EMAG MSC 5 DUO
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
max turning diameter single
Overview
The EMAG MSC 5 DUO is a twin-spindle horizontal CNC turning machine from EMAG's Classic series, designed for high-volume production of small chucked components up to 120 mm (single spindle) or 240 mm (dual spindle) turning diameter. Unlike EMAG's signature vertical pick-up VL machines, the MSC 5 DUO uses a conventional horizontal spindle layout but doubles it with two independent machining stations, enabling simultaneous cutting on two parts or OP10/OP20 sequencing with integrated part transfer.
Each spindle runs at up to 4,500 RPM with standard power ratings of 5.5 kW continuous and 7.5 kW at 30-minute duty, upgradeable to 7.5 kW / 11 kW for more demanding materials. The A2-5 spindle nose accepts chucks up to 210 mm diameter. X-axis travel of 130 mm and Z-axis travel of 145 mm define a compact work envelope precisely matched to the small chucked components the MSC 5 DUO targets, with rapid traverse rates of 24 m/min on both axes keeping non-cutting time to a minimum.
Each spindle feeds a dedicated 8-station BMT turret, accepting 25 x 25 mm turning tool shanks and drilling tools up to 40 mm diameter. The twin 8-station turrets provide 16 total tool positions across the two spindles, allowing different tools for OP10 and OP20 without the tool capacity constraints that can limit single-turret machines on complex parts requiring multiple operations.
The Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control manages both spindles and turrets, coordinating simultaneous machining cycles for maximum throughput. At approximately 4,500 kg and a footprint of 4,000 x 2,600 x 2,700 mm, the MSC 5 DUO is compact relative to its twin-spindle capability, making it suitable for production environments where floor space per part output is a key metric.
New MSC 5 DUO machines price between $200,000 and $350,000, positioning them below EMAG's vertical pick-up machines while offering similar twin-spindle productivity gains. The machine is best suited for shops producing large quantities of small turned parts that need two-operation turning without the complexity and cost of vertical pick-up automation.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter Single | 120 mm (4.5 in) |
| Max Turning Diameter Dual | 240 mm (9.5 in) |
| Max Turning Length Single | 85 mm (3.5 in) |
| Max Turning Length Dual | 145 mm (5.5 in) |
| Chuck Diameter | 210 mm (8 in) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-5 |
| Max Spindle Speed | 4,500 RPM |
| Spindle Power Standard | 5.5 / 7.5 kW (continuous / 30 min) |
| Spindle Power Optional | 7.5 / 11 kW (continuous / 30 min) |
| X-Axis Travel | 130 mm (5 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 145 mm (5.5 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 24 m/min (945 IPM) |
| Turret Stations | 2 x 8 (BMT interface) |
| Max Turning Tool Shank | 25 x 25 mm |
| Max Drilling Tool Diameter | 40 mm |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 0i-TF Plus |
| Machine Weight | 4,500 kg (9,921 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 4,000 x 2,600 x 2,700 mm (157.5 x 102.5 x 106.5 in) |
| Turning Diameter Max | mmin |
| Maximum Turning Length | mmin |
| X Axis Travel | mmin |
| Z Axis Travel | mmin |
| Rapid Traverse Speed X Z | m/min |
| Main Spindle Speed Max | rpm |
| Spindle Motor Power | kW |
| Machine Weight Including Standard Equipment | kg |
| Machine Dimensions L X W X H | mmin |
Specifications sourced from emag.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Twin-spindle design enables simultaneous machining of two parts or sequential OP10/OP20 operations, effectively doubling throughput
- Compact 4,000 x 2,600 mm footprint delivers twin-spindle productivity in the floor space of a single conventional lathe
- Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control provides reliable, well-supported CNC platform with broad operator familiarity
- BMT turret interface on both stations provides rigidity for demanding turning and drilling operations
- Optional spindle power upgrade to 7.5/11 kW allows the machine to handle harder materials without a larger machine
- Lower price point than EMAG vertical pick-up machines while maintaining twin-spindle productivity
Limitations
- 120 mm single-spindle turning diameter limits the machine to small components only
- 5.5 kW standard spindle power is modest — power upgrade is essential for steel and cast iron work
- 8 stations per turret is fewer than the 12-station turrets on EMAG's VL machines, potentially requiring tool changes on complex parts
- Horizontal spindle layout lacks the gravity-assisted chip evacuation of EMAG's vertical pick-up machines
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The MSC 5 DUO uses a horizontal spindle layout with conventional chuck loading, while the VL series uses EMAG's signature inverted vertical pick-up spindle with integrated automation. The MSC 5 DUO is simpler and less expensive, but lacks the automated self-loading capability. Both offer twin-spindle configurations for high throughput.
02
Yes. Each spindle has its own independent 8-station BMT turret, so they can run different programs on different parts. More commonly, the two spindles run sequential operations (OP10 and OP20) on the same part type with integrated transfer between stations.
03
The standard spindle is rated at 5.5 kW continuous / 7.5 kW at 30-minute duty. The optional upgrade increases this to 7.5 kW continuous / 11 kW at 30-minute duty. The upgrade is recommended for steel and cast iron work where the standard power may limit feed rates and depth of cut.
04
The MSC 5 DUO runs on the Fanuc 0i-TF Plus control, which manages both spindles and turrets. This is a widely used industrial CNC platform with broad operator familiarity and strong support infrastructure.
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