Spinner TC400

€80,000 - €130,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Max Spindle

4,500 RPM

Spindle Power

18.5 kW (24.8 hp)

Max Turn Length

600 mm (23.6 in)

swing over bed

400 mm (15.7 in)

swing over cross slide

230 mm (9.1 in)

max turning diameter

360 mm (14.2 in)

Overview

The Spinner TC400 is a precision slant-bed CNC turning center from Spinner Werkzeugmaschinenfabrik, the Bavarian machine tool builder renowned for applying German engineering standards to both vertical machining centers and turning machines. The TC400 occupies the core of Spinner's turning center lineup, built for precision turning of medium-sized rotational components in aerospace, automotive, hydraulics, and precision engineering applications where dimensional accuracy and surface finish are non-negotiable.

The TC400 follows a 45-degree slant-bed design, which provides excellent chip flow away from the cutting zone, improved ergonomic access to the work area for tool setup and part loading, and a rigid structural foundation for the turret and axes. The bed is constructed from high-quality Meehanite cast iron, stress-relieved before machining to minimize long-term geometric drift — a construction standard consistent with Spinner's broader philosophy of prioritizing long-term accuracy over first-cost reduction. The machine accepts workpieces up to approximately 400 mm swing diameter, hence the TC400 designation.

The main spindle typically runs to 4,000–5,000 RPM with an A2-6 or A2-8 nose, driven by an AC servo motor producing 18–22 kW. A 12-station VDI 40 turret accommodates both turning and driven tool stations, enabling milling, drilling, and tapping in a single setup when the live tooling option is fitted. Live tooling speeds on the Spinner TC400 reach 4,000–6,000 RPM, making it capable for cross-drilling, key milling, and thread milling on turned components.

Control options mirror the VC series: Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl or 828D for European deliveries, with Fanuc available on export versions. The TC400's compact footprint — roughly 3,000 x 1,900 mm — allows it to fit into established turning cells without restructuring floor layouts. Pricing in the European market ranges from €80,000 to €130,000 depending on chuck size, tailstock, bar feeder preparation, and driven tool configuration.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Swing Over Bed	400 mm (15.7 in)
Swing Over Cross Slide	230 mm (9.1 in)
Max Turning Diameter	360 mm (14.2 in)
Max Turning Length	600 mm (23.6 in)
Max Spindle Speed	4,500 RPM
Spindle Nose	A2-6 (A2-8 optional)
Spindle Motor Power	18.5 kW (24.8 hp)
Chuck Size	250 mm (10 in) standard
Turret Stations	12-station VDI 40
Live Tool Speed	5,000 RPM
Rapid Traverse X	15 m/min
Rapid Traverse Z	20 m/min
Bar Capacity	65 mm (2.6 in)
CNC Control	Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl / 828D (Fanuc option)
Machine Weight	4,800 kg (10,582 lb) approx.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

45-degree slant-bed with stress-relieved Meehanite cast iron construction delivers long-term geometric stability for shops producing tight-tolerance turned components over multi-year machine life
12-station VDI 40 turret with live tooling enables complete turn-mill operations in a single setup, reducing work-in-process and eliminating tolerance stack-up from secondary VMC operations
Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl offers advanced cycle programming, contour turning, and synchronous spindle functions that support complex turned part families
German build quality with Bavarian manufacturing standards provides a level of construction fit and finish rarely found in Taiwanese or Korean turning centers at similar price points

Limitations

Pricing at €80,000–€130,000 is substantially above comparable Taiwanese turning centers (Leadwell, YCM) which offer similar specifications at 40–60% of the Spinner cost — buyers must justify the premium through accuracy requirements
Spinner's after-sales support network is concentrated in Central Europe; buyers in the Americas and Asia-Pacific face longer service response times and higher travel costs for field service
4,500 RPM main spindle maximum is modest compared to some competitors offering 5,000–6,000 RPM for the same workpiece diameter class, limiting high-speed finishing of small-diameter components

Best For

European aerospace subcontractors turning landing gear components, actuator shafts, and valve bodies from titanium and nickel superalloys where precision and process reliability under AS9100 are mandatory Precision hydraulics manufacturers producing valve spools, cylinder rods, and manifold shafts in stainless steel and tool steel to tolerances of ±0.005 mm or better Automotive tier-one suppliers turning transmission shafts, bearing journals, and differential components from alloy steel where consistent part-to-part repeatability over long production runs is critical German and Central European job shops upgrading from older Index or Gildemeister turning centers, where operator familiarity with Siemens controls minimizes retraining investment

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What is the maximum bar diameter the Spinner TC400 can accommodate?

The Spinner TC400 spindle bore typically accepts bar stock up to 65 mm in diameter, supporting bar-fed production of turned parts up to 65 mm in the standard configuration. For shops running primarily bar-fed production, Spinner can configure the machine with bar feeder preparation including the appropriate spindle liner and chip conveyor orientation. Bar diameter beyond 65 mm requires chuck loading, which is accommodated up to the full 360 mm turning diameter.

02 Can the Spinner TC400 perform Y-axis turning operations?

The standard TC400 is a 2-axis (X/Z) machine with live tooling on the C-axis. A Y-axis turret option is available on some Spinner turning center configurations, enabling off-center drilling, eccentric milling, and complex multi-face features in a single setup. Buyers requiring Y-axis capability should specify this at time of order, as retrofitting Y-axis is not practical after machine delivery.

03 How does the TC400 compare to a Mazak or DMG Mori turning center?

Mazak and DMG Mori offer broader global service networks, more extensive application engineering support, and faster lead times in most markets. The Spinner TC400 competes on precision build quality and, in some cases, better price-to-accuracy ratio for buyers in Central Europe. For shops outside Europe, Mazak and DMG Mori are generally lower-risk choices due to stronger local support. For European precision shops that can leverage Spinner's service network, the TC400 is a strong contender.

04 What tailstock options are available for the TC400?

The TC400 is available with a programmable hydraulic tailstock that positions automatically via NC axis control, supporting shaft turning programs without manual tailstock repositioning between parts. A manual tailstock is also available for cost-sensitive configurations. The hydraulic programmable tailstock is strongly recommended for any production application involving shaft components, as it eliminates setup time and ensures consistent tailstock position from part to part.

05 Is the Spinner TC400 compatible with automation and robot loading?

Yes. The TC400's slant-bed design and front-opening door configuration are compatible with standard gantry robot and articulated robot loading systems. Spinner's control systems support standard automation interfaces including PROFIBUS, PROFINET, and machine ready/part complete signals required for robot integration. For high-volume production requiring lights-out operation, a full automation cell with bar feeder, parts catcher, and robot unload is a practical configuration on the TC400 platform.