INDEX ABC

The INDEX ABC is a compact bar-fed production lathe for short parts: 65 mm (2.6 in) bar capacity, a 6,000 rpm main spindle, an 8-station VDI25 turret and 280 mm (11.0 in) of Z travel, in a machine that weighs 2,500 kg (5,512 lb). The maximum part length is 80 mm (3.1 in), and that single figure says most of what the ABC is for: high-volume turned components cut from bar, parted off and finished on the counter spindle.

The main drive is rated 20 kW continuous and 27 kW at 25% duty, with torque of 105 Nm continuous and 145 Nm at 40% duty. For an 80 mm long part that is enough to rough steel bar at full diameter. The 6,000 rpm top speed suits the small end of the bar range, where surface speed would otherwise drop off.

The counter spindle runs to 4,500 rpm and is rated 4.2 kW and 10 Nm at 25% duty. Those are the same figures the table gives for the driven tools, which run to 6,000 rpm. Both are sized for drilling, tapping, cross holes and light back-end facing rather than heavy milling, so a part that needs substantial milled features is a better fit for a turn-mill center.

The ABC is offered with either a Siemens S840D sl or a FANUC 31i-B control, which lets a shop match the programming environment it already runs. The connected load is given as 12-34 kW. Its size sets it apart from the larger INDEX machines: the B400 weighs 7,800 kg (17,196 lb) and the G200 approx. 8,500 kg (18,739 lb), so the ABC is the one to look at when floor space and foundation load are tight.

One point to settle before ordering: the table lists a 65 mm spindle clearance but also a 52 mm (2.05 in) spindle bore, so confirm the bar diameter your spindle and bar loader configuration will actually pass.