Willemin-Macodel 408MT
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Tool Capacity
Accuracy
Overview
The Willemin-Macodel 408MT is an ultra-compact mill-turn center designed for complete machining of the smallest and most complex parts from bar stock. Built in Delemont, Switzerland, the 408MT handles bar stock up to 32 mm diameter and combines turning, high-speed milling, drilling, and threading in a single platform with twin opposed spindles. This machine sits at the absolute precision end of the small-part manufacturing spectrum, producing watch components, micro-medical implants, dental abutments, and miniature aerospace connectors where tolerances are measured in microns.
The main and sub spindles each produce 7.5 kW with speeds to 10,000 rpm for turning operations. The milling spindle is a 12 kW HSK-E32 motor spindle running at 40,000 rpm with ceramic hybrid bearings, delivering the surface speed and thermal stability required for micro-milling in titanium, cobalt-chrome, stainless steel, and precious metals. The B-axis provides +/-105 degrees of continuous positioning for angular features, and full 5-axis simultaneous machining (X, Y, Z, B, C) handles the most complex 3D geometries found in medical and horological applications.
The 408MT's working envelope is compact by design — X/Y/Z travels of 160 x 80 x 280 mm keep the tool-to-workpiece loop as short as possible, maximizing stiffness and minimizing thermal growth effects. Positioning accuracy is specified at 1.5 um with sub-micron repeatability. The Fanuc 31i-B5 control manages the multi-channel operation between turning spindles and milling spindle, enabling concurrent operations where the sub-spindle can deburr or finish a completed part while the main spindle begins the next cycle.
New 408MT machines price between $300,000 and $420,000 depending on automation and tooling options. The machine competes with Bumotec s181, Tornos SwissDECO 36, and Index MS32-6 in the high-end small-part complete machining segment. Willemin-Macodel's advantage is the milling capability — the 40,000 rpm spindle and 5-axis kinematics go well beyond what traditional Swiss-type lathes can deliver. Automation options include integrated bar feeder and robotic part handling for unattended production.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Bar Capacity | 32 mm (1.26 in) diameter |
| Main Spindle Power | 7.5 kW |
| Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm |
| Sub Spindle Power | 7.5 kW |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm |
| Milling Spindle Power | 12 kW |
| Milling Spindle Speed | 40,000 rpm |
| Milling Spindle Interface | HSK-E32 |
| X-Axis Travel | 250 mm |
| Y-Axis Travel | 200 mm |
| Z-Axis Travel | 300 mm |
| B Axis Range | +/-105 degrees |
| Simultaneous Axes | 5-axis (X, Y, Z, B, C) |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.0001 mm resolution |
| Repeatability | < 1 um (0.00004 in) |
| Tool Capacity | 36 tools |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 31i-B5 |
| Machine Weight | 5,200 kg (11,464 lb) |
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| Manufacturer | Willemin |
| Model | 408MT |
| Max Spindle Speed | 30,000 min-1 |
| Bar Capacity | Ø 32 mm |
| Max Turning Diameter | Ø 36 mm |
| Cnc Control | Fanuc 31i-B5 |
Specifications sourced from machinio.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 40,000 rpm HSK-E32 milling spindle delivers machining center performance on a turning platform for the most complex micro-parts
- 1.5 um positioning accuracy with sub-micron repeatability meets the tightest medical device and watchmaking specifications
- Twin opposed spindles enable complete front and back machining in a single cycle, eliminating re-clamping errors
- Full 5-axis simultaneous machining handles complex 3D contours on small parts that would otherwise require multiple operations
- Compact footprint conserves valuable climate-controlled or clean-room floor space
- 10,000 rpm turning spindles provide high surface speed even on small diameters, improving finish quality and cycle times
Limitations
- 32 mm bar capacity restricts the machine to the smallest parts; shops needing up to 50 mm must step up to the 508MT2
- 160 x 80 x 280 mm travel envelope is very small — this is a micro-precision machine, not a general-purpose mill-turn
- Premium pricing of $300,000-$420,000 is high for 32 mm bar capacity compared to conventional Swiss-type lathes
- HSK-E32 tooling is a niche standard with higher tooling costs than standard systems
- Niche manufacturer with limited service availability in regions without strong medical device or watchmaking industries
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New 408MT machines typically price between $300,000 and $420,000 depending on tooling configuration, automation options, and bar feeder selection.
02
The 508MT2 is the larger platform with 50 mm bar capacity vs 32 mm on the 408MT, larger travels, and higher spindle power. The 408MT is optimized for the smallest micro-precision work with slightly tighter accuracy specifications (1.5 um vs 2 um positioning accuracy).
03
For complex parts that require significant milling, yes. The 408MT's 40,000 rpm milling spindle and 5-axis capability far exceed Swiss-type lathes. However, for simple turned parts where cycle time and bar throughput are the priority, a dedicated Swiss lathe may still be more productive.
04
The 408MT excels with titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), cobalt-chrome (CoCr), stainless steels (316L, 17-4PH), brass, gold, platinum, and engineering plastics like PEEK. These are the core materials in medical device, watchmaking, and precision electronics manufacturing.
05
Yes. With twin spindles, integrated bar feeder, and optional robotic part handling, the 408MT supports high-volume automated production. The multi-channel Fanuc control enables concurrent operations for optimized cycle times. Lights-out operation is standard practice for many 408MT installations.
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