Tornos Sigma 32
Key Specifications
Maximum Bar Diameter
Main Spindle Speed
Counter Spindle Speed
Main Spindle Power
Counter Spindle Power
Number of Linear Axes
Overview
The Tornos Sigma 32 is a high-performance Swiss-type sliding headstock automatic lathe engineered for demanding precision turning up to 32mm bar diameter. It extends the proven Sigma platform into larger-diameter territory, delivering the rigidity, thermal stability, and tooling flexibility required for complex parts in aerospace, medical, energy, and high-end automotive applications. The Sigma 32 is built for shops that need maximum output on challenging materials without sacrificing dimensional accuracy.
At the heart of the Sigma 32 is a high-torque main spindle capable of reaching 10,000 rpm, paired with a powerful counter spindle for simultaneous front and back machining. The guide bushing system maintains workpiece support close to the cutting zone, enabling the tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes that Swiss-type machining is known for, even on long, slender parts prone to deflection on conventional lathes.
The machine's tooling system accommodates a generous complement of turning, drilling, and driven milling tools. The Sigma 32 supports Y-axis off-center operations, thread whirling, polygon turning, and deep-hole drilling, making it a genuine multi-process machine capable of completing complex parts in a single setup. Integrated oil mist lubrication and high-pressure coolant keep temperatures stable and tool life maximized during extended production runs.
Tornos's proprietary TB-Deco programming software provides a graphical, simulation-based environment optimized for Swiss-type lathe programming. Operators can build programs from tool libraries, visualize synchronization between spindles and slides, and optimize cycle times before first chips are cut. The Sigma 32's combination of capacity, speed, and programming sophistication makes it one of the most productive 32mm Swiss-type lathes available to precision manufacturers.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum Bar Diameter | 32 mm |
| Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm |
| Counter Spindle Speed | 10,000 rpm |
| Main Spindle Power | 7.5 kW |
| Counter Spindle Power | 5.5 kW |
| Number Of Linear Axes | 7 (X, Y, Z, X2, Y2, Z2, B) |
| Live Tool Speed | 8,000 rpm |
| Maximum Part Length | 200 mm (guide bushing) |
| Coolant Pressure (Max) | 80 bar |
| CNC System | Tornos TB-Deco / Fanuc 32i |
| Machine Footprint | ~1,800 × 900 mm |
| Machine Weight | ~2,000 kg |
Specifications sourced from tornos.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 32mm capacity opens up larger part families compared to 20mm Swiss machines without sacrificing precision
- Simultaneous front and rear machining with full counter spindle eliminates secondary operations
- Y-axis and B-axis capability enables complex off-center milling and inclined hole drilling in one setup
- Thread whirling support makes single-setup production of bone screws and lead screws practical
- TB-Deco simulation software reduces programming errors and accelerates setup validation
Limitations
- Higher investment than 20mm Swiss-type lathes; ROI requires sustained volume on suitable part families
- Guide bushing setup requires careful bar stock quality control to maintain tolerances
- 32mm capacity still limits use for larger diameter parts common in heavy industrial applications
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The Sigma 32 handles bar stock up to 32mm in diameter, which significantly expands the range of parts it can produce compared to the 20mm Sigma 20 while maintaining full Swiss-type precision and guide bushing support.
02
Yes. The Sigma 32 can be configured with a thread whirling attachment, making it well-suited for high-volume production of bone screws, lead screws, and other precision helical forms that require excellent surface finish and tight pitch accuracy.
03
Some Swiss-type lathe platforms allow guide bushing removal for short parts to reduce bar remnant waste. Tornos offers bushing-less configurations on certain Sigma models; consult your Tornos distributor for the specific configuration available on the Sigma 32 in your market.
04
The Sigma 32 is programmed using Tornos TB-Deco software, a graphical PC-based environment that allows users to build programs from tool libraries, simulate multi-axis synchronization, and optimize cycle times offline before loading to the machine.
05
The GT-26 targets the 26mm bar capacity segment with a focus on versatility and driven tool performance, while the Sigma 32 extends capacity to 32mm and emphasizes high-speed, high-output production with a more rigid structure suited to demanding materials and tighter tolerances.
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