From three machines to one: the integration advantage
Many large‑part machining workshops currently operate a vertical lathe for turning operations, a floor‑type or vertical machining center for milling and drilling, and sometimes a separate grinding machine for sealing surfaces. Each transfer between machines introduces clamping errors, requires new tool setups, and consumes non‑productive time. The VSL250CXM‑020K eliminates these inefficiencies by integrating all three processes into a single, double‑column vertical platform. The workpiece is clamped once on the 2,250‑mm hydrostatic worktable, and all features are machined in sequence under CNC control.
Hydrostatic guideways: the foundation of precision and damping
One of the most important but often misunderstood technologies on the VSL250CXM‑020K is the use of constant‑flow hydrostatic guideways on the worktable, X‑axis and Z‑axis. Unlike rolling‑type linear guides or conventional slideways, hydrostatic pads create a pressurised oil film that completely separates moving surfaces. This provides three practical benefits:
No stick‑slip – The oil film eliminates the difference between static and dynamic friction, resulting in smooth, micro‑feed motion essential for finishing operations and for grinding.
High vibration damping – The oil film absorbs cutting‑induced vibrations, allowing heavier cuts without chatter and improving surface finish.
No wear – Because there is no metal‑to‑metal contact, the guideways do not degrade over time. Accuracy is retained for many years with proper oil filtration.
The machine includes an oil film thickness monitoring system that checks three points on the worktable; if the film drops below 0.04 mm or flow is interrupted, the system alarms and stops the table to prevent damage. An industrial chiller controls oil temperature, minimising thermal deformation.
Dual‑servo table drive with electronic preload: strong turning and precise indexing
The worktable is driven by two AC servo motors. For turning operations, the motors work together through a ZF gearbox, delivering a combined torque of 42 kN·m over a speed range of 0.5–120 r/min. When the machine switches to milling or grinding, the two motors shift to a master‑slave electronic preload mode. In this mode, they actively eliminate any backlash between the drive pinions and the large ring gear, effectively creating a zero‑backlash C‑axis. A Heidenhain circular encoder on the table provides full‑closed‑loop feedback, giving a positioning accuracy of 8 arc‑seconds and repeatability of 5 arc‑seconds. This allows accurate indexing for bolt hole circles, keyway milling, or contour milling of non‑round shapes.
Two rams, two spindles, one machine
The right ram is designed for turning, milling, drilling and tapping. Its 15 kW electro‑spindle reaches 2,500 r/min and delivers 96 N·m of torque. It uses a BT50 taper and a hydraulic drawbar for tool clamping. Standard turning tools are held in 40×40 mm tool holders, while milling cutters, drills and taps are loaded directly into the spindle. The left ram carries a 22 kW hydrostatic grinding spindle that goes up to 4,000 r/min with 70 N·m torque. The grinding spindle uses an HSK63 interface and a hydraulic clamping system, enabling automatic change of grinding wheels or mounted points. Both rams have a 250×250 mm square ram cross‑section and a Z‑axis stroke of 1,200 mm. The X‑axis travel spans from -100 mm to 2,350 mm.
Automatic swiveling of both rams (B1/B2 axes)
Each ram can be swiveled automatically within ±25° under CNC control. The swiveling mechanism uses two servo motors driving a reduction gear on each ram, operating in master‑slave electronic preload mode to eliminate gear backlash. This provides a zero‑backlash rotary axis (B1 for right ram, B2 for left ram) with high angular resolution. Practical uses include:
Taper turning of conical surfaces
Milling of inclined slots or angled faces
Grinding of conical sealing seats on valves or flanges
Machining of complex contours without repositioning the part
Application example from the CCMT 2026 live demonstration
During the show, the VSL250CXM‑020K machined a 1.2‑meter diameter flange made of 42CrMo steel (approximate weight 1.8 tons). The sequence included:
Rough turning of the outer diameter and end face (using the right ram with a CNMG insert)
Milling of six locating slots (using the right ram with a 32 mm end mill)
Drilling and rigid tapping of an 8‑hole M24 bolt circle (right ram)
Finish grinding of the sealing face (left ram with a vitrified CBN wheel)
Total in‑process time: 58 minutes. The same part, using a separate vertical lathe, a machining center, and a manual grinding machine, would typically require three setups and approximately 95 minutes of machine time (excluding transfer and requalification). The single‑setup approach eliminated a positioning error of about 0.08 mm between the bolt circle and the sealing face, which previously required a secondary operation.
Cost‑effectiveness without sacrificing capability
The VSL250CXM‑020K is priced significantly below comparable European or Japanese multi‑process vertical machines, yet its specification matches or exceeds many mid‑range offerings. The cost control comes from intelligent engineering choices: proven hydrostatic technology, locally manufactured high‑grade cast iron structures (stress‑relieved and aged), Taiwanese ball screws and gearbox, Siemens standard CNC platform, and well‑established hydraulic and cooling components. HAIDI Machine does not over‑specify the machine with exotic materials or unnecessary features, but rather focuses on the performance that shop owners actually need for daily large‑part production.
Practical considerations for buyers
When evaluating the VSL250CXM‑020K, potential buyers should consider:
Floor space requirement: approximately 8 m × 7 m (including chip conveyor and operator station)
Foundation: reinforced concrete with anchor bolts (detailed drawing available)
Power supply: 380V ±10%, 50Hz, three‑phase, approximately 95 kVA total connected load
Training: on‑site training included (up to 7 days); factory‑based training also available
Tooling support: HAIDI Machine can provide a recommended tooling list for turning, milling and grinding based on the customer's part family
Post‑show availability
The VSL250CXM‑020K continues to be available for order. Delivery typically includes the machine with full hydrostatic system, dual spindles, Siemens 828D control, chip conveyor, semi‑enclosed splash guard, and a standard set of tool holders and manual tools. HAIDI Machine offers a one‑year warranty and lifetime technical support.
➡️ To request a post‑show application study for your specific parts, receive a detailed return‑on‑investment calculation, or schedule a factory visit, click here to get in touch with our sales engineering department.