DMG Mori GM 16|6

$500,000 - $750,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

9,000 RPM per spindle

Max Workpiece ⌀

16 mm (0.63 in)

number of spindles

bar capacity

16 mm (0.63 in)

max workpiece length

80 mm (3.1 in)

x axis travel

28 mm (1.1 in)

Overview

The DMG Mori GM 16|6 is a 6-spindle CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe engineered for ultra-high-volume production of small parts up to 16 mm (0.63 in) bar diameter. Originally developed by Gildemeister as part of their multi-spindle program, the GM 16|6 represents the smallest capacity machine in the GM range, targeting applications where cycle time under one second is the objective.

The GM 16|6 features 6 independently driven high-speed main spindles reaching 9,000 RPM — significantly faster than the larger GM 20|6 and GM 35ISM models. This speed advantage is critical for small-diameter work where surface speed at the workpiece periphery is naturally limited. Four compound-rest slides provide the tooling capacity needed for complex multi-operation parts.

X-axis travel is 28 mm (1.1 in) and Z-axis travel is 45 mm (1.8 in), appropriate for the small part sizes this machine targets. Maximum workpiece length is 80 mm (3.1 in). The monoblock construction with oil-cooled spindle bearings ensures thermal stability during extended production runs, which is essential when you are producing thousands of parts per shift.

The adjustable minimum cycle time of under 0.9 seconds makes the GM 16|6 one of the fastest multi-spindle automatics in production. This speed, combined with 6 simultaneous spindle positions, delivers throughput rates that are practically impossible to match with single-spindle machines. The machine is designed for production runs of 50,000 pieces or more where per-part cost reduction justifies the investment.

New GM 16|6 machines price between $500,000 and $750,000. The GM 16|6 competes with the INDEX MS16C, Tornos MultiSwiss 6x16, and other compact CNC multi-spindle automatics in the sub-20mm bar class. Specs sourced from DMG Mori published data.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Number Of Spindles	6
Bar Capacity	16 mm (0.63 in)
Max Spindle Speed	9,000 RPM per spindle
Max Workpiece Diameter	16 mm (0.63 in)
Max Workpiece Length	80 mm (3.1 in)
X Axis Travel	28 mm (1.1 in)
Z Axis Travel	45 mm (1.8 in)
Compound Rest Slides	4
Minimum Cycle Time	< 0.9 sec
Spindle Bearing Cooling	Oil-cooled
Construction	Monoblock
CNC Control	Siemens 840D sl
Machine Weight	8,000 kg (17,637 lb)
16 Mm	0.6 in.
80 Mm	3.1 in.
28 Mm	1.1 in.
45 Mm	1.8 in.

Specifications sourced from us.dmgmori.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

9,000 RPM spindle speed is the fastest in the GM range, providing optimal surface speed for small-diameter precision parts
Sub-0.9 second minimum cycle time delivers throughput rates that single-spindle machines cannot approach
6 independent spindle positions enable complex multi-operation parts to be completed in a single bar feed cycle
Monoblock construction with oil-cooled bearings ensures thermal stability across extended high-volume production runs
Gildemeister multi-spindle heritage spanning 70+ years ensures a proven, refined platform with decades of reliability data
DMG Mori global service network provides fast parts availability and service response worldwide

Limitations

16 mm bar capacity limits the machine to very small parts — anything larger requires the GM 20|6 or GM 35ISM
At $500,000-$750,000, the investment only makes sense for production runs exceeding 50,000 pieces per part number
Setup times of 4-8 hours for full changeover make the GM 16|6 impractical for small batch sizes
Multi-spindle programming and setup require specialized knowledge that most CNC lathe operators do not possess

Best For

Watch and clock manufacturers producing precision pins, stems, and micro-components in high volumes Automotive tier-1 suppliers running small fasteners, sensor housings, and connector pins in alloy steel and stainless Medical device manufacturers mass-producing bone screws, dental implant components, and microsurgical hardware Electronics connector manufacturers running millions of small pins, sockets, and contact housings annually Any production facility running 50,000+ identical small parts where sub-second cycle time drives per-part cost

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new DMG Mori GM 16|6 cost?

New pricing runs $500,000-$750,000 depending on configuration. Options like additional cross slides, backworking capability, and high-pressure coolant push the price higher. Used units from 2010-2020 trade between $200,000 and $450,000 depending on condition and hours.

02 GM 16|6 vs INDEX MS16C — which is better?

Both are 6-spindle CNC multi-spindle automatics for 16 mm bar. The GM 16|6 offers 9,000 RPM spindles and sub-0.9 second cycle times. The INDEX MS16C has a more modern programming environment through VirtualLine software. Performance is comparable; the choice often comes down to existing multi-spindle experience and local service support.

03 When does a multi-spindle make economic sense over Swiss-type?

Generally when your batch sizes exceed 50,000 pieces. Below that, the setup time penalty of multi-spindle machines eats into the per-part savings. Swiss-type machines like the SPRINT 20|5 offer faster changeover for smaller batches. Multi-spindle wins on per-part cost at high volumes due to 6 simultaneous cutting operations.

04 What materials can the GM 16|6 handle?

All common turning materials: free-machining steels (12L14, 1215), stainless steels (303, 304, 316), aluminum, brass, copper, and engineering plastics. The 9,000 RPM spindles are particularly effective on non-ferrous materials. Difficult alloys like titanium and Inconel are possible but less common at this bar size.