1997 BRIDGEPORT VMC600 VERTICAL MACHINING CENTER

Technical Description

The 1997 Bridgeport VMC600 is a 3-axis vertical machining center produced by Bridgeport Machines at its UK facility, featuring a 600mm X-axis travel and designed primarily for the European market. The machine features a 33.1-inch by 16.5-inch worktable with a 16-tool automatic tool changer and an ISO SK 40 spindle taper. The spindle motor delivers 20 HP (15 kW) at a maximum speed of 6,000 RPM, providing strong torque for ferrous and non-ferrous production machining. X-axis travel is 23.6 inches (600mm), Y-axis travel is 16.1 inches (410mm), and Z-axis travel is 20.5 inches (520mm). Rapid traverse rates reach 1,417 IPM (36 m/min) on X and Y axes and 787 IPM (20 m/min) on the Z axis. The table load capacity is approximately 1,100 lbs. The machine is equipped with a Heidenhain TNC 410P or Siemens 810 Shopmill CNC control depending on the customer order configuration, providing ISO G-code and conversational programming capability. Machine construction features a precision-ground cast-iron base and column with ballscrew drives and linear guideways. Standard equipment includes flood coolant, automatic lubrication, and a 16-tool carousel. The VMC600 occupies the mid-range of Bridgeport's European compact VMC lineup between the VMC 560 and VMC 760 models. Machine weight is consistent with other Bridgeport compact VMC platforms. The 1997 VMC600 was produced during Bridgeport's mature UK manufacturing period and is supported by European and North American service networks.