Haas VF-2SS vs VM-2: An Interview with Haas Veteran Herb Sheppard
We recently spoke with retired Haas machine dealer Herb Sheppard to ask him about the difference between the Haas VF-2SS and Haas VM-2. We did so having heard from a shop owner who was deciding between these two machines and needed help, so we reached out to Herb for some guidance.
CMS: Thank you so much for being a resource for Haas machines. What can you tell us about the Haas VF series, specifically the VF-2SS?
HS: The Haas VF series has a wide variety of high-performance vertical machining centers ranging in size from small to large. The VF-2SS incorporates high spindle speeds, faster tool change times, and faster rapids making it great high production machine.
CMS: What about the Haas-VM series?
HS: Haas VM machines were designed for Mold Making thus the M designation. They are essentially VF machines with custom configurations to make them well situated for mold making, tool & die work, and high-precision machining.
CMS: How does a shop owner decide between the Haas VF-2SS and the Haas VM-2?
HS: The Haas VM-2 has the standard VF-2 feeds and rapids and comes standard with options that you would have to add to a VF-2SS to make them comparable. The VM includes a chip auger, programmable coolant nozzle, and high-speed machining among others, which are options on the VF-2 so it is important to keep this in mind when comparing prices. The VM-2 has 20” of Y travel compared to 16” on the VF-2SS. Since the VF-2SSYT has 20” of Y travel this would be a better compassion. The SS machines have table axis rapids of 1400 ipm compared to 710ipm on the VM-2. A unique difference with the VM machines is they have T-slots in the Y-axis running front to back in addition to the standard X-axis T-slots that run left to right. The VM machines are the only Haas machines with this table configuration. Because of the slower feed rates, the VM-2 has a table weight capacity of 3,000 lb. whereas the VF-2SS or 2SSYT have a 1,500 lb. capacity. The ballscrew pitch coupled with the slower speeds gives the VM 3400 lbf of table thrust versus 1995 lbf on the SS machines. Both the VM and SS machines come standard with 40 taper 12K RPM spindles and 30+1 tool changer capacity. It should also be noted the tool to tool change time is a second faster on the SS versus the VM machines.
Ultimately, if you need high-speed production primarily in aluminum, then the SS machines are the best fit for that task. However, if you are manufacturing heavier parts that require complex fixturing, and you need the options that come standard on the VM-2, then that is the way to go. If your customer spends some time looking at a side by side comparison of the specs and options pricing that should help simplify the decision as to which machine is best for them.
CMS: Thank you, Herb. That is great information that our customers can use to determine which machine is best suited to their needs.
When it comes to buying and selling CNC machines, choosing the right dealer is paramount. Clark Machinery Sales stands out as a trusted, experienced, and efficient dealer, ensuring a seamless buying and selling process. Let us know how we can help you today!