INDEX TNL32

$250,000 - $400,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

8,000 rpm

Spindle Power

6.7 / 10.7 kW

max bar diameter

32 mm (1.26 in)

guide bushing

Yes (standard), guidebushless option available

main spindle speed

8,000 RPM

main spindle power

5.5 kW (7.4 hp)

Overview

The INDEX TNL32 is the larger of INDEX-Traub's Swiss-type lathe series, handling bar diameters up to 32 mm (1.26 in) with the same German precision engineering and Siemens SINUMERIK CNC control that defines the TNL family. The 32mm diameter class represents the upper range of Swiss-type machining — parts in this size range include larger medical implants, hydraulic valves, aerospace actuator components, and precision instrument housings that require the guide bushing support and complete machining capability that Swiss-type machines uniquely provide.

The TNL32's main spindle operates at up to 8,000 RPM with a 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) motor, providing adequate power for aggressive turning in steel and stainless at 32mm diameter while maintaining the precision that Swiss-type work demands. The counter-spindle enables back-working, and live tooling at multiple positions supports the full range of milling, drilling, boring, and threading operations required to complete complex parts in a single cycle. The guide bushing is standard, with a guidebushless option for shorter parts.

At 32mm diameter, the TNL32 directly competes with the Citizen M32, Star SR-32, and Tsugami B0326 in terms of bar capacity. INDEX's German engineering and Siemens 840D sl control command a significant premium over these Japanese competitors — typically $50,000-$100,000 more for similar capacity. This premium is justified in applications where INDEX's origin or control platform is a customer qualification requirement, or where the shop values INDEX's European parts and service infrastructure.

At $250,000-$400,000 new, the TNL32 represents a significant investment in the 32mm Swiss-type class. Shops that can efficiently utilize the machine's capability on precision parts with complex multi-operation requirements will find the investment justified by reduced secondary operations and the throughput advantage of complete machining in a single bar-feed cycle.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Diameter	32 mm (1.26 in)
Guide Bushing	Yes (standard), guidebushless option available
Main Spindle Speed	8,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	5.5 kW (7.4 hp)
Counter Spindle Speed	8,000 RPM
Live Tooling Positions	Multiple (main and counter spindle)
Live Tool Speed	6,000 RPM
Max Part Length	320 mm (12.6 in)
CNC Control	Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl
Bar Feed Interface	Compatible with standard bar feeders
Machine Weight	7,350 kg
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))
Bar Capacity	32 mm
Max Spindle Speed	8,000 rpm
Spindle Motor Power	6.7 / 10.7 kW
Spindle Torque Max	21 / 32 Nm
C Axis Resolution	0.001 degree
Tailstock Quill Travel	305 / 127 mm
Rapid Traverse Z	20 m/min
Counter Spindle Speed Max	6,400 rpm
Counter Spindle Power	3.7 / 5.5 kW
Counter Spindle Torque Max	29.4 / 43.7 Nm
Turret Stations	10
Electrical	28 kW
Cnc Control	TRAUB

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

32 mm bar capacity handles the largest diameter range practical for Swiss-type machining — opens access to larger implants, valves, and housings
Guide bushing support enables precision machining of parts up to 320 mm long without workpiece deflection
Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl provides the European control platform preferred by many aerospace and automotive quality programs
Counter-spindle and live tooling enable complete front-and-back machining in a single automated cycle
INDEX German build quality and long-term reliability appropriate for 24/7 precision production environments
Guidebushless option improves material utilization for shorter parts that don't require guide bushing support

Limitations

$250K-$400K is 30-50% more expensive than Citizen M32 and Star SR-32 for similar bar capacity
INDEX's Swiss-type applications and support network in North America is smaller than Citizen or Star
8,000 RPM main spindle is adequate but lower than 10,000 RPM spindles available on some competitors
Siemens 840D sl is less common than Fanuc 32i in North American Swiss-type shops — operator retraining required
32mm guide bushing requires precision-ground bar stock — standard commercial bar needs to be ground or purchased pre-ground

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing larger implants, trauma screws, and orthopedic components at the 32mm diameter limit Hydraulic valve and fitting manufacturers completing complex small valve bodies in a single Swiss-type cycle Aerospace precision component suppliers machining actuator bodies, manifold components, and precision housings Shops with German/European machine tool qualification requirements in their customer quality approval programs Precision contract manufacturers targeting complex 32mm-and-under work that requires the complete machining capability of Swiss-type

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the TNL32 compare to the Citizen M32?

Both are 32mm Swiss-type lathes. The Citizen M32 is priced $50,000-$100,000 less and has the largest North American dealer and applications support network of any Swiss-type manufacturer. The INDEX TNL32 offers German engineering, Siemens 840D sl control, and INDEX's manufacturing pedigree. For most applications the Citizen M32 is the more cost-effective choice; choose the INDEX when German machine origin or Siemens control is a requirement.

02 What is the maximum part length on the TNL32?

The TNL32 supports maximum turning lengths of 320 mm (12.6 in) with guide bushing engaged. This is appropriate for shaft-like components where the guide bushing supports the part close to the cutting zone throughout the cut. The guidebushless configuration has a shorter practical maximum length limited by workpiece deflection.

03 Does the TNL32 require special bar stock?

Guide bushing operation requires precision-ground bar stock with tight diameter tolerance (typically h6 tolerance or better) to function correctly. Standard commercial bar stock typically has too much diameter variation for guide bushing use. Precision-ground bar stock is available from specialty steel suppliers and adds cost compared to standard bar. The guidebushless option uses standard bar stock.

04 What CAM software works with the TNL32?

The TNL32's Siemens 840D sl control is supported by all major CAM software for Swiss-type machining including Mastercam Swiss Expert, PartMaker, and ESPRIT. Swiss-type programming is complex due to the multiple simultaneous axis groups — dedicated Swiss-type CAM software significantly reduces programming time and errors versus manual programming.