Yes, despite its heavy-duty 50-taper spindle, the 12,000 RPM geared drive provides adequate speed for aluminum machining. The bridge construction and hand-scraped accuracy deliver excellent surface finish on large aluminum panels. For shops primarily doing aluminum, the smaller Bridgecenter models with #40 taper and 20,000 RPM may be more optimal.