WFL M35

WFL builds MILLTURN machines to order and quotes per application, so there is no meaningful list price. The base machine with the main spindle and B-axis milling head is the starting point; sub-spindle, magazine size (40, 80 or 120 stations), the mechatronic tailstock and steady rests, in-process probing and ultrasonic measurement, deep-hole drilling, and high-pressure coolant are what build the number up from there. Tooling for a 120-station magazine, fixturing for 2,000 mm between centres, foundation and commissioning are separate. Used M35s are rare because owners run them for a long time, and price there tracks hours, spindle condition and which measurement options transfer.

Both target small-to-medium complete machining with turning and 5-axis milling. The WFL M35 offers deeper integration with in-process ultrasonic measurement, gear measurement, and deep-hole drilling capabilities that the NTX 1000 does not include. The NTX 1000 benefits from DMG Mori's larger global service network and CELOS control interface. WFL is the specialist with a purpose-built design, and the M35 is priced above a comparably configured NTX 1000 accordingly — the question is whether you need the process integration WFL is charging for.

Complete machining means finishing a part in one machine from raw material (bar stock or blank) to finished component without moving to other machines. This eliminates re-clamping errors (which can add 0.01-0.05 mm of positioning uncertainty per setup), reduces lead time from weeks to hours, eliminates inter-operation transport and handling, and reduces work-in-process inventory. For complex parts requiring turning, milling, drilling, and measurement, complete machining on a WFL can reduce total processing time by 50-75% compared to multi-machine routing.

Yes, the WFL M35 can produce spur gears, helical gears, splines, and internal/external gear profiles using the B-axis milling spindle with standard or custom gear cutting tools. WFL provides dedicated gear cutting cycles in the Siemens control that simplify programming. While not replacing dedicated gear cutting machines for high-volume production, the M35's gear cutting capability is valuable for prototype gears, small batches, and integrated gear features on complex shafts that would otherwise require a separate gear cutting operation.

The WFL M35 integrates gun-drilling and BTA deep-hole drilling directly into the machine through the B-axis milling spindle or dedicated deep-hole drilling unit. This enables drilling L/D ratios of 20:1 to 40:1 or more without transferring the part to a dedicated gun-drilling machine. High-pressure coolant through the tool ensures chip evacuation in deep holes. This is particularly valuable for hydraulic valve spools, shafts with oil passages, and fuel system components.

WFL offers the M35 (350 mm swing), M50 (500 mm swing), M65 (650 mm swing), M80 (800 mm swing), and M120 (1,200 mm swing). Choose the M35 for parts up to 350 mm diameter and around 1,000 mm length — typical of aerospace shafts, medical components, and hydraulic parts. If your largest parts regularly exceed 300 mm diameter, step up to the M50 for headroom. Each size step is a substantial jump in price, floor space and foundation requirement, so buy the size your parts need rather than the size you might grow into.