Okuma VT1000EX
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
max turning diameter
max turning height
spindle torque
Overview
The Okuma VT1000EX is an inverted vertical lathe designed for high-production turning of disc-shaped and flanged parts. The EX designation marks it as part of Okuma's enhanced production lathe series, built specifically for automotive and industrial component manufacturing where cycle time, part-to-part consistency, and automation integration matter more than flexibility.
The inverted spindle picks up workpieces from a staging position, machines them in the cutting zone where gravity assists chip evacuation, and deposits finished parts for downstream handling. This pick-and-place cycle creates built-in automation without a separate robot loader. The spindle delivers 22/18.5 kW (30/25 hp) at up to 2,000 RPM with 350 Nm (258 ft-lb) of torque. Maximum turning diameter is 340 mm (13.4 in) with a maximum turning height of 200 mm (7.9 in).
The 12-station VDI 40 turret accepts OD and ID turning tools with optional driven tools for cross-drilling and tapping. X-axis travel is 240 mm (9.4 in) and Z-axis travel is 310 mm (12.2 in) with rapid traverse at 30 m/min. The compact footprint makes the VT1000EX efficient in production lines where multiple machines are arranged in sequence for multi-operation processing.
Okuma's Thermo-Friendly Concept maintains dimensional accuracy across shifts without operator intervention, and Collision Avoidance System protects the inverted spindle during setup. The OSP-P300L control manages the spindle and integrated automation from a single interface.
The VT1000EX competes with the Emag VL 2, Fuji CSD-200, and Mori Seiki NVL series. Pricing runs $200,000-$320,000 new. Machine weight is approximately 6,500 kg (14,330 lb). The machine targets automotive component manufacturers producing pulleys, flanges, hubs, and bearing races at volumes of 100,000+ per year where the inverted-spindle automation advantage drives down per-part cost.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | 340 mm (13.4 in) |
| Max Turning Height | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | min⁻¹ |
| Spindle Motor Power | 55/45 |
| Spindle Torque | 350 Nm (258 ft-lb) |
| Spindle Type | Inverted vertical |
| Chuck Size | 254 mm (10 in) hydraulic |
| Turret Type | VDI 40, 12-station |
| X Axis Travel | 650 |
| Z Axis Travel | 1000 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 30 m/min (X and Z) |
| Machine Weight | 6,500 kg (14,330 lb) |
| Floor Space | 2,400 x 2,200 mm (94 x 87 in) |
| CNC Control | Okuma OSP-P300L |
| Max Cutting Diameter | Ø1,000 |
| Max Cutting Length | 1,000 |
| Rapid Traverse X | 16 |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 16 |
| Okuma Global Repair Center | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Inches | Metric |
| Spindle Speed | 10~800 |
Specifications sourced from okuma.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Inverted spindle with integrated pick-and-place provides built-in automation without the cost and complexity of a separate robot loader
- Compact footprint of 2,400 x 2,200 mm enables efficient line layouts with multiple VT1000EX machines in sequence
- Gravity-assisted chip evacuation keeps the cutting zone clean, improving surface finish and extending tool life on cast iron work
- Thermo-Friendly Concept maintains part-to-part consistency across three-shift production without manual offset adjustments
- 6,500 kg machine weight keeps foundation requirements manageable while providing adequate vibration damping
- 30 m/min rapid traverse minimizes non-cutting time in the short-stroke motions typical of disc-part turning
Limitations
- 340 mm maximum turning diameter limits the machine to smaller disc parts; larger components need the V920EX or V40R
- 2,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is adequate for steel and cast iron but limits surface footage on aluminum parts
- VDI 40 turret is lighter-duty than VDI 50; shops doing heavy roughing on larger tools may prefer the V40R
- OSP control is Okuma-proprietary with no Fanuc or Siemens option for shops standardized on other platforms
- Purpose-built for disc parts and not suitable for shaft work or parts requiring tailstock support
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A new VT1000EX typically runs $200,000-$320,000 depending on driven tool options and peripheral equipment. The relatively lower price point compared to twin-spindle machines makes it accessible for shops entering high-volume production. Used machines from 2015-2020 trade around $80,000-$150,000.
02
Both are inverted vertical lathes targeting similar disc-part applications. The Emag VL 2 uses a disc turret versus the VT1000EX's VDI 40 turret. Okuma's Thermo-Friendly Concept and Collision Avoidance System are standard advantages. The Emag modular design integrates more easily into Emag's TrackMotion line systems.
03
Disc-shaped and flanged parts under 340 mm diameter and 200 mm height: automotive pulleys, AC clutch hubs, bearing races, gear blanks, brake drum inserts, and small flanges. Parts requiring both OP10 and OP20 can be processed on two VT1000EX machines linked with a transfer system.
04
The spindle faces downward and picks up workpieces from a staging position below the spindle travel. The spindle carries the part to the cutting zone where turning tools mounted on a stationary or indexing turret machine it. After machining, the spindle deposits the finished part. Gravity pulls chips away from the cutting zone, improving quality.
05
Yes, VT1000EX machines are commonly arranged in line with conveyors or transfer systems linking OP10 and OP20 stations. This modular approach lets shops scale capacity by adding machines. Each machine's OSP control can communicate with line-level systems for production monitoring.
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