Vertical Lathes

A vertical lathe, or vertical turret lathe (VTL), clamps the workpiece on a horizontal rotating table with a vertical spindle axis. The weight of the part rests on the table instead of hanging from a chuck, so large and heavy workpieces stay stable under heavy cuts. This makes the vertical lathe the standard machine for large-diameter, low-height parts:

• Large rings, flanges and slewing rings

• Gear blanks, wheels and discs

• Large pump, valve and housing components

ReMach lists second hand vertical lathes from German industry, with technical data, photos and available documents on every machine page.

>>> Browse the vertical lathes below or send us an enquiry for the machine you need.

The three designs differ in how the cross rail carrying the tool heads is supported and in what they can machine. Choose by workpiece diameter and weight, and by whether milling and drilling should happen on the same machine.

Single Column Vertical Lathes

• Cross rail mounted on one column, one side of the machine open

• Easy crane loading and a smaller footprint

• Suited to small and medium table diameters

Double Column Vertical Lathes (Portal Design)

• Cross rail supported on two columns for high rigidity

• Suited to very large diameters and heavy table loads

• Often equipped with two tool heads

CNC Vertical Turning Centres

• Vertical lathes with driven tools, C-axis and automatic tool changer

• Turning, drilling, milling and grooving in one set-up

• Example: Pittler WMZ PV 4000, portal design, swivelling B-axis head with driven tools, 94 tool positions

A few specifications decide whether a vertical lathe can machine your part. All of them are listed on ReMach machine pages.

Working Range

• Table diameter and maximum swing: the swing is equal to or larger than the table and defines the largest part that can rotate on the machine

• Maximum turning height: the tallest part that fits under the cross rail

• Maximum table load: the heaviest part the table carries, including fixtures

Control and Equipment

• CNC control: for example Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl; on retrofitted machines, check the retrofit year

• Tool heads, tool magazine, driven tools and C-axis: they decide whether the machine only turns or also mills

• Operating hours: a clearer indicator of wear than the year of manufacture

Two machines currently listed:

Large vertical lathes weigh tens of tonnes (the VCE 3000/280 approx. 60 t, the PV 4000 approx. 155 t). Plan ahead before buying:

• Foundation and hall: large machines need a dedicated concrete foundation to the manufacturer's drawing; check the layout drawing in the listing against floor space, hall height and crane capacity

• Dismantling and transport: the machine is dismantled into assemblies and moved by heavy haulage. In most cases, the buyer is responsible for organizing the transport; upon request, ReMach can check whether transport can be arranged or supported

• Paperwork: ReMach helps with dismantling and loading, export and customs checks, and export documents

See all other lathe types in our Lathes category.

>>> Contact ReMach about a vertical lathe

What does VTL mean?

VTL stands for vertical turret lathe. Today the term is used for most vertical lathes. In German, the machine is called Vertikaldrehmaschine or Karusselldrehmaschine.

When is a vertical lathe better than a horizontal lathe?

When parts are large in diameter, low in height and heavy. The part rests on the table, so it is easy to load by crane and does not sag under its own weight. Long parts such as shafts still belong on a horizontal lathe.

Single or double column vertical lathe?

A single column machine suits small and medium diameters, with easy loading and a smaller footprint. A double column machine is more rigid, suits very large and heavy parts and often has two tool heads.

Does a large vertical lathe need its own foundation?

Yes. Large machines usually need a dedicated concrete foundation built to the manufacturer's drawing. Check the layout drawing in the listing against your hall before buying.

How is a large vertical lathe transported?

The machine is dismantled into assemblies and moved by heavy haulage. In most cases, the buyer is responsible for organizing the transport; upon request, ReMach can check whether transport can be arranged or supported.