Soraluce FMW 11000
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Soraluce FMW 11000 is a large-format floor-type milling-boring machine designed for heavy-duty machining of massive workpieces in energy, aerospace, and heavy equipment sectors. With 11,000 mm (433 in) of longitudinal X-axis travel and a robust ram-type spindle head, this machine handles large structural components, turbine casings, and machine tool bases that simply cannot fit on conventional horizontal boring mills. Soraluce, part of the Danobat Group, builds these machines at their Bergara, Spain facility with a reputation for European-grade precision at competitive pricing against Pama, SNK, and Waldrich Coburg.
The FMW 11000 features a powerful geared spindle delivering up to 37 kW (50 hp) of continuous cutting power with speeds to 3,000 rpm. The W-axis ram extension provides 800 mm (31.5 in) of quill travel, while the Y-axis vertical column travel reaches 3,000 mm (118 in) and Z-axis crossrail travel reaches 1,500 mm (59 in). This enormous work envelope lets operators access all faces of large prismatic workpieces without repositioning. The Heidenhain TNC 640 CNC control offers full 5-axis simultaneous capability when paired with the optional universal milling head.
Soraluce's proprietary Dynamics Active Stabilizer (DAS) technology is a key differentiator on the FMW series. DAS uses active damping actuators mounted in the ram to detect and suppress chatter vibration in real time, increasing metal removal rates by up to 300% in certain roughing operations. This is particularly valuable on large floor-type machines where the extended ram and long tool overhangs create conditions prone to regenerative chatter. Combined with Soraluce's Adaptive Control system, the FMW 11000 automatically optimizes feed rates based on cutting load, protecting both the tool and workpiece.
The machine rides on hardened and ground box guideways with turcite lining on all axes, providing the rigidity and damping characteristics required for heavy interrupted cuts in cast iron and steel. Automatic head changers, tool magazines up to 120 positions, and integrated probing systems support long unattended machining cycles. The rotary table option accommodates workpieces up to 20,000 kg (44,000 lb).
Pricing for a new Soraluce FMW 11000 in standard configuration typically falls between $1,200,000 and $2,000,000 depending on options, table configuration, and head selection. This positions it competitively against the Pama Speedram and SNK BP-130 in the large floor-type boring mill segment.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 11,000 mm (433 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 3,000 mm (118 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,500 mm (59 in) |
| Travel W | 800 mm (31.5 in) ram extension |
| Max Spindle Speed | 3,000 rpm |
| Spindle Motor Power | 37 kW (50 hp) continuous |
| Spindle Taper | ISO 50 |
| Spindle Diameter | 130 mm (5.12 in) |
| Table Size | Floor-type; optional rotary table to 3,000 x 3,000 mm |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 20,000 kg (44,000 lb) on rotary table |
| Tool Capacity | 60 standard, up to 120 optional |
| CNC Control | Heidenhain TNC 640 |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 80,000 kg (176,000 lb) |
| Positioning Accuracy | +/- 0.008 mm per 1,000 mm |
| Guideway Type | Hardened and ground box guideways with turcite |
| Das System | Dynamics Active Stabilizer (DAS) with active damping |
| Manufacturer | Hitachi |
| Model | ZX85 |
| Horsepower | 68 hp |
| Hours | 150 h |
| Capacity | 250,000 kg |
| Stroke Length | 304.8 mm |
| Spindle Bore | 50 mm |
Specifications sourced from machinio.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 11,000 mm X-axis travel with 3,000 mm Y and 1,500 mm Z provides an enormous work envelope for the largest structural and energy-sector components
- DAS active damping technology suppresses chatter in real time, enabling up to 300% higher metal removal rates during roughing with extended tool overhangs
- Box guideways on all axes provide superior rigidity and vibration damping compared to linear guide alternatives on machines of this size
- Heidenhain TNC 640 control with optional 5-axis simultaneous capability via universal milling head adapts the machine from simple boring to complex contouring
- 20,000 kg rotary table capacity handles the heaviest turbine casings, machine bases, and structural weldments without multiple setups
- Soraluce's European build quality and Danobat Group engineering at pricing typically 15-25% below comparable German and Italian floor-type boring mills
Limitations
- At $1.2M-$2M, this is a major capital investment that requires consistent large-workpiece throughput to justify — shops with occasional big parts should consider contract machining
- Installation requires significant foundation work including isolated concrete pits, and the 80-ton machine weight limits facility options
- Soraluce's North American service presence is growing but still smaller than established players like Giddings & Lewis or SNK — factor in service response times
- Lead times for new FMW machines typically run 12-18 months from order, requiring long-range capacity planning
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
DAS (Dynamics Active Stabilizer) is Soraluce's patented active chatter suppression system. It uses accelerometers and active damping actuators mounted in the ram to detect vibration in real time and generate counteracting forces. On a large floor-type machine like the FMW 11000, where the ram can extend 800 mm and tools may have 300+ mm overhangs, chatter is a constant challenge. DAS can increase stable metal removal rates by up to 300% in these conditions, translating directly to shorter cycle times and better surface finishes.
02
Both are premium European floor-type boring mills targeting similar applications. The Pama Speedram typically offers higher spindle torque options and a wider range of head configurations. The Soraluce FMW 11000 counters with DAS active damping technology, which Pama does not offer, and generally comes in at 10-20% lower pricing. Both machines use Heidenhain controls and deliver comparable accuracy. The choice often comes down to local service availability and specific head/table requirements.
03
A machine of this size and weight (approximately 80,000 kg) requires a reinforced concrete foundation designed specifically for the installation. Typical requirements include a foundation depth of 1.5-2 meters with isolated pits for the column and bed, vibration isolation from surrounding equipment, and soil bearing capacity of at least 5 tons per square meter. Soraluce provides detailed foundation drawings and specifications during the pre-installation phase. Budget $100,000-$200,000 for foundation work alone.
04
Yes, with the optional automatic universal milling head, the FMW 11000 supports full 5-axis simultaneous machining. The universal head provides continuous A and C axis rotation, allowing complex contouring operations on large aerospace and energy components. The Heidenhain TNC 640 control fully supports 5-axis kinematics, RTCP compensation, and 3D tool radius compensation for 5-axis work.
05
Lead times for new FMW 11000 machines typically range from 12 to 18 months from order confirmation, depending on configuration complexity and Soraluce's current production backlog. Highly customized configurations with special heads, extended travel options, or integrated rotary tables may push lead times toward the 18-month mark. Used Soraluce floor-type machines occasionally appear on the market, but the FMW 11000 specifically is rare on the secondary market.
06
The FMW 11000 is designed for heavy-duty machining of cast iron, structural steel, stainless steel, and high-temperature alloys. The 37 kW spindle with geared transmission provides the torque needed for large face mills and boring bars in these materials. DAS technology is particularly beneficial when machining cast iron casings and steel weldments where interrupted cuts and material inconsistencies can trigger chatter.
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