Tsugami Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Tsugami VL3

$100,000 - $150,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

BBT30 (BIG PLUS BT30)

Table Size

850 x 450 mm (33.5 x 17.7 in)

max table load

300 kg (661 lbs)

x axis travel

700 mm (27.6 in)

y axis travel

450 mm (17.7 in)

z axis travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Overview

The Tsugami VL3 is a long-stroke BT30 vertical machining center that stretches the X-axis to 700mm while keeping the high-speed character of Tsugami's compact VMC range. It fills the gap between the standard VA3 at 500mm X-travel and the larger VL4 with its BBT40 spindle, giving shops that need more X-axis reach a platform that still runs at true high-speed BT30 performance levels.

The VL3's 850 x 450mm table is substantially larger than the VA3's 650 x 400mm surface, and the 700mm X-travel covers parts and fixture setups that simply don't fit on a standard compact VMC. Y-axis travel of 450mm and Z-axis travel of 350mm complete the working envelope. At 300 kg table load, you've got enough capacity for moderate fixturing setups and multi-part layouts.

The BBT30 (BIG PLUS BT30) spindle is a step up from the standard BT30 on the VA3. The dual-contact interface provides measurably better rigidity and reduces chatter on finish passes -- the kind of improvement that shows up directly in your surface finish numbers. Spindle speed runs from 100 to 10,000 RPM with a 13.0/3.7 kW motor, providing solid power for both roughing and finishing operations.

The 20-tool magazine (expandable to 21) handles typical production requirements, and the FANUC control keeps programming straightforward. At 3,200 kg and 1,900 x 2,280mm footprint, the VL3 is more compact than you'd expect for its working envelope. For shops that have outgrown their compact VMC but don't need a full-size 40-taper machine, the VL3 offers the right combination of reach, speed, and precision.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Size	850 x 450 mm (33.5 x 17.7 in)
Max Table Load	300 kg (661 lbs)
X Axis Travel	700 mm (27.6 in)
Y Axis Travel	450 mm (17.7 in)
Z Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Spindle Taper	BBT30 (BIG PLUS BT30)
Spindle Speed	100-10,000 RPM
Spindle Motor	13.0/3.7 kW (17.4/5 HP)
Tool Magazine	20 tools (max 21)
CNC Control	FANUC
Machine Weight	3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Floor Space Required	1,900 x 2,280 x 2,385 mm

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

700mm X-axis travel provides significantly more reach than standard 500mm compact VMCs for longer parts and fixtures
BBT30 (BIG PLUS) spindle delivers better rigidity than standard BT30 for improved surface finish and reduced chatter
13.0 kW spindle motor provides more power than typical BT30 machines, handling moderate steel cutting as well as high-speed aluminum work
850 x 450mm table accommodates multi-part fixtures and longer workpieces that won't fit on standard compact VMCs
Compact 1,900 x 2,280mm footprint is remarkably small for the working envelope provided
300 kg table load is 50 kg more than the VA3, supporting somewhat heavier fixturing setups

Limitations

10,000 RPM max spindle speed is lower than the VA3's 20,000 RPM, limiting high-speed aluminum performance
350mm Z-axis travel is identical to the VA3 despite the larger overall envelope
20-tool magazine may be limiting for complex multi-feature parts
BT30 taper still limits tool sizes and cutting forces compared to BT40 machines for heavier materials

Best For

Shops machining longer aluminum and brass parts that exceed the 500mm X-travel of standard compact VMCs Production departments running multi-part fixture setups where table length improves parts per cycle Medical device manufacturers producing longer instrument assemblies and fixture plates Electronics manufacturers machining longer PCB fixture plates, panel enclosures, and heat sink assemblies Prototype shops needing extended X-reach without stepping up to a full-size 40-taper VMC

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the VL3 compare to the VA3?

The VL3 extends X-travel from 500mm to 700mm, upgrades to a BBT30 (BIG PLUS) spindle, and provides a larger 850 x 450mm table (vs 650 x 400mm). However, the VL3's spindle tops out at 10,000 RPM compared to the VA3's 20,000 RPM. Choose the VL3 when you need more table space and reach; choose the VA3 when maximum spindle speed is the priority.

02 Why does the VL3 have a lower spindle speed than the VA3?

The VL3 uses a BBT30 (BIG PLUS) spindle with a larger motor (13 kW vs 9 kW) for more torque at lower speeds. This design prioritizes cutting power and rigidity over peak RPM. For high-speed aluminum work where 20,000 RPM matters, the VA3 or VA3S are better choices. For mixed material work where you need more power and reach, the VL3 is the better platform.

03 Can the VL3 handle steel cutting?

Better than the VA3, actually. The 13 kW motor and BBT30 spindle with dual-contact rigidity handle steel cutting with tools up to about 12-16mm diameter. You won't match a 40-taper machine on steel removal rates, but for lighter steel work, the VL3 does a competent job. The lower 10,000 RPM spindle speed is actually more appropriate for steel surface speeds than the VA3's 20,000 RPM.

04 Is the BBT30 spindle compatible with standard BT30 tools?

Yes. Standard BT30 toolholders fit the BBT30 spindle and work normally with taper-only contact. To get the dual-contact benefit (simultaneous face and taper contact), you need BIG PLUS BT30 toolholders. Most major toolholder manufacturers (BIG DAISHOWA, Lyndex-Nikken, Rego-Fix) offer BIG PLUS BT30 holders.

05 How does the VL3 compare to the VL4?

The VL4 is a bigger machine all around -- BBT40 spindle, 1,000mm X-travel, 660mm Z-travel, and 800 kg table load. The VL3 stays in BT30 territory with 700mm X-travel, 350mm Z-travel, and 300 kg table load. The VL4 handles heavier cutting and bigger parts, while the VL3 offers faster cycle times on lighter parts due to its lighter spindle and table mass.