WFL M50
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Tool Capacity
Max Turn Length
swing diameter
turning length
Overview
The WFL M50 Millturn is a heavy-duty mill-turn center from the Austrian specialist WFL Millturn Technologies, designed for complete machining of complex, medium-sized rotational parts in a single setup. WFL is the undisputed global leader in large mill-turn technology, and the M50 sits in the sweet spot of their lineup, handling workpieces up to 500 mm (19.7 in) swing diameter and up to 2,000 mm (78.7 in) between centers in the standard configuration.
The M50 features a powerful main spindle with 44 kW (59 HP) continuous output and speeds up to 4,500 RPM, paired with a B-axis milling spindle that delivers 22 kW (29.5 HP) at up to 12,000 RPM through an HSK-A63 interface. The B-axis provides ±120 degrees of interpolation, enabling 5-axis simultaneous machining for complex contours, off-axis features, and deep-cavity milling operations that would otherwise require multiple machine setups. Axis travels are 580 mm (22.8 in) in X, ±120° in B, and 2,100 mm (82.7 in) in Z.
What makes WFL mill-turns fundamentally different from competitors like the Mazak Integrex or DMG Mori NTX is the milling capability. The M50's B-axis milling spindle is not a compromise or afterthought; it is a true machining center spindle capable of heavy milling, deep-hole drilling, gear cutting, and even grinding with appropriate tooling. The machine can replace a lathe, a machining center, a deep-hole drilling machine, and even a gear cutter in many applications, consolidating what previously required 4-5 machines into one.
The M50 runs on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl with WFL's proprietary Millturn PRO programming environment, which includes collision avoidance, cycle time simulation, and specialized cycles for deep-hole drilling, gear hobbing, and crankshaft machining. The tool magazine accommodates 80 tools standard, expandable to 200. New WFL M50 machines typically price in the $900,000-$1,500,000 range depending on configuration. Used units from 2012-2020 appear in the $400,000-$800,000 range.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Swing Diameter | 500 mm (19.7 in) |
| Turning Length | 2,000 mm (78.7 in) standard, up to 4,500 mm optional |
| X-Axis Travel | 580 mm (22.8 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 2,100 mm (82.7 in) |
| B Axis | ±120° interpolating milling spindle |
| Main Spindle Power | 44 kW (59 HP) continuous |
| Main Spindle Speed | 4,500 RPM |
| Milling Spindle Power | 22 kW (29.5 HP) |
| Milling Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Milling Spindle Taper | HSK-A63 |
| Tool Capacity | 80 standard (200 optional) |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl with Millturn PRO |
| Tailstock Force | 25 kN |
| Machine Weight | 18,000 kg (39,683 lb) |
| Travel Distance X Axis | 800 mm (31.5 in) |
| Travel Distance Y Axis | 400 mm (15.7 in) |
| Travel Distance B Axis | ±110° |
| Changer Capacity | 36/50/72/100/108/144/150/200 |
| Max Turning Diameter | ⌀670 mm (26.4 in) |
| Max Turning Length | Up to 6000 mm (236.2 in) |
| Size | Varies by Configuration |
| Speed | 2500 rpm |
| Power | 54/55/56/80 kW (72.4/73.7/75.1/107.3 Hp) |
| Torque | 1830 Nm (1349.7 ft-lbs) |
Specifications sourced from ellisontechnologies.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- True 5-axis mill-turn capability eliminates multiple machine setups, reducing total processing time by 40-60% on complex rotational parts
- B-axis milling spindle with 22 kW and 12K RPM delivers genuine machining center performance, not a compromise typical of other mill-turn machines
- 2,000 mm turning length (expandable to 4,500 mm) handles landing gear, crankshafts, and other long components that shorter mill-turns cannot
- WFL's Millturn PRO software includes specialized cycles for deep-hole drilling, gear hobbing, and crankshaft machining unavailable on competitors
- 44 kW main spindle provides the torque needed for heavy roughing of forged blanks in Inconel, titanium, and hardened steel
- 18,000 kg machine weight provides exceptional vibration damping for heavy interrupted cuts during milling operations
Limitations
- Investment of $900K-$1.5M is significantly higher than comparable Mazak Integrex or DMG Mori NTX machines, requiring clear ROI justification
- Siemens-only control platform means shops standardized on Fanuc face retraining costs and cannot share programs across machines
- WFL's service network is concentrated in Europe and select global markets; North American coverage requires coordination with WFL NA in Michigan
- Operational complexity of simultaneous 5-axis mill-turn operations demands highly skilled operators and programmers
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New WFL M50 Millturn machines range from $900,000 to $1,500,000 depending on turning length configuration, spindle options, tool magazine size, and automation. Adding a sub-spindle, steady rests, or deep-hole drilling capability increases the investment. Used M50 units from 2012-2020 sell in the $400,000-$800,000 range. The premium pricing is justified by the machine consolidation: replacing 3-5 machines with one M50 often reduces total equipment and floor space costs.
02
The Mazak Integrex i-400 is an excellent mill-turn machine, but the WFL M50 operates at a higher level of milling capability. The M50's B-axis milling spindle delivers more power (22 kW vs ~15 kW on the Integrex), and WFL's specialized machining cycles for deep-hole drilling and gear cutting are more advanced. The Integrex offers better value for general-purpose mill-turn work, while the M50 excels when extreme milling performance on rotational parts is the requirement.
03
Yes, the M50 can perform gear hobbing, gear skiving, and gear milling using its B-axis milling spindle with appropriate tooling. WFL offers dedicated gear cutting cycles in the Millturn PRO software that calculate the synchronized spindle and B-axis motions required for involute gear profiles. While it won't replace a dedicated gear hobbing machine for high-volume production, the M50 handles prototype and low-volume gear cutting effectively.
04
The M50 can perform deep-hole drilling through the B-axis milling spindle or through dedicated deep-hole drilling tooling mounted in the turret. Drilling depths of 20x diameter and beyond are achievable with BTA or gun drilling tools. WFL's deep-hole drilling cycles manage peck depths, coolant pressure, and chip breaking automatically. Through-spindle coolant pressure up to 80 bar (1,160 PSI) is available for effective chip evacuation.
05
WFL offers gantry loader systems for automated part loading/unloading, robotic integration packages, and connectivity to FMS systems. The machine's heavy workpiece capacity (up to several thousand kg depending on configuration) typically requires gantry or crane-based automation rather than articulated robots. WFL also offers automated steady rest positioning and tailstock management for lights-out production of shaft-type components.
06
Yes, the M50's rigid construction and powerful main spindle make it capable of hard turning materials up to 65 HRC with CBN tooling. Combined with the milling spindle's grinding capability using appropriate abrasive tools, the M50 can finish hardened components to tight tolerances. Many shops use the M50 to hard-turn components after heat treatment, eliminating the need for a separate grinding operation.
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