NEW SMTCL VTC500160 Series Large CNC Vertical Lathe

NEW SMTCL VTC500160 Series Large CNC Vertical Lathe

The SMTCL VTC500160 is an ultra-large high-efficiency CNC vertical lathe designed for machining very large, heavy and high-value rotary components.

It belongs to SMTCL’s VTC-H(m) high-efficiency vertical lathe family and is available in:

• VTC500160 H turning configuration

• VTC500160 Hm turn-milling configuration

With a 4500 mm worktable, up to 5000 mm turning diameter, 3000 mm workpiece height and approximately 125,000 Nm maximum worktable torque, the VTC500160 is designed for demanding large-component machining where structural rigidity, workpiece capacity and process stability are critical.

Typical workpieces may include:

• Large rings

• Large flanges

• Bearing rings

• Large casings

• Pressure-vessel components

• Wind-power components

• Energy-sector components

• Heavy rotary housings

• Large covers and discs

• Other ultra-large industrial rotary components


VTC500160 Key Turning Specifications

Worktable and Capacity

• Workbench diameter: Ø4500 mm

• Maximum rotary diameter: Ø5000 mm

• Maximum turning diameter: Ø5000 mm

• Maximum workpiece height: 3000 mm

• Maximum workbench torque: approximately 125,000 Nm

• Maximum workbench speed: 40 rpm


Main Drive

• Rated main motor power: 81 kW


Ram and Beam

• Ram cross section: 400 × 400 mm

• Beam lifting movement: 2000 mm


Axis Travel

• X-axis travel: -50 to +2850 mm

• Z-axis travel: 1600 mm


Axis Speed

• X-axis rapid traverse: 6 m/min

• Z-axis rapid traverse: 6 m/min


Turning Tool

• Turning tool shank: 50 × 50 mm


Machine Accuracy

Representative catalogue values:

• X-axis positioning accuracy: approximately 0.030 mm

• Z-axis positioning accuracy: approximately 0.030 mm

• X-axis repeat positioning accuracy: approximately 0.013 mm

• Z-axis repeat positioning accuracy: approximately 0.013 mm


Machine Weight

• Approximate machine weight: 110,000 kg


VTC500160 Hm Turn-Milling Configuration

The Hm version extends the machine from large vertical turning into an integrated turning and milling platform.

Representative Hm specifications include:

• Workbench diameter: Ø4500 mm

• Maximum rotary diameter: Ø5000 mm

• Maximum turning diameter: Ø5000 mm

• Maximum workpiece height: 3000 mm

• Maximum workbench torque: approximately 125,000 Nm

• Maximum workbench speed: 40 rpm

• Rated turning motor power: 81 kW

• Milling spindle motor power: 51 kW

• Maximum milling spindle speed: 1500 rpm

• Maximum milling spindle torque: 2400 Nm

• C-axis speed range: 0.01–4 rpm

• Ram cross section: 400 × 400 mm

• Beam lifting movement: 2000 mm

• X-axis travel: -2470 to +3400 mm

• Z-axis travel: 1600 mm

• X-axis rapid traverse: 6 m/min

• Z-axis rapid traverse: 6 m/min

• Cutting feed range: 1–3000 mm/min

• Tool magazine capacity: 12 tools

• Approximate machine weight: 120,000 kg


Hm Accuracy

Representative catalogue values:

• X-axis positioning accuracy: approximately 0.025 mm

• Z-axis positioning accuracy: approximately 0.025 mm

• C-axis positioning accuracy: approximately 15 arc-seconds / 360°

• X-axis repeat positioning accuracy: approximately 0.010 mm

• Z-axis repeat positioning accuracy: approximately 0.010 mm

• C-axis repeat positioning accuracy: approximately 8 arc-seconds


Why Turn-Milling Matters on a Machine This Size

On a machine capable of handling workpieces around 5 metres in diameter, moving the component between separate machines can become a major part of the manufacturing process.

The Hm configuration can allow turning and selected milling, drilling and tapping operations to be completed in one setup.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced workpiece handling

• Reduced crane movements

• Reduced re-clamping

• Better datum consistency

• Reduced setup time

• Fewer intermediate fixtures

• Lower risk of alignment error between operations

• More complete machining in one machine


Typical Hm operations may include:

• Turning

• Facing

• Internal turning

• External turning

• Grooving

• Face milling

• Drilling

• Tapping

• Bolt-circle machining

• Indexed milling

• C-axis positioning

• Multi-process machining


High-Efficiency VTC-H(m) Platform

The manufacturer positions the VTC-H Series around:

• High rigidity

• High stability

• High machining accuracy

• High production efficiency

The larger VTC200140 / VTC250140 / VTC350140 / VTC500160 machines belong specifically to the high-efficiency H(m) family rather than the general-purpose Q Series.


High-Rigidity Casting Structure

Major machine castings use box-type cast-iron construction.

The manufacturer highlights:

• Thick-wall structure

• Reinforced ribbing

• Low centre of gravity

• Thermal treatment to release internal stress

• Special scraping of important mating surfaces


These structural measures are intended to support:

• Heavy cutting

• Vibration resistance

• Long-term dimensional stability

• Accuracy retention under load


High-Rigidity Hard Guideways

The two main feed axes use high-rigidity hard-guideway construction.

The guide surfaces receive dedicated treatment and use low-friction wear plates.

Benefits include:

• High rigidity

• Strong load capacity

• Good accuracy retention

• Stable heavy cutting

• Resistance to cutting-force deformation


This guideway architecture is particularly appropriate for the VTC500160’s very large workpiece and cutting-force capacity.


Massive 400 × 400 mm Forged-Steel Ram

The VTC500160 uses a:

• 400 × 400 mm ram

This is substantially larger than the 280 × 280 mm ram used on the VTC250140 and VTC350140.

The ram uses a forged-steel structure with hardened surfaces and precision-scraped mating guideways.

The larger ram is intended to provide:

• High bending rigidity

• High torsional rigidity

• Stable deep machining

• Strong resistance to large cutting loads

• Better support during extended Z-axis machining


High-Rigidity Main Machine Structure

The column, beam and ram-support system are designed to resist deformation under high cutting loads.

The manufacturer identifies improvements including:

• Increased guideway span

• Increased structural thickness

• Reinforced beam construction

• Improved resistance to ram leverage forces


These characteristics become increasingly important on workpieces approaching 5 metres in diameter.


Symmetrical Thermal Layout

The machine base and column follow a left-right symmetrical design concept.

This helps improve:

• Thermal balance

• Structural stability

• Control of thermal deformation


Internal mesh-style ribbing further increases rigidity.


Crossed-Roller Worktable Bearing

The VTC Series uses a high-accuracy large-specification crossed-roller bearing.

This bearing system is intended to withstand combined:

• Axial load

• Radial load

• Workpiece mass

• Cutting load

• Table torque


The large bearing span provides strong support for high-load worktable operation.


125,000 Nm Workbench Torque

One of the most important specifications of VTC500160 is its:

• Approximately 125,000 Nm maximum workbench torque

This gives a much clearer indication of the machine’s heavy machining capability than worktable diameter alone.

The worktable drive is designed for:

• Very large rotating masses

• High cutting torque

• Large-diameter turning

• Stable low-speed machining


High-Accuracy Main Transmission

The manufacturer uses a geared main transmission concept rather than a simple belt-only system.

The design supports:

• High torque

• Stable speed regulation

• Accurate indexing

• C-axis functionality on Hm machines

• Turn-milling integration


The spindle also incorporates temperature-control measures intended to reduce thermal displacement.


Double-Motor Worktable Drive

The worktable main drive uses two main motors with CNC synchronous control.

This supports:

• High torque output

• Stable table rotation

• Improved indexing accuracy

• C-axis anti-backlash control

• Stable surface finish


For an ultra-large worktable, the double-drive arrangement is an important part of maintaining controlled rotational performance.


Beam Double-Drive Lifting

The beam can be positioned according to workpiece height.

The VTC500160 provides:

• 2000 mm beam lifting movement

After positioning, the beam is hydraulically clamped.

This allows the machine to maintain a more suitable ram position according to the actual workpiece height.

Potential advantages include:

• Reduced unnecessary ram extension

• Better structural support

• Improved cutting rigidity

• Greater flexibility for different workpiece heights


Turn-Milling Modularisation

The VTC-H(m) Series uses a modular design concept.

The machine structure can accommodate:

• Turning ram configuration

or

• Turn-milling ram configuration


This allows the same basic machine family to address different production requirements.


H Turning Configuration

Best suited where:

• Turning is the dominant operation

• Large rings and flanges are common

• Milling operations are not required

• Simpler machine configuration is preferred

• Maximum turning productivity is the priority


Hm Turn-Milling Configuration

Best suited where:

• Turning and milling are both required

• Large bolt circles require machining

• Cross holes or face holes are required

• Indexed features are present

• Re-clamping a 5 metre component is undesirable

• Complete machining provides a major production advantage


12-Tool Automatic Tool Magazine

The Hm configuration includes:

• 12-tool magazine

This supports automatic tool changes for operations such as:

• Milling

• Drilling

• Tapping

• Boring

• Selected turning / auxiliary tool operations depending on configuration


Automatic tool change helps reduce non-cutting time and makes multi-process machining more practical.


Typical Turning Operations

The VTC500160 H configuration can support:

• External turning

• Internal turning

• Facing

• Grooving

• Large-bore machining

• Profile turning

• Ring machining

• Flange machining

• Large-diameter contour machining


Additional Hm Operations

The Hm configuration can add:

• Face milling

• Drilling

• Tapping

• Hole-circle machining

• Indexed milling

• C-axis positioning

• Selected boring operations

• Multi-process complete machining


Typical Industries

The VTC-H Series manufacturer material identifies applications including:

• Wind power

• New energy

• Automotive

• Bearing manufacturing


For the VTC500160 size class, the machine is particularly relevant to very large components in applications such as:

• Wind-energy equipment

• Large bearing manufacturing

• Heavy engineering

• Energy-sector equipment

• Large industrial machinery

• Large process equipment

• Large ring and flange manufacturing


Final suitability should always be confirmed against the actual workpiece drawing and machining process.


Why Consider the VTC500160?

The VTC500160 is designed for applications where the workpiece itself defines the machine requirement.

Key capabilities include:

• Ø4500 mm workbench

• Ø5000 mm maximum rotary diameter

• Ø5000 mm maximum turning diameter

• 3000 mm maximum workpiece height

• Approximately 125,000 Nm workbench torque

• 40 rpm maximum table speed

• 81 kW turning motor

• Massive 400 × 400 mm ram

• 2000 mm beam lifting movement

• 1600 mm Z-axis travel

• 50 × 50 mm turning tool shank

• Approximately 110 tonne turning-machine weight

• High-rigidity hard-guideway architecture

• Crossed-roller worktable bearing

• Double-motor worktable drive

• Geared high-accuracy transmission

• Hm turn-milling configuration available

• 51 kW milling spindle on Hm

• 1500 rpm milling spindle

• 2400 Nm milling torque

• C-axis 0.01–4 rpm

• 12-tool automatic tool magazine

• Approximately 120 tonne Hm machine weight


VTC500160 Compared with VTC350140

VTC350140

• Workbench: Ø3500 mm

• Maximum rotary diameter: Ø4000 mm

• Maximum turning diameter: Ø3800 mm

• Maximum workpiece height: 2000 mm

• Maximum workbench torque: approximately 82,600 Nm

• Maximum workbench speed: 60 rpm

• Main motor: 81 kW

• Ram: 280 × 280 mm

• Beam lifting movement: 1800 mm

• Z-axis travel: 1400 mm

• Machine weight: approximately 97,000 kg


VTC500160

• Workbench: Ø4500 mm

• Maximum rotary diameter: Ø5000 mm

• Maximum turning diameter: Ø5000 mm

• Maximum workpiece height: 3000 mm

• Maximum workbench torque: approximately 125,000 Nm

• Maximum workbench speed: 40 rpm

• Main motor: 81 kW

• Ram: 400 × 400 mm

• Beam lifting movement: 2000 mm

• Z-axis travel: 1600 mm

• Machine weight: approximately 110,000 kg


The jump from VTC350140 to VTC500160 is therefore substantial.

It increases:

• Turning diameter by approximately 1200 mm

• Workpiece height by 1000 mm

• Worktable diameter by 1000 mm

• Workbench torque substantially

• Ram section from 280 × 280 to 400 × 400 mm

• Beam movement

• Z-axis travel


This is not simply a longer or wider version of VTC350140.


VTC350140 Hm vs VTC500160 Hm

VTC350140 Hm

• Milling spindle: 29 kW

• Maximum milling speed: 1800 rpm

• Maximum milling torque: 1000 Nm

• C-axis: 0.01–4 rpm

• Tool magazine: 12 tools

• Approximate machine weight: 98,500 kg


VTC500160 Hm

• Milling spindle: 51 kW

• Maximum milling speed: 1500 rpm

• Maximum milling torque: 2400 Nm

• C-axis: 0.01–4 rpm

• Tool magazine: 12 tools

• Approximate machine weight: 120,000 kg


The VTC500160 Hm therefore provides substantially stronger milling capability.

Compared with VTC350140 Hm:

• Milling motor power increases from 29 to 51 kW

• Milling torque increases from 1000 to 2400 Nm

This is an important difference for large-component turn-milling.


Large VTC-H(m) Selection Guide

VTC200140

• Workbench: Ø2000 mm

• Maximum turning diameter: Ø2300 mm

• Maximum workpiece height: 1600 mm

Best suited for:

• Large rings

• Large discs

• Large industrial components


VTC250140

• Workbench: Ø2500 mm

• Maximum turning diameter: Ø2800 mm

• Maximum workpiece height: 1600 mm

Best suited for:

• Larger flanges

• Bearing rings

• Heavy annular components


VTC350140

• Workbench: Ø3500 mm

• Maximum turning diameter: Ø3800 mm

• Maximum workpiece height: 2000 mm

Best suited for:

• Very large rings and flanges

• Large energy-sector components

• Heavy industrial rotary parts


VTC500160

• Workbench: Ø4500 mm

• Maximum turning diameter: Ø5000 mm

• Maximum workpiece height: 3000 mm

Best suited for:

• Ultra-large rotary components

• Very large rings

• Very large flanges

• Large energy components

• Heavy workpieces requiring 5 metre turning capacity


Machine Selection and Configuration

For a machine of this size, selection should be based on the actual workpiece and manufacturing process rather than catalogue diameter alone.

Please provide:

• Maximum raw workpiece diameter

• Maximum finished turning diameter

• Maximum workpiece height

• Maximum workpiece weight

• Workpiece material

• Drawing or 3D model

• Workpiece centre-of-gravity information where relevant

• External turning requirements

• Internal turning requirements

• Bore size and depth

• Facing requirements

• Grooving requirements

• Milling requirements

• Drilling requirements

• Tapping requirements

• C-axis requirements

• Required tolerances

• Surface finish requirements

• Production quantity

• Workholding concept

• Loading and crane arrangement

• Tooling requirements

• Tool magazine requirement

• Workpiece measurement requirement

• Tool measurement requirement

• Coolant requirement

• Chip-management requirement

• Workshop floor and foundation information

• Available installation space

• Electrical supply

MachineryPLUS can assist with reviewing the complete machining requirement before the final machine configuration is selected.


Configuration Before Quotation

The following should be confirmed before final quotation:

• VTC500160 H turning or Hm turn-milling configuration

• CNC system

• Worktable / clamping arrangement

• Workpiece loading method

• Turning tooling

• Milling tooling where required

• C-axis requirement

• Tool magazine

• Measurement system

• Workpiece probing

• Tool measurement

• Coolant system

• Chip-removal system

• Guarding

• Mist collection

• Foundation design

• Machine installation

• Commissioning scope

• Site electrical requirements

• Operator and maintenance training

Final machine specifications depend on the ordered configuration.

Manufacturer specifications are subject to change with continued product development.


Complete Your Machine Setup

MachineryPLUS can also assist with:

• Large CNC vertical lathe selection

• Heavy-duty turning tools

• Grooving tools

• Large boring bars

• Large-diameter face mills

• Milling cutters

• Indexable drills

• Threading tools

• Tool holders

• Large-component workholding

• Custom fixtures

• Workpiece measurement

• Tool measurement

• Coolant systems

• Chip management

• Tool management

• Workpiece handling

• Automation

• Integrated manufacturing solutions


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.

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• 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.

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

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