Kitamura Machinery Vertical Machining Centers

Kitamura Mycenter-1XiG

$130,000 - $180,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Y Travel

410 mm (16.1 in)

Z Travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

Max Spindle

20,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

CAT 40 / Big Plus (Dual Contact)

Tool Capacity

24-tool ATC

Overview

The Kitamura Mycenter-1XiG is a compact 40-taper VMC that bridges the gap between the ultra-small 0iG and the mid-size 2XiG, offering 600 x 410 x 510 mm (23.6 x 16.1 x 20.1 in) of travel on a machine built to the same standards as every other Kitamura — hand-scraped mating surfaces, box-way construction, and a dual-contact Big Plus spindle interface. For shops that primarily machine parts in the 200-400 mm range, the 1XiG provides the precision of a much more expensive machine in a relatively compact package.

The 20,000 RPM Big Plus spindle delivers 11 kW (15 hp) through a direct-drive configuration, providing both the high-speed capability for aluminum finishing and adequate low-end torque for steel work. The dual-contact Big Plus interface increases the contact area between spindle and toolholder compared to standard CAT 40, reducing runout and improving surface finish — a particularly important characteristic for Kitamura's target customer, who is often running tight-tolerance work on difficult materials.

Rapids of 36,000 mm/min (1,417 ipm) on X/Y are considerably faster than older Kitamura designs, reflecting the company's response to competition from faster Korean and Taiwanese VMCs. The 24-tool ATC provides reasonable capacity for typical job shop work. At approximately 4,800 kg (10,580 lb), the machine has good mass for its travel envelope.

New Mycenter-1XiG machines typically price between $130,000 and $180,000 depending on control choice and options. The Heidenhain TNC 640 option adds cost but appeals to shops doing complex 3D contouring work where the Heidenhain's look-ahead and surface finish algorithms are preferred. Fanuc 31i-B5 is the more common choice for production shops already running Fanuc controls.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Y-Axis Travel	410 mm (16.1 in)
Z-Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Max Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	CAT 40 / Big Plus (Dual Contact)
Spindle Motor Power	11 kW (15 hp)
Spindle Drive	Direct Drive
Tool Capacity	24-tool ATC
Chip To Chip	3.2 sec
Table Size	700 x 410 mm (27.6 x 16.1 in)
Rapid Traverse X	36,000 mm/min (1,417 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Y	36,000 mm/min (1,417 ipm)
Rapid Traverse Z	30,000 mm/min (1,181 ipm)
Machine Weight	4,800 kg (10,582 lb)
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B5 / Heidenhain TNC 640

Specifications sourced from cnczone.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

20,000 RPM Big Plus spindle covers aluminum finishing and general steel machining in a single platform
Hand-scraped ways and box-way construction deliver ±0.002 mm accuracy across the full travel envelope
1,417 ipm rapids are competitive with mid-range Korean VMCs while maintaining Kitamura's precision standards
Dual-contact Big Plus interface reduces toolholder runout and improves surface finish repeatability
Choice of Fanuc 31i-B5 or Heidenhain TNC 640 addresses both production and contouring use cases
Long-term accuracy retention — Kitamura machines routinely hold spec for 15-20 years in production environments

Limitations

Price of $130K-$180K is a steep premium over a Haas VF-2 or comparable Taiwanese VMC for similar travel
24-tool ATC is adequate but not generous — complex parts with many tool changes may require tool management
11 kW spindle power is modest for shops doing heavy roughing in steel or stainless
Kitamura's North American dealer and service network is thinner than Haas, Mazak, or Okuma
Resale market for Kitamura is smaller than Haas, which can affect liquidation value

Best For

Precision job shops producing small-to-medium parts in aerospace, medical, and defense materials Shops where surface finish quality is a customer requirement, not just a preference Mixed production environments running both aluminum and steel where spindle speed range matters Mold and die shops cutting cavities and electrodes requiring excellent geometric accuracy Manufacturers replacing aging precision VMCs who need long-term accuracy at a justified premium

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the Mycenter-1XiG and the Mycenter-2XiG?

The primary difference is travel: the 1XiG provides 600 mm in X while the 2XiG offers 700 mm. The 2XiG also typically carries a slightly larger table and higher spindle power. If your typical workpiece fits within 600 mm in X, the 1XiG saves floor space and cost. For parts approaching 600-700 mm, the 2XiG provides the necessary envelope with a meaningful rigidity margin.

02 Is Fanuc or Heidenhain recommended for the 1XiG?

Fanuc 31i-B5 is recommended for shops primarily running prismatic parts with standard G-code programs, particularly if other machines in the shop are Fanuc. Heidenhain TNC 640 is preferred for 3D contouring, complex surfacing, and programs generated from CAM systems optimized for Heidenhain's look-ahead algorithms — common in mold and die shops.

03 How does the Big Plus spindle interface affect tooling costs?

Big Plus (dual-contact) toolholders cost more than standard CAT 40 holders — typically 20-40% more per holder. However, they can be used in both Big Plus and standard CAT 40 spindles. Most serious shops running Kitamura machines invest in Big Plus holders across their tool library to take full advantage of the interface's rigidity and runout benefits.

04 What is a realistic production cycle time improvement over a lower-cost VMC?

The 1XiG won't typically run faster cycles than a comparable Haas VF-2 on simple parts. The advantage shows up in parts requiring multiple passes to hit tolerance — the Kitamura's rigidity and accuracy often allow single-pass finishing where a less rigid machine requires a roughing pass, a semi-finish pass, and a finishing pass. On tight-tolerance parts, this can cut cycle times by 15-30%.