Schutte SCX

$550,000 - $800,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

6,000 RPM per spindle

Spindle Power

9 kW (12 hp) per spindle

number of spindles

bar capacity

32 mm (1.26 in)

turning length

100 mm (3.94 in)

number of axes

Up to 31 CNC axes

Overview

The Schutte SCX is a 6-spindle CNC multi-spindle automatic lathe for bar stock up to 32 mm (1.26 in) diameter, manufactured by Alfred H. Schutte in Cologne, Germany. Schutte has been building multi-spindle automatics since the early 20th century and is one of the original pioneers of the technology. The SCX represents their modern CNC platform, combining Schutte's deep mechanical multi-spindle expertise with full CNC control. Schutte machines are particularly well-known in the US market through their Dayton, Ohio-based subsidiary, which provides sales, service, and applications support — a significant advantage over European competitors with limited North American presence.

The SCX features 6 independently driven spindles with speeds up to 6,000 RPM, each with up to 3 cross slides and 2 end-working positions. The machine uses a Siemens 840D sl CNC, and Schutte provides their proprietary SCX-Pilot programming software for offline programming and simulation. What distinguishes Schutte from INDEX and DMG Mori is their focus on process optimization and applications engineering — Schutte is known for working closely with customers on tooling layouts, cycle time optimization, and process validation before the machine ships. Many Schutte customers report that the machine arrives ready to produce parts on day one, which is unusual for multi-spindle installations.

The SCX competes directly with the INDEX MS32C and DMG Mori GMC 35ISM. Schutte's advantage is their US-based service and applications engineering in Dayton — for American shops, having a multi-spindle manufacturer with domestic applications support and spare parts inventory is a meaningful differentiator. The SCX is mechanically comparable to its competitors, with perhaps slightly more emphasis on ease of maintenance and accessibility. New SCX machines are priced between $550,000 and $800,000. Used Schutte multi-spindle machines hold value well due to the company's strong US service presence.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Number Of Spindles	6
Bar Capacity	32 mm (1.26 in)
Max Spindle Speed	6,000 RPM per spindle
Turning Length	100 mm (3.94 in)
Number Of Axes	Up to 31 CNC axes
Cross Slides Per Spindle	Up to 3
End Working Units	Up to 2 per station
Back Working Spindle	Yes, with C-axis
Tool Positions	Up to 42 tool positions
CNC Control	Siemens 840D sl
Machine Weight	9,000 kg (19,842 lb)
Floor Space Required	Approx. 4.0 x 2.3 m (13.1 x 7.5 ft)
Spindle Motor Power	9 kW (12 hp) per spindle
Spindle Bore	35 mm

Specifications sourced from schutteusa.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

US-based subsidiary in Dayton, Ohio provides domestic applications engineering, service, and spare parts — a major advantage for North American shops over purely European competitors
Schutte's turnkey approach includes process development, tooling layout, and cycle time optimization before the machine ships, often enabling production on day one of installation
Over 100 years of multi-spindle manufacturing heritage ensures deeply refined mechanical design with excellent long-term reliability and maintainability
SCX-Pilot offline programming software provides intuitive simulation and optimization tools specifically designed for multi-spindle process planning
Machine design emphasizes maintenance accessibility — guards, slides, and spindle assemblies are designed for easier access compared to some competitors
Strong used machine market with good resale values, supported by Schutte's ongoing US parts and service infrastructure

Limitations

Smaller market share than INDEX and DMG Mori means fewer shops have Schutte experience, making it harder to hire setup technicians with specific SCX knowledge
Programming software (SCX-Pilot) is proprietary and less widely known than INDEX VirtualLine, creating a steeper learning curve for shops switching from other brands
Setup times of 6-10 hours for full changeover are comparable to INDEX and DMG Mori but significantly longer than the Tornos MultiSwiss approach
Spindle power of 9 kW per spindle is adequate but lower than the DMG Mori GMC 35ISM's 16 kW, potentially limiting cutting parameters in very difficult materials
6,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is competitive but not class-leading — shops running small-diameter aluminum parts may benefit from higher-speed alternatives

Best For

North American production shops that value domestic applications engineering support and parts availability for their multi-spindle investment Shops making their first multi-spindle purchase who benefit from Schutte's turnkey process development approach and day-one production readiness Automotive and hydraulic component manufacturers producing fittings, valves, and shafts at high volumes in the 16-32 mm diameter range Companies replacing older Schutte cam-type multi-spindle automatics (AF, AS series) with a modern CNC platform while maintaining the Schutte service relationship Contract manufacturers seeking a reliable multi-spindle platform backed by strong domestic support for long-term production of recurring high-volume orders

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is Schutte's US service presence?

Schutte operates a full subsidiary in Dayton, Ohio with applications engineers, service technicians, and spare parts inventory. This is a significant differentiator in the multi-spindle market, where most competitors (INDEX, Tornos) provide North American support through smaller subsidiaries or distributors. Schutte's Dayton operation offers process development, training, on-site service, and rebuild capabilities. For US-based shops, this translates to faster response times and easier access to technical support.

02 How does the Schutte SCX compare to the INDEX MS32C?

Both are 6-spindle CNC multi-spindle automatics for 32 mm bar stock with Siemens 840D sl controls. Mechanically, they are closely comparable in capability. The INDEX MS32C has a slight edge in spindle power (10 kW vs 9 kW) and VirtualLine is arguably a more polished programming environment. Schutte's advantage is their US-based applications engineering and turnkey approach. Pricing is similar. Many shops choose based on existing brand relationship and service proximity rather than technical specifications.

03 What does a new Schutte SCX cost?

New Schutte SCX machines are priced between $550,000 and $800,000 depending on configuration, tooling, and peripheral equipment. This includes Schutte's process development and applications engineering support, which is typically an additional cost with other manufacturers. Used Schutte multi-spindle machines hold value well and trade between $250,000 and $500,000 for 2010-2020 vintage machines in good condition.