Index MS 52-8 CNC Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe
Key Specifications
Number of Spindles
Max Bar Diameter
Max Spindle Speed
Spindle Motor Power
Bar Feed Capacity
Cross Slides
Overview
The Index MS 52-8 is an eight-spindle CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe representing the pinnacle of high-production turning technology from Index-Werke in Esslingen, Germany. With eight simultaneous working positions and a maximum bar diameter of 52 mm, the MS 52-8 is designed for the most demanding volume production environments in the automotive, commercial vehicle, and fluid power industries. The eight-spindle layout provides two additional working positions compared to six-spindle competitors, enabling manufacturers to either reduce cycle time on complex parts or add finishing and inspection operations within the same machine cycle.
The MS 52-8's spindle drum carries eight individually adjustable work spindles, each driven synchronously by a common 75 kW AC spindle motor. CNC servo axes govern every cross slide and end-working unit independently, and the machine supports driven tool units at all eight positions simultaneously. This level of parallelism means that turning, drilling, milling, threading, and chamfering operations can all proceed in parallel during a single index cycle, producing fully machined parts at rates that single-spindle or six-spindle machines cannot match on high-operation-count components.
Index's iXpanel control, built on Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl, handles the complex multi-axis synchronization of up to 60 CNC axes across the eight spindle positions. The programming environment includes automatic cycle balancing tools that distribute operations across spindle positions to minimize the longest-position cycle time (the bottleneck position). This optimization capability alone can improve overall machine productivity by 15–25% compared to manually programmed multi-spindle cycles.
For production environments targeting zero-defect output, the MS 52-8 supports inline gauging integration and statistical process control (SPC) data export. The machine's thermal stabilization system compensates for spindle and slide temperature variations throughout the production day, maintaining dimensional tolerances without operator intervention during long unmanned shifts.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number Of Spindles | 8 |
| Max Bar Diameter | 52 mm (2.05 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 75 kW (101 hp) |
| Bar Feed Capacity | 3,200 mm (126 in) bar length |
| Cross Slides | 8 cross slides + 8 end-working slides |
| Control System | Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl (Index iXpanel, up to 60 CNC axes) |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 22,000 kg (48,500 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
- Eight-spindle layout provides two extra working positions over six-spindle machines, enabling complex parts or faster cycle times
- Up to 60 simultaneous CNC axes allow all turning, drilling, milling, and threading operations to run in parallel
- Automatic cycle balancing software reduces programming time and optimizes output without manual trial-and-error
- Inline SPC integration supports zero-defect manufacturing strategies required by automotive Tier 1 customers
Limitations
- Entry price above $1.1M demands exceptional annual volume or very high part value to achieve a viable payback period
- Eight-position setup complexity requires highly experienced multi-spindle programmers and tooling specialists
- Machine weight of 22 tonnes requires significant civil engineering work for proper foundation and installation
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
A single MS 52-8 offers a smaller combined footprint than two six-spindle machines, requires fewer operators, and eliminates the need to synchronize two separate machines on a single part family. The eight-spindle layout also allows more operations per cycle without extending cycle time, which is critical for parts with 10 or more operations that would create a bottleneck on a six-spindle machine.
02
Cycle times on the MS 52-8 depend heavily on part complexity and material. For a typical automotive fitting with 8–12 turning and drilling operations in mild steel, cycle times of 4–8 seconds per part are achievable, equating to 450–900 parts per hour. Complex stainless steel parts with threading and cross-drilling may run at 12–20 seconds per cycle.
03
Yes. Index offers a rear-working pick-off spindle option for the MS 52-8 that accepts the parted-off workpiece and presents it for CNC back-turning, back-drilling, or threading. This is particularly valuable for parts with backside features that would otherwise require a secondary operation, as it eliminates double-handling and maintains dimensional datums.
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