INDEX TNL18
Key Specifications
model designation
max bar capacity
max z travel
main spindle speed
main spindle power
main spindle torque
How much does the INDEX TNL18 cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a swiss-type lathe in this class — not a quote from INDEX-Traub. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The INDEX TNL18 is a TRAUB sliding-headstock lathe for bar up to 18 mm (20 mm) (0.71 / 0.79 in) that runs either as a Swiss-type or as a non-Swiss turning centre. The headstock has 205 mm of Z travel in Swiss mode and 80 mm in non-Swiss turning, and the main spindle runs to 12,000 rpm with 3.0 kW at 100% / 5.5 kW at 40% duty (4.0 / 7.4 hp) and 5.7 / 10.5 Nm.
Two turrets do the front work. The top turret has 8 tool mountings, all driven at 12,000 rpm (1 / 2 kW), with 165 mm of X, Y from −40 to +25 mm, 550 mm of Z and a 100° B swivel for angled drilling and milling. The bottom turret has 7 mountings, all driven at 12,000 rpm (1.5 / 2.5 kW), with 120 mm of X, −20 / +40 mm of Y and 250 mm of Z. Both use a 45 mm mounting diameter, and the top turret takes 16 x 16 / 12 x 12 mm tool cross-sections.
The counter spindle also runs to 12,000 rpm, with 1.5 / 2.5 kW and 3 / 5.1 Nm, and clamps parts up to 20 mm in diameter at 175 mm depth. The rear end machining unit has 7 tool mountings, 3 of them driven at 10,000 rpm (1 / 2 kW at 100% / 25%). C-axis resolution is 0.001° on both spindles. Z rapids are 40 m/min, twice the 20 m/min Z rapid listed for the TNL32.
Coolant is 3 / 8 bar from a 500 L tank at 80 / 100 L/min through a 50 µm filter, with a 20 bar, 28 L/min medium-pressure option. The hydraulic unit has an 11 L tank, and the control is Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl (TRAUB TX8i-s).
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Designation | TRAUB TNL18-7B (Swiss-type and non-Swiss turning centre) |
| Max Bar Capacity | 18 mm (20 mm) (0.71 / 0.79 in) |
| Max Z Travel | 205 mm Swiss / 80 mm non-Swiss turning |
| Main Spindle Speed | 12,000 rpm |
| Main Spindle Power | 3.0 kW at 100% / 5.5 kW at 40% duty (4.0 / 7.4 hp) |
| Main Spindle Torque | 5.7 / 10.5 Nm |
| C Axis Resolution | 0.001° |
| Rapid Traverse Z | 40 m/min |
| Top Tool Turret | 8 tool mountings, 8 driven at 12,000 rpm (1 / 2 kW), mounting Ø 45 mm, tool cross-section 16 x 16 / 12 x 12 mm; travel X 165 mm, Y −40 / +25 mm, Z 550 mm; rapid 20 / 20 / 40 m/min; B swivel 100° |
| Bottom Tool Turret | 7 tool mountings, 7 driven at 12,000 rpm (1.5 / 2.5 kW), mounting Ø 45 mm; travel X 120 mm, Y −20 / +40 mm, Z 250 mm; rapid 20 / 20 / 40 m/min |
| Counter Spindle | Max. clamping depth / diameter 175 / 20 mm; 12,000 rpm; 1.5 / 2.5 kW; 3 / 5.1 Nm; C-axis resolution 0.001° |
| Rear End Machining Unit | 7 tool mountings, 3 driven at 10,000 rpm (1 / 2 kW at 100% / 25%), mounting Ø 36 mm |
| Coolant Unit | 3 / 8 bar pump pressure, 500 L tank, 80 / 100 L/min, 50 µm filter; medium-pressure option 20 bar, 28 L/min |
| Hydraulic Unit | 11 L tank |
| CNC Control | Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl (TRAUB TX8i-s) |
Specifications sourced from index-group.com — verified 2026-09-24
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 12,000 rpm on main spindle, counter spindle and every driven turret station
- Top turret with a 100° B swivel for angled holes and milling
- Runs as Swiss-type with 205 mm of Z or as a non-Swiss turning centre with 80 mm
- Rear end machining unit with 7 tool mountings, 3 driven at 10,000 rpm
- 40 m/min Z rapids, against 20 m/min on the TNL32
Limitations
- Main spindle power is 3.0 kW at 100% / 5.5 kW at 40% duty (4.0 / 7.4 hp), sized for small diameters only
- Bar capacity of 18 mm (20 mm) keeps it to small parts; the TNL32 takes 32 mm
- Standard coolant pressure is 3 / 8 bar; the 20 bar medium-pressure unit is an option
- Driven tools on the top turret are rated 1 / 2 kW, enough for small drills and cutters only
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The TNL18-7B is listed as a Swiss-type and non-Swiss turning centre. In Swiss mode the headstock has 205 mm of Z travel, in non-Swiss turning 80 mm. Swiss mode suits long, slender parts that need support close to the cut; non-Swiss turning suits short parts, where it saves bar remnant.
02
The top turret has 8 tool mountings, all driven at 12,000 rpm (1 / 2 kW), X 165 mm, Y −40 / +25 mm, Z 550 mm and a 100° B swivel. The bottom turret has 7 mountings, all driven at 12,000 rpm (1.5 / 2.5 kW), X 120 mm, Y −20 / +40 mm and Z 250 mm. Rapids on both are 20 / 20 / 40 m/min.
03
The counter spindle runs to 12,000 rpm with 1.5 / 2.5 kW and 3 / 5.1 Nm, and clamps up to 20 mm diameter at 175 mm depth. The rear end machining unit has 7 tool mountings, 3 driven at 10,000 rpm, so the cut-off end can be drilled, tapped and milled before the part is ejected.
04
3 / 8 bar pump pressure, a 500 L tank, 80 / 100 L/min of flow and a 50 µm filter. A medium-pressure option raises pressure to 20 bar at 28 L/min. Deep holes with small drills usually need the higher pressure, so include the option in the order if the parts call for it.
Videos
INDEX - better.parts.faster.
INDEX TRAUB Brasil
Ellis Machinery
Ellis Machinery
More from INDEX-Traub
Other Swiss-Type Lathes
Nexturn SA12B
Citizen Cincom M16-VIII
