SMEC PL 2000MS

$120,000 - $180,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

X Travel

210 mm (8.3 in)

Max Turn Length

518 mm (20.4 in)

main chuck size

8 inch (200 mm)

sub chuck size

6 inch (165 mm)

max turning diameter

350 mm (13.8 in)

bar capacity

65 mm (2.6 in)

Overview

The SMEC PL 2000MS is a twin-spindle, live-tooling CNC turning center designed for complete part machining in a single setup. The 'M' denotes milling capability with a live tool turret, and the 'S' indicates the sub-spindle that catches finished parts and allows back-working operations. This combination eliminates the need for second-operation setups on a separate machine, which translates directly into reduced labor, improved concentricity between features, and shorter overall lead times. For shops running production quantities of complex turned-milled parts, the PL 2000MS architecture is a proven approach.

The main spindle is a built-in motor type producing 18.5 kW (25 hp) continuous power at speeds up to 5,000 RPM with an 8-inch (200 mm) chuck and 65 mm (2.6 in) bar capacity. The sub-spindle matches with 11 kW (15 hp) and 5,000 RPM, equipped with a 6-inch (165 mm) chuck. The BMT 55 live tool turret holds 12 stations with 5.5 kW milling power, handling cross-drilling, milling flats, hexagon profiling, off-center drilling, and threading operations. The C-axis on both spindles provides 0.001-degree positioning for precise angular work.

The Y-axis with +/-52.5 mm of travel opens up off-center milling and drilling capabilities that would otherwise require a separate milling operation. Combined with the C-axis interpolation, the machine can produce complex features like keyways, flats, and hex profiles without removing the part from the lathe. Part transfer from main to sub-spindle is synchronized and programmable, with the sub-spindle traveling on its own Z2 axis for part pickup.

SMEC controls the PL 2000MS with a Fanuc 0i-TF Plus featuring dual-path capability for simultaneous main and sub-spindle operations. At roughly $120,000-$180,000 new, the machine competes with the Doosan Lynx 2100LSY, Hyundai Wia L200LMSA, and Hwacheon Hi-Tech 200BYS in the compact multi-tasking turning center segment. The PL 2000MS offers strong value for shops that need done-in-one turning without the $250K+ price tag of a full mill-turn machine.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Main Chuck Size	8 inch (200 mm)
Sub Chuck Size	6 inch (165 mm)
Max Turning Diameter	350 mm (13.8 in)
Max Turning Length	518 mm (20.4 in)
Bar Capacity	65 mm (2.6 in)
Main Spindle Speed	5,000 RPM max
Main Spindle Motor	18.5 kW (25 hp) continuous, built-in
Sub Spindle Speed	5,000 RPM max
Sub Spindle Motor	11 kW (15 hp) continuous
Turret	12-station BMT 55 live tool turret
Live Tool Power	5.5 kW (7.5 hp)
Y Axis Travel	+/-52.5 mm (+/-2.07 in)
X-Axis Travel	210 mm (8.3 in)
Travel Z1	540 mm (21.3 in)
Travel Z2	580 mm (22.8 in) sub-spindle
C Axis Resolution	0.001 degrees (both spindles)
Rapid Traverse X	30 m/min
Rapid Traverse Z	36 m/min
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-TF Plus (dual-path)
Machine Weight	5,200 kg (11,464 lb)
Account	Name
Tiger Nixon	System Architect

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Twin-spindle design with synchronized part transfer enables complete part machining (front and back) in a single setup, eliminating second-op labor
BMT 55 live tool turret with Y-axis provides genuine milling capability for cross-drilling, flats, hexagons, and keyways without a second machine
Built-in main spindle motor delivers better thermal stability and dynamic response than belt-driven alternatives at this price point
C-axis with 0.001-degree resolution on both spindles enables precise angular positioning for complex turned-milled features
Fanuc dual-path control allows simultaneous main and sub-spindle programming for optimized cycle times
Strong value proposition at $120K-$180K compared to $250K+ for full mill-turn machines with similar done-in-one capability

Limitations

65 mm bar capacity limits production bar work to smaller diameter stock compared to the SL 2500's 76 mm capacity
Sub-spindle power at 11 kW is lower than the main spindle, which may limit back-working material removal rates on tougher materials
5.5 kW live tool power is adequate for drilling and light milling but won't replace a dedicated machining center for heavy milling operations
Twin-spindle, Y-axis, live-tool programming complexity requires experienced operators or significant training investment
SMEC brand recognition and resale value trail Doosan and Hyundai Wia in the North American used machine market

Best For

Production shops manufacturing complex turned-milled parts that currently require two operations on separate machines Contract manufacturers running moderate-to-high volumes of parts with cross-drilled holes, flats, or milling features Medical device and aerospace component shops producing small-to-medium diameter parts needing done-in-one processing Bar-fed production of fittings, connectors, valve bodies, and similar components requiring both turning and milling features Shops looking to consolidate operations and reduce WIP inventory by eliminating second-operation setups Job shops that need multi-tasking turning capability without the capital commitment of a full-size mill-turn center

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does an SMEC PL 2000MS cost?

New PL 2000MS machines typically price between $120,000 and $180,000 depending on options, automation, and dealer. The MS configuration with sub-spindle and live tooling commands a significant premium over the base PL 2000 turning-only model.

02 What is the difference between the PL 2000MS and SL 2500?

The PL 2000MS adds a sub-spindle, live tool turret with Y-axis, and C-axis capability for complete part machining. The SL 2500 is a simpler, more affordable turning-only machine with a larger bar capacity (76 mm vs. 65 mm) and box slideways for heavier cutting.

03 Can the PL 2000MS replace a second-operation machine?

In most cases, yes. The sub-spindle picks up the part after main-spindle operations and performs back-working (facing, boring, drilling, threading) on the B-side. This eliminates the need for a separate second-op lathe or manual deburring in many applications.

04 How does the Y-axis work on this machine?

The Y-axis provides +/-52.5 mm of travel perpendicular to the X-Z plane. Combined with the C-axis and live tooling, this enables off-center drilling, milling of flats, hex profiles, keyways, and other features that would be impossible with only X and Z axes.

05 What bar feeder is compatible with the PL 2000MS?

The 65 mm bar capacity works with standard magazine bar feeders from LNS, FMB, IEMCA, and Edge Technologies. The machine's spindle liner and drawtube accept standard aftermarket bar feeding systems.