Okuma LOC500
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
max turning diameter
spindle torque
Overview
The Okuma LOC500 is a production-oriented horizontal CNC lathe designed for front-loading automation in high-volume environments. The LOC designation stands for Lean and Compact, reflecting Okuma's design philosophy of minimizing floor space while maximizing production throughput. With a maximum turning diameter of 200 mm (7.9 in) and maximum turning length of 300 mm (11.8 in), it targets the high-volume small-part turning segment where cycle time, automation, and floor space efficiency drive purchasing decisions.
The spindle delivers 11/7.5 kW (15/10 hp) at up to 6,000 RPM with 120 Nm (88 ft-lb) of torque through an A2-5 spindle nose. Bar capacity is 42 mm (1.65 in). The compact 6-inch hydraulic chuck handles the collet and small-jaw work typical of small-part production turning. The front-loading design with a wide door opening facilitates robot loading and gantry loader integration from the front of the machine, simplifying cell layout compared to machines that require loading from the side or top.
The 8-station turret uses a drum-style indexing mechanism optimized for fast indexing between stations. X-axis travel is 150 mm (5.9 in) and Z-axis travel is 300 mm (11.8 in) with rapid traverse at 30 m/min. The machine weighs approximately 3,500 kg (7,716 lb) and occupies a floor space of only 1,700 x 1,800 mm (67 x 71 in), making it one of the most compact CNC lathes in Okuma's lineup.
Okuma's Thermo-Friendly Concept and Collision Avoidance System come standard. The OSP-P300L control is the same platform used across Okuma's lathe lineup, allowing operators to transfer between machines without retraining. The LOC500 competes with the Citizen Miyano BNE, Nakamura-Tome SC-100, and Tsugami B0205-III. Pricing runs $120,000-$180,000 new.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | Ø660 |
| Max Turning Length | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 11/7.5 kW (15/10 hp) |
| Spindle Torque | 120 Nm (88 ft-lb) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-5 |
| Chuck Size | 152 mm (6 in) hydraulic |
| Bar Capacity | 42 mm (1.65 in) |
| Turret Type | 8-station drum |
| X Axis Travel | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 30 m/min (X and Z) |
| Machine Weight | 3,500 kg (7,716 lb) |
| Floor Space | 1,700 x 1,800 mm (67 x 71 in) |
| CNC Control | Okuma OSP-P300L |
| Speed Range | 142: 11~2,000; 185: 10~1,500; 275: 10~1,000 |
| Standard Power | 142: 37/30, 185: 45/37, 275: 55/45 |
| Rapid Traverse X Z | 15 / 20 |
| Okuma Global Repair Center | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Inches | Metric |
| Spindle Nose Type | 142: JIS A2-11, 185: JIS A2-15, 275: JIS A2-20 |
Specifications sourced from okuma.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Ultra-compact 1,700 x 1,800 mm footprint maximizes floor space efficiency in production cells and multi-machine layouts
- Front-loading design with wide door opening simplifies robot and gantry loader integration from the front of the machine
- 6,000 RPM spindle speed provides good surface footage for aluminum and small-diameter steel parts
- Thermo-Friendly Concept maintains accuracy in high-volume production without operator intervention for thermal offsets
- 3,500 kg machine weight keeps foundation requirements minimal while providing adequate vibration damping for small parts
- Competitive pricing at $120,000-$180,000 makes it accessible for shops adding production lathe capacity
Limitations
- 200 mm maximum turning diameter and 42 mm bar capacity limit the machine to small parts only
- 8-station turret provides fewer tool positions than 12-station competitors, requiring more frequent tool changes on complex parts
- 11 kW spindle power is modest; shops doing heavy roughing in stainless or titanium need a more powerful machine
- OSP control is Okuma-proprietary, which adds training overhead for shops not already using Okuma equipment
- No sub-spindle option limits the machine to OP10 only; OP20 requires a second machine or manual flip
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A new LOC500 typically runs $120,000-$180,000 depending on tooling configuration and automation peripherals. The compact design and production focus keep the price competitive with Japanese compact lathes from Citizen Miyano and Nakamura-Tome.
02
The LOC650 has a larger turning diameter of 260 mm versus 200 mm, longer turning length of 500 mm versus 300 mm, and a more powerful spindle. The LOC500 is for smaller parts where its even more compact footprint is an advantage. The LOC650 handles mid-size parts that exceed the LOC500's envelope.
03
The LOC500's front-loading design is compatible with compact collaborative robots (cobots), dedicated gantry loaders, and bar feeders. The wide front door opening provides easy access for robotic loading. Okuma and third-party automation providers offer turnkey cells.
04
Yes, with a bar feeder the LOC500 handles bar stock up to 42 mm (1.65 in) diameter. The 6,000 RPM spindle speed and 300 mm turning length cover most small bar-fed production turning applications.
05
LOC stands for Lean and Compact, reflecting the machine's design philosophy of minimizing floor space and waste while maximizing production throughput. The LOC series is Okuma's answer to the market demand for compact production lathes in automated cells.
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