INDEX MS16
Image: index-group.com, INDEX-Traub
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
number of spindles
max bar diameter
tool stations
machine weight
How much does the INDEX MS16 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a multi-spindle automatic in this class — not a quote from INDEX-Traub. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The INDEX MS 16 is a six-spindle CNC multi-spindle automatic for bar up to 16 mm (0.63 in), with 16 / 22 mm given for the range as a whole. Spindle power is listed at 15 kW and maximum spindle torque at 18 Nm. Those are the 25% duty figures INDEX gives for the MS 16 Plus, whose continuous ratings are 8.7 kW and 10 Nm, so sustained cuts should be planned on the lower values.
On the tooling side, up to 3 positions carry live tooling, with live tools running to 10,000 RPM, and each spindle position has up to 2 NC axes plus live tool axes. That points the machine at small turned parts with a few drilled or milled features rather than parts where every station needs a driven tool. The table is inconsistent on the total tool count, the top spindle speed, the control version and the machine weight, so get those four from INDEX for the configuration quoted rather than taking any single row at face value.
The MS 16 Plus, which INDEX presents alongside the MS 16, lists 10,000 rpm, 30 m/min rapid traverse, a Siemens S840D sl control and 5,200 kg (11,464 lb). The Plus is the 22 mm version; the standard machine is the 16 mm (0.63 in) one. For smaller bar still, the TRAUB MS12-4 takes 13 mm (0.5 in) at 15,000 rpm on 4 spindles stacked in four levels.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Spindles | 6 |
| Max Bar Diameter | 16 mm (0.63 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm |
| Tool Stations | Up to 12 cross tools + 6 longitudinal tool posts |
| Machine Weight | 10,000 kg (22,046 lb) |
| CNC Control | Index C200-4D (Siemens 840D hardware base) |
| Bar Capacity | 16 / 22 mm |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW |
| Spindle Torque Max | 18 Nm |
| CNC Control | Siemens S840D sl |
| Max Bar Capacity | 16 mm (0.630 in) |
| Max Turning Diameter | 25 mm (0.984 in) |
| Spindle Speed | Up to 12,000 RPM per spindle |
| Live Tool Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Number of Axes | Up to 2 NC axes per spindle position + live tool axes |
| Tool Positions | Up to 4 tools per spindle position (24 total) |
| Live Tool Positions | Up to 3 positions with live tooling |
Specifications sourced from index-group.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Six spindles for bar up to 16 mm (0.63 in), with 22 mm available in the range
- Up to 3 live tooling positions, with live tools to 10,000 RPM
- Up to 2 NC axes per spindle position plus live tool axes
- Peak ratings of 15 kW and 18 Nm, matching the 25% duty figures of the MS 16 Plus
Limitations
- Rows of the table disagree on top spindle speed, control, tool count and weight; confirm them with INDEX
- The continuous rating is lower than the listed 15 kW and 18 Nm: the MS 16 Plus gives 8.7 kW and 10 Nm at 100% duty
- Live tooling is limited to up to 3 positions
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Bar capacity. The range is listed at 16 / 22 mm: the standard machine takes 16 mm (0.63 in) and the Plus takes 22 mm. The MS 16 Plus lists 8.7 kW at 100% / 15 kW at 25% duty and 10 / 18 Nm, 10,000 rpm, 30 m/min rapid traverse and 5,200 kg (11,464 lb).
02
Up to 3 positions with live tooling, and live tools run to 10,000 RPM. Each spindle position has up to 2 NC axes plus live tool axes. Parts that need driven tools at more stations should be checked with INDEX against the layout on offer.
03
Top spindle speed, control version, total tool count and machine weight: different rows of the table give different values for each. The MS 16 Plus lists 10,000 rpm, the Siemens S840D sl and 5,200 kg (11,464 lb), which is a sensible starting point for the questions to put to INDEX.
04
The table lists 15 kW and a maximum torque of 18 Nm. For the MS 16 Plus INDEX gives the same 15 kW and 18 Nm at 25% duty, with 8.7 kW and 10 Nm at 100% duty, so treat 15 kW as a short-duty peak rather than a continuous rating.
Videos
INDEX - better.parts.faster.
INDEX - better.parts.faster.
David Arnesen
