Leadwell V-42iT
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Table Size
Overview
The Leadwell V-42iT is a large-table vertical machining center designed for shops that regularly machine medium-to-large workpieces requiring 1,070mm of X-axis travel. Part of Leadwell's iT-series VMC lineup, the V-42iT builds on the same Meehanite cast iron foundation and linear guideway architecture that defines the iT family, scaling up the envelope and structural mass to support larger workpieces, heavier fixtures, and more demanding material removal in a single setup.
The V-42iT's bed and column are precision-machined after stress-relief casting to ensure long-term geometric accuracy under production cutting loads. Three-axis linear guideways support rapid traverse rates of 36 m/min on all axes, and the 1,120 x 530 mm T-slot table carries a maximum load of 1,000 kg — sufficient for large steel fixtures, multi-part pallet arrangements, and heavy weldments. The spindle runs to 10,000 RPM standard with optional 12,000 or 15,000 RPM configurations, offering the flexibility to balance steel roughing capability with aluminum finishing performance.
The tool changer is an arm-type 24-tool ATC achieving approximately 3-second chip-to-chip times. A BT40 or CAT40 spindle taper is available depending on regional tooling preference, and through-spindle coolant is optionally available for deep-hole drilling and high-efficiency milling with TSC toolholders. The V-42iT ships standard with a full enclosure, programmable coolant, and chip conveyor provisions.
Fanuc 0iMF is the standard control offering, maintaining compatibility with the broad ecosystem of Fanuc CAM posts and providing access to Fanuc's global service infrastructure. Mitsubishi M80 is available as an alternative. The V-42iT's control supports tool life management, macro programming, and rigid tapping as standard features.
Competitors in the 1,000–1,070mm X-travel VMC class include the SMEC SV4020M, Doosan DNM 6700, and Hyundai WIA F600D. Leadwell's Taiwanese manufacturing cost structure positions the V-42iT competitively against all three. Typical pricing runs from $85,000 to $130,000 depending on options and regional market conditions. For shops handling parts at the upper limit of standard-class VMC capacity, the V-42iT provides a proven large-table platform with competitive value and a well-established global dealer network.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,070 mm (42.1 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 530 mm (20.9 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) |
| Table Size | 1,120 x 530 mm (44.1 x 20.9 in) |
| Max Table Load | 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM (12,000 / 15,000 RPM optional) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 18.5 / 15 kW (25 / 20 hp) |
| Spindle Taper | No. 40 (BT40 / CAT40) |
| Feed Rate Max | 36,000 mm/min (1,417 ipm) |
| Tool Changer Capacity | 24 tools (arm-type ATC) |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0iMF (Mitsubishi M80 optional) |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 8,000 kg (17,637 lb) |
Specifications sourced from leadwell.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,070mm X-axis travel accommodates large workpieces, tombstone setups, and multi-vise arrangements that exceed standard 762–850mm VMC capacity
- Linear guideway construction on all axes enables 36 m/min rapid traverse for productive positioning in high-mix and multi-part-per-setup programs
- 1,000 kg table load rating supports heavy steel fixtures, cast iron workpieces, and multi-part workholding setups without capacity concerns
- Fanuc 0iMF control with optional 12,000 or 15,000 RPM spindle configurations allows the machine to be tailored for steel production or aluminum high-speed work
- Leadwell's global dealer network and Taiwanese manufacturing value position the V-42iT favorably against Japanese brands in the same travel class
Limitations
- 10,000 RPM standard spindle is adequate but not optimized for high-speed aluminum; shops with heavy aluminum work should specify the 15,000 RPM option
- 24-tool ATC is sufficient for most programs but may require additional tool management on complex mold, aerospace, or multi-operation programs
- Leadwell's service coverage in some North American and European regions is less comprehensive than major Japanese or Korean competitors
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The V-42iT offers 1,070mm of X-axis travel versus 762mm on the V-30iT, making the V-42iT the correct choice for shops working parts that exceed the smaller machine's capacity. The V-42iT also carries a larger table (1,120 x 530 mm vs. 800 x 430 mm), a higher table load rating (1,000 kg vs. 500 kg), and a more powerful standard spindle (18.5 kW vs. 15 kW). The V-42iT commands a higher price; shops whose parts consistently fit within 762mm of X-travel should evaluate whether the V-30iT adequately covers their needs.
02
Yes. Through-spindle coolant (TSC) is available as an option on the V-42iT. TSC is particularly valuable for deep-hole drilling, high-efficiency milling with TSC-compatible toolholders, and machining difficult materials like titanium and hardened steel where flood coolant is insufficient. Shops planning significant deep-hole or difficult-material work should specify TSC at the time of order.
03
The V-42iT's 1,120 x 530 mm T-slot table with 1,000 kg load rating supports standard vise setups, multi-vise arrangements, angle plates, rotary tables, tombstone-style fixtures for horizontal-style batch production, and custom dedicated fixtures. The table's standard T-slot spacing is compatible with common workholding standards. Shops running tombstone-style setups should verify fixture height relative to the 560mm Z-axis travel to ensure adequate clearance.
04
Yes. The V-42iT's table and Z-axis travel accommodate common 4th-axis rotary table installations. Fanuc 0iMF supports 4-axis simultaneous interpolation and indexing operations. Shops planning 4-axis work should specify the required rotary unit and verify that the combined fixture, rotary table, and workpiece height fits within the available Z-axis clearance.
05
Both machines compete in the 1,000–1,070mm X-travel VMC segment at similar price points from Asian manufacturers. The SMEC SV4020M carries Doosan-group manufacturing heritage, while the V-42iT reflects Leadwell's Taiwanese engineering tradition. Both use linear guideways, BT40 spindles, and Fanuc control options. Regional dealer support, pricing, and delivery lead times are typically the deciding factors. Shops with existing relationships with either brand's dealers should leverage those relationships for competitive quotes.
Community Discussions
Owner experience and review — Opinions on this brand of mills? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — 2 year update! : r/Machinists - Reddit
Options and configuration advice — benchtop lathe/mill recommendations? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Community discussion — Indexable endmill recommendations? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
