INDEX MS40
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
number of spindles
max bar diameter
max part length
spindle power each
live tooling
Overview
The INDEX MS40 is a CNC multi-spindle automatic turning machine from INDEX-Traub, the German manufacturer that defines the premium end of the multi-spindle automatic market. With six spindles and a 40 mm (1.57 in) maximum bar diameter capacity, the MS40 is designed for high-volume production of small-to-medium precision turned parts where output rates of 400-800 parts per hour are required and per-part cycle times measured in seconds drive the economics. This is the machine class that Swiss-type lathes cannot compete with at volume.
The INDEX MS40 runs six workpieces simultaneously — one per spindle position — with a different operation performed at each spindle station as the drum indexes. The result is a complete part produced at each drum index cycle, making cycle time the time to complete a single operation rather than the sum of all operations. A typical part requiring 6 operations on a single-spindle machine takes 60 seconds; the same part on the MS40 takes 10 seconds per finished part once the drum cycles.
The CNC multi-spindle control — using Siemens SINUMERIK — provides programmable flexibility that traditional cam-operated multi-spindles cannot offer. Changeover between part families is significantly faster than cam machines, enabling the MS40 to be economical at medium volumes (50,000+ parts) that traditional cam multi-spindles require six-figure quantities to justify. Live tooling at each spindle position enables cross-drilling, milling, and off-centerline features without a secondary operation.
At $800,000-$1,200,000 new, the MS40 is a major capital investment that requires sustained high-volume production to justify. It competes with the Daewoo Doosan (DN Solutions) multi-spindle machines, Tornos MultiDeco, and Wickman machines in the CNC multi-spindle segment. The INDEX premium reflects German engineering quality and an exceptional track record in automotive and precision component manufacturing.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number Of Spindles | 6 |
| Max Bar Diameter | 40 mm (1.57 in) |
| Max Part Length | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 7,000 RPM |
| Spindle Power Each | 4.4 kW (5.9 hp) |
| Live Tooling | Yes (each spindle position) |
| CNC Control | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl |
| Drum Index Time | 0.9 sec |
| Feed Type | Bar feed (magazine or hydrodynamic) |
| Coolant Pressure | Up to 80 bar (1,160 psi) |
| Machine Weight | ~18,000 kg (39,683 lb) |
| Machine Dimensions | ~4,500 x 3,000 mm |
| 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)) |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Six simultaneous spindles produce a finished part every drum index cycle — output rates of 400-800 parts/hour for simple parts
- CNC control (Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl) enables fast changeover between part families versus cam-operated multi-spindles
- Live tooling at each spindle position enables cross-drilling and milling without secondary operations
- INDEX German engineering and build quality is the benchmark for multi-spindle reliability and precision in automotive supply chains
- 0.9-second drum index time minimizes non-productive time between operations
- Up to 80 bar through-spindle coolant supports deep hole drilling and efficient chip evacuation at high production rates
Limitations
- $800K-$1.2M investment requires very high sustained volumes to justify versus multiple single-spindle machines
- 40 mm bar diameter restricts the machine to small-to-medium parts — larger diameters require the MS52 or larger
- Multi-spindle setup and changeover, while faster than cam machines, is still complex and time-consuming versus single-spindle Swiss-types
- Requires specialized operator and setup technician expertise — the learning curve is steeper than CNC lathes
- Machine footprint and weight require significant floor space and a reinforced foundation
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A Swiss-type lathe like the Citizen L20 or Star SR-20 uses a single spindle with a sliding headstock for long, slender parts. The INDEX MS40 uses six spindles operating simultaneously, producing a finished part at every drum index. For high volumes of short, simple parts under 40mm diameter, the MS40 produces parts 5-10 times faster than a Swiss-type. Swiss-types win on flexibility and setup speed for lower volumes and longer parts.
02
As a general rule, annual volumes above 500,000 pieces per year per part family begin to justify CNC multi-spindle investment versus multiple single-spindle machines. The actual break-even depends on part complexity, cycle time, and machine utilization. INDEX applications engineers can model the economics for specific part families.
03
CNC changeover on the MS40 typically takes 4-8 hours for a complete part family change, significantly less than the 1-3 days required for cam-operated multi-spindle changeovers. For closely related parts within a family, changeover can be under 2 hours. This makes the MS40 viable for medium-volume runs of 50,000-500,000 pieces that traditional cam multi-spindles cannot serve economically.
04
The MS40 handles bar stock up to 40 mm (1.57 in) in diameter. For parts requiring up to 52 mm diameter, the INDEX MS52 is the appropriate model. INDEX also offers the MS60 for larger diameters. All models share the same 6-spindle architecture and CNC control platform.
Videos
INDEX USA
INDEX TRAUB Brasil
INDEX USA
Graff Machine Tools, LLC
Kingsbury UK
Community Discussions
Owner experience and review — Have any of you ran an Index Traub 200.2? : r/Machinists - Reddit
Owner experience and review — Any experience with Index multi spindle machines ... - Reddit
Community discussion — Indexable endmill meltdown : r/machining - Reddit
Troubleshooting and problem-solving — Endmill Recommendations : r/Machinists - Reddit
Links to community discussions. Summaries are editorial — visit the original thread for full context.