Mazak Mega Turn 900
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
max turning diameter
max turning height
max swing
max workpiece weight
Overview
The Mazak Mega Turn 900 is a vertical turning center (VTL) built for shops machining large, heavy workpieces up to 920 mm (36.2 in) in diameter and 3,000 kg (6,614 lb). Unlike conventional horizontal lathes, the vertical spindle orientation uses gravity to seat heavy parts naturally on the chuck, simplifying loading and improving concentricity on large-diameter work. The maximum swing of 1,000 mm (39.4 in) provides clearance for oversize castings and forgings.
The integrated main drive delivers 30 kW (40 hp) at 40% ED with a massive 3,655 Nm (2,696 ft-lb) of torque, allowing aggressive roughing cuts in cast iron, carbon steel, and alloy steel with high material removal rates up to 960 cm3/min. Spindle speed tops out at 1,250 RPM, which is appropriate for the large-diameter work this machine targets. Rapid traverse hits 24 m/min on both X and Z axes, keeping non-cutting time reasonable for a machine in this class.
The Mega Turn 900 is available in standard (900) and milling (900M) configurations. The 900M variant adds a milling spindle for drilling, tapping, and contouring operations, reducing the need to move large workpieces to a separate machining center. The MAZATROL SmoothG CNC provides conversational programming that simplifies setup for complex contours on large parts. Competitors include the Okuma V920EX, DMG Mori CTV 400, and Doosan Puma V8300. New Mega Turn 900 machines price between $300,000 and $450,000 depending on configuration. Used units from 2016-2022 trade between $150,000 and $300,000.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | 920 mm (36.2 in) |
| Max Turning Height | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Max Swing | 1,000 mm (39.4 in) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 3,000 kg (6,614 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 1,250 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 30 kW (40 hp) at 40% ED |
| Spindle Torque | 3,655 Nm (2,696 ft-lb) |
| Material Removal Rate | 960 cm³/min |
| Rapid Traverse X | 24 m/min (945 ipm) |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 24 m/min (945 ipm) |
| Turret Type | 12-station (milling spindle on 900M variant) |
| Chuck Size | 24 in (610 mm) standard |
| Machine Orientation | Vertical spindle |
| CNC Control | MAZATROL SmoothG CNC |
| Machine Weight | 12,000 kg (26,455 lb) approx. |
Specifications sourced from mazakusa.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Vertical spindle orientation uses gravity to seat heavy workpieces naturally on the chuck, simplifying loading of 3,000 kg parts and improving concentricity without complex fixturing
- 3,655 Nm of spindle torque enables aggressive roughing in cast iron and steel with material removal rates up to 960 cm3/min, significantly reducing cycle times on large-diameter parts
- 920 mm turning diameter with 1,000 mm swing handles large castings, forgings, and flanges common in energy, aerospace, and heavy equipment applications
- MAZATROL SmoothG conversational CNC simplifies programming for large, complex contours and reduces setup time for operators who may not be experienced G-code programmers
- 900M variant with milling spindle eliminates the need to move heavy workpieces to a separate machining center for drilling, tapping, and milling operations
Limitations
- At 1,250 RPM maximum spindle speed, the Mega Turn 900 is limited to large-diameter work and is not suitable for small-diameter high-speed turning applications
- Vertical orientation requires overhead crane access for loading and unloading heavy workpieces, adding infrastructure requirements for shops that don't already have crane coverage
- 12,000 kg machine weight requires substantial foundation preparation and limits placement flexibility within the shop, especially on upper floors or in older buildings
- Rapid traverse at 24 m/min is slower than horizontal lathes in this price range, though less impactful given the large parts and long cycle times this machine handles
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Mega Turn 900 machines start around $300,000 for the base 2-axis configuration. The 900M variant with milling spindle typically adds $50,000-$80,000. Full configurations with through-spindle coolant, probing, chip conveyor upgrades, and automation integration can reach $400,000-$450,000. Used units from 2016-2022 trade between $150,000 and $300,000.
02
The standard Mega Turn 900 is a 2-axis vertical turning center for pure turning operations. The 900M adds a milling spindle with live tooling capability, enabling drilling, tapping, and contour milling on the turned workpiece. This eliminates the need to move heavy parts to a machining center for secondary operations, saving significant handling time and improving accuracy by completing parts in one setup.
03
Parts are loaded from above using an overhead crane, which is standard equipment in shops machining heavy components. The vertical orientation works with gravity — the workpiece seats naturally into the chuck under its own weight, improving concentricity. For automated production, the Mega Turn 900 can be integrated with gantry loaders or robotic loading systems. The open-top design provides excellent access for crane loading.
04
Yes, the Mega Turn 900 excels at cast iron machining. The 3,655 Nm of spindle torque and rigid machine structure support aggressive roughing cuts with high depth of cut and feed rates. Material removal rates up to 960 cm3/min are achievable in cast iron. The vertical orientation also provides excellent chip evacuation since gravity pulls chips away from the cutting zone.
05
Both are capable VTLs in the 900mm class. The Mazak offers slightly higher torque and the MAZATROL conversational control that many operators find easier to learn. The Okuma V920EX counters with the Thermo-Friendly Concept for thermal stability and the open-architecture OSP control. Both offer milling variants. The choice typically comes down to control preference, existing fleet standardization, and local dealer support.
Videos
Mazak North America
KRAFFTER Machine Tools
Mazak North America
Yamazaki Mazak Corporation [English]
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