Okuma LU3000 EX

$180,000 - $280,000 Updated 2026-03-13

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

4,500 RPM

Rapid Traverse

25 m/min X, 30 m/min Z

Spindle Power

22 kW (30 hp)

Max Turn Length

350 [600; 1,000]

Accuracy

±0.004 mm

Repeatability

±0.002 mm

Overview

The Okuma LU3000 EX is a twin-turret, single-spindle horizontal turning center designed for high-productivity chucking and bar work. Unlike the twin-spindle LT series, the LU3000 EX uses a single main spindle paired with two independent turrets, enabling simultaneous OD and ID cutting to slash cycle times without the complexity of managing a sub-spindle. This architecture is ideal for production shops where all critical features are on one end of the workpiece.

Max turning diameter is 400 mm (15.7 in) with a swing over bed of 630 mm (24.8 in). Standard turning length is 500 mm (19.7 in), with options extending to 1,000 mm (39.4 in) and 1,500 mm (59.1 in). The main spindle delivers 22 kW (30 hp) at up to 4,500 RPM through an A2-8 spindle nose. The 10-inch hydraulic chuck is standard, and bar capacity is 76 mm (3 in).

The upper turret carries 12 stations with BMT mounting for both static and driven tools at up to 6,000 RPM. The lower turret provides an additional 8-10 tool stations for OD turning, grooving, and cutoff. With both turrets cutting simultaneously—for example, upper turret doing OD roughing while lower turret performs ID boring—the LU3000 EX achieves cycle time reductions of 25-40% compared to single-turret machines.

Okuma's OSP-P300L control manages turret synchronization and collision avoidance. Thermo-Friendly Concept maintains dimensional accuracy across both turret positions and the spindle. At approximately 6,500 kg (14,330 lb), the machine has substantial mass for stability during simultaneous cutting.

The LU3000 EX competes with twin-turret lathes from Doosan (Puma TT series), Nakamura-Tome (TW series), and Mazak (QUICK TURN 300 with lower turret). It's the right choice when parts need multiple simultaneous OD/ID operations but don't require back-side machining from a sub-spindle. Specs sourced from Okuma published data.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Turning Diameter	410
Max Turning Length	350 [600; 1,000]
Swing Over Bed	630 mm (24.8 in)
Max Spindle Speed	4,500 RPM
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (30 hp)
Spindle Nose	A2-8
Chuck Size	10 in (254 mm)
Bar Capacity	76 mm (3 in)
Upper Turret Stations	12 (BMT mounting)
Lower Turret Stations	8-10
Driven Tool Speed	6,000 RPM
Rapid Traverse Rate	25 m/min X, 30 m/min Z
Positioning Accuracy	±0.004 mm
Repeatability	±0.002 mm
Machine Weight	6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
CNC Control	Okuma OSP-P300L
Speed Range	50~5,000 [42~4,200, 30~3,000]
Standard Power	22/15
Rapid Traverse X Z	25 / 30
Okuma Global Repair Center	Charlotte, North Carolina
Inches	Metric
Spindle Nose Type	A2-6 [A2-8, A2-11]

Specifications sourced from okuma.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Twin turrets enable simultaneous OD and ID cutting for 25-40% cycle time reduction over single-turret lathes
Single-spindle architecture is simpler to program and set up than twin-spindle/twin-turret LT series machines
20+ total tool stations across both turrets minimize or eliminate tool changes during complex part cycles
BMT driven tools at 6,000 RPM on upper turret provide full mill-turn capability
400 mm turning diameter with 76 mm bar capacity covers mid-size production work effectively
Lower purchase price than twin-spindle LT series while still delivering significant productivity gains

Limitations

No sub-spindle means parts requiring back-side machining still need a second operation or a different machine
Starting at $180K, it's a significant premium over a single-turret LB3000 EX III for similar basic specs
Lower turret has fewer stations and limited capability compared to the upper turret
Programming twin-turret simultaneous operations requires specialized skills beyond basic CNC programming
6,500 kg weight and larger footprint than single-turret LB3000 EX III

Best For

Production shops running parts with heavy OD and ID operations where simultaneous cutting yields major time savings Automotive component manufacturers producing housings, flanges, and hubs with complex OD/ID features Hydraulic valve body production requiring multiple boring, threading, and grooving operations Shops where parts don't need back-side machining but cycle time reduction is critical for competitiveness Facilities standardized on Okuma that need twin-turret productivity without twin-spindle complexity Pipe fitting and coupling manufacturers running bar stock through high-volume production

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does an Okuma LU3000 EX cost?

New LU3000 EX machines run $180,000-$280,000 depending on configuration and bed length. Base configurations start around $180,000-$210,000. Full configurations with Y-axis on the upper turret and driven tools reach $250,000-$280,000. Used machines from 2014-2020 sell for $90,000-$150,000.

02 What's the difference between the LU (twin-turret) and LT (twin-spindle/twin-turret) series?

The LU series has one spindle and two turrets. The LT series has two spindles and two turrets. The LU focuses on maximizing productivity through simultaneous cutting from two turrets on one workpiece. The LT adds sub-spindle capability for complete front-and-back machining. The LU is simpler and less expensive; the LT is more capable but significantly costlier.

03 How much cycle time does the LU3000 EX save?

Typical savings are 25-40% compared to single-turret machines on parts with 6+ tool operations involving both OD and ID work. Simple parts with few tools see less benefit. The biggest gains come on chucking work with heavy boring, grooving, and threading where both turrets stay engaged for most of the cycle.

04 Can the lower turret do milling?

The lower turret is typically configured for static tools only—OD turning, grooving, threading, and cutoff. Driven tool capability is concentrated in the upper turret with BMT mounting. Some configurations may offer limited driven tool capability on the lower turret, but this is not standard.

05 Is the LU3000 EX suitable for automation?

Yes. The single-spindle design pairs well with gantry loaders and bar feeders. Without the complexity of sub-spindle part transfer, automation integration is simpler than on twin-spindle machines. The 76 mm bar capacity works with standard magazine bar feeders from LNS, Iemca, and Edge Technologies.