Large Vertical Machining Center for Large Parts
An 1800×900mm worktable solves the main challenge of large-part machining on a large vertical machining center. Parts that previously required two setups on a standard machine now finish in a single clamping on a vertical machining center for large parts, like the VMC1690 or VMC1890. This cuts repositioning errors and reduces floor-to-floor time. With an 1800kg table capacity and a BT50 spindle rated for 15/18.5kW, the D series machines structural plates, mold bases, and energy housings that smaller machines cannot handle. Built in a 28,000-square-meter facility with CE certification, the D series ships to energy and structural-part manufacturers in over 50 countries.
If your typical workpiece measures under 1300mm and does not need the 1800kg table capacity, a heavy duty vertical machining center offers a better rigidity-to-cost ratio for mold and die work.
Applications
This large vertical machining center bridges the gap between standard VMCs and full gantry machines. It provides a rigid, floor-mounted column with an oversized table.
- Large structural plates and mold bases requiring face milling, boring, and drilling across a single 1800–2000mm span on a vertical machining center for large parts, eliminating the need to reposition clamps.
- Heavy disk-type housings and valve bodies weighing over 1000kg, demanding uniform table support across the full travel.
Industries
Energy and mold manufacturers choose a big table vertical machining center when the part footprint exceeds the practical limits of 1000-class machines but does not yet justify a gantry investment. Energy sector manufacturers rely on the 1800kg load capacity and BT50 spindle torque to machine large cast faces and welded flanges in a single pass.
Key Features
The mechanical design of this large vertical machining center prioritizes table rigidity and spindle torque over raw rapid-traverse speed.
- The 1800×900mm to 2000×900mm worktable on this big table vertical machining center supports loads up to 1800kg. Heavy structural parts remain stable without deflection during aggressive cuts.
- A BT50 belt-drive spindle rated for 8000rpm and 15/18.5kW delivers the torque required for steel roughing. It maintains tight tolerances on finish passes across the full table width.
- 55mm roller linear guideways on the X/Y/Z axes deliver higher load capacity than ball-type rails. This ensures the machine sustains cutting rigidity under heavy loads across the full 1600–1800mm travel.
- A nitrogen balance cylinder supports the 14500–15000kg spindle head during Z-axis rapid traverses. This reduces servo load and improves positioning consistency on deep-cavity work up to 720mm.
Note: The 55mm roller guideways are the high-rigidity configuration. If your application is primarily aluminum finishing, the optional 45mm four-rail setup trades some stiffness for lower friction and slightly faster rapid traverse.
Choosing between the two models depends on part length and Z-depth. The VMC1690 provides 1600mm X-travel and 600mm Z-travel, handling most structural plates and mold bases under 1500mm. The VMC1890 extends X-travel to 1800mm and Z-travel to 720mm, allowing parts approaching 1700mm or deep cavities beyond 600mm to avoid overhang fixturing.
Technical Specifications
The technical specification table below details the exact travel, spindle, and load ratings that separate the VMC1690 from the VMC1890 within the large vertical machining center range.
| Parameter | Unit | VMC1690 | VMC1890 |
|---|---|---|---|
| X/Y/Z Axis Travel | mm | 1600 / 900 / 600 | 1800 / 900 / 720 |
| Spindle nose to worktable | mm | 105 – 705 | 115 – 835 |
| Spindle center to column | mm | 950 | 950 |
| Lead screw diameter (X/Y/Z) | mm | Φ55 / 55 / 55 | Φ55 / 55 / 55 |
| Pitch | mm | 12 | 12 |
| Linear guideway | – | 55 roller type (2 rails / 4 blocks) or 45 type 4 rails / 8 blocks / hardened way | 55 roller type (2 rails / 4 blocks) or 45 type 4 rails / 8 blocks / hardened way |
| Worktable size | mm | 1800 × 900 | 2000 × 900 |
| Max loading capacity | kg | 1800 | 1800 |
| T-slots | – | 5 × 22 × 165 | 5 × 22 × 165 |
| Spindle taper | – | BT50 (Φ190 pull stud) | BT50 (Φ190 pull stud) |
| Spindle speed | rpm | 8000 (belt drive) | 8000 (belt drive) |
| Main motor power | kW | 15 / 18.5 | 15 / 18.5 |
| Fast moving speed (X/Y/Z) | m/min | 24 / 30 | 24 / 30 |
| Cutting speed | mm/min | 1 – 10000 | 1 – 10000 |
| Feed motor power (X/Y/Z) | kW | 4.5 / 7.0 / 4.5 | 4.5 / 7.0 / 4.5 |
| Tool changer | pcs | Arm type 24 | Arm type 24 |
| Max tool diameter | mm | 200 (full) | 200 (full) |
| Max tool weight | kg | 18 | 18 |
| Max tool length | mm | 300 | 300 |
| Positioning accuracy | mm | 0.008 (full stroke) | 0.008 (full stroke) |
| Repeat accuracy | mm | 0.005 (full stroke) | 0.005 (full stroke) |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | mm | 4300 × 3100 × 3700 | 4500 × 3100 × 3700 |
| Weight | kg | 14500 | 15000 |
Positioning and repeat accuracy ratings follow ISO 230-2:2014 test procedures for full-stroke verification.
Typical Application Cases
These typical application cases demonstrate how the D series handles structural and energy parts that exceed standard VMC capacity.
Large Structural Parts: Controlling Distortion on Thin-Wall Panels
Aerospace and heavy-machinery structural panels often exceed 1500mm in length. Their thin walls, tall ribs, and deep pockets make them prone to clamping distortion. Multiple setups on smaller machines introduce cumulative positioning errors, and each reclamp risks ruining surface flatness. The VMC1690’s 1600mm X-travel and 1800kg table capacity let operators fixture the full panel once. The widened roller-guideway mounting surface and resin-sand HT-300 bed dampen vibration during heavy roughing. The BT50 spindle delivers enough torque to rough steel walls without chatter, then switches to a finishing tool for the final pass.
- Full-panel machining in one setup eliminates repositioning error
- Repeat positioning accuracy rated for 0.005mm across the full stroke
- Typical cycle-time reduction of 30–40% versus two-setup processing on smaller machines
Energy Sector: Pump Casings and Heat Exchangers on a Big Table
Wind-turbine gear housings and large pump valves often exceed 1000kg and require boring, facing, and drilling on a single plane. Standard vertical machining centers lack the table area and spindle torque for these parts, forcing shops to divide the job across two machines or outsource. The VMC1890’s 2000×900mm worktable accommodates the casting directly. The BT50 spindle and 18.5kW motor deliver sustained torque for alloy-steel facing. A 24-tool arm-type magazine supports roughing, semi-finishing, and drilling without manual intervention. The operator loads the part and returns to a finished housing.
- Table load rated for 1800kg handles energy-sector castings without sag
- One-pass facing across 1800mm X-travel reduces joint lines and secondary benchwork
- Rigid tapping and through-spindle coolant options support threaded port machining
Frequently Asked Questions
These frequently asked questions cover load limits, setup strategy, maintenance, and rotary-axis upgrades for this large vertical machining center class.
What worktable load capacity applies to this VMC size class?
The VMC1690 and VMC1890 are both rated for an 1800kg maximum table load. This capacity covers large pump housings, wind-turbine gearboxes, and structural plates. Distribute the payload evenly across the table surface to maintain the 0.008mm positioning accuracy and 0.005mm repeat accuracy over the full travel.
Can this VMC handle both roughing and finishing in one setup?
A BT50 spindle with 15/18.5kW motor power handles steel roughing at low speed and maintains stability for finish passes. The 24-pocket arm-type tool changer stores roughing, semi-finishing, and drilling tools together. The machine completes both operations in one fixture without manual intervention.
What maintenance intervals apply to the ballscrew and linear guides?
Inspect roller guideways and C3 ballscrews every six months for chip accumulation and lubricant distribution. The centralized automatic lubrication system reduces manual greasing. However, heavy-duty cast-iron or steel cutting demands more frequent checks to sustain the 0.005mm repeat accuracy across the full 1600–1800mm stroke.
Is a fourth-axis upgrade worth it for prismatic parts?
A fourth-axis rotary table adds no value for pure prismatic parts with only orthogonal faces. If the workpiece includes angled holes, helical grooves, or multi-sided housings, the rotary table machines four sides in one setup. This is why energy and mold shops often add this option.
