Willemin-Macodel 508MT2

$350,000 - $500,000 Updated 2026-03-14

Key Specifications

X Travel

200 mm (7.87 in)

Y Travel

100 mm (3.94 in)

Z Travel

350 mm (13.78 in)

Tool Capacity

40 tools

Accuracy

2 um (0.00008 in)

max bar capacity

50 mm (1.97 in) diameter

Overview

The Willemin-Macodel 508MT2 is a compact, high-precision CNC mill-turn center designed for complete machining of small complex parts from bar stock. Built in Delemont, Switzerland, Willemin-Macodel has carved out a niche in the watch, medical device, and micro-precision industries where part tolerances are measured in single-digit microns and surface finishes must be impeccable. The 508MT2 handles bar stock up to 50 mm diameter and combines turning, milling, drilling, and thread whirling in a single platform with twin spindles for front and back machining.

The main and sub spindles each deliver 11 kW with speeds to 8,000 rpm for turning operations. The milling spindle is where the 508MT2 really distinguishes itself — a 15 kW HSK-E40 motor spindle running at 40,000 rpm enables high-speed milling of intricate 3D contours, fine features, and mirror-finish surfaces directly on turned parts. The B-axis provides +/-105 degrees of continuous swivel for compound angle machining, and the full simultaneous 5-axis capability (X, Y, Z, B, C) allows complex medical implant geometries, watch components, and miniature connectors to be completed in one clamping.

What sets the 508MT2 apart from conventional Swiss-type lathes is the milling center-class capability packed into a turning platform. The 40,000 rpm milling spindle runs on ceramic hybrid bearings with oil-air lubrication, delivering the speed and thermal stability needed for micro-milling operations in titanium, cobalt-chrome, and stainless steel. Linear axis travels are 200 x 100 x 350 mm (X x Y x Z), and positioning accuracy is specified at 2 um with sub-micron repeatability. The Fanuc 31i-B5 control handles the simultaneous 5-axis kinematics with AICC2 high-speed contouring.

New 508MT2 machines price in the $350,000 to $500,000 range depending on automation and tooling configuration. The machine competes with Bumotec s191H, Index G220, and Citizen Cincom D25 in the high-end small-part mill-turn segment, though the Willemin-Macodel's milling capability significantly exceeds most Swiss-type alternatives. Automation options include integrated bar feeder, part catcher, and robotic unloading for lights-out production.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	50 mm (1.97 in) diameter
Main Spindle Power	11 kW
Main Spindle Speed	8,000 rpm
Sub Spindle Power	11 kW
Sub Spindle Speed	8,000 rpm
Milling Spindle Power	15 kW
Milling Spindle Speed	40,000 rpm
Milling Spindle Interface	HSK-E40
X-Axis Travel	200 mm (7.87 in)
Y-Axis Travel	100 mm (3.94 in)
Z-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.78 in)
B Axis Range	+/-105 degrees
Simultaneous Axes	5-axis (X, Y, Z, B, C)
Positioning Accuracy	2 um (0.00008 in)
Tool Capacity	40 tools
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B5
Machine Weight	6,500 kg (14,330 lb)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

40,000 rpm milling spindle with HSK-E40 interface delivers machining center-class milling capability on a turning platform
Twin spindles enable complete front and back machining of complex parts from bar stock in a single cycle
2 um positioning accuracy and sub-micron repeatability meet the tightest medical device and watchmaking tolerances
Full 5-axis simultaneous machining handles complex 3D contours on small parts that would require multiple machines otherwise
Swiss-built precision with Willemin-Macodel's decades of experience in micro-precision and medical device manufacturing
Compact footprint makes efficient use of expensive clean-room or temperature-controlled floor space

Limitations

50 mm bar capacity limits the machine to small parts; shops needing larger diameters must look at the 508MT2's bigger siblings
Price of $350,000-$500,000 is significantly higher than conventional Swiss-type lathes of similar bar capacity
Niche brand with limited dealer presence outside Europe, particularly in regions without strong medical device or watchmaking industries
Complex 5-axis kinematics require skilled programmers and operators, steeper learning curve than conventional turning centers
8,000 rpm main spindle speed is modest compared to some competing platforms that offer 10,000-12,000 rpm turning

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing orthopedic implants, spinal screws, dental abutments, and surgical instruments from bar stock Watch and luxury goods manufacturers machining complex movement components, cases, and bracelet links Aerospace shops producing small precision components like fittings, connectors, and actuator parts requiring complete machining Electronics and connector manufacturers machining miniature precision components from brass, titanium, and stainless steel High-precision job shops specializing in complex small parts that benefit from combined turning and 5-axis milling Shops upgrading from Swiss-type lathes that need more milling capability without adding a separate machining center operation

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Willemin-Macodel 508MT2 cost?

New 508MT2 machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on tooling, automation, and accessory configuration. This is premium pricing for a small-part mill-turn, reflecting the 40,000 rpm milling spindle and Swiss build quality.

02 How does the 508MT2 compare to a Swiss-type lathe?

The 508MT2 offers dramatically more milling capability than a conventional Swiss lathe. The 40,000 rpm milling spindle, B-axis, and full 5-axis simultaneous machining enable complex 3D contours that Swiss lathes cannot produce. Swiss lathes are better for very long slender parts using guide bushing support.

03 What materials can the 508MT2 machine?

The 508MT2 handles all common precision materials including titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), cobalt-chrome, stainless steels (316L, 17-4PH), brass, aluminum, and engineering plastics (PEEK). The high-speed milling spindle is particularly effective on titanium and cobalt-chrome medical implant materials.

04 Can the 508MT2 run lights-out?

Yes. With an integrated bar feeder, part catcher or robotic unloading, and the Fanuc 31i-B5 control's tool life management, the 508MT2 supports unattended production runs. Twin spindle operation completes parts without manual intervention.

05 What is the difference between the 508MT2 and 408MT?

The 408MT is the smaller platform with 32 mm bar capacity vs 50 mm on the 508MT2. The 508MT2 offers larger travels, higher spindle power, and greater bar capacity for slightly larger parts. The 408MT targets the smallest micro-precision work.