New Britain Model 60 CNC Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe
Key Specifications
Number of Spindles
Max Bar Diameter
Max Spindle Speed
Spindle Motor Power
Bar Feed Capacity
Cross Slides
Overview
The New Britain Model 60 CNC is the large-bore flagship of the New Britain multi-spindle family, capable of machining bar stock up to 60 mm (2.36 inches) in diameter across eight spindle positions. Produced by the legendary New Britain Machine Company before the company's consolidation, the Model 60 was built to serve the heaviest production turning applications in the American manufacturing sector — large hex and square bar fittings, heavy hydraulic components, and large-diameter fasteners that are beyond the reach of the more common 52 mm class machines. Today, rebuilt CNC Model 60 machines serve niche heavy-production turning markets throughout North America.
The Model 60's eight-spindle drum and large-bore spindle design give it an unmatched raw material envelope among legacy North American multi-spindle automatics. Where most multi-spindles in the rebuilt market cap out at 52 mm, the Model 60's 60 mm capacity opens the door to part families that would otherwise require single-spindle turning centers operating at a fraction of the throughput. The machine's robust cast-iron construction absorbs the cutting forces associated with large-diameter aggressive stock removal without the vibration that afflicts lighter machines.
CNC retrofits for the Model 60 typically mirror those performed on the Model 52, with FANUC 0i-TF or Siemens 828D controls replacing the original cam-and-gear drive systems. Rebuilders specializing in large-bore multi-spindles fit new spindle bearings, recondition the drum indexing mechanism, replace worn slide gibs and lead screws, and install updated electrical systems with modern safety interlocks. The result is a machine capable of producing complex large-diameter parts at competitive cycle times with the process stability expected of modern CNC equipment.
The Model 60 occupies a specialized market segment — not every shop needs 60 mm bar capacity, but for those that do, a rebuilt CNC Model 60 represents the most cost-effective path to eight-spindle productivity at large diameter. Alternative new machines in this class from European builders typically cost two to three times the price of a quality rebuilt Model 60, making the American rebuilt option compelling for shops with established tooling inventories and experienced multi-spindle operators.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number Of Spindles | 8 |
| Max Bar Diameter | 60 mm (2.36 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 3,500 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 45–55 kW (60–74 hp, depending on retrofit) |
| Bar Feed Capacity | 3,000 mm (118 in) bar length |
| Cross Slides | 8 cross slides + 7 end-working positions |
| Control System | FANUC 0i-TF or Siemens 828D (retrofit-dependent) |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 22,000 kg (48,500 lb) |
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 60 mm bar capacity is among the largest available in any multi-spindle platform, enabling heavy turned components not possible on 52 mm class machines
- Eight-spindle layout delivers high throughput on large complex parts that would require multiple setups on a single-spindle lathe
- Robust cast-iron construction handles high cutting forces from large-diameter aggressive stock removal with minimal vibration
- Rebuilt CNC units cost significantly less than new European eight-spindle machines of equivalent capacity, improving ROI for high-volume shops
Limitations
- Maximum 3,500 RPM spindle speed is relatively low — this machine is optimized for heavy large-diameter work, not small-diameter high-speed applications
- Availability of quality rebuilt examples is more limited than the Model 52, given the smaller original production volume of the Model 60
- Large machine weight and size require significant facility infrastructure; floor space, foundation loading, and overhead crane capacity must all be verified before installation
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The Model 60 is most commonly used for large-diameter hydraulic fittings, hex nipples, pipe adapters, heavy fasteners, and large valve bodies in the 40–60 mm bar diameter range. Its eight-spindle layout is particularly effective on parts with multiple turned diameters, grooves, and threaded features that can be distributed across the eight working positions.
02
The 3,500 RPM limit of the Model 60 is characteristic of its heavy-bar design — higher spindle speeds require lighter, stiffer spindle bearings that cannot handle the radial loads imposed by large-diameter bar stock. Modern large-bar multi-spindles from European builders similarly cap around 4,000–5,000 RPM. For parts in the 50–60 mm range, cutting speeds at 3,500 RPM are entirely adequate for carbon steel, alloy steel, and brass.
03
A quality full CNC retrofit can extend a Model 60's productive life by 15–25 years. The key question is the condition of the base casting, spindle drum, and structural components before the retrofit begins. Rebuilders will inspect and report on casting condition, drum wear, and spindle bore geometry before committing to a retrofit. When the base machine is in sound structural condition, the economics of a full rebuild strongly favor the retrofit over purchasing a new equivalent-capacity machine.
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