Virat

What is Virat?

Virat is BFW Europe’s double-column vertical machining center series designed for machining large components with high rigidity and strong shopfloor productivity. Built around a rigid gantry architecture, Virat is positioned as a tailor-made solution for applications where part size, machining stability, and repeatable accuracy matter most—especially in aerospace, energy, automotive, and mould work.

If you’re evaluating a double-column VMC, the decision usually comes down to two priorities: the ability to remove material consistently without vibration, and the ability to keep the process predictable across longer cycles. Virat is designed around those priorities.

Key advantages of the Virat series

Rigidity for stable cutting on large components

Large parts amplify machining forces. A double-column VMC needs stiffness and stability to maintain surface finish, reduce vibration, and support predictable performance across long toolpaths. Virat’s gantry architecture and heavily ribbed base and column design are positioned to deliver the rigidity needed for heavy-duty machining.

Higher shopfloor productivity for long-cycle programs

When machining large parts, productivity is rarely about a single fast move—it’s about steady output across long cycles, fewer interruptions, and a workflow that supports repeatable setups. Virat is positioned as a productivity-focused platform, including configurations that support faster part handling and flexible machining.

A safer, cleaner cutting environment

Virat highlights a cutting zone concept designed to keep the machining area isolated from key machine elements and the operator. In practice, this supports cleaner operation, better chip and coolant containment, and more confidence during high-duty machining.

Flexible machining for diverse large-part applications

Large-part machining often includes a mix of operations: roughing, finishing, drilling, and feature machining across wide surfaces. Virat is positioned as a flexible machining center, with optional tooling, probing, and measurement add-ons that help tailor the machine to your workflow.

Vertical machining centers

A vertical machining center (VMC) is a CNC milling machine with a vertically oriented spindle. In a double-column VMC, the structure is designed for larger work envelopes and higher rigidity—making it suitable for machining large, heavy, or complex components where stability and repeatability are essential.

Virat configurations 

Virat is presented with a strong standard foundation and a set of options that allow you to configure the machine around throughput, process security, and application needs.

Standard configuration: built for reliable large-part machining

Virat’s standard features focus on practical machining fundamentals that matter in real production environments.

• BT50 spindle package: A BT50 interface supports robust tooling and stability for larger cutters, heavier cuts, and demanding materials.

• In-line spindle and spindle care features: Air blast for spindle taper cleaning and an air curtain for the spindle support consistent tool seating and cleaner operation during repeated tool changes.

• Tool automation as standard: Virat includes an ATC with a 20-tool magazine for BT50 tool holders, supporting multi-operation machining without constant manual tool intervention.

• Motion and drive foundation: AC servo drives and feedback through absolute encoder support controlled motion and repeatable positioning.

• Axis and machine protection: Sliding covers, bellows, splash guards, and a standard coolant system with chip tray support cleaner operation and reduce contamination risk.

• Operator and maintenance essentials: Mobile MPG, machine lamp, maintenance toolkit, leveling and foundation kit, and instruction manuals help support day-to-day usability and maintainability.

Optional upgrades: configure Virat for throughput, tool capacity, and process control

Optional features are where a double-column VMC becomes a more specialized production solution. Virat’s options can be selected to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and strengthen process security.

• Higher-speed spindle option: An 8000 rpm BT50 spindle option can be a practical upgrade when your work includes higher-speed finishing, smaller tools, or materials where increased spindle speed supports better cycle efficiency.

• Tool magazine capacity and ATC variations: Virat offers larger tool magazine options (30/40/60 tools) and additional ATC configurations. This matters when you run multiple part families, use specialised tooling, or want redundancy with sister tools during long programs. More tool capacity also reduces operator dependency and supports smoother changeovers.

• Coolant and chip handling upgrades: Flood coolant options, ring coolant, scrapper conveyor with chip trolley, oil skimmer, and coolant gun support chip evacuation and a cleaner cutting environment. In large-part machining, chips accumulate quickly—strong chip handling reduces recutting, protects surface finish, and supports longer unattended runtime.

• Accuracy and repeatability options: Linear glass scales for X, Y, and Z axes are commonly chosen when you want stronger positional feedback and consistency—especially valuable for tight tolerances over large travels.

• Probing and measurement: A spindle-mounted probe and auto workpiece measurement support faster setups, easier datum finding, and process verification. These features reduce scrap risk and improve repeatability across operators.

• Part access and multi-face capability: A 90-degree automatic indexing head with auto transfer expands flexibility for machining features that benefit from angular access. This is especially relevant in aerospace, energy components, and complex mould applications.

• Electrical and shopfloor readiness: Options like AC for the electrical cabinet and voltage stabilizer support reliability in environments where heat and power fluctuations can affect uptime.

Unique features: what Virat emphasizes as differentiators

Virat highlights a set of unique characteristics aimed at productivity, safety, and footprint efficiency.

• High-speed travelling column concept with rotary auto pallet changer: This is positioned to support faster part handling and improved workflow efficiency for relevant applications.

• Cutting zone isolation: Designed to separate the cutting environment from the operator and machine elements.

• Stainless steel lamella covers for the X axis: Positioned for improved protection in demanding chip environments.

• Compact footprint and single-lift machine approach: Aimed at practical installation and shopfloor efficiency.

Typical applications for Virat double-column VMCs

Virat is positioned for machining large-sized components, particularly in segments where stability and repeatability are critical.

Common application areas include:

• Aerospace components and structures that require stable machining across large surfaces

• Energy-sector components where rigidity and predictable cutting performance support long-cycle machining

• Automotive and heavy engineering components where large workpieces and repeatability are key

• Mould and die applications where surface finish and stable finishing passes matter

Conclusion

Virat is built for manufacturers who need a double-column vertical machining center that can handle large parts with stability, productivity, and practical shopfloor usability. With a rigid gantry architecture, strong standard fundamentals, and a wide set of options for tooling, measurement, chip handling, and workflow upgrades, Virat is positioned as a tailor-made platform for large-component machining across aerospace, energy, automotive, and mould applications.