INDEX-Traub ABC 20
Key Specifications
max bar capacity
main spindle speed
main spindle drive
number of axes
front tool positions
back working tools
How much does the INDEX-Traub ABC 20 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a swiss-type lathe in this class — not a quote from INDEX-Traub. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The INDEX-Traub ABC 20 is a compact bar machine for stock up to 20 mm (0.787 in), with a main spindle listed at up to 10,000 RPM and 3.7 kW (5.0 hp). The ABC 20 is not among the models on INDEX's current product pages, so check the listed figures against the documentation of the machine on offer.
Tooling splits into up to 20 front tool positions, live tools included, and up to 5 fixed tools for back working. Five axes are listed (X1, Z1, Y1, C1 + back working). With Y1 and C1 the front side can mill flats and drill off-centre holes; the fixed back tools are limited to drilling, facing and similar centred work on the cut-off end. Live tools run up to 8,000 RPM.
Small bar and a small drive go together here. At 20 mm the high spindle speed is useful for reaching cutting speed on fine diameters, while 3.7 kW rules out heavy roughing. By comparison the ABC 65 is listed with 27 kW and 6,000 rpm, and the TNL32 takes 32 mm bar.
Rapids are 30 m/min in Z and 20 m/min in X. At approx. 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) on approx. 1,600 mm × 1,300 mm it is easy to place. The control is given as Fanuc 32i-B or Traub TNL.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Bar Capacity | 20 mm (0.787 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | Up to 10,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Drive | 3.7 kW (5.0 hp) |
| Number of Axes | 5 (X1, Z1, Y1, C1 + back working) |
| Front Tool Positions | Up to 20 (including live tools) |
| Back Working Tools | Up to 5 fixed tools |
| Live Tool Speed | Up to 8,000 RPM |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 30 m/min |
| Rapid Traverse X | 20 m/min |
| CNC Control | Fanuc 32i-B or Traub TNL |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) |
| Floor Space | Approx. 1,600 mm × 1,300 mm |
Specifications compiled from manufacturer literature and industry references. Not independently verified against a published spec sheet — confirm with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before making a purchasing decision.
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Main spindle up to 10,000 RPM for small-diameter work in 20 mm (0.787 in) bar
- Up to 20 front tool positions, including live tools running up to 8,000 RPM
- Y1 and C1 axes for off-centre drilling and milling on the front side
- Small installation: approx. 1,800 kg (3,968 lb) on approx. 1,600 mm × 1,300 mm
Limitations
- The 3.7 kW (5.0 hp) main drive limits stock removal to light cuts
- Back working is limited to up to 5 fixed tools; no driven tools are listed for the back end
- Bar capacity stops at 20 mm (0.787 in); the TNL32 takes 32 mm
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Up to 20 mm (0.787 in). The main spindle is listed at up to 10,000 RPM with a 3.7 kW (5.0 hp) drive, so it is sized for small, light parts rather than heavy stock removal.
02
Up to 20 front tool positions, live tools included, and up to 5 fixed tools for back working. Live tools run up to 8,000 RPM. The listed axes are X1, Z1, Y1 and C1 plus back working, so off-centre work is possible on the front side only.
03
The ABC 65 is listed with 27 kW, 6,000 rpm and 19 tool mountings plus 5 back-boring stations. The ABC 20 has a 3.7 kW (5.0 hp) drive but runs faster, up to 10,000 RPM, which suits its 20 mm (0.787 in) bar.
04
The listed figures are approx. 1,600 mm × 1,300 mm of floor space and approx. 1,800 kg (3,968 lb). The control is given as Fanuc 32i-B or Traub TNL; check which one the machine on offer carries, as programming differs between them.
Community Discussions
Comparison and buying advice
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.
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