DMG Mori SPRINT 20|5
Key Specifications
max bar capacity
max part length
main spindle speed
counter spindle speed
number of axes
x axis travel
Overview
The DMG Mori SPRINT 20|5 is a compact Swiss-type automatic lathe designed for high-precision production of small, complex parts up to 20 mm bar diameter. The name tells the story: 20 mm bar capacity with 5 axes. This machine targets the watch, medical, electronics, and automotive connector markets where tiny parts with tight tolerances need to come off the machine complete in one setup.
The main spindle runs at 10,000 RPM and the counter spindle at 6,000 RPM, with five linear axes plus C-axis for angular positioning. Maximum part length is 180 mm, and the machine packs up to 6 driven tool stations running at 6,000 RPM for milling, drilling, and tapping operations. Two additional driven stations handle backworking on the counter spindle.
X-axis travel is 50 mm and Z-axis runs 60 mm, which is typical for Swiss-type machines in this size class. The guide bush supports the bar near the cutting zone, providing the rigidity needed to machine long, slender parts without deflection. This is the fundamental advantage of Swiss-type over conventional turning: you can hold tight tolerances on parts with high length-to-diameter ratios that would chatter on a fixed-headstock lathe.
The machine footprint is under 2 square meters, making it one of the smallest production-capable CNC lathes on the market. Control is Fanuc 32i, providing a familiar programming environment for operators coming from other Swiss-type or CNC turning backgrounds.
The SPRINT 20|5 competes with the Citizen Cincom L20, Star SR-20J, and Tsugami SS20 in the 20mm Swiss-type category. Its compact footprint and DMG Mori service network are advantages, but the Swiss-type market is mature and competitors have deep application experience. Specs sourced from DMG Mori published data and industry sources.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Bar Capacity | 20 mm (0.79 in) |
| Max Part Length | 180 mm (7.09 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Counter Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Number Of Axes | 5 linear + C-axis |
| X Axis Travel | 50 mm (1.97 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 60 mm (2.36 in) |
| Driven Tool Stations | Up to 6 (main) + 2 (backwork) |
| Driven Tool Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Guide Bush | Standard |
| Floor Space Required | Under 2 m2 |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 32i |
| Machine Type | Swiss-type automatic lathe |
| 20 Mm | 0.8 in. |
| 180 Mm | 7.1 in. |
| 50 Mm | 2 in. |
| 325 Mm | 12.8 in. |
| 60 Mm | 2.4 in. |
Specifications sourced from us.dmgmori.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 10,000 RPM main spindle delivers excellent surface finish and speed on small-diameter parts in brass, aluminum, and free-machining steels
- Sub-2 square meter footprint lets shops pack maximum Swiss-type production capacity into limited floor space
- Guide bush provides Swiss-type rigidity for long slender parts with high length-to-diameter ratios without deflection or chatter
- Up to 8 driven tool stations across main and counter spindle handle complex milling, drilling, and tapping in one setup
- Fanuc 32i control is familiar to most CNC operators and has excellent CAM support across all major software platforms
- Counter spindle at 6,000 RPM enables simultaneous backworking to cut total cycle time and eliminate secondary operations
Limitations
- 20 mm bar capacity limits the machine to very small parts only; anything larger needs the SPRINT 32 or SPRINT 42
- 5-axis configuration has fewer simultaneous cutting paths than higher-end 8-axis Swiss machines in the SPRINT lineup
- Swiss-type programming requires specialized knowledge that not all CNC lathe operators possess
- Bar remnant waste is inherent to Swiss-type machining and increases per-part material cost on expensive alloys
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New pricing runs $180,000-$280,000 depending on options. Adding more driven tool stations, high-pressure coolant, and bar feeder integration pushes the price higher. Used units from 2015-2020 appear in the $80,000-$150,000 range depending on hours and condition.
02
The 20|5 has 5 axes and up to 6 driven tools on the main spindle. The 20|8 linear steps up to 8 axes with linear motor drives and more simultaneous cutting capability. The 20|8 costs more but can handle more complex parts and achieve shorter cycle times through additional simultaneous operations.
03
Both are 20 mm Swiss-type machines with strong market positions. The Citizen L20 has a longer track record in Swiss-type and deeper application support. The SPRINT 20|5 benefits from DMG Mori's service network and CELOS ecosystem. Performance is comparable; the choice often comes down to operator experience and local dealer support.
04
Swiss-type provides an advantage when your parts have a length-to-diameter ratio greater than about 3:1 or when you need to hold tight tolerances on small diameters. The guide bush supports the bar near the cut, eliminating deflection. For short, stocky parts, a conventional CNC lathe may be more economical.
05
The machine handles all common turning materials: free-machining steels (12L14, 1215), stainless steels (303, 304, 316), aluminum, brass, copper, titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), Inconel, PEEK, and other engineering plastics. The 10,000 RPM spindle excels on aluminum and brass; tougher materials run at lower speeds with appropriate tooling.
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