Kitamura Mycenter 1XiF
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Kitamura Mycenter 1XiF is the entry point to Kitamura's precision VMC lineup, delivering the hand-scraped accuracy and build quality that defines the brand in a compact, affordable package. With 508 x 356 x 406 mm (20 x 14 x 16 in) X/Y/Z travels and a 760 x 360 mm table, the 1XiF is sized for small precision parts — the watchmaking-scale workpieces, medical device components, and aerospace fasteners where Kitamura's accuracy reputation commands a premium over budget VMC alternatives.
The 20,000 RPM spindle is the headline specification, and it is directly-driven for minimal thermal growth and vibration versus belt-driven alternatives. This speed capability, combined with the machine's hand-scraped ways and 0.001 mm positioning repeatability, makes the 1XiF genuinely useful for high-speed finishing of hardened steel molds, micro-feature machining in aluminum, and precision work in titanium and Inconel that demands both accuracy and surface integrity.
The 24-tool ATC (side-mount) provides adequate tooling for complex small-part programs, and the machine's compact 1,840 x 2,100 mm footprint makes it practical even for small shops. Rapid traverse at 24/24/24 m/min reflects the small work envelope — absolute traverse time is short regardless of speed. The Kitamura Arumatik-Mi control handles all standard G-code programming with the option for conversational input for shorter programs.
The Mycenter 1XiF competes with the Makino PS95, Brother Speedio M140X2, and Matsuura MX-330 in the compact high-speed precision VMC segment. At $80,000-$110,000, it is priced above entry-level VMCs but delivers precision that small VMCs from Haas and FANUC-equipped Korean brands cannot match. For shops with a genuine precision requirement on small parts, the 1XiF is a serious tool.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 508 mm (20 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 356 mm (14 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 406 mm (16 in) |
| Table Size | 760 x 360 mm (29.9 x 14.2 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | CAT 40 / Big Plus (Dual Contact) |
| Spindle Drive | Direct drive |
| Tool Capacity | 24-tool side-mount ATC |
| Chip To Chip | 2.8 sec |
| Rapid Traverse Xyz | 24/24/24 m/min (945 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.002 mm (0.0001 in) |
| Repeatability | 0.001 mm (0.00004 in) |
| Machine Weight | 4,100 kg (9,040 lb) |
| CNC Control | Kitamura Arumatik-Mi |
Specifications sourced from cnczone.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 20,000 RPM direct-drive spindle enables high-speed finishing of hardened steel molds and precision small-part machining
- Hand-scraped mating surfaces deliver sub-micron positioning repeatability at 0.001 mm — exceptional for the price class
- Dual-contact Big Plus spindle interface reduces runout and improves rigidity versus standard CAT 40 at this speed
- 2.8-second chip-to-chip tool changes support efficient cycle times on complex small-part programs
- Compact 1,840 x 2,100 mm footprint makes it accessible for small shops and precision specialty cells
- Kitamura's proven long-term accuracy retention — machines commonly hold specification for 15-20 years with proper maintenance
Limitations
- 508 x 356 mm travel limits the machine to small workpieces — cannot accommodate medium or large parts
- Arumatik-Mi control is less common than Fanuc, requiring operator retraining in Fanuc-standard shops
- 24-tool ATC capacity may constrain very complex programs that require more tooling
- Kitamura's North American dealer network is limited compared to Haas, Mazak, or DMG Mori
- Price premium over small VMCs from Haas or YCM requires a workload where precision justifies the additional cost
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New 1XiF machines typically price between $80,000 and $110,000. This is significantly more than a Haas Mini Mill or similar compact VMC, but the difference in precision and long-term accuracy retention is substantial. For shops where tight tolerances on small parts are critical, the price premium is typically justified.
02
The Mycenter 1XiF achieves 0.002 mm (0.0001 in) positioning accuracy and 0.001 mm (0.00004 in) repeatability. This level of accuracy results from Kitamura's hand-scraping process and high-quality ballscrews, and it is maintained over the machine's life with proper maintenance — a significant advantage over machines that achieve initial accuracy but drift over time.
03
Both are compact, high-speed VMCs for small precision parts. The Brother Speedio focuses on speed — extremely fast tool changes and chip-to-chip times for high-productivity small-part machining. The Kitamura 1XiF focuses on precision — hand-scraped ways, higher positioning accuracy, and better surface finish capability. Choose the Brother for maximum throughput on simpler parts; choose the Kitamura for parts with tight tolerance requirements.
04
Yes, the Mycenter 1XiF supports through-spindle coolant (TSC) as an option, which is important for drilling and tapping at high RPM. TSC helps evacuate chips from deep holes, reduces tool wear, and improves surface finish in deep-pocket machining. It is strongly recommended for medical and aerospace applications.
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Community Discussions
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Kitamura mycenter 1 Issues : r/machining - Reddit
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