Index MS 40E

For a mid-complexity hydraulic fitting in brass (6 operations, 3 drilling, 1 threading, 1 reaming, 1 parting): single-spindle Swiss-type lathe at 40 mm bar produces in approximately 18–30 seconds = 120–200 parts/hour. The MS 40E at 40 mm with the same part and cycle time per station: 8–15 second cycle = 240–450 parts/hour. Throughput advantage: 2–3x for this part complexity. On simpler parts (3 operations): Swiss-type 10–15 seconds = 240–360 parts/hour; MS 40E 4–8 seconds = 450–900 parts/hour. The MS 40E advantage is larger on simpler parts where the Swiss-type cycle is not constrained by complex operations. On very complex parts requiring 8+ operations, the MS 40E's parallel processing advantage grows further.

Parts in the 33–40 mm diameter range clearly require the MS 40E — a 32 mm machine literally cannot pass the bar. For parts in the 25–32 mm range that currently run on 32 mm machines, the MS 40E provides no additional capability (overkill in bar size). The MS 40E's value at 40 mm is for the specific component families: hydraulic fittings in 35–40 mm hex stock; automotive suspension components in 38–40 mm bar; valve stems and actuator shafts in 36–40 mm bar. These part families cannot use 32 mm multi-spindles and previously required single-spindle production — the MS 40E enables multi-spindle economics for these larger components.

The most significant difference is bar capacity: Tornos Sigma 32 handles up to 32 mm bar; Index MS 40E handles up to 40 mm bar. For fittings that fit in 32 mm bar, the Sigma 32 is a perfectly capable alternative and is preferred by many fitting manufacturers for its TISIS software's intuitive interface. For fittings requiring 33–40 mm bar (larger BSP and NPT fittings, larger hydraulic couplings), only the MS 40E accommodates the workpiece. In terms of spindle speed and precision: both machines achieve comparable accuracy and surface finish for brass. The choice is primarily driven by bar size requirements and existing control platform familiarity (TISIS/Tornos vs Siemens/Index).

For the Index MS 40E at 40 mm bar: LNS Challenge M 80 S (handles up to 80 mm bar, appropriate for 40 mm with 6-meter bar capacity); Iemca BOSS 542 (60 mm max, suitable for 40 mm); FMB Turbo 80 (80 mm max capacity). All three are magazine bar feeders that automatically load from a bar stock magazine and feed bars into the machine spindle without operator intervention. Capacity: typically 6 bars per magazine cycle = approximately 2–4 hours of production per fill. Bar straightness is important at 40 mm — bars with excessive bend cause vibration and premature collet wear. Index provides bar feeder interface specifications for each of these systems.

MS 40E setup process for a new part: (1) Program the part offline in Index VirtualLine — define all 6 station operations, tool geometries, and NC cycles; simulate for collisions and cycle balance; (2) Transfer program to machine; (3) Mount tooling at all 6 stations (toolholders, inserts, boring bars, threading tools) — approximately 2–3 hours for complete tooling change; (4) Set bar feed collet (change if bar diameter changes); (5) Set bar feeder guide bush diameter; (6) Run first-off parts for dimensional verification; (7) Adjust tools to print dimensions; (8) Release for production. Total setup time: 3–6 hours for a moderately complex changeover. Production runs of 10,000+ parts are economical; runs under 5,000 parts should be evaluated carefully against single-spindle cost.