Starrag Berthiez TVU Series
Key Specifications
machine type
construction
axes
milling capability
grinding capability
tool magazine disc
Overview
The Starrag Berthiez TVU Series is a family of heavy-duty vertical turning and milling centers built for large-diameter, high-value components in aerospace, energy, and heavy industry. Manufactured under Starrag's Berthiez brand — a name synonymous with precision vertical turning since its founding in France — the TVU line handles workpieces that exceed the capacity of most conventional vertical turning lathes, with multitasking capability that integrates turning, boring, milling, and grinding in a single setup.
The TVU Series features a completely cast iron construction engineered for maximum static and dynamic stability under heavy cutting loads. The machine's column and cross-rail architecture provides exceptional rigidity during interrupted cuts and heavy roughing passes on large forgings, castings, and welded fabrications. The X- and Z-axis guiding system maintains geometric accuracy even during aggressive metal removal on difficult aerospace alloys like Inconel 718 and titanium Ti-6Al-4V.
Multitasking is central to the TVU's value proposition. Beyond standard turning operations, the machine accepts milling spindle attachments, angular milling heads with 90-degree manual or automatic tilting, and grinding spindle options. This eliminates the need to move large, heavy workpieces between dedicated machines — a process that introduces handling risk, alignment errors, and significant non-productive time on parts that can weigh several tons. Tool storage options range from 30-position disc magazines up to 250-position tool robot systems for complex programs.
The TVU Series runs on Siemens SINUMERIK ONE or Fanuc 31i controls, both proven platforms for heavy vertical turning applications. Optional Y-axis table traverse and pallet change systems further extend flexibility for production environments. Berthiez TVU machines compete with the Schiess VT and Dorries Contur series for large vertical turning applications. New machines typically range from $1,500,000 to $4,000,000 depending on size, configuration, and automation level.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Vertical Turning and Milling Center |
| Construction | Completely cast iron |
| Axes | X, Z standard (optional Y-axis table traverse) |
| Milling Capability | Milling spindle attachment, angular milling head (90°) |
| Grinding Capability | Optional grinding spindle |
| Tool Magazine Disc | 30 or 50 positions |
| Tool Magazine Chain | 60, 80, or 120 positions |
| Tool Robot | 120, 160, or 250 positions |
| Pallet Change | Optional |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK ONE / Fanuc 31i |
| Guideway Type | High-precision X- and Z-axis guiding |
| Operations | Turning, boring, milling, grinding |
Specifications sourced from starrag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Complete cast iron construction delivers exceptional static and dynamic rigidity for heavy interrupted cuts on large forgings and castings without chatter
- Multitasking capability integrating turning, boring, milling, and grinding in one setup eliminates costly and risky handling of multi-ton workpieces between machines
- Tool storage options scaling from 30 to 250 positions accommodate everything from simple turning programs to complex multi-operation cycles on large aerospace components
- Choice of Siemens SINUMERIK ONE or Fanuc 31i controls allows shops to standardize on their preferred platform without compromising machine capability
- Optional Y-axis table traverse extends the machine's geometric reach for off-center milling and drilling operations on complex workpieces
- Berthiez heritage in vertical turning spans decades, bringing proven design principles and application knowledge for aerospace turbine casings, energy components, and heavy industrial parts
Limitations
- Entry price above $1.5 million puts the TVU Series firmly in the capital-intensive category, requiring high-value part production to justify the investment
- Large footprint and heavy weight demand substantial foundation engineering and floor space, limiting installation to facilities equipped for heavy machine tools
- Starrag/Berthiez service network in North America is smaller than Japanese and German mainstream builders, potentially extending response times for emergency service
- Programming complexity for combined turning, milling, and grinding operations requires experienced multi-axis operators and advanced CAM software
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The TVU Series is designed for large-diameter workpieces typical of aerospace turbine casings, energy components, and heavy industrial parts. Specific capacity varies by model within the series, but the platform is engineered for parts that exceed the range of standard vertical turning lathes. Contact Starrag for exact diameter, height, and weight specifications for each TVU configuration.
02
Yes. The TVU accepts milling spindle attachments, angular milling heads with 90-degree tilting (manual or automatic), and optional grinding spindles. This multitasking capability allows turning, boring, milling, and grinding in a single setup, eliminating the need to move heavy workpieces between dedicated machines.
03
The TVU Series offers Siemens SINUMERIK ONE and Fanuc 31i control options. Both are proven platforms for heavy vertical turning and milling applications, with the choice typically driven by the shop's existing control standardization and operator familiarity.
04
The TVU competes with machines like the Schiess VT series, Dorries Contur, and Pietro Carnaghi vertical lathes. The TVU's key differentiators are its completely cast iron construction for rigidity, multitasking capability with milling and grinding heads, and Starrag's Berthiez heritage in precision vertical turning for aerospace and energy applications.
