Okuma LB45III
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
Accuracy
Repeatability
Overview
The Okuma LB45III is the largest single-turret horizontal turning center in Okuma's LB series lineup, built for heavy-duty production of oversized workpieces that exceed the capacity of the LB35III. With a maximum turning diameter of 670 mm (26.4 in) and a swing over bed of 890 mm (35 in), the LB45III handles large flanges, pump housings, valve bodies, and heavy shafts that require serious machine mass and spindle power.
The spindle delivers 37/30 kW (50/40 hp) at up to 2,500 RPM through an A2-15 spindle nose. While the RPM ceiling is modest, the enormous torque available at the low end makes it a brute for heavy roughing in steel, cast iron, stainless, and Inconel. The 15-inch or 18-inch hydraulic chuck clamps large workpieces securely, and bar capacity is 118 mm (4.6 in) on the standard bore for large-diameter bar stock production.
Bed length options stretch from 1,000 mm (39.4 in) to 3,000 mm (118.1 in) for extended shaft work. The machine weighs approximately 11,500 kg (25,353 lb) on a standard bed, providing massive thermal stability and vibration damping. Box way construction on both axes uses hardened and ground surfaces with turcite-B liners for the long-term geometric accuracy that heavy-duty shops demand.
The 12-station turret handles large turning tools and boring bars sized for the workpiece range. Rapid traverse rates are 18 m/min on X and 20 m/min on Z—slower than smaller lathes but appropriate for the workpiece sizes this machine handles.
Okuma's OSP-P300L control with Thermo-Friendly Concept is critical on a machine this size, where even small thermal growth percentages translate to significant dimensional errors. The LB45III competes with the Mori Seiki NL3000 (older DMG Mori models), Doosan Puma 6500, and Mazak Slant Turn 550 in the heavy-duty large turning segment. Specs sourced from Okuma published data.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | Ø660 [Ø640] |
| Max Turning Length | 750 [1,000; 2,000; 3,000; 4,000] |
| Swing Over Bed | 890 mm (35 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 2,500 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 37/30 kW (50/40 hp) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-15 |
| Chuck Size | 15 in (381 mm) / 18 in (457 mm) |
| Bar Capacity | 118 mm (4.6 in) |
| Turret Stations | 12 |
| X Axis Travel | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 1,050 mm (41.3 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 18 m/min X, 20 m/min Z |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.006 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.004 mm |
| Machine Weight | 11,500 kg (25,353 lb) |
| CNC Control | Okuma OSP-P300L |
| Speed Range | 12~2,800 [10~2,400; 31~900] |
| Standard Power | 37/30 |
| Rapid Traverse X Z | 15 / 20 [C: 100 rpm] |
| Okuma Global Repair Center | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Inches | Metric |
| Spindle Nose Type | A2-11 [A2-20] |
Specifications sourced from okuma.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 670 mm turning diameter and 890 mm swing handle the largest workpieces in Okuma's single-turret lineup
- 37 kW (50 hp) spindle delivers massive torque for heavy stock removal in tough materials
- 11,500 kg mass provides exceptional vibration damping for aggressive roughing on interrupted surfaces
- 118 mm bar capacity handles large-diameter bar stock production for pipe fittings and hydraulic cylinders
- Bed lengths up to 3,000 mm accommodate long shaft work with tailstock and steady rest support
- Box way construction ensures decades of geometric accuracy under demanding production conditions
Limitations
- 2,500 RPM max spindle speed severely limits high-speed finishing; this is a roughing and mid-speed machine
- Starting at $220K with long-bed configs pushing past $300K, the investment is substantial
- 11,500 kg weight requires reinforced foundations, heavy rigging, and significant floor space
- Rapids at 18/20 m/min are slow by modern standards, increasing cycle times on complex multi-tool jobs
- OSP control has a smaller operator pool than Fanuc, especially in the heavy-duty lathe segment
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New LB45III machines run $220,000-$350,000 depending on bed length and options. Standard bed configurations start around $220,000-$260,000. Extended bed setups with tailstock and steady rest reach $300,000-$350,000. Used LB45II machines from 2010-2018 sell for $80,000-$150,000 depending on condition.
02
The LB45III typically supports workpiece weights up to 1,500-2,000 kg depending on chuck configuration and whether a steady rest is used. For heavy between-centers work with tailstock support, capacities increase further. Always verify with your Okuma distributor for specific configurations.
03
The LB45III is larger in every dimension: 670 vs 520 mm turning diameter, 890 vs 720 mm swing, 50 vs 35 hp, 118 vs 91 mm bar capacity. The LB45III weighs 11,500 vs 7,800 kg. Choose the LB35III if your work fits within 520 mm diameter; the LB45III is for parts that simply won't fit on anything smaller.
04
Yes. The massive rigidity from 11,500 kg of cast iron and box way construction makes the LB45III capable of turning hardened steel (HRC 45-55) with CBN inserts. The low spindle speed is actually beneficial for hard turning, where slower surface speeds with rigid setups produce better results than high-speed approaches.
05
At 11,500 kg, the LB45III requires a reinforced concrete foundation typically 300-500 mm thick with appropriate isolation from adjacent machines. Okuma provides detailed foundation drawings with each machine order. Rigging typically requires a 15-20 ton crane. Plan for foundation work and rigging costs of $15,000-$30,000 beyond the machine price.
Videos
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