Niles-Simmons N40 MC

$700,000 - $1,200,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

X Travel

450 mm (17.7 in)

Y Travel

+/-125 mm (+/-4.92 in)

Z Travel

3,000 - 6,000 mm (118.1 - 236.2 in)

Max Turn Length

3,000 - 6,000 mm (118.1 - 236.2 in) configurable

max swing diameter

800 mm (31.5 in)

main spindle power

65 kW (87 hp) continuous

Overview

The Niles-Simmons N40 MC is a large-capacity CNC mill-turn center built for complete machining of heavy shafts, rotors, and cylindrical components that exceed the envelope of mid-range mill-turn platforms. Manufactured in Chemnitz, Germany, the N40 MC swings up to 800 mm over the bed with turning lengths configurable from 3,000 mm to 6,000 mm. This puts it squarely in the domain of large turbine shafts, industrial crankshafts, heavy landing gear assemblies, and other high-value components where eliminating setups between turning and milling directly impacts tolerance stack-up and cycle time.

The main spindle on the N40 MC delivers 65 kW (87 hp) continuous power with speeds to 2,000 rpm through a direct-drive configuration that eliminates gear noise and provides constant torque delivery. The milling spindle is rated at 30 kW (40 hp) with speeds to 10,000 rpm, mounted on a B-axis head that provides continuous positioning for angular drilling, contour milling, and compound machining operations. Y-axis travel of +/-125 mm enables off-centerline milling of flats, keyways, and complex profiled features.

The machine bed is a monolithic grey cast iron casting, stress-relieved and precision-ground, with hardened box guideways on all linear axes. Niles-Simmons uses hand-scraped guideway surfaces for maximum contact quality and vibration damping, which is critical when finishing large shafts where chatter marks are unacceptable. The tailstock is programmable and provides hydraulic clamping with automatic pressure adjustment based on workpiece weight and cutting forces. Steady rests are available for supporting long, slender workpieces during heavy cuts.

New N40 MC machines are priced in the $700,000 to $1,200,000 range depending on turning length and configuration. The machine competes with WFL Millturn M65/M80, DMG Mori NTX 3000, and Okuma Multus U5000 in the large mill-turn segment. Niles-Simmons machines are particularly well-regarded in the European aerospace and energy sectors, with installations at major turbine manufacturers and aerospace primes.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Swing Diameter	800 mm (31.5 in)
Max Turning Length	3,000 - 6,000 mm (118.1 - 236.2 in) configurable
Main Spindle Power	65 kW (87 hp) continuous
Main Spindle Speed	2,000 rpm
Main Spindle Bore	130 mm (5.12 in)
Milling Spindle Power	30 kW (40 hp)
Milling Spindle Speed	10,000 rpm
B Axis Range	+/-120 degrees
B Axis Resolution	0.001 degree
X-Axis Travel	450 mm (17.7 in)
Y-Axis Travel	+/-125 mm (+/-4.92 in)
Z-Axis Travel	3,000 - 6,000 mm (118.1 - 236.2 in)
Tool Magazine Capacity	60 - 120 tools
CNC Control	Siemens 840D SL
Tailstock Type	Programmable with hydraulic clamping
Machine Weight	30,000 - 45,000 kg (66,139 - 99,208 lb) depending on length
Sun	Mon

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

800 mm swing and turning lengths to 6,000 mm accommodate large turbine shafts, crankshafts, and aerospace components
65 kW main spindle with direct drive provides massive cutting capability for roughing large forgings and castings
30 kW milling spindle with B-axis enables complete machining of complex features without unclamping
Hand-scraped hardened box guideways deliver the vibration damping essential for chatter-free finishing on large diameters
Programmable tailstock with automatic pressure adjustment adapts to varying workpiece weights and cutting conditions
Proven track record in European aerospace and energy sectors with installations at major turbine OEMs

Limitations

Acquisition cost of $700,000-$1,200,000 is a significant investment requiring consistent large-part workload to justify
10,000 rpm milling spindle is slower than some competitors, limiting aluminum and light-alloy milling productivity
Limited North American dealer and service infrastructure compared to Mazak, DMG Mori, or Okuma mill-turn machines
Large footprint and heavy weight require significant floor space and foundation preparation
2,000 rpm main spindle speed limits high-speed finishing on smaller diameters compared to faster-spinning alternatives

Best For

Turbine shaft and rotor manufacturers requiring complete machining of large-diameter, long components in a single setup Aerospace landing gear and actuator manufacturers processing large forgings with combined turning and milling features Large crankshaft and camshaft producers needing heavy material removal combined with precision milling operations Oil and gas equipment manufacturers machining pump shafts, drill collars, and wellhead components Power generation equipment builders processing generator shafts, turbine rotors, and large drive components Defense and marine propulsion manufacturers machining propeller shafts and reduction gear components

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Niles-Simmons N40 MC cost?

New N40 MC machines price between $700,000 and $1,200,000 depending on turning length, tooling configuration, and automation options. The price varies significantly based on whether the machine is configured at 3,000 mm or 6,000 mm turning length.

02 How does the N40 MC compare to a WFL Millturn M65?

Both are large European mill-turn centers targeting similar applications. The WFL M65 offers slightly higher milling spindle speed options and has a broader North American service network. The Niles-Simmons N40 MC is often more competitively priced and has particular strength in shaft and rotor applications for energy and aerospace.

03 What turning length options are available?

The N40 MC is available in multiple turning length configurations from 3,000 mm to 6,000 mm. Longer bed options are available as custom configurations for exceptionally long components.

04 Can the N40 MC handle hardened materials?

Yes. The rigid box guideway construction and powerful main spindle handle hard turning operations on materials up to 65 HRC. The vibration damping characteristics of the hand-scraped guideways are particularly beneficial when finish-turning hardened shafts and rotors.

05 What automation options are available?

The N40 MC supports gantry loading systems, robotic workpiece handling, and integrated part measurement via Renishaw probing through the Siemens 840D SL control. Automated steady rest positioning and tailstock operation are standard features.