USED MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – 1997

The Mori Seiki ZL-15S – 1997 is a high-performance twin-spindle CNC turning center designed for precision production machining, multi-operation turning, and efficient part transfer capabilities. Manufactured by Mori Seiki, one of the most respected names in the CNC machine tool industry, the ZL-15S became widely recognized for its advanced engineering, durable construction, and ability to significantly improve production efficiency in demanding manufacturing environments. Even decades after its original release, the 1997 Mori Seiki ZL-15S remains highly desirable in the used CNC machine market because of its reliability, precision, and proven long-term production performance.

The Mori Seiki ZL-15S is specifically designed for high-volume and medium-volume production machining applications requiring dual-spindle functionality. The machine features a primary spindle and secondary spindle that allow parts to be transferred automatically between spindles during machining operations. This reduces handling time, minimizes secondary operations, and greatly improves production efficiency. The machine is capable of performing turning, facing, threading, boring, drilling, contouring, and part transfer operations within a single machining cycle, making it highly effective for complex precision components.

One of the key advantages of the ZL-15S is its rigid slant-bed construction. The heavy-duty machine base improves machining stability, minimizes vibration, and enhances surface finish quality during aggressive cutting operations. The machine also utilizes precision linear motion systems and servo-driven axes that help maintain excellent positioning accuracy and repeatability across extended production cycles.

The Mori Seiki ZL-15S commonly features the Mori Seiki MSC CNC control system, which provides advanced turning functionality, programmable tool management, spindle synchronization capability, and efficient production control. The machine’s automatic turret system further increases production speed by allowing rapid tool indexing during machining operations.

Industries such as automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, hydraulic systems, and industrial manufacturing commonly use the Mori Seiki ZL-15S for precision turned parts production. Automotive manufacturers frequently machine shafts, bushings, couplings, brake system components, and transmission hardware using twin-spindle CNC lathes like the ZL-15S. Medical manufacturers use the machine for precision surgical components, orthopedic hardware, and implant tooling requiring high repeatability and exceptional surface finish quality.

The used CNC machine market continues to show strong demand for the Mori Seiki ZL-15S because it provides advanced twin-spindle machining capability, dependable long-term performance, and excellent overall value. Many manufacturers choose used Mori Seiki machines because they are known for exceptional build quality, durable mechanical systems, and consistent machining accuracy even after years of production use. For shops seeking affordable twin-spindle CNC turning capability with reliable production performance, the Mori Seiki ZL-15S remains one of the most respected CNC turning centers available in the used equipment market.

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – AXIS

AXIS SPECIFICATIONS	DETAILS
Number of Axes	2 Axis CNC Turning
X-Axis Travel	Approx. 6.7 in
Z-Axis Travel	Approx. 14 in
Rapid Traverse Rate	Approx. 945 IPM
Axis Drive Type	Precision Servo Driven
Positioning Accuracy	±0.0002 in
Repeatability	±0.0001 in

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – AXIS TRAVELS / WORK ENVELOPE

WORK ENVELOPE	DETAILS
Swing Over Bed	Approx. 19 in
Maximum Turning Diameter	Approx. 9 in
Maximum Turning Length	Approx. 12 in
Bar Capacity	Approx. 1.75 in
Main Chuck Size	6 in Hydraulic Chuck
Sub Spindle Chuck Size	6 in Hydraulic Chuck

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – CAPACITY / TABLE

CAPACITY SPECIFICATIONS	DETAILS
Machine Type	Twin Spindle CNC Lathe
Production Capability	Turning, Threading, Boring, Part Transfer
Machine Construction	Heavy Slant Bed Construction
Maximum Part Weight	Approx. 100 lbs
Material Capability	Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Brass, Plastics

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – SPINDLE

SPINDLE SPECIFICATIONS	DETAILS
Main Spindle Speed	Approx. 4,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Speed	Approx. 4,000 RPM
Spindle Motor	Approx. 15 HP
Spindle Nose	A2-5
Spindle Bore	Approx. 1.8 in
Drive System	AC Digital Spindle Drive
Spindle Synchronization	Standard

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – TOOL CHANGER

TOOLING SPECIFICATIONS	DETAILS
Tool Turret Type	Automatic CNC Turret
Number of Tool Stations	12 Position
Tool Change Method	Automatic
Tool Indexing	Bi-Directional
Live Tool Capability	Optional
Tool Offset Capability	Yes

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – CONTROL SYSTEM

CONTROL INFORMATION	DETAILS
CNC Control	Mori Seiki MSC Control
Programming Type	G-Code
Display Type	CRT/LCD Display
Networking Capability	RS232
Graphics Capability	Basic Toolpath Display
Conversational Programming	Limited

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – COOLANT / DUST / WATER MANAGEMENT

COOLANT SYSTEM	DETAILS
Coolant Type	Flood Coolant
Coolant Pump	Integrated
Chip Removal	Chip Conveyor
Enclosure Type	Full Enclosure
Lubrication System	Automatic Lubrication

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – POWER REQUIREMENTS

POWER SPECIFICATIONS	DETAILS
Voltage	220V
Phase	3 Phase
Power Requirement	Approx. 35 KVA
Air Requirement	Standard Shop Air
Electrical Requirement	Industrial CNC Power Supply

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – DIMENSIONS

MACHINE DIMENSIONS	DETAILS
Machine Length	Approx. 110 in
Machine Width	Approx. 75 in
Machine Height	Approx. 78 in
Machine Weight	Approx. 10,000 lbs
Floor Space Requirement	Moderate Industrial Footprint

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MORI SEIKI ZL-15S – GENERAL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION	DETAILS
Machine Type	Twin Spindle CNC Turning Center
Manufacturer	Mori Seiki
Year	1997
Primary Application	Precision CNC Turning
Typical Industries	Automotive, Aerospace, Medical
Machine Category	CNC Lathe
Spindle Configuration	Dual Spindle
Used Market Demand	High
Reliability	Production Proven

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INDUSTRIES THAT USE MORI SEIKI ZL-15S

The Mori Seiki ZL-15S is widely used across industries requiring high-efficiency CNC turning, dual-spindle machining capability, and automated production flexibility. Automotive manufacturers commonly use the machine for machining transmission components, shafts, couplings, bushings, brake system hardware, and fuel system fittings. The machine’s twin-spindle configuration allows both front and back-end operations to be completed in a single cycle, greatly improving production efficiency and reducing handling time.

Aerospace manufacturers utilize the ZL-15S for machining hydraulic fittings, aircraft hardware, support bushings, threaded components, and cylindrical precision parts requiring tight tolerances and consistent repeatability. Medical manufacturers also rely on twin-spindle CNC lathes like the ZL-15S for orthopedic hardware, surgical instrument components, implant tooling, and precision medical fittings.

Electronics and communication equipment manufacturers commonly use the machine for connector bodies, precision threaded fittings, electrical housings, and communication hardware. Hydraulic equipment manufacturers frequently machine valve bodies, couplings, pressure fittings, and fluid control components using CNC turning centers of this type.

Job shops and contract manufacturers especially value the ZL-15S because of its ability to perform multiple machining operations in a single setup. The machine’s automatic part transfer system reduces secondary handling operations while improving production speed and machining consistency.

The Mori Seiki ZL-15S also remains popular in medium-volume production environments because of its combination of durability, precision machining capability, and long-term reliability. Many manufacturers continue operating these machines successfully decades after installation because of Mori Seiki’s exceptional engineering standards and machine construction quality.

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TYPICAL PARTS MORI SEIKI ZL-15S CAN PRODUCE

The Mori Seiki ZL-15S is capable of producing a wide variety of precision-machined turned components used throughout many industrial sectors. Common parts machined on this CNC turning center include shafts, bushings, threaded fittings, hydraulic connectors, couplings, spacers, valve bodies, bearing housings, and precision cylindrical components.

Automotive manufacturers frequently use the machine for transmission shafts, injector fittings, brake system hardware, steering components, and fuel system parts. The machine’s twin-spindle capability allows complex components to be fully machined on both ends during a single automated cycle, significantly improving productivity and reducing secondary operations.

Aerospace manufacturers commonly produce aircraft hardware, hydraulic fittings, support bushings, fasteners, and cylindrical precision components requiring high dimensional accuracy and excellent surface finish quality. Medical manufacturers utilize the machine for orthopedic hardware, surgical instruments, implant tooling, and custom-machined medical components requiring exceptional repeatability.

Hydraulic and fluid control manufacturers often machine valve bodies, pressure fittings, threaded connectors, and couplings using the ZL-15S. Electronics manufacturers also rely on the machine for producing connector bodies, threaded communication fittings, and electrical housings.

The machine can effectively machine materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, titanium, plastics, and engineering alloys. Its rigid slant-bed construction, dual-spindle system, and automatic turret functionality help maintain stable machining conditions and excellent production efficiency during demanding machining applications.

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WHY CHOOSE MORI SEIKI ZL-15S

The Mori Seiki ZL-15S remains a highly respected CNC turning center because it combines twin-spindle production capability, rigid machine construction, dependable performance, and advanced machining efficiency. One of the primary reasons manufacturers choose this machine is Mori Seiki’s reputation for producing exceptionally durable and accurate CNC machine tools designed for long-term industrial production environments.

The machine’s dual-spindle configuration is one of its biggest advantages. The secondary spindle allows parts to be automatically transferred during machining operations, enabling complete front and back-end machining within a single production cycle. This greatly reduces setup time, minimizes part handling, and improves overall manufacturing efficiency.

The heavy-duty slant-bed construction also contributes significantly to machining stability and precision. The rigid machine structure minimizes vibration during aggressive cutting operations and helps maintain excellent dimensional accuracy and surface finish quality.

Another major advantage is the machine’s automatic turret system, which supports rapid tool indexing and efficient multi-operation machining. Combined with the Mori Seiki MSC control system, the machine provides dependable CNC functionality and efficient production control for medium- and high-volume manufacturing applications.

The ZL-15S also offers excellent long-term value in the used CNC equipment market. Purchasing a used Mori Seiki machine allows manufacturers to obtain premium Japanese-built CNC technology and dependable production capability at a substantially lower cost than newer twin-spindle turning centers.

Many machine shops continue using Mori Seiki machines decades after installation because of their robust mechanical systems, high-quality spindle assemblies, and long-term reliability. For manufacturers seeking dependable twin-spindle CNC turning performance, automated part transfer capability, and strong production efficiency, the used Mori Seiki ZL-15S remains one of the most respected CNC lathes available in today’s used machinery market.

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WHY BUY USED MORI SEIKI ZL-15S

Purchasing a used Mori Seiki ZL-15S provides manufacturers with an excellent opportunity to obtain premium Japanese-built CNC turning technology at a significantly lower investment cost compared to purchasing newer twin-spindle CNC machines. One of the biggest reasons buyers seek used Mori Seiki equipment is the company’s long-standing reputation for engineering high-quality machine tools capable of maintaining reliable production performance for decades.

The 1997 Mori Seiki ZL-15S remains highly desirable because it combines durable mechanical construction, twin-spindle production efficiency, and dependable CNC functionality while remaining substantially more affordable than modern multi-spindle turning centers. Many machines from this generation continue operating productively because of their robust cast iron construction, precision spindle systems, and high-quality servo components.

Another major advantage of purchasing a used ZL-15S is its dual-spindle capability. The machine can complete both front-end and back-end machining operations in a single cycle, significantly reducing setup time, secondary operations, and part handling requirements. This improves productivity while maintaining excellent machining consistency.

The machine’s automatic turret system also increases production efficiency by enabling rapid tool changes and complex machining operations within automated machining cycles. Shops producing medium-volume or high-volume turned components often benefit greatly from this increased operational efficiency.

Another important benefit of purchasing used equipment is reduced depreciation. New CNC turning centers typically lose substantial value during the first several years of ownership. Purchasing a used Mori Seiki ZL-15S allows manufacturers to avoid steep depreciation while still obtaining highly capable CNC turning technology and dependable production performance.

Many used ZL-15S machines are available with hydraulic chucks, bar feeders, chip conveyors, tooling packages, and additional accessories that further increase production value while reducing startup costs. Mori Seiki machines are also widely respected for maintenance accessibility, durable construction, and long-term reliability.

For manufacturers seeking affordable twin-spindle CNC turning capability, automated part transfer functionality, dependable Japanese machine quality, and strong production efficiency, the used Mori Seiki ZL-15S remains an outstanding investment in the used CNC equipment market.

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HOW MUCH DOES A USED MORI SEIKI ZL-15S COST?

The cost of a used Mori Seiki ZL-15S depends on several important factors including machine condition, spindle hours, maintenance history, tooling package, included accessories, control configuration, and overall operational readiness. In the used CNC machinery market, buyers can generally expect pricing for a 1997 Mori Seiki ZL-15S to range from approximately $14,000 to $42,000 depending on machine condition and production value.

Machines sold in as-is condition or requiring repairs are generally found at the lower end of the pricing range. Units with cosmetic wear, worn spindle bearings, incomplete tooling packages, or deferred maintenance may sell at discounted prices for buyers willing to perform repairs or refurbishment work.

Production-ready machines in good operating condition generally command mid-range pricing. Machines equipped with bar feeders, chip conveyors, hydraulic chucks, tooling packages, sub-spindle synchronization capability, and lower spindle hours typically provide greater production value and therefore sell at higher prices within the used machinery market.

Well-maintained or refurbished ZL-15S machines may command premium pricing, especially when accompanied by documented maintenance records and recent mechanical upgrades. Machines featuring rebuilt spindles, upgraded electronics, servo repairs, or extensive tooling packages are particularly attractive to manufacturers seeking dependable long-term production equipment.

Additional costs such as shipping, rigging, electrical installation, tooling, and startup expenses should also be considered when budgeting for a used CNC machine purchase. Buyers should carefully inspect spindle condition, axis backlash, turret indexing functionality, lubrication systems, and CNC control performance before finalizing any machine acquisition.

The used Mori Seiki ZL-15S continues to maintain strong resale value because of its twin-spindle production capability, durable Japanese construction, dependable machining performance, and excellent long-term reliability. Many manufacturers prefer used Mori Seiki machines because they provide advanced CNC functionality and strong production efficiency at a substantially lower cost than purchasing new twin-spindle turning centers.

USED MORI SEIKI ZL-15S PRICE RANGE	ESTIMATED COST
Older / As-Is Machines	$14,000 – $20,000
Standard Used Production Machines	$20,000 – $30,000
Well-Maintained / Tooled Machines	$30,000 – $42,000
Refurbished or Upgraded Machines	$42,000+