Mazak SYNCREX 38/9X

$300,000 - $450,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

max bar capacity

38 mm (1.496 in)

main spindle speed

7,000 RPM

main spindle power

7.5 kW (10 hp)

sub spindle speed

7,000 RPM

sub spindle power

5.5 kW (7.5 hp)

number of axes

9 axes

Overview

The Mazak SYNCREX 38/9X is the flagship of Mazak's Swiss-type lathe lineup, combining 38 mm (1.496 in) bar capacity with 9 axes of control and true 5-axis contouring capability. The X designation signifies the expanded axis count and simultaneous 5-axis milling that sets this machine apart from conventional Swiss-type lathes. It bridges the gap between Swiss-type precision turning and multi-tasking machining for complex small-to-medium parts.

The main spindle delivers 7.5 kW (10 hp) at 7,000 RPM through a collet system accepting bar stock up to 38 mm diameter. The sub-spindle provides 5.5 kW (7.5 hp) at 7,000 RPM for back-working and part handoff. The 38 mm capacity significantly expands the part range beyond typical Swiss machines, accommodating larger medical implants, hydraulic components, and automotive drivetrain parts. The guide bushing is removable for non-guide-bushing mode on shorter parts.

What distinguishes the 38/9X is its 5-axis contouring capability through the 9-axis configuration. A B-axis on the milling spindle enables true simultaneous 5-axis interpolation for complex contoured surfaces, undercuts, and compound-angle features that conventional Swiss machines cannot produce. Live tooling stations provide high-speed milling, cross-drilling, and angular machining. Typical configurations include 25-30 tool positions.

The MAZATROL SmoothG CNC control supports both conversational programming for standard Swiss operations and full 5-axis G-code for complex contoured features. The machine weighs approximately 4,200 kg (9,259 lb) with a footprint of roughly 3.2 x 1.6 meters. Competitors include the Citizen M32-VIII, Star SB-20R Type G, Tornos SwissDECO 36, and Tsugami SS38. New machines price between $300,000 and $450,000.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	38 mm (1.496 in)
Main Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	7.5 kW (10 hp)
Sub Spindle Speed	7,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Power	5.5 kW (7.5 hp)
Number Of Axes	9 axes
Five Axis Contouring	Yes (B-axis milling)
Guide Bushing	Yes (removable)
Tool Stations	25-30 positions (fixed and rotary)
Live Tooling	Yes (with B-axis)
Max Machining Length	300 mm (11.81 in)
Machine Weight	4,200 kg (9,259 lb)
CNC Control	MAZATROL SmoothG CNC

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

9-axis configuration with true 5-axis contouring capability expands Swiss-type machining into complex geometries that conventional Swiss machines cannot produce
38 mm bar capacity significantly expands the part range beyond typical Swiss machines, accommodating larger implants, fittings, and drivetrain components
B-axis on the milling spindle enables compound-angle drilling, contoured surface milling, and undercut features directly in the Swiss-type cycle
MAZATROL SmoothG brings conversational programming to Swiss-type work while supporting full 5-axis G-code for complex contoured operations
7.5 kW main spindle provides the power needed for aggressive cutting in stainless steel, titanium, and Inconel at larger diameters
Removable guide bushing provides flexibility to optimize material utilization on shorter parts while maintaining full Swiss capability for long slender work

Limitations

9-axis programming with 5-axis contouring requires advanced CAM software (Esprit, GibbsCAM, or similar) and skilled programmers beyond standard Swiss expertise
7,000 RPM main spindle speed is lower than smaller Swiss machines in the SYNCREX range, reducing surface speed on small-diameter aluminum and brass parts
Starting price near $300K positions this above many competing Swiss machines — the 5-axis capability adds significant cost over conventional 7-8 axis Swiss configurations
Larger 3.2 x 1.6 meter footprint and 4,200 kg weight take more floor space than conventional Swiss machines in this bar range
As the newest and most complex model in the SYNCREX range, application knowledge and setup best practices are still being developed across the user community

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing complex orthopedic implants, spinal cages, and custom bone plates requiring both Swiss-type precision and 5-axis contoured surfaces Aerospace component producers machining turbine blade fittings, actuator shafts, and fluid system components with compound-angle features from superalloys Automotive powertrain suppliers producing complex transmission components, sensor assemblies, and precision fittings requiring multi-axis machining from bar stock Hydraulic and pneumatic manufacturers machining manifold bodies, complex valve spools, and multi-port fittings that benefit from the 38 mm capacity and 5-axis milling High-precision job shops that want Swiss-type capability combined with multi-tasking flexibility to handle a wide range of complex small-to-medium parts

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Mazak SYNCREX 38/9X cost?

Base SYNCREX 38/9X configurations start around $300,000. Fully equipped machines with bar feeder, parts catcher, high-pressure coolant, full live tooling complement, and B-axis milling setup run $380,000-$450,000. The 5-axis capability commands a premium over conventional 8-axis Swiss machines in this size class.

02 What makes the 9X different from the 12/8 and 25/8?

The 9X designation means 9 axes with 5-axis contouring capability through a B-axis on the milling spindle. The 12/8 and 25/8 have 8 axes optimized for standard Swiss-type turning with cross-working. The 38/9X can produce complex contoured surfaces, compound-angle features, and undercuts that the simpler models cannot. It also has the largest bar capacity at 38 mm and the most powerful spindles in the SYNCREX range.

03 What CAM software works with the SYNCREX 38/9X?

For standard Swiss operations, MAZATROL conversational programming handles most turning, drilling, and simple milling. For 5-axis contouring, dedicated CAM software is required. Esprit (by Hexagon), GibbsCAM, and SOLIDCAM all support the SYNCREX platform. Post processor development may be needed for the 9-axis configuration. Mazak works with major CAM vendors to develop and validate posts for the SYNCREX lineup.

04 Can the 38/9X replace a multi-tasking machine for small parts?

For bar-fed parts up to 38 mm diameter, the 38/9X can genuinely replace a small multi-tasking machine while adding Swiss-type rigidity and precision. The 5-axis milling capability and 9 axes of control bridge the gap between Swiss-type and multi-tasking. However, for parts requiring heavy milling, large work envelopes, or chucked operations on larger diameters, a dedicated multi-tasking machine like the INTEGREX i-200S remains the better choice.