The MATSUURA RA-3F is a high-speed CNC vertical machining center designed for precision milling, mold making, and production machining. Manufactured by Matsuura Machinery Corporation, the RA-3F is known for exceptional Japanese build quality, rigid cast-iron construction, and reliable spindle performance. The 1997 model remains highly regarded in the used CNC market because it combines excellent accuracy, fast rapids, and dependable long-term operation.
The 1997 MATSUURA RA-3F typically features 30 inches of X-axis travel, 20 inches of Y-axis travel, and 18 inches of Z-axis travel. It is commonly equipped with a BT40 spindle capable of up to 12,000 RPM and a spindle motor rated around 15 to 20 hp. Most machines include a 30-tool automatic tool changer and a FANUC 16M CNC control. The machine is suitable for machining aluminum, steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and engineering plastics.
The RA-3F is widely used in aerospace, automotive, mold making, tooling, and general manufacturing. Typical applications include fixture plates, mold inserts, brackets, housings, and precision machined components.
The 1997 MATSUURA RA-3F remains an excellent investment because it offers premium Japanese engineering, strong resale value, and outstanding machining performance.
MATSUURA RA-3F SPECIFICATIONS
MATSUURA RA-3F – AXIS
Number of Axes
3-Axis CNC Vertical Machining Center
Axis Configuration
X, Y, Z
Optional 4th Axis
Yes
Positioning Accuracy
High Precision
Repeatability
Excellent
Machine Type
High-Speed Vertical Machining Center
MATSUURA RA-3F – AXIS TRAVELS
X-Axis Travel
30 in (760 mm)
Y-Axis Travel
20 in (510 mm)
Z-Axis Travel
18 in (460 mm)
Rapid Traverse Rate
Up to 1,181 ipm (30 m/min)
Spindle Nose to Table
Approx. 4 – 22 in
Guideway Type
Linear Guideways
MATSUURA RA-3F – CAPACITY
Table Size
35.4 x 20 in (900 x 510 mm)
Maximum Table Load
1,100 lb (500 kg)
Maximum Workpiece Size
Medium Precision Components
Maximum Tool Weight
Approx. 17.6 lb (8 kg)
Industrial Usage
Precision Milling and Production
Workpiece Materials
Aluminum, Steel, Cast Iron
MATSUURA RA-3F – SPINDLE
Spindle Taper
BT40
Maximum Spindle Speed
12,000 RPM
Spindle Motor Power
15 – 20 hp
Drive System
Direct Drive
Cooling System
Spindle Chiller
Rigid Tapping
Standard
MATSUURA RA-3F – TABLE
Table Length
35.4 in (900 mm)
Table Width
20 in (510 mm)
Number of T-Slots
5
Workholding Compatibility
Vises, Fixtures, Rotary Tables
Table Construction
Precision Ground Cast Iron
Maximum Load
1,100 lb (500 kg)
MATSUURA RA-3F – TOOL TURRET
Tool Changer Capacity
30 Tools
Tool Changer Type
Automatic Arm-Type
Tool Taper
BT40
Tool Selection
Random Access
Tool Change Time
High-Speed Automatic Change
Tool Management
CNC Controlled
MATSUURA RA-3F – FEEDRATES
Maximum Cutting Feed Rate
Programmable
Rapid Traverse Rate
Up to 1,181 ipm
Servo System
Digital AC Servo
Contouring Performance
Excellent
Surface Finish Capability
Outstanding
High-Speed Machining
Excellent
MATSUURA RA-3F – COOLANT & CHIP MANAGEMENT
Flood Coolant System
Standard
Through-Spindle Coolant
Optional
Chip Conveyor
Optional
Coolant Filtration
Standard
Washdown Hose
Standard
Spindle Chiller
Standard
MATSUURA RA-3F – CONTROL SYSTEM
CNC Control Brand
FANUC
Common Control Models
FANUC 16M
Programming Method
Standard G-Code
Memory Capacity
Depends on Configuration
DNC Capability
Yes
User Interface
Advanced CNC Interface
MATSUURA RA-3F – POWER & AIR REQUIREMENTS
Power Requirement
3-Phase
Voltage
200V / 220V
Air Pressure Requirement
80 – 100 psi
Air Consumption
Moderate
Frequency
50 / 60 Hz
Connected Load
Approx. 25 kVA
MATSUURA RA-3F – DIMENSIONS
Machine Weight
Approx. 11,000 lb (4,990 kg)
Machine Length
Approx. 115 in (2,921 mm)
Machine Width
Approx. 100 in (2,540 mm)
Machine Height
Approx. 108 in (2,743 mm)
Floor Space Requirement
Medium Footprint
Installation Type
Standard Shop Floor
MATSUURA RA-3F – GENERAL INFORMATION
Machine Type
CNC Vertical Machining Center
Manufacturer
Matsuura Machinery Corporation
Country of Origin
Japan
Model Year
1997
Primary Application
High-Speed Precision Milling
Automation Ready
Yes
INDUSTRIES THAT USE MATSUURA RA-3F
Aerospace
Precision Components
Automotive
Housings and Fixtures
Mold Making
Mold Inserts and Bases
Tooling
Fixtures and Plates
Medical
Precision Components
General Manufacturing
Custom Parts
TYPICAL PARTS MATSUURA RA-3F CAN PRODUCE
Fixture Plates
Yes
Mold Inserts
Yes
Brackets
Yes
Housings
Yes
Prototype Parts
Yes
Precision Blocks
Yes
WHY CHOOSE MATSUURA RA-3F
Japanese Precision Engineering
Outstanding
High-Speed 12,000 RPM Spindle
Excellent
Reliable FANUC Control
Excellent
Rigid Construction
Excellent
Strong Resale Value
Excellent
Long-Term Durability
Excellent
WHY BUY USED MATSUURA RA-3F
Purchasing a used 1997 MATSUURA RA-3F is an excellent way to obtain a premium Japanese machining center at a fraction of the cost of a newer machine. Its high-speed spindle, rigid construction, and dependable FANUC control make it ideal for mold work, precision tooling, and production machining.
Many used machines include valuable options such as through-spindle coolant, chip conveyors, rotary tables, and probing systems. These features can significantly improve productivity and reduce setup times.
Buyers should inspect spindle bearings, guideway wear, lubrication systems, and CNC control functionality. Machines with low spindle hours and documented maintenance records generally provide the best long-term value.
For manufacturers seeking a reliable and high-precision vertical machining center, the MATSUURA RA-3F remains an outstanding value in the used CNC market.
HOW MUCH DOES A USED MATSUURA RA-3F COST?
MACHINE AGE / CONDITION
ESTIMATED PRICE RANGE (USD)
1995 – 1999 Models
$8,000 – $25,000
Low Spindle Hours
Premium Pricing
Machines with Through-Spindle Coolant
Added Value
Machines with 4th Axis
Significant Premium
Included Tooling and Fixtures
Added Value
Refurbished Machines
15% – 30% Higher
Excellent Mechanical Condition
Premium Pricing
Fully Operational Under Power
Higher Buyer Confidence
Complete Maintenance Records
Higher Market Value
Retrofit with Modern Control
Significant Premium
The cost of a used 1997 MATSUURA RA-3F depends on spindle condition, machine accuracy, maintenance history, and installed options. Most machines sell between $8,000 and $25,000, while exceptionally clean machines with low hours, tooling, and a rotary table can command higher prices.
Machines equipped with through-spindle coolant, probing systems, and chip conveyors offer additional value and improved productivity. Buyers should also factor in rigging, transportation, and installation costs.
For shops seeking premium Japanese machining performance and long-term reliability, the MATSUURA RA-3F offers excellent value and dependable results.
