Schutte SC 50 CNC Multi-Spindle Automatic
Key Specifications
number of spindles
max bar diameter
max spindle speed
spindle motor power
bar feed capacity
cross slides
Overview
The Schutte SC 50 CNC is a large-capacity 6-spindle CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe engineered for high-volume production of medium-to-large turned parts from bar stock up to 50 mm in diameter. Wilhelm Schutte GmbH & Co. KG is one of Germany's oldest and most respected multi-spindle machine manufacturers, with more than a century of experience building cam and CNC multi-spindle automatics for the automotive, fluid power, and precision engineering industries. The SC 50 CNC brings full CNC flexibility to the large-diameter multi-spindle class, enabling complex part geometries that previously required cam machines or multi-operation setups.
The SC 50 CNC features independent CNC servo control of all six spindles and their associated cross slides, radial slides, and end-working positions. Siemens Sinumerik CNC provides the machine backbone, offering familiar programming syntax for shops already operating Sinumerik-equipped turning centers. Each spindle position can be programmed for independent speeds, feeds, and toolpath — enabling complex combined operations where drilling, turning, facing, threading, and form tool operations occur simultaneously across all six stations within a single drum index cycle.
With a 50 mm maximum bar diameter, the SC 50 CNC addresses a market segment that single-spindle turning centers handle inefficiently at volume. Spindle speeds up to 5,000 rpm and substantial spindle motor power accommodate demanding operations in steel, stainless steel, and cast iron — materials that dominate automotive and fluid power production. The machine accepts automatic bar feeders for continuous production and supports parts conveyors, parts washers, and gauging station integration for fully automated cell operation.
The SC 50 CNC is the primary competitor to the Index MS 40/MS 50, Tornos Multideco 36, and New Britain large-capacity multi-spindle platforms. Schutte's differentiation lies in Siemens Sinumerik control familiarity, the company's deep application engineering capability, and their reputation for machine longevity — Schutte machines routinely operate productively for 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. New SC 50 CNC systems price from $1,200,000 to $2,000,000 depending on tooling configuration, automation integration, and options.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Number Of Spindles | 6 |
| Max Bar Diameter | 50 mm (1.97 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 5,000 rpm |
| Spindle Motor Power | 15 kW (20 hp) per spindle |
| Bar Feed Capacity | 3,000 mm (118 in) bar length with external bar feeder |
| Cross Slides | 6 cross slide stations + multiple radial and end-working slides |
| Control System | Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl CNC |
| Machine Weight | Approx. 22,000 kg (48,500 lb) |
Specifications sourced from schutteusa.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 50 mm bar capacity covers a wide range of automotive and fluid power components that would require very high-cycle counts on smaller multi-spindle platforms
- Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl control provides familiar programming for shops already operating Sinumerik turning centers, reducing operator training and programming time
- Full independent CNC servo control at each spindle station enables complex multi-operation cycles — drilling, turning, threading, and forming simultaneously across all 6 positions
- Schutte's century-long manufacturing heritage and machine longevity reputation translate into lower long-term cost of ownership — machines routinely run 20+ years productively
Limitations
- Capital cost of $1.2M–$2M is among the highest in the multi-spindle class and requires very high annual production volumes to achieve acceptable return on investment
- 50 mm bar capacity and large machine weight require substantial floor space and structural floor load capacity — not suitable for shops with limited facility resources
- 5,000 rpm maximum spindle speed is lower than smaller-capacity multi-spindles — limits productivity on brass and aluminum parts where high-speed cutting would reduce cycle time
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The SC 50 CNC is optimized for parts in the 15–50 mm diameter range with moderate-to-complex features that are produced at volumes of 500,000 to several million pieces per year. Typical parts include: automotive fittings and connectors, hydraulic valve bodies, drive shaft components, wheel bearing races, fuel injector bodies, brake components, and precision fasteners. The machine's 50 mm capacity and multi-station capability handle features that smaller multi-spindles cannot accommodate.
02
Sinumerik 840D sl is one of the most widely deployed CNC platforms in precision machining globally. Operators familiar with Sinumerik from turning centers or machining centers can transfer that knowledge directly to the SC 50 CNC with minimal retraining. The control provides standard G-code programming, ShopTurn guided programming, and comprehensive diagnostics. Parts programs can be developed offline on standard Sinumerik simulation environments and transferred to the machine via network.
03
Cycle time advantage depends heavily on part complexity, but for a representative automotive fitting with 8 operations, a single-spindle turning center might cycle at 45–90 seconds. The SC 50 CNC produces one part per drum index — typically every 8–25 seconds for comparable parts. Net throughput advantage is typically 4 to 10 times higher on the multi-spindle. Annualized, the SC 50 CNC can replace 4 to 8 single-spindle turning centers on production-intensive parts families.
04
Yes. The SC 50 CNC can be integrated with in-process gauging stations for automatic dimensional verification and tool offset correction. Post-process gauging with statistical process control (SPC) data feedback is the more common configuration, where parts exit to an automatic gauging station and SPC data drives tool offset adjustments. Fully automatic closed-loop gauging integration is available for applications requiring 100% inspection and automatic compensation.
05
Traditional cam-driven multi-spindles are mechanically programmed through a system of cams, levers, and adjustable stops. They are extremely fast and rigid for dedicated production, but changeover requires physical cam replacement and adjustment — typically 1–3 days. The SC 50 CNC uses servo drives and a CNC control to replace the mechanical cam system entirely, enabling changeover through program loading and tooling changes (typically 8–24 hours). CNC multi-spindles sacrifice some peak cycle speed but provide dramatically more flexibility for shops running multiple part families.
Videos
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