Schutte SC 36 CNC Multi-Spindle Automatic Lathe

The Schutte SC 36 CNC is a six-spindle automatic lathe engineered for high-volume precision part production in the 36 mm bar diameter class. Built at Schutte's facility in Bielefeld, Germany, the SC 36 combines the productivity of a traditional multi-spindle cam automatic with the flexibility of full CNC control on every axis. Each spindle position carries independent servo-driven cross slides and end-working tools, eliminating the need for cams and allowing rapid changeover between part families.

The machine's architecture centers on a precision-ground, thermally stable cast-iron drum housing six work spindles arranged in a radial pattern. All spindles are driven synchronously by a common AC spindle motor, with individual CNC servo axes governing each tool slide. This arrangement delivers cycle times that can be 60–80% shorter than single-spindle turning centers when running mid-to-large batch orders, making the SC 36 a strong fit for automotive, hydraulic, and pneumatic component manufacturers.

Schutte's proprietary iXcell control interface, built on a Siemens SINUMERIK 840D sl platform, provides conversational programming for complex part geometries and supports simultaneous machining at multiple spindle positions. The control stores hundreds of part programs and can be networked into MES/ERP environments for real-time production monitoring. An integrated collision-avoidance simulation runs before each new program is executed on the spindle drum.

Standard machine equipment includes a high-pressure coolant system (up to 80 bar), chip conveyor, automatic bar feed interface, and oil-mist extraction. The SC 36 accepts bar stock up to 36 mm in diameter and can process hex, square, or round profiles. Schutte backs the machine with global service support including remote diagnostics and a comprehensive spare-parts network, making it a long-term production asset for precision machining shops.