Kitamura Machinery Vertical Machining Centers

Kitamura Kitamura Mycenter-2XV Sparkchanger

$120,000 - $160,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

610 mm (23.6 in)

Y Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Max Spindle

15,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 / Big Plus (Dual Contact)

Tool Capacity

40-tool ATC

Overview

The Kitamura Mycenter-2XV Sparkchanger is a high-performance 40-taper vertical machining center equipped with an integrated 2-station automatic pallet changer (APC), designed for shops that need to maximize spindle uptime by loading parts offline while the machine cuts. With 610 x 510 x 510 mm (23.6 x 20.1 x 20.1 in) X/Y/Z travels, the 2XV sits squarely in the compact-to-mid-size VMC category, but the APC functionality transforms it from a standard VMC into a production-oriented cell.

The 15,000 RPM dual-contact spindle delivers 30.6 kW (41 hp) through a direct-drive system, providing the speed and power needed for aggressive aluminum machining and general-purpose steel work. Rapid traverse rates of 52 m/min (2,047 ipm) on X/Y and 42 m/min (1,890 ipm) on Z are genuinely fast for a machine in this class, minimizing non-cutting time during positioning moves. The 40-tool ATC with 2.2-second tool-to-tool and 4.2-second chip-to-chip changes keeps cycle times competitive.

Kitamura's hand-scraped mating surfaces and the Arumatik-Mi Pro CNC control are standard features that elevate the 2XV above commodity VMC territory. Positioning accuracy of plus/minus 0.002 mm (0.000079 in) over full stroke with plus/minus 0.001 mm (0.000039 in) repeatability places this machine in precision-grade territory. The 11.4-second pallet change time means setups happen while the spindle is still cutting the previous part.

The Mycenter-2XV Sparkchanger typically prices between $120,000 and $160,000 new, reflecting the pallet changer premium over the standard Mycenter-2XV. For shops running repeat production work on tight-tolerance parts, the APC pays for itself quickly through increased spindle utilization. The machine competes directly with similar compact APC-equipped VMCs from Makino and Okuma.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	610 mm (23.6 in)
Y-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Max Spindle Speed	15,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 / Big Plus (Dual Contact)
Spindle Motor Power	30.6 kW (41 hp)
Spindle Drive	Direct Drive
Tool Capacity	40-tool ATC
Tool To Tool	2.2 sec
Chip To Chip	4.2 sec
Table Size	400 x 560 mm (15.7 x 22 in)
Pallet Changer	2-Station APC (11.4 sec change)
Rapid Traverse Xy	52 m/min (2,047 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	42 m/min (1,890 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.002 mm (±0.000079 in) / Full Stroke
Repeatability	±0.001 mm (±0.000039 in)
Power Requirement	30 KVA, 200V AC, 3 Phase
CNC Control	Kitamura Arumatik-Mi Pro

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Integrated 2-station automatic pallet changer enables offline setup while the spindle keeps cutting, maximizing utilization
41 hp dual-contact spindle with 15,000 RPM provides strong cutting performance across aluminum and steel
52 m/min rapids on X/Y are among the fastest in this class, significantly reducing non-cutting positioning time
Hand-scraped mating surfaces deliver ±0.002 mm positioning accuracy that holds for 15-20 years
40-tool ATC with 2.2-second tool-to-tool changes supports complex multi-tool programs without bottlenecks
Compact footprint with APC functionality means production-cell capability without a large floor space commitment

Limitations

Arumatik-Mi Pro control is Mitsubishi-based and less common than Fanuc — retraining required for Fanuc-experienced operators
610 mm (24 in) X-travel limits workpiece size compared to larger APC-equipped VMCs
Pallet changer adds $30-40K to the price versus the standard Mycenter-2XV — requires production volume to justify
Kitamura dealer network in North America is limited compared to Haas, Mazak, or Okuma service coverage

Best For

Production shops running repeat work on small-to-medium parts that need high spindle utilization Precision job shops producing tight-tolerance aerospace, medical, or defense components in multiple setups Shops transitioning from manual loading to automated production without committing to a full robotic cell Mixed-material work where the 41 hp spindle handles both aluminum high-speed machining and steel roughing Manufacturers needing ±0.002 mm accuracy with production throughput from pallet-change capability

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Kitamura Mycenter-2XV Sparkchanger cost?

New machines typically price between $120,000 and $160,000 depending on options and tooling package. The Sparkchanger (APC) version commands a $30-40K premium over the standard Mycenter-2XV due to the integrated pallet changer system.

02 How fast does the pallet changer cycle?

The 2-station automatic pallet changer completes a full exchange in 11.4 seconds. This allows the operator to load and fixture the next part while the machine is still cutting, virtually eliminating setup time between parts in production runs.

03 What is the Arumatik-Mi Pro control?

The Arumatik-Mi Pro is Kitamura's latest CNC control built on a Mitsubishi platform. It features conversational programming, standard G-code support, and advanced look-ahead capabilities. The Pro version adds enhanced processing speed and user interface improvements over the standard Arumatik-Mi.

04 How does the Sparkchanger compare to buying a standard VMC with a tombstone?

The integrated APC provides true parallel processing — loading happens while cutting. A tombstone on a standard VMC increases parts per setup but still requires the spindle to stop for loading. The APC is more effective for high-mix production, while tombstones work better for high-volume identical parts.