Stama MC 531/Twin

$700,000 - $1,100,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

X Travel

530 mm per station (1,060 mm combined)

Y Travel

430 mm (16.9 in)

Z Travel

380 mm (15 in)

Max Spindle

18,000 RPM

Spindle Taper

HSK-A50

Tool Capacity

2 x 36 (72 total)

Overview

The Stama MC 531/Twin is a twin-spindle 5-axis vertical machining center that combines Stama's proven twin-spindle productivity model with simultaneous 5-axis contouring capability. It occupies a unique position in the machining center market — delivering the doubled throughput of twin-spindle production machining alongside the geometric capability of simultaneous 5-axis interpolation, a combination that is rare and highly effective for complex production components in aerospace, automotive, and medical manufacturing.

The MC 531/Twin uses two identical 5-axis machining units mounted on a common structure, each with a swivel A-axis and rotary C-axis to provide full 5-axis freedom. Both units machine identical workpieces simultaneously with the same program, halving effective cycle time compared to a single-spindle 5-axis machining center. The resulting cost-per-part economics are compelling for components like aerospace brackets, medical implant systems, and precision housings that require 5-axis access but are produced in sufficient quantities to benefit from twin-spindle operation.

With 18,000 RPM spindle speeds and HSK-A50 tooling, the MC 531/Twin is configured for aluminum and light alloy production machining where high surface speeds and light cuts at high feed rates produce the best cost-per-part results. Titanium and steel machining are possible at reduced parameters. The machine structure is optimized for the combination of high dynamic axis performance and 5-axis interpolation accuracy.

The MC 531/Twin integrates with Stama and Chiron Group automation systems including twin-station gantry loaders and robot cells. As with all Stama twin-spindle machines, the automation interface loads and unloads both stations in a synchronized cycle to preserve the twin-spindle productivity advantage. The machine is built at Stama's Schlierbach facility in Germany.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Spindle Count	2 (twin 5-axis units)
X-Axis Travel	530 mm per station (1,060 mm combined)
Y-Axis Travel	430 mm (16.9 in)
Z-Axis Travel	380 mm (15 in)
A Axis Swivel	-120° / +30°
C Axis Rotation	360° (continuous)
Max Spindle Speed	18,000 RPM
Spindle Taper	HSK-A50
Spindle Motor Power	2 x 22 kW (2 x 29.5 hp)
Rapid Traverse Rate	60 m/min (2,362 ipm)
Tool Capacity	2 x 36 (72 total)
Workpiece Size Max	300 x 300 x 300 mm per station
CNC Control	Siemens Sinumerik 840D sl

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Combines twin-spindle doubled throughput with genuine simultaneous 5-axis capability — a combination that is rare in the VMC market and eliminates the choice between productivity and geometric complexity
18,000 RPM spindles and HSK-A50 tooling deliver excellent aluminum and light alloy cycle times for aerospace brackets, housings, and structural components produced in volume
Single-setup 5-axis capability eliminates repositioning and re-fixturing of complex multi-feature parts, improving accuracy and reducing total part lead time
Chiron Group global service infrastructure supports high-uptime requirements in production environments across Europe, North America, and Asia

Limitations

High capital cost requires high-volume production of 5-axis parts to generate the cost-per-part advantage over a pair of standard single-spindle 5-axis machines
Twin-spindle 5-axis programming and setup requires advanced CAM systems and experienced programmers — the complexity barrier is higher than single-spindle equivalents
Work envelope per station (300 x 300 x 300 mm) limits the machine to small-to-medium components; large aerospace structural parts require single-spindle 5-axis platforms with bigger work zones

Best For

Aerospace Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers producing aluminum bracket families, connector housings, and structural fittings requiring 5-axis access in medium-to-high production volumes Medical device manufacturers producing complex titanium and cobalt-chrome implant components in production quantities where 5-axis access and twin-spindle throughput both matter Automotive motorsport and performance component producers machining complex aluminum and titanium components — suspension pieces, intake manifolds, throttle bodies — at racing-season production rates Defense component manufacturers producing complex aluminum and titanium housings, brackets, and structural parts where single-setup 5-axis accuracy and volume output are both required

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What 5-axis configuration does the Stama MC 531/Twin use?

The MC 531/Twin uses a swivel A-axis (−120° to +30°) combined with a continuous rotary C-axis (360°) at each machining station. This trunnion-style arrangement provides full 5-axis simultaneous interpolation on parts up to 300 x 300 x 300 mm per station.

02 How does the twin-spindle system work on the MC 531/Twin?

Both 5-axis machining units execute the same NC program simultaneously, each machining an identical part. A synchronized twin-station loader — gantry or robot — loads and unloads both stations together. The result is twice the part output per machine hour compared to a single-spindle 5-axis center of equivalent capability.

03 Can the MC 531/Twin machine titanium and steel?

Yes, though the machine is optimized for aluminum production with its 18,000 RPM high-speed spindles. Titanium and steel can be machined at reduced spindle speeds and feed rates. For primarily titanium or steel applications, a lower-speed, higher-torque 5-axis platform may be more cost-effective.

04 How does the Stama MC 531/Twin compare to two separate 5-axis machining centers?

The MC 531/Twin requires less total floor space than two separate 5-axis machines, shares one automation system, and uses one control and operator interface. Setup changes affect both stations simultaneously. Total cost of ownership is typically lower than two separate machines when production volumes justify the twin-spindle investment.

05 What CAM software is compatible with the Stama MC 531/Twin?

Any major CAM system with Sinumerik 840D sl 5-axis post-processor support is compatible — Siemens NX, Mastercam, Hypermill, Vericut, and Catia CAM are all used in production environments. The twin-spindle configuration requires a post-processor that outputs synchronized programs for both stations, which Stama's applications team provides.