INDEX ABC

$600,000 - $850,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

6,000 rpm

Spindle Power

27 kW

number of spindles

max bar diameter

32 mm (1.26 in)

max part length

80 mm (3.1 in)

live tooling

Yes (each spindle position)

Overview

The INDEX ABC (Automatic Bar Center) is a 6-spindle CNC multi-spindle automatic turning machine positioned as the entry point to INDEX-Traub's multi-spindle lineup. While the MS40 and MS52 target maximum-volume dedicated automotive production, the ABC is designed for flexibility — faster changeover, lower per-setup cost, and economic viability at lower volumes that traditional multi-spindle machines cannot serve profitably. The ABC bridges the gap between Swiss-type lathes and full multi-spindle production machines.

The ABC handles bar diameters up to 32 mm (1.26 in) across six spindles, targeting the small-to-medium precision components that represent the majority of high-volume turned part production — medical screws, electronic hardware, hydraulic fittings, and precision fasteners. Spindle speeds reach 10,000 RPM per spindle, higher than the larger MS-series machines, enabling faster surface speeds for small-diameter finishing in steel and stainless.

INDEX's iXpanel CNC control provides the ABC's flexibility advantage. Changeover between part families is measured in hours rather than days, making the ABC viable for medium volumes (50,000-500,000 pieces per campaign) where the larger MS-series machines require million-piece campaigns to justify setup time. Live tooling is available at each spindle position, enabling cross-drilling, milling, and threading without secondary operations.

The ABC competes with the Tornos MultiDeco 20/6 32mm and Schutte SC20 in the compact multi-spindle class. At $600,000-$850,000 new, the ABC is priced below the full MS-series machines while delivering the INDEX quality and CNC flexibility that distinguishes it from older cam-operated alternatives in the same output class.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Number Of Spindles	6
Max Bar Diameter	32 mm (1.26 in)
Max Part Length	80 mm (3.1 in)
Max Spindle Speed	6,000 rpm
Live Tooling	Yes (each spindle position)
CNC Control	INDEX iXpanel (SINUMERIK-based)
Drum Index Time	0.8 sec
Coolant Pressure	Up to 60 bar (870 psi)
Machine Weight	~14,000 kg (30,865 lb)
Feed Type	Bar feed interface (compatible with leading bar feeders)
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 Clearance	65 mm
Spindle Motor Power	27 kW
Spindle Torque Max	145 Nm

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

6-spindle simultaneous machining produces a finished part every drum index — significantly higher output than single-spindle Swiss-types at this diameter
10,000 RPM per spindle enables aggressive surface speeds for small-diameter work in stainless and hardened steel
Faster changeover than cam multi-spindles — viable for medium-volume campaigns of 50,000+ pieces
Live tooling at each spindle position enables complete machining without secondary operations
INDEX German quality provides reliability and long service life in high-utilization production environments
Compact design versus full MS-series machines reduces floor space and installation cost

Limitations

32 mm maximum bar diameter limits the ABC to small-diameter parts — the MS40/MS52 are required for larger components
$600K-$850K investment is significant for a machine producing small parts — requires strong volume to justify
Despite improved changeover versus cam machines, setup still requires specialized expertise versus standard CNC lathes
INDEX's North American service network is limited compared to Mazak or DMG Mori in multi-spindle support
Parts requiring more than 6 operations need creative programming or a second machine pass

Best For

Precision fastener manufacturers producing M6-M20 fasteners and small precision hardware in medium-to-high volumes Medical device suppliers machining bone screws, implant components, and instrument parts in titanium and stainless Electronic hardware manufacturers producing small turned components in brass, aluminum, and stainless Shops transitioning from cam multi-spindles to CNC and needing faster changeover with maintained output rates Hydraulic and pneumatic fitting manufacturers running small-diameter fittings in annual volumes of 1M+ pieces

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the INDEX ABC differ from the MS40?

The ABC handles smaller bar diameters (32mm vs 40mm) and is designed for faster changeover and medium volumes. The MS40 is optimized for maximum throughput on dedicated high-volume campaigns. The ABC's 10,000 RPM spindles also enable better surface speeds for very small-diameter work. For a shop with varied part families and medium volumes, the ABC is the better choice; for dedicated high-volume campaigns, the MS40 wins.

02 What volumes justify an INDEX ABC investment?

Annual volumes above 100,000-300,000 pieces per part family begin to make the ABC economically viable versus multiple Swiss-type lathes. The actual break-even depends on part complexity, cycle time, and the number of active part families. INDEX application engineers can model the economics for your specific situation.

03 Can the ABC machine titanium and stainless?

Yes. The ABC's rigidity and 60 bar through-spindle coolant support titanium and stainless machining at appropriate cutting parameters. For medical applications in titanium alloys, the machine's low drum index time and simultaneous multi-spindle operation provide significant productivity advantages over Swiss-type alternatives when volumes justify it.

04 What is the INDEX ABC's cycle time advantage over Swiss-type lathes?

For a simple part requiring 6 operations, a Swiss-type lathe completes one part every 30-60 seconds. The INDEX ABC completes one part every drum index cycle — approximately 0.8 seconds plus the longest single-station operation time. For a part with a 10-second slowest operation, the ABC produces one part every ~11 seconds versus 60 seconds on a Swiss-type — roughly a 5x throughput advantage.