Willemin-Macodel 318GT
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Spindle Taper
Accuracy
b axis
Overview
The Willemin-Macodel 318GT is a compact 5-axis vertical machining center from the Swiss manufacturer renowned for precision machining of complex small parts in medical, dental, watchmaking, and aerospace applications. Unlike the larger 408MT and 508MT mill-turn platforms in the Willemin-Macodel lineup, the 318GT is optimized for 5-axis simultaneous milling — ideal for complex prismatic components, implant abutments, surgical tools, aircraft fittings, and precision instrument housings that require complex surface machining but not turning operations.
The 318GT's working envelope is compact by design — X/Y/Z travel of approximately 350 x 200 x 250 mm, matched to the small, high-precision parts that are Willemin-Macodel's target market. The 5-axis configuration uses a tilting rotary table (B and C axes) combined with the standard X/Y/Z axes, providing full simultaneous 5-axis machining capability. The machine is built on a precision polymer concrete base for high damping and excellent thermal stability — characteristic of Swiss machine tool construction philosophy.
Spindle speed reaches 24,000 rpm as standard, with a 42,000 rpm electrospindle option for micro-milling and ultra-fine surface machining of dental zirconia, titanium implant components, and watchmaking movement parts. Tool changer capacity is 50 or 100 pockets depending on configuration, supporting complex multi-operation parts without manual tool changes. The pallet changer option allows automatic workpiece loading for unattended multi-part production sequences.
The control is Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl, depending on customer preference. Willemin-Macodel's application software adds medical and watchmaking-specific machining cycles. Thermal management is integrated into the machine structure with active spindle cooling and base temperature control. Workholding is typically zero-point clamping compatible (Erowa, Lang) for fast pallet changeover in production environments. The 318GT competes with Mikron, Kern, and Röders in the Swiss-origin high-precision 5-axis VMC market.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X-Axis Travel | 350 mm (13.8 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 200 mm (7.9 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 250 mm (9.8 in) |
| B Axis | +/-110 deg |
| C Axis | 360 deg (continuous) |
| Spindle Speed | 24,000 rpm standard, 42,000 rpm optional electrospindle |
| Spindle Taper | HSK-A50 / HSK-A40 optional |
| Tool Changer | 50 or 100 pockets |
| Pallet Changer | Optional (Erowa / Lang compatible zero-point) |
| Machine Base | Polymer concrete (Granitan or equivalent) |
| Thermal Management | Active spindle cooling, base temperature control |
| Positioning Accuracy | 2 um |
| CNC Control | Heidenhain TNC 640 or Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Axis Configuration | 5-axis simultaneous (X, Y, Z, B, C) |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 42,000 rpm electrospindle option enables micro-milling of dental zirconia, titanium implant surfaces, and watchmaking parts with surface finishes unachievable at lower spindle speeds
- Polymer concrete base provides inherently high structural damping for chatter-free machining of difficult materials at high spindle speeds
- 100-pocket tool magazine enables complex multi-operation medical and aerospace parts without manual tool changes
- Full simultaneous 5-axis capability with tilting rotary table covers any complex surface machining requirement in the working envelope
- Erowa/Lang zero-point compatible pallet system enables rapid workpiece changeover in production cell configurations
- Swiss engineering heritage with thermal management designed to hold 2 um positioning accuracy across extended production runs
Limitations
- Compact working envelope limits the 318GT to small parts — it is not a general-purpose 5-axis machining center for medium or large components
- Premium Swiss pricing places the 318GT above equivalent 5-axis VMCs from Japanese or Taiwanese manufacturers for customers who do not need Swiss-level precision
- Willemin-Macodel's service network in North America is limited — support is primarily European-based
- 42,000 rpm electrospindle is a high-maintenance component requiring careful management of spindle bearing replacement intervals
- Specialized machine most appropriate for medical, dental, watchmaking, and aerospace niches — limited resale market outside these industries
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The Willemin-Macodel 318GT typically prices between $350,000 and $600,000 new, depending on spindle configuration (24K vs 42K rpm), tool changer size, pallet automation, and control system choice.
02
The combination of 42,000 rpm electrospindle, 5-axis simultaneous machining, polymer concrete damping, and thermal management creates ideal conditions for cutting titanium and zirconia medical and dental parts. Titanium requires high spindle speed and low vibration to achieve good surface finish; zirconia requires consistent engagement with fine tooling that benefits from spindle speed up to 42,000 rpm.
03
The 408MT is a mill-turn machine — it adds turning (live C-axis workpiece rotation) to 5-axis milling capability, allowing cylindrical features to be turned without reclamping. The 318GT is a pure 5-axis milling machine without turning capability. The 318GT targets complex prismatic parts; the 408MT targets complex rotational and prismatic combined parts.
04
Yes. The 318GT is Erowa and Lang zero-point compatible, and Willemin-Macodel offers integrated pallet automation configurations. For high-mix, medium-volume production of small precision parts — typical in medical device and watchmaking — automated pallet changers enable lights-out machining with dozens of different part programs queued.
05
The 318GT handles titanium alloys (Grades 2, 5, 23), stainless steels (316L medical grade), cobalt-chrome alloys, zirconia ceramics (with diamond tooling), aluminum alloys, and non-ferrous materials including brass and copper. The high spindle speed and polymer concrete base make it particularly effective for titanium and nickel alloys where vibration control and spindle speed are critical.
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