Index MS 40-6 CNC Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe

The INDEX MS 40-6 is a six-spindle CNC automatic for bar up to 40 mm (1.6 in). Its main spindles run to 7,000 rpm and are rated 13 kW at 100% and 24 kW at 25% duty, with 31 Nm and 57 Nm of torque on the same basis. That is more than three times the 10 / 18 Nm of the MS16C, and it is the torque, not the speed, that decides whether large drills, form tools and cut-off on 40 mm stock run at sensible feeds.

The slide layout is 6 cross slides and 6 end-working slides, one of each for every spindle position, with rear working offered as an option. Up to 2 sub spindles take the full 40 mm (1.6 in) bar, run to 8,000 rpm and are rated 10 / 14 kW at 100% / 40% duty with 16 / 22 Nm.

The sub spindles run faster than the main spindles, 8,000 rpm against 7,000 rpm, but with about half the continuous torque, 16 Nm against 31 Nm. They suit back-end drilling, chamfering and light turning of the cut-off face rather than heavy cuts, and since rear working is optional, the quotation should state exactly which rear-end equipment is included.

Control is the Siemens S840D sl with the Index iXpanel. The machine weighs 7,100 kg (15,653 lb) and the power supply is 65 kW. The MS22-8 lists the same approx. 7,100 kg (15,653 lb) with 8.7 kW at 100% / 15 kW at 25% duty, so the step up to 40 mm bar and 13 / 24 kW comes without extra machine weight. The MS 40E, also for 40 mm bar, lists the same 7,000 rpm and 24 kW.