Schaublin 32 CNC

$150,000 - $250,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

6,000 RPM

Max Turn Length

350 mm (13.8 in)

Accuracy

0.003 mm (0.00012 in)

max turning diameter

200 mm (7.9 in)

max bar diameter

32 mm (1.26 in)

spindle type

Direct drive

Overview

The Schaublin 32 CNC is a precision CNC lathe from Schaublin Machines SA, the Swiss manufacturer whose machine tools have been synonymous with precision and workmanship quality since 1915. With a 32 mm (1.26 in) maximum bar diameter and Swiss-built precision throughout, the 32 CNC sits in the tradition of Swiss-made precision turning equipment that has dominated watchmaking, medical device, and precision instrument manufacturing for over a century.

The machine's spindle delivers 6,000 RPM with a direct drive arrangement minimizing vibration transmission to the cutting zone. The 32 CNC is a fixed-headstock CNC lathe (not a sliding-headstock Swiss-type), designed for precision chucked and bar work in the small-to-medium diameter range where Schaublin's accuracy legacy commands a premium. The spindle bore at 32 mm accommodates the small-diameter bar stock typical in watchmaking, dental, and medical device applications.

Schaublin's machine construction reflects the company's watchmaking district heritage — the Jura Arc region of Switzerland that also produced Studer, Kellenberger, and other precision machine tool makers. The cast iron bed, hand-finished bearing surfaces, and close manufacturing tolerances produce a machine with positional repeatability measured in micrometers. The Fanuc 0i-TF control is standard, providing a familiar programming interface for shops transitioning from other CNC equipment.

At $150,000-$250,000 new, the Schaublin 32 CNC is priced at a significant premium over Korean and Taiwanese compact CNC lathes. It competes with the Hardinge T42 and INDEX B400 in the precision small-bore CNC lathe segment. The Schaublin brand carries significant market recognition in European precision manufacturing and watchmaking, and the machine is often specified in Swiss-made supply chain requirements.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Turning Diameter	200 mm (7.9 in)
Max Bar Diameter	32 mm (1.26 in)
Max Turning Length	350 mm (13.8 in)
Max Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM
Spindle Type	Direct drive
Spindle Nose	A2-5
Chuck Size	6" (160 mm)
Turret Stations	8
Live Tooling	Optional
Guideway Type	Hardened precision ways
Positioning Accuracy	0.003 mm (0.00012 in)
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-TF
Machine Weight	~2,800 kg (6,173 lb)

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Swiss-manufactured with Schaublin's 100+ year precision engineering heritage — quality standard recognized globally in precision industries
Fanuc 0i-TF control provides familiar programming for shops standardized on Fanuc across other machine tools
Cast iron bed with precision-finished ways delivers geometric accuracy and long-term stability
0.003 mm positioning accuracy appropriate for watchmaking, dental, and medical precision turning work
Schaublin brand recognition in European precision manufacturing and Swiss-made supply chains
Compact and relatively lightweight (~2,800 kg) for its capability class

Limitations

$150K-$250K is significantly more expensive than Korean CNC lathes with similar turning capacity
6,000 RPM spindle is moderate by modern standards — higher RPM spindles available from competitors
Live tooling is optional — adds cost and complexity to a base machine configured for pure turning
Schaublin's North American dealer network is limited — service support is primarily through European channels
8-station turret limits tooling capacity for complex programs

Best For

Swiss-made supply chain suppliers needing a Swiss-manufactured CNC lathe to meet customer origin requirements Watchmaking and precision instrument manufacturers machining small-diameter components in the Jura Arc tradition Medical device manufacturers in Europe and North America producing precision turned components in titanium and stainless Dental device manufacturers turning precision prosthetic components and instrument handles Precision job shops building a Swiss-manufactured reputation for quality that supports premium positioning in the market

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What makes Schaublin a premium CNC lathe brand?

Schaublin has manufactured precision machine tools in the Swiss Jura Arc since 1915, in the same industrial district that produced Studer, Kellenberger, and other world-renowned precision machine builders. The brand's reputation for long-term accuracy, quality construction, and precision finishing has made Schaublin machines specification items in watchmaking, medical, and precision instrument manufacturing supply chains.

02 How does the Schaublin 32 CNC compare to the Hardinge T42?

Both are precision small-bore CNC lathes in the premium segment. The Hardinge T42 is American-made and uses hardened and ground box ways for exceptional rigidity. The Schaublin 32 CNC is Swiss-made with Schaublin's precision construction approach. Both are positioned for precision work; the choice often comes down to Swiss versus American manufacturing origin preference and dealer support geography.

03 What is the Schaublin 32 CNC's accuracy?

The Schaublin 32 CNC achieves 0.003 mm (0.00012 in) positioning accuracy and comparable repeatability. For watchmaking applications where component tolerances are measured in microns, this level of accuracy is essential. The machine's thermal stability and precision guideway construction maintain this accuracy across production shifts.

04 Is live tooling standard on the Schaublin 32 CNC?

Live tooling is optional on the base 32 CNC configuration. Schaublin offers live tooling turret options for shops requiring milling and drilling capability in addition to turning. For pure turning applications, the base 8-station turret without live tooling is the more economical choice.