Index MS 25 Plus CNC Multi-Spindle

$800,000 – $1,400,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

number of spindles

max bar diameter

25 mm (0.98 in)

max spindle speed

8,000 rpm

spindle motor power

7.5 kW (10 hp) per spindle

bar feed capacity

3,000 mm (118 in) bar length with external bar feeder

cross slides

6 cross slide stations + multiple end-working slides

Overview

The Index MS 25 Plus is a 6-spindle CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe from INDEX-Traub, one of Germany's leading manufacturers of precision turning and multi-spindle machines. Designed for high-volume production of small precision turned parts from bar stock up to 25 mm in diameter, the MS 25 Plus combines the productivity of a classic cam-driven multi-spindle with a fully CNC-controlled architecture — enabling rapid changeovers, programmable tooling compensation, and integration into modern production cells with minimal operator intervention.

The MS 25 Plus uses INDEX's iXpanel CNC control, a purpose-built platform for multi-spindle operation that manages all six spindles and their associated cross slides, end-working slides, and auxiliary axes simultaneously. Unlike cam-driven multi-spindles that require physical cam changes for new parts, the MS 25 Plus programs cycle times, spindle speeds, and tool movements entirely through the CNC, reducing changeover time from days to hours on comparable geometry changes. The control includes the INDEX MSG (Multi-Spindle Geometry) programming system, which provides guided input for multi-spindle toolpath definition.

With six synchronized spindles and multiple cross slide positions per station, the MS 25 Plus can perform turning, drilling, boring, threading, milling, and polygon turning simultaneously across spindle stations — completing complex prismatic and rotational features in a single bar-feed cycle without workpiece transfer. Spindle speeds up to 8,000 rpm support high-speed turning of small-diameter parts in brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and engineering plastics. The machine accommodates bar magazines and automatic bar feeders for continuous unmanned production, with parts ejected to a parts conveyor or collection system.

The MS 25 Plus competes with the Schutte SC 25 CNC, Tornos Multideco 26/6, and Wickman multi-spindle automatics in the 25 mm bar class. INDEX-Traub's strengths include exceptional rigidity, precise German engineering tolerances, and the INDEX iXpanel control's flexibility for complex part programs. New MS 25 Plus systems typically price from $800,000 to $1,400,000 depending on configuration, tooling stations, and automation packages.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Number Of Spindles	6
Max Bar Diameter	25 mm (0.98 in)
Max Spindle Speed	8,000 rpm
Spindle Motor Power	7.5 kW (10 hp) per spindle
Bar Feed Capacity	3,000 mm (118 in) bar length with external bar feeder
Cross Slides	6 cross slide stations + multiple end-working slides
Control System	INDEX iXpanel CNC with MSG multi-spindle programming
Machine Weight	Approx. 14,000 kg (30,900 lb)
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))

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Full CNC control across all 6 spindles eliminates the mechanical cam changes required by traditional multi-spindle automatics, reducing changeover time from days to hours
Simultaneous multi-station machining — turning, drilling, milling, threading at all 6 positions — delivers cycle times that single-spindle turning centers cannot approach
INDEX iXpanel control and MSG programming system provide guided multi-spindle programming, reducing the specialized skill required to program complex multi-spindle cycles
Rigid German-engineered construction and precision spindle bearings maintain dimensional consistency across millions of cycles — critical for automotive and precision parts production

Limitations

Capital cost of $800K–$1.4M requires high-volume production to justify — typically requires 500,000+ parts per year on a given family to achieve ROI against single-spindle alternatives
Part changeover, even with CNC control, still requires tooling changes, offset adjustments, and proving cycles — changeover flexibility is better than cam machines but less than sliding headstock lathes
25 mm bar capacity limits the machine to small-diameter parts — shops cutting larger diameters need the MS 32, MS 40, or larger multi-spindle platforms

Best For

Automotive fastener and precision component manufacturers producing millions of identical small turned parts per year in steel, brass, and aluminum Medical device manufacturers producing high-volume bone screws, dental components, catheter fittings, and small precision turned implant components Fluid power and hydraulic component producers machining valve bodies, fittings, and actuator components in stainless steel and brass Electronics and connector manufacturers producing contacts, terminals, and precision pins in brass, copper, and aluminum from bar stock

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the productivity advantage of a multi-spindle automatic over a CNC turning center?

A 6-spindle multi-spindle automatic produces one part per index cycle — approximately every 3 to 20 seconds depending on part complexity. A single CNC turning center produces one part per complete cycle, which might be 30 seconds to several minutes. For small parts with simple-to-moderate features, a multi-spindle machine can produce 6 to 20 times more parts per hour than a single turning center. The breakeven point depends on part volume — multi-spindles become economically compelling above approximately 500,000 parts per year.

02 How long does changeover take on the MS 25 Plus vs. a cam multi-spindle?

Traditional cam-driven multi-spindle changeovers require disassembling and replacing mechanical cams, adjusting all tool positions mechanically, and re-proving the machine — typically 1 to 3 days. The Index MS 25 Plus CNC changeover requires tooling changes and program loading, but no cam changes. Typical CNC changeovers for comparable part geometry families range from 4 to 16 hours. For shops running many part numbers with frequent changes, CNC multi-spindle is significantly more flexible.

03 What materials can the MS 25 Plus machine?

The MS 25 Plus handles all standard bar-feed materials: free-machining steels, alloy steels, stainless steel (303, 304, 316), brass, aluminum alloys, copper, titanium (with appropriate speeds and feeds), engineering plastics (Delrin, PEEK, nylon), and non-ferrous alloys. The 8,000 rpm maximum spindle speed suits brass and aluminum high-speed turning particularly well. Stainless and titanium run at reduced spindle speeds with appropriate tooling and coolant.

04 Does the MS 25 Plus require a dedicated operator?

During production, the MS 25 Plus requires periodic monitoring for bar stock replenishment, tool wear compensation, and quality checks — typically one operator can supervise multiple multi-spindle machines simultaneously. The machine runs largely autonomously between bar changes. Automated bar feeders extend autonomous running time. For fully unattended operation, tool monitoring systems and automatic bar loaders are recommended.

05 How does the Index MS 25 Plus compare to sliding headstock (Swiss) turning for small parts?

For parts under 25 mm diameter, the choice between multi-spindle and Swiss depends primarily on volume and part complexity. Swiss machines excel at long, slender parts (L/D > 3) and extremely complex geometry with many features. Multi-spindle automatics like the MS 25 Plus excel at high-volume, shorter parts where cycle time per part is more important than geometric complexity. For volumes above 500,000 parts per year on suitable geometry, multi-spindle typically delivers lower cost per part than Swiss.