Stama MC 326

$400,000 - $600,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

600 mm (23.6 in)

Y Travel

400 mm (15.7 in)

Z Travel

350 mm (13.8 in)

Max Spindle

10,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)

Spindle Taper

HSK-A50

Tool Capacity

2 x 30 (60 total)

Overview

The Stama MC 326 is a twin-spindle vertical machining center designed for high-productivity production machining of small-to-medium prismatic components. Stama's twin-spindle concept doubles the part output from a single machine footprint by simultaneously machining two identical workpieces in parallel — a productivity model that delivers exceptional cost-per-part economics for high-volume components like automotive bracket families, hydraulic valve bodies, pneumatic components, and precision instrument housings.

The MC 326 is part of Stama's MC-series, which represents the company's core production machining platform. The twin-spindle arrangement uses two identical spindle units mounted on a common X-axis bridge, machining two parts simultaneously with the same program. This approach is most effective for parts that can be produced identically in pairs — reducing cycle time by 50% compared to single-spindle machining while consuming only slightly more floor space than one machine.

Stama engineers the MC 326 for demanding production environments where reliability and repeatability across millions of parts per year are non-negotiable. The machine structure is a rigid cast iron construction that dampens vibration effectively, contributing to the long tool life and consistent surface quality that production customers expect. Automatic part loading systems, including gantry loaders and robot integration, are integral to most MC 326 installations.

The MC 326 is built in Schlierbach, Baden-Württemberg, in Germany's precision mechanical engineering heartland. Stama (a subsidiary of the Chiron Group since 2015) benefits from shared development resources with Chiron while maintaining the dedicated twin-spindle production machining specialization that defines the Stama brand.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Spindle Count	2 (twin-spindle)
Spindle Spacing	300 mm (center-to-center)
X-Axis Travel	600 mm (23.6 in)
Y-Axis Travel	400 mm (15.7 in)
Z-Axis Travel	350 mm (13.8 in)
Max Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM (18,000 RPM optional)
Spindle Taper	HSK-A50
Spindle Motor Power	2 x 22 kW (2 x 29.5 hp)
Rapid Traverse Rate	50 m/min (1,969 ipm)
Tool Capacity	2 x 30 (60 total)
Workpiece Size Max	300 x 300 x 300 mm per station
Positioning Accuracy	0.005 mm
CNC Control	Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl
Stama Winery	17521 N Davis RdLodi, California 95242-0000United States
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Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Twin-spindle simultaneous machining cuts effective cycle time in half compared to single-spindle VMCs, delivering the lowest cost-per-part economics in its class for repetitive production
Compact footprint relative to two separate machines — twin-spindle integration saves floor space, reduces operator headcount, and simplifies automation integration
HSK-A50 tooling and up to 18,000 RPM option cover aluminum high-speed production and steel finishing in one machine configuration
Chiron Group support network provides global service coverage, a significant advantage for multinational manufacturing groups standardizing on a production platform

Limitations

Twin-spindle concept requires identical or near-identical parts at both stations; the machine is not cost-effective for high-mix, low-volume job shop work
Spindle spacing is fixed — parts wider than the station envelope cannot be machined in a twin configuration without modification
Smaller work envelope per station (300 x 300 x 300 mm) limits the MC 326 to small-to-medium components; larger parts require the MC 531 or MC 726 platforms

Best For

Automotive component manufacturers producing high volumes of bracket families, sensor housings, and valve bodies where twin-spindle cycle time reduction is a direct cost advantage Pneumatic and hydraulic component producers machining small precision blocks, cylinder bodies, and manifolds in aluminum and steel at high volumes Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers running lights-out production with gantry or robot loading where doubled output per automation cell justifies the investment Precision engineering manufacturers producing identical paired components — surgical instrument handles, optical housings, connector bodies — where twin-spindle production is natural

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the Stama MC 326 twin-spindle system work?

The MC 326 mounts two identical spindles on a common X-axis bridge. Both spindles execute the same NC program simultaneously, machining two identical workpieces in parallel. A single operator or automation system loads and unloads both stations, effectively halving cycle time per part compared to a single-spindle machine.

02 What is the spindle center-to-center distance on the MC 326?

The two spindles are spaced 300 mm apart center-to-center. Fixturing and workholding must be designed to this 300 mm pitch for dual-station machining. Stama applications engineers assist with fixture design for new part families being introduced to the MC 326.

03 Can the Stama MC 326 machine different parts at each spindle simultaneously?

The twin-spindle configuration is optimized for identical parts at both stations running the same program. Machining different parts simultaneously is technically possible with complex programming but negates the primary productivity advantage. For high-mix work, single-spindle VMCs or Stama's MT mill-turn platforms are better choices.

04 How does the Stama MC 326 compare to the Chiron FZ 08?

Both are twin-spindle production machining centers with similar productivity concepts. The MC 326 and Chiron FZ 08 share development lineage through the Chiron Group. The MC 326 offers slightly different spindle spacing and work envelope proportions suited to Stama's target part families. Both integrate with the same Chiron Group automation and service infrastructure.

05 What automation options are available for the Stama MC 326?

The MC 326 supports gantry loaders, robot tending cells, and pallet-based automation. Stama and Chiron Group offer integrated automation packages including twin-station gantry loaders that load/unload both stations in a single cycle, maintaining the twin-spindle productivity advantage in automated operation.