Tsugami Vertical Machining Centers (VMC)

Tsugami VL4

$130,000 - $190,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Spindle Taper

BBT40 (BIG PLUS)

Table Size

1,100 x 510 mm (43.3 x 20.1 in)

max table load

800 kg (1,764 lbs)

x axis travel

1,000 mm (39.4 in)

y axis travel

510 mm (20.1 in)

z axis travel

660 mm (26.0 in)

Overview

The Tsugami VL4 is the long-stroke variant of Tsugami's VMC lineup, stretching the X-axis out to a full 1,000mm while maintaining the precision and build quality that defines their machining center range. If you've got parts that are too long for a standard 500-700mm VMC but don't justify the cost and floor space of a full-size 40-taper machine, the VL4 hits that sweet spot.

The 1,100 x 510mm table accommodates longer workpieces, multi-part fixtures, and tombstone-style setups where you need horizontal real estate. At 800 kg table load capacity, you've got room for substantial fixturing without worrying about overloading the table bearings. The Y-axis travel of 510mm and Z-axis travel of 660mm are generous -- that Z-axis depth is particularly useful for taller workpieces and deep-cavity work.

The BBT40 (BIG PLUS) spindle runs to 10,000 RPM (rated 8,000 RPM) with a motor that handles production cutting in steel and aluminum. Rapid traverse rates of 40 m/min on X/Y and 30 m/min on Z keep non-cutting time short when traversing across that extended X-axis. The 20-tool magazine (expandable to 21) is adequate for most production work, though shops running complex programs may wish for more capacity.

Running a FANUC 0i-MF Plus control, the VL4 is straightforward to program and operate. At 5,200 kg and 2,564 x 2,655mm footprint, it's compact for its working envelope. The machine targets production environments where multiple parts per fixture cycle or long workpieces are the norm -- think aluminum extrusion machining, long brackets, rail components, and multi-piece fixture setups.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Table Size	1,100 x 510 mm (43.3 x 20.1 in)
Max Table Load	800 kg (1,764 lbs)
X Axis Travel	1,000 mm (39.4 in)
Y Axis Travel	510 mm (20.1 in)
Z Axis Travel	660 mm (26.0 in)
Spindle Taper	BBT40 (BIG PLUS)
Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM (rated 8,000 RPM)
Tool Magazine	20 tools (max 21)
Rapid Traverse Xy	40 m/min (1,575 IPM)
Rapid Traverse Z	30 m/min (1,181 IPM)
CNC Control	FANUC 0i-MF Plus
Machine Weight	5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Floor Space Required	2,564 x 2,655 x 2,852 mm

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

1,000mm X-axis travel handles long workpieces and multi-part fixtures that won't fit on standard-stroke VMCs
1,100 x 510mm table with 800 kg load capacity supports substantial fixturing and tombstone setups
660mm Z-axis travel accommodates tall workpieces and deep-cavity machining that shorter Z machines can't reach
40 m/min rapids minimize non-cutting time across the extended X-axis travel for better cycle times
BBT40 (BIG PLUS) spindle provides dual-contact rigidity for consistent accuracy and surface finish
Compact footprint relative to the working envelope makes efficient use of shop floor space

Limitations

20-tool magazine may limit complex programs that require many tools without manual intervention
10,000 RPM spindle speed caps high-speed aluminum machining compared to 12,000-15,000 RPM competitors
Tsugami VMCs have a smaller service network than major brands like Haas, Mazak, or Okuma in North America
Rated spindle speed of 8,000 RPM suggests continuous-duty applications should stay below 10,000 RPM peak

Best For

Shops machining long workpieces like rails, brackets, and structural members that exceed standard VMC X-travel Production departments running multi-part fixture setups where table length directly impacts parts per cycle Aluminum extrusion and profile machining operations needing extended X-axis reach Medical device and instrument manufacturers producing longer component assemblies Job shops looking for long-stroke capability without the cost and footprint of a larger 50-taper machine Mold and die shops machining longer cavity plates and electrode holders

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the VL4 compare to the VA4-II?

The VL4 extends the X-axis from 720mm to 1,000mm and the Z-axis from 460mm to 660mm, with a larger 1,100 x 510mm table (vs 850 x 510mm). The VA4-II has a 30-tool magazine vs the VL4's 20 tools. Both share the BBT40 spindle and 10,000 RPM speed. Choose the VL4 for longer parts or multi-part fixtures; choose the VA4-II for more complex parts that need the larger tool magazine.

02 Can I add a 4th axis to the VL4?

Yes. The 1,100 x 510mm table has enough room for a rotary table plus workpiece, and the 800 kg load capacity handles the added weight. The FANUC 0i-MF Plus control supports 4th-axis programming. The extended X-axis actually makes the VL4 a good 4th-axis platform since you have room to offset the rotary table for approach clearance.

03 Is 20 tools enough for production work?

For most single-part programs, 20 tools covers the typical mix of face mills, end mills, drills, taps, and reamers. Where it gets tight is on complex parts with many features or when you're running multiple different part numbers without tool changes. If tool capacity is a concern, the VA4-II offers 30 tools with a smaller envelope, or look at adding an external tool storage system.

04 What's the difference between rated and max spindle speed?

The VL4 is rated at 8,000 RPM for continuous duty and peaks at 10,000 RPM for intermittent use. In practice, this means you can run at 10,000 RPM for short finishing passes but should plan your roughing and sustained cutting at or below 8,000 RPM. The motor will deliver full power through 8,000 RPM; above that, power drops off as the motor approaches its maximum speed.

05 How do the rapid traverse rates compare to competitors?

At 40 m/min on X/Y and 30 m/min on Z, the VL4 is competitive with most mid-range VMCs. Some high-speed machines offer 48 m/min or higher. The real impact of rapid speed is most noticeable on the VL4 because of its extended 1,000mm X-axis -- faster rapids mean less time traversing that longer distance between features or parts in a multi-part fixture.