Kitamura Machinery Vertical Machining Centers

Kitamura Kitamura Mycenter-3020G Sparkchanger

$130,000 - $170,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X Travel

762 mm (30 in)

Y Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

NST No. 40

Tool Capacity

30-tool ATC

Overview

The Kitamura Mycenter-3020G Sparkchanger is the automatic pallet changer variant of Kitamura's precision 3020G vertical machining center. By adding a 2-station APC with 180-degree rotation to the proven 3020G platform, the Sparkchanger transforms a precision VMC into a production-ready cell capable of lights-out operation. The operator loads parts on one pallet while the machine cuts on the other, eliminating setup time from the production cycle.

The Sparkchanger shares all core specifications with the standard 3020G: X/Y/Z travels of 762 x 510 x 510 mm (30 x 20.1 x 20.1 in), a 20,000 RPM 4-step gear-driven spindle with 20 HP on NST 40 taper, and positioning accuracy of +/-0.001 mm (+/-0.000079 in) full stroke. The 500 x 860 mm (19.7 x 33.9 in) table size is maintained on both pallets. Rapid traverse at 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) on X/Y and 36 m/min (1,417 ipm) on Z matches the standard model.

The APC is the key differentiator. APCs on VMCs are relatively uncommon — most APC-equipped machining centers are horizontals. The Sparkchanger brings HMC-style pallet automation to a vertical platform, which is valuable for shops that need the accessibility and chip management of a VMC (gravity assists chip clearance on vertical machines in some orientations) but also need the throughput benefits of pallet changing. The Arumatik-Mi control with IAC (Intelligent Accuracy Control) and ballscrew cooling maintains precision during extended production runs.

At an estimated $130,000-$170,000, the 3020G Sparkchanger commands a $30-40K premium over the standard 3020G for the APC system. This premium is easily justified by shops with sufficient production volume — the pallet changer can increase spindle utilization from 50-60% to 80-90%, effectively adding capacity without additional floor space or operators.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Size	500 x 860 mm (19.7 x 33.9 in)
X-Axis Travel	762 mm (30 in)
Y-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	NST No. 40
Spindle Motor Power	20 HP
Spindle Drive	4-step gear driven
Tool Capacity	30-tool ATC
Tool Change Time	2.4 sec (T-T) / 4.6 sec (C-C)
Pallet Changer	2-station APC (180-degree rotation)
Rapid Traverse Xy	50 m/min (1,969 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	36 m/min (1,417 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	+/-0.001 mm (+/-0.000079 in) full stroke
Repeatability	+/-0.0005 mm (+/-0.000039 in)
Power Requirement	30 KVA
CNC Control	Kitamura Arumatik-Mi (8,190 block look-ahead)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

2-station APC increases spindle utilization to 80-90% by eliminating setup time from the production cycle
20,000 RPM gear-driven spindle with +/-0.001 mm accuracy — full 3020G precision with APC automation
VMC with APC is uncommon — provides pallet automation without requiring the transition to horizontal machining
Hand-scraped construction maintains accuracy during extended production runs enabled by the APC
IAC and ballscrew cooling system maintain thermal stability during lights-out operation
Same proven 3020G platform reduces risk versus adopting an entirely new machine architecture

Limitations

APC adds $30-40K premium over the standard 3020G — requires sufficient production volume to justify
APC mechanism adds machine weight and complexity versus the standard model
30-tool ATC may limit lights-out run length on complex multi-tool parts
Arumatik-Mi control requires operator retraining from Fanuc or Haas backgrounds

Best For

Precision production shops with repeating part families that benefit from pallet-change automation Aerospace job shops seeking lights-out VMC operation on precision components Mold shops running multiple mold cavities or cores in rotation for maximum spindle utilization Medical device manufacturers producing precision components in sufficient volume to justify APC investment Shops seeking to increase VMC throughput without adding floor space or operators

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the advantage of an APC on a VMC versus buying an HMC?

A VMC with APC provides pallet automation while maintaining the accessibility and visibility of a vertical platform. Operators can inspect and load parts more easily than on an HMC. For shops not ready to transition to horizontal machining but needing higher spindle utilization, the Sparkchanger provides a pragmatic middle ground at lower cost than most HMCs.

02 How much throughput increase does the Sparkchanger provide?

Typical spindle utilization on a standard VMC is 50-60% (setup, loading, inspection consume the rest). The Sparkchanger can increase this to 80-90% by enabling setup and loading on one pallet while the machine cuts on the other. On parts with 15-30 minute cycle times, this can effectively double daily output.

03 Is the Sparkchanger suitable for low-volume, high-mix work?

The APC provides the most benefit with repeating part families where fixtures remain set up on pallets. For true high-mix, low-volume job shop work with constant fixture changes, the standard 3020G may be more practical. The Sparkchanger excels when the same 2-4 part families rotate through production regularly.

04 How does the 3020G Sparkchanger compare to the Haas UMC-500?

These are different machines for different purposes. The Haas UMC-500 is a 5-axis VMC without APC; the Sparkchanger is a 3-axis VMC with APC. The Kitamura offers significantly better precision and a pallet changer. The Haas offers 5-axis capability and lower cost. Choose based on whether you need precision + automation or 5-axis capability.