Nakamura-Tome TW-10
Key Specifications
Maximum Bar Capacity
Maximum Chuck Diameter (Main)
Maximum Chuck Diameter (Sub)
Maximum Turning Diameter
Maximum Turning Length
Main Spindle Speed (Max)
Overview
The Nakamura-Tome TW-10 is a compact twin-spindle turning center designed for high-efficiency production of small to medium-diameter turned parts in bar fed or chucked configurations. As the smallest twin-spindle platform in the Nakamura-Tome lineup, the TW-10 fits a specific niche: shops that need the cycle-time advantage of twin-spindle simultaneous machining in a machine with a footprint closer to a conventional turning center than to a full-sized twin-spindle mill-turn center.
The TW-10 features opposing spindles on a shared Z-axis bed, allowing parts to be turned on the main spindle, transferred automatically to the sub-spindle, and back-end machined while the main spindle loads the next piece from the bar feeder. This overlap of operations compresses cycle time significantly compared to single-spindle turning with subsequent secondary operations. Both spindles support live tooling, enabling drilling and light milling on both ends of the part without manual intervention.
Nakamura-Tome designs the TW-10 with their NT Smart X interface over a FANUC control, providing the same conversational programming environment available on larger Nakamura-Tome platforms. This consistency across the product line reduces training burden when shops operate multiple Nakamura-Tome machines. The compact design is optimized for integration with bar feeders and parts catchers for fully automated cell operation during unmanned shifts.
The TW-10 is particularly attractive for the fastener, connector, medical device, and hydraulic fitting sectors, where high-volume production of small precision turned parts requires consistent quality across millions of pieces. Its twin-spindle architecture allows complete part machining in a single machine, supporting simplified quality traceability compared to two-machine routing.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Bar Capacity | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Maximum Chuck Diameter (Main) | 210 mm (8 in) |
| Maximum Chuck Diameter (Sub) | 165 mm (6.5 in) |
| Maximum Turning Diameter | 230 mm |
| Maximum Turning Length | 400 mm |
| Main Spindle Speed (Max) | 6,000 rpm |
| Main Spindle Power | 18.5 kW |
| Sub Spindle Speed (Max) | 6,000 rpm |
| Sub Spindle Power | 11 kW |
| Number Of Turret Stations (Main Turret) | 12 |
| Live Tooling Speed (Max) | 5,000 rpm |
| Control | FANUC 31i-B (NT Smart X) |
Specifications sourced from nakamura-tome.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Twin-spindle configuration enables complete front-and-back machining in one machine, eliminating secondary operations
- Compact footprint suits space-constrained shops that need twin-spindle productivity without a full mill-turn machine footprint
- High spindle speeds (6,000 rpm main) support efficient machining of small-diameter parts in steel, stainless, and aluminum
- NT Smart X control provides consistent Nakamura-Tome programming environment across the product line
- Suitable for lights-out production when combined with a bar feeder and parts catcher
Limitations
- Limited to smaller part sizes (51 mm bar, 230 mm max turning diameter), not suitable for medium or large components
- Single turret on the main spindle side limits concurrent cutting capability compared to twin-turret configurations
- Y-axis milling capability is limited or optional, restricting complex off-center feature machining
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The TW-10 is a more compact and cost-focused twin-spindle platform optimized for smaller parts and higher spindle speeds. The WTW-150II adds twin turrets and more comprehensive live tooling milling capability. For shops needing primarily turning with light milling on small parts, the TW-10 is a more economical and space-efficient choice.
02
Yes. The sub-spindle on the TW-10 is equipped with a live tooling-capable turret, allowing back-end drilling, tapping, and light milling operations to be performed on the transferred part while the main spindle machines the next piece.
03
The TW-10 is compatible with standard 12-foot automatic bar feeders from suppliers such as LNS, Iemca, and Edge Technologies. The 51 mm spindle bore accommodates bar stock up to 51 mm diameter with appropriate guide bushings.
04
Yes. The TW-10 high spindle speeds and precise sub-spindle transfer are well suited to medical turned components in stainless steel, titanium, and PEEK where tight tolerances and complete machining traceability are required.
05
On parts requiring both front-end and back-end operations, twin-spindle turning effectively overlaps the back-end machining of part N with the front-end machining of part N+1. This overlap typically reduces total machining time per part by 30-50% depending on the balance of operations between main and sub spindle.
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