The VC series is Dörries' double-column vertical turning lathe from the Starrag Group, built as a closed portal with a cast-iron structure. The crossrail rides hydrostatic guides, and one clamping carries turning, drilling, milling and optional grinding on parts up to 350 tonnes.

Why a closed portal double-column for very large parts?

A single-column lathe flexes under a heavy off-centre load, and a rolling-element table wears a groove where the weight sits. The VC's closed portal gives intrinsic rigidity and the cast-iron structure damps vibration, so a 12,000 mm ring is turned true with hydrostatic axes that never wear — the accuracy a turbine or gear-ring shop depends on.

• 3,500-12,000 mm turning diameter
• 3,000-10,000 mm table, 350 t workpiece
• 120-300 kW main drive
• Turning, drilling, milling and grinding

Against a single-column vertical lathe, the VC's closed portal holds geometry under a load that would flex a cantilevered column — the rigidity large-component machining demands.