Mazak SYNCREX 12/8

$180,000 - $280,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

max bar capacity

12 mm (0.472 in)

main spindle speed

10,000 RPM

main spindle power

3.7 kW (5 hp)

sub spindle speed

10,000 RPM

sub spindle power

2.2 kW (3 hp)

number of axes

8 axes

Overview

The Mazak SYNCREX 12/8 is Mazak's entry into the Swiss-type lathe market, bringing the company's multi-tasking philosophy and MAZATROL control ecosystem to the guide bushing world. With 12 mm maximum bar capacity and 8 controlled axes, the SYNCREX 12/8 targets high-precision small-parts production in medical devices, electronics, watchmaking, and miniature component manufacturing where traditional Swiss brands like Citizen, Star, and Tornos have historically dominated.

The main spindle delivers 3.7 kW (5 hp) at 10,000 RPM through a collet system accepting bar stock up to 12 mm (0.472 in) diameter. The sub-spindle provides 2.2 kW (3 hp) at 10,000 RPM for back-working operations and part pickup after cutoff. The guide bushing supports the bar at the cutting zone for the exceptional rigidity and precision that define Swiss-type machining — enabling length-to-diameter ratios of 10:1 or greater without deflection.

The machine features gang-type tooling with cross-working and back-working tool positions. Live tooling stations provide milling, cross-drilling, and tapping capability driven by the machine's 8 axes of simultaneous control. Typical configurations include 15-20 tool positions combining fixed and rotary tools.

Controlled by the MAZATROL SmoothG CNC, the SYNCREX 12/8 brings Mazak's conversational programming advantage to the Swiss-type market — a significant differentiator since traditional Swiss machines from Citizen and Star rely on custom G-code programming that requires specialized expertise. The machine weighs approximately 2,500 kg (5,512 lb) with a compact footprint of roughly 2.5 x 1.2 meters. Competitors include the Citizen L12-VII, Star SR-10J, and Tornos SwissDECO 16. New machines price between $180,000 and $280,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	12 mm (0.472 in)
Main Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	3.7 kW (5 hp)
Sub Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Power	2.2 kW (3 hp)
Number Of Axes	8 axes
Guide Bushing	Yes (removable)
Tool Stations	15-20 positions (fixed and rotary)
Live Tooling	Yes
Max Machining Length	200 mm (7.87 in)
Machine Weight	2,500 kg (5,512 lb)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC

Specifications sourced from mazak.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

MAZATROL SmoothG conversational programming dramatically reduces setup time compared to traditional Swiss machines that require specialized G-code expertise
8 axes of control enable simultaneous main and sub-spindle operations with live tooling for complex small-part geometries in a single cycle
Guide bushing design supports high length-to-diameter ratios (10:1+) without deflection, essential for medical bone screws, miniature shafts, and electronic connectors
Mazak's North American service network provides faster support response than many traditional Swiss machine importers whose service is primarily based in Europe or Japan
Compact 2.5 x 1.2 meter footprint fits into existing production cells and allows high machine density on the shop floor
Removable guide bushing option allows non-guide-bushing mode for shorter parts, improving material utilization when L/D ratios do not require the guide bushing

Limitations

12 mm bar capacity is the smallest in the SYNCREX range — shops regularly running 16-25 mm bar need the larger SYNCREX 25/8
Newer entrant to the Swiss-type market means fewer experienced SYNCREX programmers and setup technicians compared to established Citizen and Star platforms
Smaller tool capacity compared to high-end Swiss machines from Citizen and Star that offer 30+ tool positions in the same bar range
Limited secondary market and application knowledge base compared to Citizen L-series and Star SR-series machines with decades of Swiss-type production history
Main spindle power of 3.7 kW may limit aggressive cutting on harder materials like stainless 17-4 and titanium compared to more powerful Swiss machines in this size class

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing bone screws, dental implants, and surgical instrument shafts from titanium and stainless steel in high volumes Electronics and connector manufacturers machining precision pins, contacts, and miniature shafts from brass, copper, and aluminum at high speed Watchmaking and precision instrument shops producing small turned components with tight tolerances requiring Swiss-type rigidity Shops new to Swiss-type machining that want the familiar MAZATROL programming environment rather than learning specialized Swiss G-code programming Automotive micro-component suppliers producing fuel injector parts, sensor housings, and miniature hydraulic fittings from bar stock

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Mazak SYNCREX 12/8 cost?

Base SYNCREX 12/8 configurations start around $180,000. Fully equipped machines with bar feeder, parts catcher, high-pressure coolant, and complete live tooling package run $230,000-$280,000. As a newer product line, used SYNCREX machines are not yet widely available on the secondary market.

02 How does the SYNCREX 12/8 compare to the Citizen L12?

The Citizen L12-VII is the established market leader in 12 mm Swiss with decades of production history and a massive installed base. The SYNCREX 12/8 counters with MAZATROL conversational programming, which significantly reduces setup time for shops without dedicated Swiss programmers. Citizen offers more tool positions and a deeper ecosystem of aftermarket accessories. For shops already running Mazak equipment, the SYNCREX offers operational consistency; for pure Swiss production, Citizen's track record is hard to beat.

03 Can the SYNCREX 12/8 run without the guide bushing?

Yes. The guide bushing is removable, allowing the machine to operate in non-guide-bushing mode for shorter parts where the length-to-diameter ratio does not require the guide bushing support. This reduces bar remnant waste and improves material utilization on parts with L/D ratios under 3:1.

04 What materials can the SYNCREX 12/8 handle?

The machine handles the full range of Swiss-type materials: free-machining brass, aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel (303, 304, 316, 17-4), titanium (Ti-6Al-4V), and engineering plastics like PEEK and Delrin. For harder materials, reduce spindle speeds and use high-pressure coolant. The 3.7 kW main spindle is well-matched for small-diameter work in these materials.