Tsugami Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Tsugami VA3S

$90,000 - $140,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

BT30

Table Size

660 x 400 mm (26 x 16 in)

Rapid Traverse

48 m/min (1,890 IPM) all axes

max table load

250 kg (551 lbs)

x axis travel

500 mm (20 in)

y axis travel

400 mm (16 in)

Overview

The Tsugami VA3S is a compact, high-speed vertical machining center built for precision work on smaller parts. With a 20,000 RPM BT30 spindle and 48 m/min rapid traverse on all axes, this machine is designed to eat up aluminum, brass, and light alloys at speeds that'll make your standard 40-taper VMC look like it's standing still. It's the kind of machine that thrives in medical device, electronics, and precision instrument shops.

The VA3S offers 500 x 400 x 300mm axis travels on a 660 x 400mm table. That's not a lot of real estate, and that's by design -- this machine trades working envelope for speed and precision. The 20,000 RPM spindle with 3.7/9.0 kW motor handles the high surface speeds that small-diameter end mills and drills demand, and the 48 m/min rapids keep non-cutting time to an absolute minimum during tool changes and positioning moves.

The 20+1 position ATC completes tool-to-tool changes in 1.1 seconds, which matters when you're running complex programs with frequent tool changes. Through-spindle high-pressure coolant is available for deep hole drilling and tapping. The 250 kg table load is sufficient for the small-to-medium workpieces this machine targets -- you're not putting a 400-pound tombstone on this table, and you don't want to.

A 4th-axis rotary table option turns the VA3S into a capable small-part 4-axis machine for indexed and simultaneous 4-axis work. At just 2,700 kg (5,952 lbs) and a 1,500 x 2,322mm footprint, this is one of the most compact capable VMCs you can buy. The FANUC 0i-MF Plus control is the same proven platform used across the Tsugami VMC range. For shops where speed and precision on small parts are the priority, the VA3S delivers.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Size	660 x 400 mm (26 x 16 in)
Max Table Load	250 kg (551 lbs)
X Axis Travel	500 mm (20 in)
Y Axis Travel	400 mm (16 in)
Z Axis Travel	300 mm (12 in)
Spindle Taper	BT30
Spindle Speed	20,000 RPM
Spindle Motor	3.7/9.0 kW (5/12 HP)
Tool Magazine	20+1 position ATC
Tool To Tool Time	1.1 seconds
Rapid Traverse Rate	48 m/min (1,890 IPM) all axes
Coolant	Through-spindle high pressure (optional)
4th Axis	Available
CNC Control	FANUC 0i-MF Plus
Machine Weight	2,700 kg (5,952 lbs)
Floor Space Required	1,500 x 2,322 x 2,585 mm

Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

20,000 RPM spindle speed handles small-diameter tools and high-speed aluminum machining with ease
48 m/min rapid traverse on all axes minimizes non-cutting time for maximum throughput on complex programs
1.1-second tool-to-tool ATC changes keep the spindle cutting instead of waiting during frequent tool changes
Extremely compact 1,500 x 2,322mm footprint fits into tight shop layouts or can be clustered for multi-machine cells
Through-spindle high-pressure coolant option enables demanding deep-hole drilling and tapping operations
2,700 kg machine weight still provides adequate rigidity for precise cuts on small parts

Limitations

BT30 taper limits maximum tooling size and cutting forces compared to BT40 machines
300mm Z-axis travel is restrictive for taller workpieces or deep-cavity applications
250 kg table load limits fixturing options to lighter setups appropriate for small-part work
Spindle motor at 3.7/9.0 kW doesn't support heavy hogging in steel or stainless steel

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing small implants, instrument components, and dental prosthetics in titanium and CoCr Electronics and semiconductor equipment shops machining small housings, heat sinks, and fixture plates in aluminum Precision instrument manufacturers needing high-speed, high-accuracy milling on small components Watch and jewelry manufacturers requiring micro-milling capabilities on precious metals and alloys Prototype shops needing fast turnaround on small aluminum and brass parts with tight tolerances Shops building multi-machine cells where compact footprint enables clustering multiple VA3S units

Frequently Asked Questions

01 When does a BT30 machine make sense over a BT40?

BT30 machines like the VA3S make sense when your parts are small (fitting within 500 x 400mm), your tool diameters are under 16mm, and you need spindle speeds above 12,000 RPM. The lighter BT30 spindle can accelerate and decelerate faster than BT40, which improves cycle times on complex contours. If you're cutting steel with 50mm face mills, you need BT40. If you're cutting aluminum with 6mm end mills at 20,000 RPM, BT30 is the right choice.

02 How does the VA3S compare to the Haas Mini Mill?

The VA3S is a fundamentally different machine. The Haas Mini Mill maxes out at 8,100 RPM in standard trim, while the VA3S runs 20,000 RPM. Rapids are 48 m/min vs 25.4 m/min on the Haas. The VA3S costs more, but for high-speed precision work on small parts, it's in a different league. The Mini Mill is better suited for general-purpose small-part machining where spindle speed isn't the priority.

03 Can the VA3S cut steel?

Yes, but it's not what the machine is optimized for. You can machine steel with appropriate feeds, speeds, and smaller tool diameters. The BT30 spindle limits your tool size and the forces you can apply. For occasional steel work with tools under 12mm, the VA3S handles it fine. If steel is your primary material, a BT40 machine like the VA4-II is the better choice.

04 What 4th-axis options work with the VA3S?

The compact table accepts smaller rotary tables from brands like Tsudakoma, Nikken, and Kitagawa. A 150-200mm rotary table is a good match for the VA3S's working envelope and table load capacity. The FANUC 0i-MF Plus control supports 4th-axis programming natively. Keep in mind the 250 kg table load when selecting a rotary table -- the table plus workpiece must stay within limits.

05 How does through-spindle coolant benefit the VA3S?

Through-spindle coolant delivers high-pressure coolant directly through the tool for effective chip evacuation during deep drilling and tapping. On a 20,000 RPM BT30 machine cutting small holes in aluminum, chips can pack and cause tool breakage. Through-spindle coolant clears those chips efficiently. It's especially valuable for medical and electronic component work where small, deep holes are common.