Schaublin 51 CNC

$260,000 - $370,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Maximum Bar/Bore Diameter

51 mm

Maximum Chuck Diameter

160 mm

Maximum Turning Diameter

160 mm

Maximum Turning Length

350 mm

Main Spindle Speed

5,500 rpm

Main Spindle Power

11 kW

Overview

The Schaublin 51 CNC is a precision turning center occupying the critical mid-range in Schaublin's lathe lineup, bridging the Swiss-type bar work world of the 42 CNC and the large-capacity precision of the 102 CNC. Designed as a fixed-headstock CNC lathe with chuck work capability and precision bar feed compatibility, the 51 CNC handles a broad range of precision turned parts where accuracy, surface finish, and machine longevity are the primary selection criteria.

Built on Schaublin's characteristic foundation of hand-scraped precision guideways and thermally stable cast iron, the 51 CNC delivers the geometric accuracy Schaublin customers expect across a wide range of materials and part geometries. The machine's headstock accommodates bore diameters up to 51mm, making it versatile for both bar stock production work and chucked part machining. A rigid tooling turret with live tool capability enables milling, drilling, and off-center operations without requiring secondary setups.

The 51 CNC is particularly valued in industries where process capability and measurement traceability matter as much as throughput. Scientific instrument manufacturers, precision gauge and tooling makers, medical device companies producing larger implants, and defense contractors machining flight-critical components all rely on the 51 CNC's ability to consistently produce parts at the high end of dimensional accuracy while maintaining the surface integrity that post-process inspection and functional performance demand.

Schaublin supports the 51 CNC with a comprehensive tooling and workholding ecosystem, including the brand's own precision chucks and collet systems that integrate seamlessly with the machine's spindle. This holistic approach to precision — machine, tooling, and workholding designed together — is central to Schaublin's philosophy and enables users to achieve and maintain exceptional process capability across demanding production environments.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Maximum Bar/Bore Diameter	51 mm
Maximum Chuck Diameter	160 mm
Maximum Turning Diameter	160 mm
Maximum Turning Length	350 mm
Main Spindle Speed	5,500 rpm
Main Spindle Power	11 kW
Live Tool Speed	5,000 rpm
Number Of Turret Positions	12
Positioning Accuracy (X/Z)	0.003 mm
CNC System	Fanuc 31i / NUM
Machine Weight	~3,200 kg
Coolant Pressure (Max)	70 bar

Specifications sourced from schaublin.ch — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Schaublin hand-scraped precision guideways deliver geometric accuracy and long-term stability beyond standard production lathes
51mm bore accommodates both bar stock production and chucked part machining without separate machine investments
Integrated live tooling turret enables complete multi-feature parts in a single setup
High-pressure coolant (70 bar) supports clean machining of stainless steel, titanium, and nickel alloys
Broad tooling and workholding ecosystem from Schaublin ensures maximum spindle utilization and clamping accuracy

Limitations

Premium pricing versus Taiwanese or Korean precision lathes of similar capacity; ROI requires accuracy-sensitive applications
Maximum spindle speed of 5,500 rpm is conservative for high-speed aluminum machining compared to some competitors
Service and parts availability may require longer lead times outside central Europe

Best For

Precision gauge, tooling, and fixture components where dimensional accuracy is the primary performance driver Medical device bodies and implant housings requiring tight tolerances and documented process capability Scientific and optical instrument manufacturers producing small-batch precision components Defense and aerospace contractors machining flight-critical turned parts with material certifications and traceability requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the difference between the Schaublin 51 CNC and the 102 CNC?

The 51 CNC is designed for precision turning of smaller diameter parts up to 51mm bore and 160mm turning diameter, optimized for bar stock and smaller chuck work. The 102 CNC handles larger diameter chucked parts with greater swing and workpiece mass capacity, targeting heavier precision component manufacturing.

02 Does the Schaublin 51 CNC support live tooling?

Yes. The 51 CNC's turret accommodates live driven tools for milling, drilling off-center holes, slotting, and thread milling. Live tool speed reaches 5,000 rpm, adequate for most precision milling operations on the turned part geometries this machine typically produces.

03 Can the Schaublin 51 CNC be used with a bar feeder?

Yes. The 51 CNC's 51mm bore is compatible with standard short magazine and long bar feeding systems. Bar feeder integration enables unattended production of bar stock parts, improving machine utilization and reducing labor cost per part on suitable part families.

04 How does Schaublin achieve its reputation for precision?

Schaublin machines are assembled with hand-scraped precision surfaces at critical interfaces, a technique that achieves geometric accuracy exceeding what ground surfaces alone can provide. Combined with preloaded precision spindle bearings, thermally stable cast iron structures, and in-house manufactured spindles, Schaublin machines maintain their geometric accuracy over decades of use.

05 Is the Schaublin 51 CNC suitable for prototyping as well as production?

Yes. The 51 CNC's precision and flexibility make it well-suited for both prototype and production work. Many users in scientific instruments and medical devices run low-volume high-value parts where the machine's accuracy and surface finish quality directly translate into functional performance and reduced inspection burden.