Matsuura VX-1500
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Matsuura VX-1500 is the largest member of the VX series vertical machining centers, offering 1,500 mm of X-axis travel for shops that need to machine long workpieces on a rigid, box-way platform. This machine fills the role of a large-envelope production VMC capable of handling parts that smaller 40-taper machines cannot reach, while maintaining the cutting stability that defines the VX series. It targets mold and die work, long structural components, aerospace panels, and large fixture plates.
Axis travel measures 1,524 x 660 x 510 mm (60.0 x 26.0 x 20.1 in) on X/Y/Z. The table is 1,700 x 660 mm (66.9 x 26.0 in) with a load capacity of 1,200 kg (2,646 lb), providing substantial room for large single workpieces or multiple parts fixtured across the long table. The standard BT40 spindle runs at 12,000 RPM with 22 kW (30 hp) of power. A 15,000 RPM option and HSK-A63 tooling are available. Rapid traverse reaches 42 m/min on all axes.
The VX-1500 uses hardened and ground box-way construction on all axes, which is increasingly rare in this size class where most competitors have moved to linear guides. The rigidity advantage becomes pronounced at full X travel, where a box-way machine maintains cutting stability while roller-guide designs can exhibit chatter on heavy cuts at the extremes of travel. The tool magazine holds 30 tools standard, expandable to 40 or 60 positions. Through-spindle coolant is 15 bar standard (70 bar optional).
At approximately 9,500 kg (20,944 lb) with a footprint of 4,200 x 2,800 mm, the VX-1500 is a substantial machine. The G-Tech 31i control provides the standard Matsuura touchscreen interface. The VX-1500 competes with the Haas VF-6/40, Mazak VCN-700A, and Okuma GENOS M660-V in the large 40-taper VMC segment. For shops that need even more power, a BT50 machine should be considered.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 1,524 mm (60.0 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 660 mm (26.0 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 510 mm (20.1 in) |
| Table Size | 1,700 x 660 mm (66.9 x 26.0 in) |
| Table Load Capacity | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM (optional 15,000 RPM) |
| Spindle Taper | BT40 (HSK-A63 optional) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 22 kW (30 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 150 Nm |
| Tool Capacity | 30 standard (40, 60 optional) |
| Rapid Traverse Xyz | 42 m/min (1,654 ipm) |
| Tool Change Time | 1.2 sec (tool-to-tool) |
| Through Spindle Coolant | 15 bar standard (70 bar optional) |
| Guideway Type | Box ways (hardened and ground) |
| Machine Weight | 9,500 kg (20,944 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 4,200 x 2,800 mm |
| CNC Control | Matsuura G-Tech 31i (FANUC 31i-B5 based, touch screen) |
| Mx Series | MAM72 Series |
| Mx 330mx 330 Pc10mx 420 Pc10mx 520mx 520 Pc4mx 520tmx 850mx 850 Pc4 | MAM72-35VMAM72-42VMAM72-52VMAM72-70VMAM72-100H |
| Spindle Speedrpm | 15,000:BT40Standard| 15,000:BT50Option |
| Travel Mm | 1,524/700/610 | (60.00/27.55/24.01) |
| Industriesdie Mold | TechnologyVertical Machining Center › |
Specifications sourced from matsuurausa.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 1,524 mm X travel is exceptional for a BT40 VMC, accommodating long mold bases, structural components, and multi-part fixtures
- Box-way construction across all axes maintains cutting stability at full X travel where roller-guide machines can chatter
- 1,200 kg table load capacity handles heavy mold bases and large fixture plates without concern
- 1,700 x 660 mm table provides generous fixturing area for long workpieces or multiple-part setups
- 22 kW spindle power pushes the limits of what a BT40 platform can deliver for heavy roughing
- Matsuura build quality ensures long-term accuracy retention under demanding production conditions
Limitations
- BT40 spindle on a machine this size limits maximum metal removal rate compared to BT50 competitors in the 1,500 mm class
- 42 m/min rapid traverse adds significant cycle time on long-travel positioning moves across 1,524 mm of X travel
- 4,200 x 2,800 mm footprint requires significant floor space relative to the machine's 40-taper capabilities
- Matsuura VMC resale values in North America trail the major competitors, affecting long-term investment return
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New VX-1500 pricing typically ranges from $200,000 to $300,000 depending on spindle option, tool magazine configuration, and accessories. This positions it at a premium over the Haas VF-6/40 but the box-way construction justifies the difference for shops cutting steel and cast iron. Used machines trade between $90,000 and $180,000.
02
If your work involves aggressive roughing in steel, cast iron, or titanium with large-diameter cutters, a BT50 machine provides more spindle torque and rigidity. The VX-1500 BT40 is adequate for moderate roughing and finishing across most materials. For aluminum-dominant work, the BT40 is often preferred for its faster spindle speed and lighter tool assemblies. Evaluate your heaviest cutting requirements to decide.
03
The Haas VF-6/40 offers similar travel at lower cost with inline roller guides. The Matsuura VX-1500 provides box-way rigidity that outperforms the Haas in heavy cutting applications, particularly in steel and cast iron at the extremes of X travel. The Haas has faster rapids and a larger dealer network. Choose the Matsuura for cut quality in demanding materials, the Haas for value and ease of service.
04
Yes. The 1,700 x 660 mm table accommodates standard 4th-axis rotary tables from FANUC, Tsudakoma, and other manufacturers. The G-Tech 31i control supports 4th-axis programming natively. The box-way construction provides a stable platform for rotary axis work, and the 1,200 kg table load capacity accommodates the weight of most rotary table and workpiece combinations.
Videos
Matsuura USA
Infinity Assets
MTDCNC
Automatics & Machinery
Matsuura Machinery Corporation
