Matsuura LM-500

The Matsuura LM-500 is a small-part machining center with 500 mm (19.7 in) of X travel, 300 mm (11.8 in) of Z, an HSK-A50 spindle taper and 20 tools as standard. Its listed workpiece envelope is Φ160 mm (Φ6.29 in) across by H230 mm (H9.05 in) high, at a maximum work load of 20 kg (44 lb.), so it is sized for parts that fit in one hand rather than for plate or casting work.

What sets the LM-500 apart is how far its table says it scales. Beyond the 20 standard tools, it gives a maximum tool capacity of 338 and a maximum pallet capacity of 91. Numbers on that scale describe an automated cell that runs small parts unattended over nights and weekends, with enough tools on hand for many different part programs. The table does not say which tool storage or pallet system delivers those maximums, so the configuration has to be specified with Matsuura rather than assumed.

Through-spindle coolant is standard. On small parts that matters for deep drilling and for flushing chips out of pockets when nobody is at the machine to clear them. The HSK-A50 interface is a smaller taper than the BT40 used on the V.Plus-550, which fits a machine meant for small cutters rather than heavy stock removal.

Against its closest relative, the LM-500 has the same 500 mm X and 300 mm Z as the LV-500 and the same Φ160 × H230 mm workpiece limit. The LV-500 table lists a 46,000 rpm spindle with BT30 as standard and 20 tools. The LM-500 table gives no spindle speed, spindle power or Y travel, and those are the first figures to obtain before choosing between the two.