Soraluce SP 8000
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Taper
Tool Capacity
Overview
The Soraluce SP 8000 is a floor-type horizontal boring and milling machine with 8,000 mm (315 in) of X-axis travel, built for the complete machining of large structural components in energy, oil and gas, heavy industrial, and marine sectors. Soraluce, headquartered in the Basque Country of Spain, is one of Europe's foremost builders of floor-type and traveling-column boring and milling machines, and the SP series represents their core floor-type platform.
The SP 8000 is built around a floor-type configuration: the spindle carrier column travels along the X-axis on floor-mounted guideways, while the workpiece remains stationary on the floor, enabling virtually unlimited part weight without machine interference. Y-axis travel reaches 3,000 mm (118 in) and W-axis (spindle quill) extends 800 mm (31.5 in) for deep-bore reaching applications. The spindle delivers up to 4,500 RPM at 37 kW (49.6 HP) through an ISO 50 taper, with a milling spindle head attachment option for higher-speed face milling operations.
Interchangeable heads are a key feature of the SP 8000 — Soraluce's automatic head change system allows operators to switch between right-angle heads, universal milling heads, and boring bars without removing the workpiece, dramatically expanding the machine's versatility on complex parts that require varied approach angles. The Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl control manages all axis movements and head indexing.
The SP 8000 competes with floor-type boring mills from TOS Varnsdorf, Fermat, and Pama. It targets heavy industry shops where part weight is measured in tons and travel distances in meters. New machines price between $1,200,000 and $2,200,000 depending on configuration and optional heads.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 8,000 mm (315 in) — extendable with additional floor sections |
| Y-Axis Travel | 3,000 mm (118 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 1,200 mm (47.2 in) |
| Quill Travel W | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Spindle Diameter | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 4,500 RPM |
| Spindle Taper | ISO 50 |
| Spindle Motor Power | 37 kW (49.6 HP) continuous |
| Rapid Traverse X | 15 m/min (590 IPM) |
| Rapid Traverse Y | 10 m/min (394 IPM) |
| Rotary Table | Optional — up to 8,000 kg capacity |
| Head Change System | Automatic interchangeable heads |
| Tool Capacity | 60 tools in ATC |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Architecture | Floor-type, moving column |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 8,000 mm X-travel on a floor-type architecture accommodates the full length of large structural weldments, frames, and housings without part repositioning
- Interchangeable automatic head system converts the SP 8000 from boring to face milling to angular milling without workpiece removal, dramatically reducing total setup time on complex parts
- Floor-type design means workpiece weight is borne entirely by the shop floor — no machine table weight limit constrains what can be machined
- Soraluce's Active Vibration Control (AVC) system, available as an option, suppresses chatter during long-overhang boring bar operations where vibration would otherwise limit productivity
- Siemens 840D sl with Soraluce's operator interface provides intuitive head management, tool compensation, and 5-axis machining cycles for complex compound features
- Modular floor section design allows X-axis travel to be extended beyond 8,000 mm with additional guideway sections when longer workpieces are required
Limitations
- Floor-type setup requires precision-leveled floor guideways — installation and foundation preparation add significant cost and time beyond the machine purchase price
- 4,500 RPM maximum spindle speed limits high-speed face milling efficiency compared to vertical machining centers; the milling head attachment partially compensates but adds changeover time
- Large machine footprint requires a dedicated bay with overhead crane access for workpiece loading and head changes
- Long non-cutting setup time for workpiece alignment on the floor is inherent to floor-type boring mill operation and must be factored into productivity calculations
- Soraluce's North American service network is smaller than European presence; US customers should negotiate robust service contracts at purchase
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
In a table-type boring mill, the workpiece sits on a moving table that travels relative to a fixed column. Table-type machines are limited by the table's weight capacity (typically 2,000-10,000 kg). In a floor-type boring mill like the SP 8000, the column travels along guideways set into the shop floor while the workpiece sits directly on the floor, eliminating any practical weight limit. Floor-type machines are the standard choice when parts exceed table-type capacity.
02
Yes. Soraluce's SP series uses a modular floor guideway design that can be extended with additional sections. Total X-travel of 12,000 mm, 16,000 mm, and beyond is achievable with extended guideways. Custom configurations are engineered for specific customer requirements. The SP 8000 designation refers to the standard 8,000 mm travel configuration.
03
Soraluce offers a range of interchangeable heads for the SP platform: right-angle milling heads (for vertical spindle machining), universal milling heads (A+C axis for 5-axis positioning), boring head extensions, face milling heads, and special heads for specific applications. The automatic head changer stores heads in a dedicated magazine and changes them under program control without operator intervention.
04
Soraluce's AVC system uses sensors to detect chatter vibrations during boring bar operations and actively counteracts them with real-time actuator adjustments. For long-reach boring — boring bars extended 400-800 mm from the spindle face — AVC can increase material removal rates by 50-100% and dramatically improve surface finish compared to passive damping alone. It is particularly valuable for deep bore operations in large steel housings. AVC is an option on the SP 8000 and is recommended for shops where long-reach boring is a primary operation.
05
The SP 8000 and TOS WFT 13 are competitive in the same large floor-type boring mill segment. The Soraluce SP 8000 differentiates with its automatic interchangeable head system, Active Vibration Control option, and integration with Siemens 840D sl for modern 5-axis cycles. The TOS WFT 13 has a strong installed base in Eastern European heavy industry. Soraluce's engineering support and software integration are considered more advanced by most evaluators.
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