Tsugami VA3
Image: tsugamiamerica.com, Tsugami
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Table Size
Spindle Power
How much does the Tsugami VA3 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a vertical machining centers (vmc) in this class — not a quote from Tsugami. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Tsugami VA3 is a compact vertical machining center with a 20,000 rpm spindle and travels of 500 × 400 × 350 mm (20 × 16 × 14 in) in X, Y and Z. The table measures 650 × 400 mm (26 × 16 in) and is rated for 250 kg (551 lb), and the machine runs on a FANUC 0i-MF control.
Spindle power is listed as 9.0 / 3.7 kW (12.1 / 5 hp). Paired with 20,000 rpm, that points the VA3 at small cutters, fine finishing and light, fast passes in aluminium, brass and plastics, not at heavy face milling in steel. A 250 kg load limit tells the same story: vises, small fixtures and plates, rather than large castings or a rotary table carrying a heavy part.
The machine is small on the floor. Tsugami America gives 1,500 × 2,180 × 2,373 mm and 2,600 kg (5,732 lb), small enough to slot between existing machines in a cell. Its table does not list a spindle taper, tool capacity or rapid traverse rate, so get those from Tsugami before planning cycle times or buying holders.
The VA3S shares the X and Y travels, the 250 kg (551 lb) table load and the 20,000 rpm spindle, but has 300 mm (12 in) of Z, a FANUC 0i-MF Plus control and weighs 2,700 kg (5,952 lb). For larger work at lower speed, the VL3 offers 700 mm (27.6 in) of X, a 300 kg (661 lb) table rating, 20 tools and a 10,000 rpm (rated 8,000 rpm) No.30 spindle.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 500 mm (20 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 400 mm (16 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 350 mm (14 in) |
| Table Size | 650 × 400 mm (26 × 16 in) |
| Max Table Load | 250 kg (551 lb) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 20,000 rpm |
| Spindle Motor Power | 9.0 / 3.7 kW (12.1 / 5 hp) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 0i-MF |
| Floor Space Required | 1,500 × 2,180 × 2,373 mm |
| Machine Weight | 2,600 kg (5,732 lb) |
Specifications sourced from tsugamiamerica.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 20,000 rpm spindle for small end mills, drills and finishing passes
- 350 mm (14 in) of Z travel, against 300 mm (12 in) on the VA3S
- 650 × 400 mm (26 × 16 in) table on a machine weighing 2,600 kg (5,732 lb)
- Compact 1,500 × 2,180 × 2,373 mm footprint for tight cells
- Runs the FANUC 0i-MF control, while the VA3S has the 0i-MF Plus
Limitations
- Spindle power of 9.0 / 3.7 kW (12.1 / 5 hp) limits heavy roughing in steel
- Table load of 250 kg (551 lb) rules out heavy fixtures and large workpieces
- Spindle taper, tool capacity and rapid traverse are not given in the published table
- 500 mm (20 in) of X travel; the VL3 offers 700 mm (27.6 in)
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both have 500 mm (20 in) of X, 400 mm (16 in) of Y, a 250 kg (551 lb) table load and a 20,000 rpm spindle. The VA3 has 350 mm (14 in) of Z against 300 mm (12 in) on the VA3S. The VA3S uses the FANUC 0i-MF Plus control and weighs 2,700 kg (5,952 lb), against 2,600 kg (5,732 lb) for the VA3 with the 0i-MF.
02
Light work, yes. With 9.0 / 3.7 kW (12.1 / 5 hp) on the spindle, the VA3 is set up for small tools at high speed rather than heavy stock removal. Shops that rough steel regularly should look at the VL3, which has a 10,000 rpm (rated 8,000 rpm) No.30 spindle rated 3.7/13.0 kW.
03
250 kg (551 lb) on a 650 × 400 mm (26 × 16 in) table. Add up the vise or fixture, any rotary unit and the part before committing a job, especially when a fourth axis is part of the plan.
04
Tsugami America lists a footprint of 1,500 × 2,180 × 2,373 mm and a weight of 2,600 kg (5,732 lb). Leave room for door swing, chip removal and maintenance access around that envelope.
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