Index ABC
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
max turning diameter
max bar capacity
spindle bore
Overview
The Index ABC is a production CNC lathe designed for high-volume chucking and bar work. It features an integral spindle motor delivering up to 17 kW (23 HP) at 7,000 RPM with 52 mm spindle bore for bar stock up to 42 mm. For chucking, it handles parts up to approximately 165 mm diameter.
The machine includes a sub-spindle for backworking and up to 12 tool stations with live tooling positions. The polymer concrete (mineral casting) base provides 6-8x better vibration damping than cast iron, delivering superior surface finishes and longer tool life.
Index's C200 CNC control (Siemens S840D based) includes Virtual Machine simulation with full collision detection, reducing setup time by 50-70% on new jobs. Operators prove out programs completely offline before cutting metal.
New Index ABC machines price $200,000-$300,000. The combination of German engineering, mineral casting, and Virtual Machine software justifies the premium for production environments. Competes with Citizen Cincom L-series, Star SR-series, and Tsugami B-series.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Turning Diameter | 165 mm (6.5 in) chuck |
| Max Bar Capacity | 42 mm (1.65 in) |
| Spindle Bore | 52 mm (2.05 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 6,000 rpm |
| Spindle Motor | 17 kW (23 HP) |
| Sub Spindle | Yes, with backworking |
| Turret Stations | Up to 12 |
| Live Tooling | Yes |
| X Axis Travel | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 280 mm (11.0 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 30 m/min (1,181 ipm) |
| Bed Material | Polymer concrete (mineral casting) |
| CNC Control | Index C200 (Siemens S840D) |
| Virtual Machine | Yes, with collision detection |
| Machine Weight | 4,200 kg (9,259 lb) approx. |
| Guest Name | Dietary Restriction |
| David | None |
| Bob | None |
| Nancy | None |
| Mary | Vegetarian |
| Formula | Formula Output |
| Index | 3 |
| Goal | Formula |
| Find Marys Dietary Restriction | =INDEX(A1:D6, MATCH("Mary", A1:A6, 0), MATCH("Dietary Restriction", A1:D1, 0)) |
| Find Who Is At Table Number 2 | =INDEX(A1:D6, MATCH(2, D1:D6, 0), MATCH("Guest Name", A1:D1, 0)) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 27 kW |
| Spindle Torque Max | 145 Nm |
Specifications sourced from index-group.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Polymer concrete base provides 6-8x better vibration damping than cast iron for superior finishes
- Virtual Machine simulation eliminates crash risk and reduces setup time by 50-70%
- Sub-spindle backworking enables complete part machining in single setup
- Compact footprint efficient for production cell integration
- 7,000 RPM spindle handles small-diameter parts at optimal surface speeds
- German build quality and Index's production reliability reputation
Limitations
- $200,000-$300,000 is a significant premium over Korean/Taiwanese alternatives
- Index C200 control has learning curve for Fanuc-experienced operators
- 42 mm bar capacity limits machine to small-diameter work
- Index's North American service has fewer locations than major competitors
- Overqualified and overpriced for general job shop work with low volumes
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
$200,000-$300,000 new. Standard config ~$225,000-$260,000. With bar feeder and accessories $275,000-$300,000. Used rare due to production retention.
02
Digital twin simulation of the entire machine including spindle, turret, tooling, and workpiece with collision detection. Proves out programs before cutting metal. Reduces setup time 50-70%.
03
6-8x better vibration damping than cast iron, better thermal stability, tighter tolerances from first part. Heavier and more expensive to produce.
04
Yes. Bar stock to 42 mm with bar feeder. Chuck work to 165 mm. Sub-spindle enables backworking on both.
05
Citizen L20 is Swiss-type for very small, long slender parts. Index ABC is fixed-headstock for larger parts and chucking. Different applications.
Videos
INDEX - better.parts.faster.
GrovTec Machining
INDEX - better.parts.faster.
INDEX - better.parts.faster.
INDEX USA
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