INDEX C100

$300,000 - $450,000 Updated 2026-03-11

Key Specifications

Rapid Traverse

60 m/min (2,362 ipm)

Max Turn Length

400 mm

max bar capacity

42 mm (1.65 in)

max chuck diameter

110 mm (4.33 in)

main spindle speed

7,000 RPM

main spindle power

22/29 kW (29.5/38.9 HP)

Overview

The INDEX C100 is a CNC production turning machine that blurs the line between Swiss-type lathe and multi-spindle — it's designed for shops that need the flexibility of a Swiss lathe with the raw throughput of a production turner. With a 42 mm (1.65 inch) bar capacity, three independent turrets working simultaneously, and both main and counter spindles running at 7,000 RPM, the C100 handles complex parts at cycle times that make dedicated Swiss lathes look slow on simpler geometries.

The three-turret design is the C100's defining feature. Each turret carries 10 VDI25 tool stations with live tooling capability up to 8,000 RPM and 4.2 kW, and the machine can run all three turrets simultaneously on main and counter spindle work. That means you're cutting with up to three tools at once — roughing on one turret while finishing on another and doing backwork on the third. For production parts with multiple features, this simultaneous machining capability dramatically reduces cycle times compared to single-turret machines.

The main spindle delivers 22/29 kW of power with an A2-5 nose and 110 mm chuck diameter, while the counter spindle provides 16.5/19 kW with the same 42 mm bar capacity. Rapid traverse speeds hit 60 m/min with accelerations up to 1G, and C-axis indexing precision is 0.001 degrees. INDEX's SingleSlide plate-type slide system provides maximum rigidity and vibration dampening, which translates directly to better surface finishes and longer tool life.

The vertical machine bed design is a smart engineering choice — chips fall by gravity directly into the conveyor, keeping the work area clean and preventing chip buildup from affecting part quality. It also provides excellent operator access for setup and tool changes.

Pricing for a new INDEX C100 typically falls in the $300,000-$450,000 range depending on configuration, tooling, and automation options. Used machines from 2010-2020 vintages trade between $100,000 and $250,000. The C100 competes with machines like the Citizen M16/M32, Star SV-20R, and Tsugami B0326 in the high-production Swiss/production turning segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	42 mm (1.65 in)
Max Chuck Diameter	110 mm (4.33 in)
Max Turning Length	400 mm
Main Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	22/29 kW (29.5/38.9 HP)
Counter Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Counter Spindle Power	16.5/19 kW (22.1/25.5 HP)
Number Of Turrets	3 (10x VDI25 each)
Total Tool Stations	30 VDI25 (all live-capable)
Live Tool Speed	Up to 8,000 RPM
Live Tool Power	4.2 kW (5.6 HP)
Y Axis Stroke	70 mm (2.76 in) per turret
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Acceleration	Up to 1G
C Axis Precision	0.001°
Spindle Nose	A2-5 (main and counter)
CNC Control	Fanuc 31i-B
Slide System	INDEX SingleSlide plate-type
Spindle Clearance	42 mm
Chuck Size	110 mm

Specifications sourced from index-group.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Three independent turrets with simultaneous machining capability cut cycle times dramatically — rough, finish, and backwork operations run in parallel
42 mm bar capacity with 22/29 kW main spindle power handles larger diameter work than most Swiss-type lathes in this class
All 30 tool stations are live-capable at 8,000 RPM and 4.2 kW, eliminating compromises when configuring complex multi-feature parts
60 m/min rapid traverse with 1G acceleration minimizes non-cutting time, which adds up significantly across production runs
Vertical machine bed design ensures gravity-assisted chip evacuation, keeping the work area clean and preventing chip-related quality issues
INDEX SingleSlide plate-type slide system delivers superior rigidity and vibration dampening compared to conventional linear guide systems

Limitations

At $300,000-$450,000 new, the C100 is a significant investment that requires high-volume production work to justify the cost over simpler Swiss lathes
Three-turret programming complexity requires experienced programmers — the learning curve is steeper than single or dual-turret Swiss machines
7,000 RPM main spindle speed is lower than the 10,000-12,000 RPM available on dedicated Swiss lathes, which can limit small-diameter aluminum cycle times
INDEX-Traub service network in North America is more limited than Star or Citizen, potentially affecting response times for field service

Best For

High-volume production shops running complex turned parts that benefit from simultaneous three-turret machining to minimize cycle times Automotive component manufacturers producing connectors, fittings, and shaft components in the 10-42 mm diameter range at production volumes Medical device and aerospace shops that need Swiss-type flexibility with production-lathe throughput for parts requiring multiple milling and drilling operations Contract manufacturers looking to consolidate operations — the C100's three turrets and Y-axes can eliminate secondary operations on many parts Shops transitioning from multi-spindle automatics that need CNC flexibility without sacrificing production speed

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is the INDEX C100 a Swiss-type lathe or a production lathe?

The C100 is technically classified as a CNC production turning machine, but it serves much of the same market as Swiss-type lathes. It uses a fixed headstock (not sliding) with 42 mm bar capacity. The three simultaneous turrets and Y-axes give it Swiss-lathe-level complexity handling with production-lathe throughput. Think of it as a hybrid that bridges both worlds.

02 How does the three-turret system work on the INDEX C100?

The C100 has three independent turrets — upper left, upper right, and lower — each with 10 VDI25 tool stations. All three can operate simultaneously, cutting on the main spindle, counter spindle, or both at once. The upper turrets each have X/Z/Y axes, allowing complex milling and off-center drilling. This simultaneous machining is what gives the C100 its cycle time advantage over single and dual-turret machines.

03 What does a used INDEX C100 cost?

Used INDEX C100 machines from 2010-2020 vintages typically trade between $100,000 and $250,000, depending on hours, condition, and tooling. Newer machines with low hours and full tooling packages command the higher end. When buying used, check the turret indexing accuracy and spindle runout carefully, as these are the wear items that most affect part quality.

04 What control does the INDEX C100 use?

The C100 runs on a Fanuc 31i-B CNC, which is the same control platform used across many INDEX and Traub machines. It handles the three-turret simultaneous programming through Fanuc's multi-path capability. INDEX also offers their own programming and simulation software (VirtualLine) that makes programming the three turrets significantly easier than raw G-code editing.

05 Can the INDEX C100 run with a bar feeder?

Yes, the C100 is designed for bar feeding and works with standard 12-foot magazine bar feeders from LNS, FMB, IEMCA, and others. The 42 mm bar capacity accommodates common bar stock sizes up to 1.65 inches. For high-volume production, a quality bar feeder is essential to keep the three turrets busy without operator intervention.