Tornos Sigma 32 Multi-Spindle Automatic

$800,000 – $1,400,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Number of Spindles

Max Bar Diameter

32 mm

Max Spindle Speed

6,000 rpm

Spindle Motor Power

22 kW (total installed)

Bar Feed Capacity

Front-loaded, 3.5 m bar standard

Cross Slides

6 cross slides (one per position) + end-working slides

Overview

The Tornos Sigma 32 Multi-Spindle is a fully CNC-controlled multi-spindle automatic turning machine designed for high-volume production of precision components up to 32mm bar diameter. Built at Tornos's Moutier, Switzerland facility, the Sigma 32 multi-spindle combines the proven cam-less CNC architecture of the Sigma platform with a 6-spindle drum configuration that delivers simultaneous cutting at every position on every revolution. For shops producing complex rotational parts in large volumes — automotive fuel system components, hydraulic fittings, medical implant hardware, and precision fasteners — the Sigma 32 offers per-part cycle times measured in seconds with dimensional consistency across millions of parts.

Each spindle position on the Sigma 32 features independently CNC-controlled cross slides and end-working tools, giving programmers the flexibility to allocate operations across the drum in ways that balance cycle time and tool life. The machine eliminates the 4–40 hour cam changeover of legacy mechanical multi-spindles: job changes are accomplished through software parameter upload and tooling swap, dramatically reducing changeover time compared to traditional multi-spindle automatics. Tornos's C-More control, purpose-built for multi-spindle programming, handles synchronization of all axes across all spindle positions with integrated simulation and cycle optimization.

The Sigma 32 handles a wide range of materials including free-cutting steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and titanium alloys. Integrated high-pressure coolant and oil mist lubrication maintain thermal stability and tool life across extended production runs. The machine accepts bar stock via front-mounted bar feeders and is compatible with standard Tornos bar feed systems for fully automated, lights-out production.

As one of the largest CNC multi-spindle platforms in the Tornos lineup capable of 32mm bar, the Sigma 32 multi-spindle is positioned for demanding production applications where cycle time, accuracy, and flexibility to change jobs without major mechanical overhaul are all required. It competes directly with Schutte, Index, and Davenport CNC multi-spindle platforms in the 32mm and larger segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Number Of Spindles	6
Max Bar Diameter	32 mm
Max Spindle Speed	6,000 rpm
Spindle Motor Power	22 kW (total installed)
Bar Feed Capacity	Front-loaded, 3.5 m bar standard
Cross Slides	6 cross slides (one per position) + end-working slides
Control System	Tornos C-More CNC (proprietary multi-spindle CNC)
Machine Weight	Approx. 15,000 kg
Manufacturer	Star
Model	SR-32J
Spindle Bore	78.74 mm
Phase Type	Three-phase

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

CNC cam-less architecture eliminates 4–40 hour mechanical changeovers of legacy multi-spindles
6-spindle simultaneous cutting delivers one completed part per drum revolution — seconds-per-part cycle time
32mm bar capacity covers a broad range of automotive, hydraulic, and medical part families
Tornos C-More control with integrated simulation reduces programming errors and accelerates job setup
Compatible with full bar feed automation for unattended lights-out production

Limitations

Very high capital cost compared to single-spindle Swiss-type alternatives for lower-volume work
Requires volume justification — ROI demands sustained high-production runs to recover machine cost
Setup and changeover still requires trained multi-spindle specialists even with CNC
Floor space and foundation requirements are substantial for a machine of this mass

Best For

High-volume automotive components including fuel injector parts, valve bodies, and transmission hardware Hydraulic fitting and connector manufacturers running millions of parts per year Medical device production of fasteners, bone screws, and implant hardware at volume Precision fastener and hardware producers requiring consistent multi-feature turned parts at maximum throughput

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the Tornos Sigma 32 multi-spindle differ from the Sigma 32 Swiss-type lathe?

The Tornos Sigma 32 Swiss-type lathe is a single-spindle sliding headstock machine for complex precision parts up to 32mm diameter. The Sigma 32 Multi-Spindle is a separate machine class: a 6-spindle drum machine where all spindle positions cut simultaneously. The multi-spindle is optimized for maximum throughput on simpler high-volume parts, while the Swiss-type Sigma 32 excels at complex, multi-feature components at lower volumes.

02 What is the cycle time on the Tornos Sigma 32 multi-spindle?

Cycle time depends on the longest operation at any spindle position, as all positions cut simultaneously. For typical automotive turned parts with 4–6 features, cycle times of 3–10 seconds per completed part are achievable. This translates to 360–1,200 parts per hour — the core competitive advantage of the multi-spindle platform over single-spindle Swiss-type machines.

03 Can the Sigma 32 multi-spindle run stainless steel and titanium?

Yes. The Sigma 32 multi-spindle is designed for production cutting in free-cutting steel, stainless steel grades, brass, aluminum, and titanium alloys. High-pressure coolant and the rigid spindle drum construction support difficult-material machining, though cycle times are longer in hard-to-machine materials compared to free-cutting steel.