Fives Giddings & Lewis VTC Series Vertical Turning Centers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Fives Giddings & Lewis VTC Series Vertical Turning Centers are engineered for manufacturers who demand high precision, exceptional rigidity, and reliable performance when machining large, heavy, and complex components. Combining a robust machine structure with advanced motion control, high-capacity table bearings, and versatile tooling systems, the VTC Series delivers the performance required for demanding production environments.

With table diameters ranging from 1,000 mm to 3,500 mm (39.4 to 138 inches) and swing diameters from 1,200 mm to 3,700 mm (47.2 to 146 inches), the VTC platform offers a broad range of machine capacities for precision turning and expanded multi-process machining.

From heavy roughing operations to precision finishing, milling, boring, and optional grinding, the VTC Series can be configured to address a wide range of manufacturing requirements.

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Robust Machine Construction

Engineered for Rigidity, Accuracy and Long-Term Performance the VTC Series incorporates a structurally engineered machine base, precision column assemblies, and a rigid cross rail designed to maintain alignment and minimize deflection under demanding cutting loads. Extensive finite element analysis supports the structural design, optimizing stiffness and vibration control for improved machining performance.

The machine architecture varies by model, with cast-iron base and column construction on smaller models and welded-steel structures on the largest machines.

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Advanced Hydrostatic Ram Technology

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A key feature of the VTC Series is its hydrostatic ram system. Hydrostatic support pads provide a wear-free bearing arrangement with excellent stiffness and damping characteristics, helping resist torsional forces and vibration during heavy cutting.

These characteristics contribute to improved surface finishes, consistent machining accuracy, reduced wear, and lower maintenance requirements over the machine's service life.

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High-Capacity Table Bearing System

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The VTC Series uses a precision-engineered table bearing arrangement designed to support heavy workpieces while maintaining accurate table rotation. Its bearing architecture minimizes deflection and helps counteract tipping forces generated by tall, unbalanced, or asymmetrical components.

The presentation specifies table load capacities ranging from 7,000 kg to 60,000 kg, depending on the model. Precision table runout is specified at 0.005 mm (0.0002 inch) TIR in both radial and axial directions.

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Precision Rail Positioning

On applicable models, the adjustable cross rail features a hydraulic elevation system with mechanical clamping and precision linear-scale feedback. Automatic rail leveling helps maintain parallelism between the rail and table, reducing the need for manual part referencing and supporting repeatable positioning.

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Turning, Milling and Multi-Process Machining

The VTC Series extends beyond conventional vertical turning through a range of optional machining attachments and tooling configurations.

Live-spindle attachments enable milling, drilling, and other rotating-tool operations alongside conventional turning. Optional automatic tool-changing systems and expanded tool magazines support more complex machining sequences while reducing manual intervention.

Depending on the machine configuration, available capabilities include:

• Precision turning and facing

• Internal and external boring

• Milling and drilling with live-spindle attachments

• Contouring operations using the C-axis

• Optional grinding attachments

• Horizontal turning adapters for specialized applications

• Optional side-head machining for tall and flanged components

• Optional fourth-axis capability on selected larger models

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Industries and Applications

These capabilities allow manufacturers to consolidate operations, reduce work-piece repositioning, and improve process efficiency where the application supports multi-process machining.

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he VTC Series is suited to manufacturers machining large, high-value components where workholding stability, dimensional accuracy, and dependable cutting performance are essential.

Potential applications include:

• Power generation and energy equipment

• Aerospace and large structural components

• Heavy industrial machinery

• Large-diameter rings, flanges, and housings

• Rotating equipment and power-transmission components

• Complex components requiring combined turning and milling operations

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Specifications                                                                   VTC Series range

Table diameter                                                                           1,000–3,500 mm (39.4–138 in)

Maximum swing diameter                                                    1,200–3,700 mm (47.2–146 in)

Table load capacity                                                                  7,000–60,000 kg, depending on model

Maximum X- and Z-axis traverse rates                            20,000 mm/min (787 in/min)

Continuous table-drive power                                            37–75 kW (50–100.6 hp), depending on model

CNC control                                                                                 Fanuc or Siemens, as configured

Machining options                                                                    Live-spindle milling, automatic tool changing, grinding, sidehead and                                                                                                                  additional-axis options

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