NEW SMTCL HTC50m Horizontal Turning Centre

SMTCL HTC50m Series Horizontal Turning Centre with Driven Tooling

The SMTCL HTC50m Series is a higher-capacity horizontal turning centre platform with C-axis and driven tooling, designed for components requiring turning together with drilling, milling and other secondary machining operations in one setup.

Available in Qm, Hm and Sm configurations, the HTC50m Series provides a choice between general-purpose capability, high-efficiency production and heavy-cutting performance.

Compared with the smaller HTC40m platform, the HTC50m provides greater turning capacity, larger spindle and chuck configurations and turning lengths up to approximately 2450 mm.

The Series is particularly suited to shafts, sleeves, flanges, hydraulic components, automotive parts, pump and motor components, valve parts and other medium-to-large rotational workpieces containing cross holes, flats, keyways, milled surfaces or other secondary features.

By completing more operations in one clamping, the HTC50m can reduce workpiece transfers, secondary-machine setups and accumulated setup error.


HTC50m Series Configurations

The HTC50m platform is available in three primary configurations:

• HTC50Qm – General-Purpose Turning Centre with Driven Tooling

• HTC50Hm – High-Efficiency Turning Centre with Driven Tooling

• HTC50Sm – Heavy-Cutting Turning Centre with Driven Tooling


HTC50Qm – General-Purpose Configuration

The HTC50Qm is the general-purpose version of the HTC50m platform.

It combines turning, milling and drilling capability with a large working range for general engineering and engineering machinery applications.

Key confirmed characteristics include:

• Maximum turning diameter: approximately 450 mm

• Available maximum turning lengths:
450 / 950 / 1450 / 1950 / 2450 mm

• Maximum swing over saddle: approximately 500 mm

• Spindle nose: A2-8

• Standard chuck class: 10 inch

• Tool turret: Horizontal 12-station power turret

• Power turret interface: BMT45

• C-axis capability

• Turning, drilling and milling capability

• Standard CNC system in catalogue: GSK988TA


Best suited for:

• General engineering

• Engineering machinery

• Shaft components

• Flanges

• Hydraulic parts

• Mixed production

• Components requiring moderate driven-tool operations

• Customers seeking broad machining flexibility


HTC50Hm – High-Efficiency Configuration

The HTC50Hm is the high-efficiency version.

It is designed for multi-process machining where production efficiency, machining accuracy and stability are important.

Key confirmed characteristics include:

• Maximum turning diameter: approximately 450 mm

• Available maximum turning lengths:
450 / 950 / 1450 / 1950 / 2450 mm

• Maximum swing over saddle: approximately 500 mm

• Spindle nose: A2-11

• Standard chuck class: 12 inch

• Tool turret: Horizontal 12-station power turret

• Power turret interface: BMT55

• C-axis capability

• Turning, drilling and milling capability

• Standard CNC system in catalogue: FANUC 0i-TF Plus


Best suited for:

• Automotive components

• Pump components

• Motor components

• Higher-utilisation production

• Repetitive multi-process machining

• Components requiring greater spindle and chuck capacity

• Production where cycle-time reduction is important


HTC50Sm – Heavy-Cutting Configuration

The HTC50Sm is the heavy-cutting version of the HTC50m family.

It combines driven-tool capability with the higher torque and structural rigidity associated with the Sm platform.

Key confirmed characteristics include:

• Maximum turning diameter: approximately 450 mm

• Available maximum turning lengths:
450 / 950 / 1450 / 1950 / 2450 mm

• Maximum swing over saddle: approximately 500 mm

• Spindle nose: A2-11

• Standard chuck class: 12 inch

• Tool turret: Horizontal 12-station power turret

• Power turret interface: BMT55

• C-axis capability

• Turning, drilling and milling capability

• Standard CNC system in catalogue: FANUC 0i-TF Plus


Best suited for:

• Automotive heavy components

• Energy-sector components

• Valve components

• Engineering machinery

• Larger shafts

• Stronger roughing requirements

• Components requiring turning plus secondary machining

• Applications where rigidity and torque are higher priorities


HTC50m Model Range

The HTC50m Series is available in five principal bed-length classes across Qm, Hm and Sm configurations.


500 Class

Models include:

• HTC50Qm/500

• HTC50Hm/500

• HTC50Sm/500

Maximum turning length:

• Approximately 450 mm

Best suited for:

• Short shafts

• Flanges

• Valve components

• Disc-type components

• Compact production layouts

• Components requiring turning plus cross drilling or milling


1000 Class

Models include:

• HTC50Qm/1000

• HTC50Hm/1000

• HTC50Sm/1000

Maximum turning length:

• Approximately 950 mm

Best suited for:

• Medium-length shafts

• Drive components

• Hydraulic parts

• Sleeves

• Components requiring additional Z-axis working range


1500 Class

Models include:

• HTC50Qm/1500

• HTC50Hm/1500

• HTC50Sm/1500

Maximum turning length:

• Approximately 1450 mm

Best suited for:

• Longer shafts

• Hydraulic rods

• Engineering machinery components

• Long sleeves

• Multi-feature production work


2000 Class

Models include:

• HTC50Qm/2000

• HTC50Hm/2000

• HTC50Sm/2000

Maximum turning length:

• Approximately 1950 mm

Best suited for:

• Long shafts

• Cylinder-related components

• Industrial drive components

• Longer engineering workpieces


2500 Class

Models include:

• HTC50Qm/2500

• HTC50Hm/2500

• HTC50Sm/2500

Maximum turning length:

• Approximately 2450 mm

Best suited for:

• Very long shafts

• Hydraulic rods

• Long sleeves

• Large engineering components

• Applications where the 2000-class machine is insufficient


Driven-Tooling Capability

The defining feature of the HTC50m Series is its horizontal 12-station servo power tool carriage.

The HTC-m platform combines:

• C-axis spindle control

• Driven tooling

• Turning capability

• Milling capability

• Drilling capability

This allows machining features that would otherwise require transferring the workpiece to a machining centre or drilling machine.


Typical driven-tool operations may include:

• Axial drilling

• Radial drilling

• Cross drilling

• Milling flats

• Keyways

• Slots

• Bolt-hole patterns

• Tapped features where configured

• Chamfering

• Secondary machining features


Final driven-tool capacity depends on the selected machine, turret, toolholder, material and process and should be confirmed before quotation.


12-Station Power Turret

All HTC50m configurations use a horizontal 12-station power tool carriage.

HTC50Qm:

• BMT45 interface


HTC50Hm / HTC50Sm:

• BMT55 interface


The larger BMT55 interface on Hm and Sm configurations provides a stronger tooling platform for higher-capacity machining.

The BMT interface provides:

• High-rigidity tool connection

• Reliable driven-tool transmission

• Compact turret arrangement

• Good repeatability

• Broad static and driven-tool selection


C-Axis Capability

The HTC-m platform is equipped with a high-accuracy C-axis structure.

The manufacturer describes the system as using:

• High-accuracy spindle encoder

• C-axis indexing control

• Brake device

• BMT driven tooling

This combination allows integrated turning, milling and drilling operations in one clamping.

C-axis functionality is particularly useful for:

• Cross holes

• Bolt circles

• Indexed milling

• Flats

• Keyways

• Angular positioning

• Multi-feature components


Optional Y-Axis Configuration

The HTC-m platform can be configured with an optional Y-axis.

When combined with:

• BMT power turret

• High-accuracy C-axis

• Driven-tool holders

the Y-axis expands the machining capability for more complex features.

Y-axis configuration can help support:

• Off-centre drilling

• Off-centre milling

• Slots

• Complex surface features

• Multi-sequence integrated machining

Y-axis should not be assumed to be standard on every HTC50m.

Final Y-axis requirement must be confirmed from the workpiece drawing.


High-Efficiency Feed System

The HTC-m Series is designed for efficient axis movement.

The servo motor is connected to the precision ballscrew through a coupling, reducing intermediate transmission components.

The manufacturer identifies:

• Direct ballscrew drive

• Linear rolling guideways

• High dynamic performance

• High rigidity

• Fast axis movement

The HTC-m platform is designed for rapid traverse speeds up to approximately 30 m/min on applicable configurations.

Final X/Z rapid traverse should be confirmed for the selected HTC50Qm, Hm or Sm model.


High-Accuracy Feed Technology

The HTC-m Series incorporates several technologies intended to improve positioning consistency and machining stability.

These include:

• High-accuracy pre-tensioned ballscrews

• Double-fixed pre-tension structure

• Error-compensation technology

• High-accuracy encoder

• Quantified assembly procedures

• Strict inspection standards


The pre-tensioned ballscrew structure helps compensate for thermal growth and supports more stable axis positioning during extended production cycles.


High-Accuracy C-Axis Encoder

The manufacturer uses a magnetic-induction high-speed built-in encoder for C-axis control.

The encoder is designed to provide:

• Accurate angular positioning

• High frequency response

• Compact construction

• High environmental protection

• Reliable operation in industrial conditions

This supports accurate indexing during turning and driven-tool machining.


High-Rigidity Machine Structure

The HTC-m Series uses high-quality cast iron for the machine body and other key structural components.

Key structural features include:

• Integral high-rigidity casting

• U-shaped internal rib structure

• Large-span spindle unit

• Anti-bending saddle design

• Optimised guideway span

• Finite-element structural analysis

These features are intended to improve:

• Cutting rigidity

• Vibration resistance

• Machining stability

• Surface quality

• Accuracy retention


High-Rigidity Spindle Structure

The HTC-m platform uses a long-span sleeve-type spindle structure.

The manufacturer describes the spindle support as incorporating:

• Double-row cylindrical roller bearings

• Angular-contact ball bearings

• Composite bearing support

This arrangement is intended to improve:

• Spindle rigidity

• Torque transmission

• Cutting stability

• Heavy-cutting capability


Tailstock Configuration

The HTC-m Series can be configured with a split servo tailstock.

The servo-driven arrangement allows:

• Controlled tailstock movement

• Adjustable support force

• Faster approach to the workpiece

• Reduced impact during workpiece support

• Position feedback

• Improved changeover efficiency


The split tailstock structure is also intended to simplify accuracy adjustment and maintenance.

Final tailstock configuration should be confirmed according to the selected HTC50m model and workpiece.


Optional Internal-Coolant Tooling

The HTC-m platform can use internal-coolant driven-tool holders.

Internal coolant can improve:

• Chip evacuation

• Hole machining

• Tool cooling

• Surface quality

• Process stability

This is particularly useful for deeper drilling and internal machining operations.


Accuracy and Process Control

The HTC-m manufacturer material emphasises high accuracy and process consistency.

Key measures include:

• C3-grade precision ballscrews

• High-accuracy encoder technology

• Feed-system pre-tensioning

• Error compensation

• Laser-interferometer verification

• Controlled assembly procedures

• Strict functional-component testing


Manufacturer batch testing reports:

• CMK 2.0 or above under stated test conditions

• Approximately IT6-level batch machining capability

• Repeated machining accuracy error up to approximately 0.003 mm in the referenced test


These results are manufacturer test data and should not be interpreted as guaranteed finished-part accuracy for every material, tooling setup or production environment.


Single-Setup Manufacturing

One of the main reasons to select HTC50m instead of a conventional two-axis HTC50 is the ability to complete more processes in one clamping.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced workpiece transfers

• Fewer fixtures

• Reduced secondary setups

• Better relationship between turned and milled features

• Reduced accumulated setup error

• Reduced work-in-progress

• Shorter production lead time

• Better process control

• Improved automation potential


Typical Applications

The HTC50m Series is well suited to:

• Automotive components

• Engineering machinery

• Hydraulic components

• Pump components

• Motor components

• Valve components

• Energy-sector parts

• General engineering

• Drive-system components

• Shaft production

• Flanges

• Sleeves

• Multi-feature rotational components


Typical Workpieces

Typical HTC50m workpieces may include:

• Drive shafts with keyways

• Gear shafts

• Motor shafts

• Hydraulic shafts

• Piston rods

• Sleeves with radial holes

• Flanges with bolt patterns

• Valve components

• Pump components

• Couplings

• Rotor shafts

• Bearing-related components

• General turned-milled parts


Documented Industry Applications

The HTC-m catalogue identifies applications across:

• Automotive industry

• Motor industry

• Engineering machinery

• General-purpose industry


Representative workpieces shown include:

• Driver shafts

• Gear shafts

• Gears

• End-cover shells

• Rotor shafts

• Thrust wheels

• Idler wheels

• Driving wheels

• Ball-valve fittings

• Rotary joints


Manufacturer application examples also include machining of:

• Stainless-steel automotive components

• Aluminium automotive components

• 40Cr hydraulic components

• Brass instrument components

Cycle times shown in the manufacturer material are application-specific examples and should not be treated as guaranteed production times.


Why Consider the HTC50m Series?

The HTC50m is a strong choice where conventional turning is not enough but a full HTM turn-mill machining centre would be unnecessary for the component.

Key reasons to consider HTC50m include:

• Approximately 450 mm maximum turning diameter

• Turning lengths from approximately 450 to 2450 mm

• Qm, Hm and Sm configuration choices

• 10-inch Qm chuck class

• 12-inch Hm / Sm chuck class

• A2-8 or A2-11 spindle platform

• 12-station horizontal power turret

• BMT45 or BMT55 driven-tool interface

• High-accuracy C-axis

• Turning, milling and drilling in one setup

• Optional Y-axis capability

• High-rigidity cast structure

• Pre-tensioned precision ballscrews

• Suitable for larger multi-feature components

• Reduced secondary machining requirements


HTC50Qm vs HTC50Hm vs HTC50Sm

HTC50Qm – General-Purpose

Choose HTC50Qm when:

• General turning and milling capability is required

• A 10-inch chuck is sufficient

• A2-8 spindle capacity is appropriate

• BMT45 driven tooling meets the process requirement

• Engineering machinery and general-purpose work are the main applications

• Overall flexibility and investment are the main priorities


HTC50Hm – High-Efficiency

Choose HTC50Hm when:

• Production efficiency is a higher priority

• A larger A2-11 spindle is beneficial

• A 12-inch chuck is preferred

• BMT55 tooling is required

• Automotive, pump or motor production is common

• Machining stability and higher utilisation are important


HTC50Sm – Heavy-Cutting

Choose HTC50Sm when:

• Stronger cutting capability is required

• Higher rigidity and torque are important

• A2-11 spindle and 12-inch chuck capacity are beneficial

• BMT55 tooling is preferred

• Automotive, energy or valve components are being machined

• Heavy turning must be combined with driven-tool operations


HTC50m Compared with Standard HTC50

Standard HTC50

Best suited when the component mainly requires:

• External turning

• Internal boring

• Grooving

• Threading

• Centreline drilling

• Conventional two-axis turning


HTC50m

Best suited when the component additionally requires:

• Cross drilling

• Off-centre holes

• Flats

• Keyways

• Slots

• Bolt patterns

• Milled features

• Other secondary machining operations


Choose standard HTC50 where driven tooling does not provide enough process benefit to justify the additional machine complexity.

Choose HTC50m where eliminating secondary machine setups can meaningfully improve production.


HTC50m Compared with HTC40m

HTC40m

Best suited for:

• Smaller and medium components

• 50–65 mm-class bar work

• 8-inch and 10-inch chuck configurations

• Shorter and medium-length workpieces


HTC50m

Provides:

• Approximately 450 mm turning diameter

• Turning lengths up to approximately 2450 mm

• 10-inch or 12-inch chuck classes

• A2-8 or A2-11 spindle platforms

• BMT45 or BMT55 driven-tool systems

• Greater capacity for larger turned-milled workpieces


Choose HTC40m where the component comfortably fits the smaller platform.

Choose HTC50m where larger diameter, longer workpiece length or increased spindle and chuck capacity are required.


HTC50m Compared with HTC63m

HTC50m is the medium-capacity driven-tool platform.

HTC63m extends the HTC-m concept into substantially larger shaft and disc work.

Choose HTC50m when:

• Approximately 450 mm turning diameter is sufficient

• Turning length up to approximately 2450 mm is sufficient

• 10-inch or 12-inch chuck capacity is appropriate


Choose HTC63m when:

• Larger shaft or disc diameters are required

• Larger workpiece mass is involved

• Higher-capacity spindle and workholding are needed

• Heavy engineering parts exceed HTC50m capability


HTC-m Series Positioning Guide

The HTC-m family includes several machine-size classes.


HTC30m

Compact driven-tool platform.

Best suited for:

• Smaller components

• Short shafts and sleeves

• Compact production cells


HTC40m

Mid-size driven-tool platform.

Best suited for:

• Medium shafts

• Flanges

• Hydraulic components

• Multi-feature general engineering work


HTC50m

Higher-capacity driven-tool platform.

Best suited for:

• Larger turned-milled components

• Longer shafts

• Automotive and engineering machinery

• Pumps and motors

• Valves

• Components requiring 10-inch or 12-inch chuck capacity


HTC63m

High-capacity driven-tool platform.

Best suited for:

• Larger shafts

• Large discs

• Heavy engineering components

• Work requiring greater diameter and workpiece capacity


HTC80m

Heavy-duty driven-tool platform.

Best suited for:

• Very large shafts and discs

• Heavy components

• High-load production

• Large industrial workpieces requiring turning plus driven-tool machining


Optional Equipment and Functional Modules

The HTC-m catalogue lists available options including:

• Workpiece measurement

• Spindle-centre coolant

• Tool setting gauge

• Floating chuck

• Steady rest

• Oil mist collector

• Bar feeder

• Rear chip removal unit

• Linear scales

• Adaptive machining

• Thermal compensation

• Tool-break detection

• Y-axis configuration

• Servo tailstock

Actual availability depends on the selected HTC50Qm, Hm or Sm configuration.


Standard Configuration

Typical HTC-m standard equipment includes:

• CNC control system

• Sleeve-type spindle

• Hollow chuck oil cylinder

• C-axis capability

• Horizontal 12-station power tool carriage

Catalogue control configuration:

• HTC50Qm: GSK988TA

• HTC50Hm / HTC50Sm: FANUC 0i-TF Plus

Final CNC, spindle, chuck and tooling configuration should be confirmed before quotation.


Not the Best Fit When

The HTC50m may not be the best choice when:

• The workpiece only requires simple two-axis turning

• Driven tooling provides little production benefit

• Workpieces are small enough for HTC30m or HTC40m

• Workpiece diameter or mass exceeds HTC50m capacity

• Extensive Y-axis contour milling is the main operation

• A sub-spindle is essential

• Complex simultaneous multi-axis machining is required

• A dedicated milling spindle and large tool magazine are required

For more complex multitasking work, an HTM horizontal turn-milling machining centre may be more appropriate.


Machine Selection and Configuration

Final HTC50m configuration should be selected from the actual workpiece drawing and manufacturing process.

Please provide:

• Maximum workpiece diameter

• Maximum workpiece length

• Maximum workpiece weight

• Material

• Bar or tube diameter where applicable

• Drawing or 3D model

• Turning operations

• Axial drilling requirements

• Radial drilling requirements

• Milling requirements

• Slots or keyways

• Tapping requirements

• Required tolerances

• Surface finish requirements

• Expected batch quantity

• Required chuck size

• C-axis requirements

• Driven-tool requirements

• Y-axis requirements

• Tailstock requirements

• Steady-rest requirements

• Workholding requirements

• Tool-setting requirements

• Workpiece measurement requirements

• Chip-management requirements

• Automation requirements

• Any sub-spindle requirement

MachineryPLUS can assist with selecting the correct HTC50Qm, HTC50Hm or HTC50Sm configuration, bed length, driven tooling and workholding according to the actual production process.


Configuration Before Quotation

The following should be confirmed before final quotation:

• Qm, Hm or Sm configuration

• 500 / 1000 / 1500 / 2000 / 2500 bed-length class

• CNC control

• Spindle and chuck configuration

• C-axis requirements

• BMT45 or BMT55 tooling system

• Driven-tool package

• Y-axis requirement

• Tailstock configuration

• Steady rest

• Tool setter

• Workpiece measurement

• Chip conveyor

• Coolant configuration

• Automation

• Any sub-spindle requirement

Not every optional function is available in every combination, so final compatibility should be confirmed against the selected model and workpiece.


Complete Your Machine Setup

A driven-tool turning centre is only one part of the complete manufacturing system.

MachineryPLUS can also assist with:

• CNC machine selection

• Static turning tools

• BMT driven-tool holders

• Turning inserts

• Milling cutters

• Drilling tools

• Tapping tools

• Boring bars

• Parting and grooving tools

• Threading tools

• Collets

• Chucking solutions

• Soft jaws

• Hard jaws

• Centres

• Tailstock tooling

• Steady rests

• Workholding

• Tool measurement

• Chip management

• Automation

• Integrated manufacturing solutions

This allows the machine, driven tooling, cutting tools, workholding and production process to be considered as one complete manufacturing solution.


Explore More from MachineryPLUS

MachineryPLUS supplies machine tools, manufacturing solutions, cutting tools, workholding and supporting equipment for Australian manufacturing, machining and engineering businesses.

Our broader machine tool and manufacturing solution range includes:

• CNC Turning – CNC lathes, horizontal turning centres, vertical lathes, heavy-duty lathes and turn-mill machining centres.

• Machining Centres – vertical machining centres, horizontal machining centres, five-axis machining centres and drilling and tapping centres.

• Five-Axis Machining – vertical five-axis machining centres, horizontal five-axis machining centres, five-axis gantry machines and specialised five-axis machining solutions.

• Large Machining – gantry machining centres, floor-type boring and milling machines, table-type boring and milling machines and large heavy-duty machine tools.

• Precision & Specialised Machines – grinding machines, gear manufacturing machines, ultra-precision equipment and special-purpose machine tools.

• Forming & Forging Equipment – hydraulic presses, mechanical presses, forging systems, forming equipment and specialised production systems.

• Automation & Smart Manufacturing – robotic automation, gantry automation, flexible manufacturing systems, machining cells, automated production lines and digital manufacturing solutions.

• Cutting Tools – turning, milling, drilling, threading and holemaking tools for a broad range of machining applications.

• Tool Holders – BT, CAT, HSK, PSC/Capto, Morse taper, R8 and other machine tool holder systems.

• Workholding – machine vises, chucking solutions, soft jaws, centres, fixtures and CNC workholding accessories.

• Machine Tool Accessories – collets, drill chucks, pull studs, tapping systems, milling and lathe accessories and supporting workshop equipment.

• Tool Management & Storage – tooling storage, organisation and workshop solutions designed to improve productivity and tool control.

MachineryPLUS can support customers from individual machine selection through to tooling, workholding, automation and integrated manufacturing solutions.

Based in Perth, Western Australia, MachineryPLUS supports customers locally and Australia-wide with product selection, sourcing and practical manufacturing solutions.

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