Nakamura-Tome NTX 1000

A new Nakamura-Tome NTX 1000 (Super NTX) typically costs between $350,000 and $600,000 depending on configuration. A base machine with dual spindles, B-axis, Y-axis, 24-tool ATC, and lower turret starts around $350,000. Adding the 12,000 RPM B-axis spindle, expanded tool magazines (80 or 120 tools), high-pressure coolant, bar feeder interface, and parts catcher pushes the price to $450,000-$550,000. Fully loaded machines with automation and maximum tool capacity can reach $600,000. Used Super NTX machines from 2015-2020 typically sell for $150,000-$300,000 depending on hours and configuration.

Both machines share the NTX 1000 designation but are built by different manufacturers with different philosophies. The Nakamura-Tome version is known for tighter-tolerance turning, better reliability, and Nakamura's legendary build quality. The DMG Mori NTX 1000 offers a broader range of spindle and configuration options, the CELOS control interface, and DMG Mori's larger global service network. The DMG Mori may also offer higher B-axis milling speeds. In North America, the Nakamura-Tome is sold exclusively through Methods Machine Tools, which provides highly regarded application support. Choose Nakamura for accuracy and reliability; choose DMG Mori for flexibility and global support.

The B-axis is a rotary axis that swivels the milling spindle through a 230-degree arc (+/-115 degrees). This allows the tool to approach the workpiece from virtually any angle, enabling complex features like angled holes, contoured surfaces, and undercuts that would be impossible with a fixed tool orientation. Without a B-axis, mill-turn machines can only mill perpendicular to or parallel to the spindle centerline. The B-axis transforms the machine from a lathe-with-milling to a true multitasking center capable of replacing 3-axis and even some 5-axis milling operations.

Yes, the NTX 1000's 90 mm main spindle bore accepts standard bar feeders for automated bar-fed production. When paired with a bar feeder and parts catcher, the machine can run unattended for extended periods, producing complete parts from bar stock without operator intervention. The sub-spindle picks off the finished part and performs back-work operations (facing, boring, threading) while the main spindle begins the next part. This overlapped cycle approach maximizes throughput in bar-fed production.

The NTX 1000 handles a wide range of materials effectively. Its rigid construction and built-in spindle motors make it excellent for turning and milling stainless steels (304, 316, 17-4PH), titanium alloys (Ti-6Al-4V), Inconel, cobalt-chrome, aluminum, brass, and carbon/alloy steels. The machine is particularly strong in medical and aerospace applications where exotic materials and tight tolerances intersect. The optional 12,000 RPM B-axis spindle improves performance on aluminum milling operations. For the hardest superalloys, conservative parameters and appropriate tooling are needed, but the machine's stability makes it very capable.

Methods Machine Tools is the exclusive distributor of Nakamura-Tome machines in North America. Methods provides sales, applications engineering, service, and spare parts support through their network of technology centers and service locations across the United States and Canada. Methods is widely regarded as one of the best machine tool distributors in North America, with deep application expertise in multitasking machining. Their support is frequently cited as a key reason shops choose Nakamura-Tome over competitors.