Tsugami B0123-VR
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
bar capacity
main spindle speed
sub spindle
axes
spindle motor
Overview
The Tsugami B0123-VR is a 3-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe with 12 mm (0.5 in) bar capacity, built on Tsugami's latest VR-generation platform. This is the stripped-down, front-side-only version of the popular 12 mm opposed gang tool post lineup — no sub spindle, just pure turning efficiency for parts that don't require backworking.
The main spindle speed is estimated at 12,000 RPM based on the B012x series architecture, powered by an estimated 1.5/2.2 kW motor. The VR designation means this machine gets the ceramic ball bearings and proprietary chuck mechanism that define the latest generation. Those ceramic bearings run cooler and resist thermal growth better than conventional steel bearings, which translates to tighter accuracy over extended production runs.
With an estimated 21 tool positions on the opposed gang tool post and a 32 m/min rapid traverse rate, the B0123-VR delivers solid productivity for straightforward Swiss turning jobs. The convertible guide bushing design lets you run with or without the guide bushing — with it for long, slender parts with high L/D ratios, or without it for shorter parts where you want to eliminate remnant bar waste and skip the ground bar stock requirement.
The estimated headstock stroke of 210 mm gives good machining length for parts within the 12 mm diameter range. Note that specific B0123-VR specs aren't published separately by Tsugami — the values here are derived from the closely related B0125-III and B012x VR platform. The machine's sweet spot is high-volume production of simple-geometry Swiss parts where a sub spindle isn't needed, keeping both acquisition cost and cycle times lower than the 5-axis and 6-axis variants.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM (estimated from B012x series) |
| Sub Spindle | N/A (no sub spindle) |
| Axes | 3 |
| Spindle Motor | 1.5/2.2 kW (estimated) |
| Tool Positions | 21 (estimated from B012x series) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 32 m/min (estimated) |
| Headstock Stroke | 210 mm (8.27 in, estimated) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (convertible) |
| Dimensions | 1,665 x 1,125 x 1,700 mm (65.6 x 44.3 x 66.9 in, estimated) |
| Machine Weight | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb, estimated) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 min⁻¹ |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- VR-generation ceramic ball bearings provide superior thermal stability and extended spindle bearing life
- Convertible guide bushing design offers flexibility for both long slender parts and short chucker-style work
- 12 mm bar capacity covers the most popular Swiss turning size range for medical, electronics, and automotive
- Estimated 21 tool positions on opposed gang post gives generous capacity for a 3-axis machine
- Lower cost than 5-axis and 6-axis B012x variants for shops that don't need sub spindle capability
- 32 m/min rapid traverse keeps non-cutting time short for fast overall cycle times
Limitations
- No sub spindle means parts requiring backworking need the B0125-VR or a secondary operation
- 3-axis only — no Y-axis milling or off-centerline drilling capability
- Detailed specs are estimated from the B012x platform; exact VR-specific values aren't separately published
- For complex parts needing live tooling and backworking, the B0125-VR or B0126-VR are better choices
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The B0123-VR saves cost by eliminating the sub spindle — it's 3-axis versus 5-axis on the B0125-VR. If your parts only need front-side turning, facing, drilling, and threading, the B0123-VR does everything you need at a lower price point. The B0125-VR is necessary when parts require back-facing, back-drilling, back-threading, or any other sub spindle operations.
02
The B0123-VR specs are estimated from the well-documented B0125-III and B012x VR platform data. The 12 mm bar capacity, convertible guide bushing, and VR-series ceramic bearings are confirmed. Spindle speed, tool count, and dimensions are highly likely to match the published B0125 specs since they share the same base platform. Always request the official spec sheet from your Tsugami dealer for final verification.
03
Convertible guide bushing means you can configure the machine to run either with or without the guide bushing. With the guide bushing, you get the classic Swiss-type sliding headstock operation for long, slender parts — but you need ground bar stock and lose material to remnants. Without it (chucker mode), you can use cold-drawn bar, eliminate remnants, and machine shorter parts more efficiently. Switching typically takes 30-60 minutes.
04
Both are 3-axis VR-series machines without sub spindles. The B0123-VR handles 12 mm bar while the B0203-VR handles 20 mm. The B0203-VR likely has a slightly lower main spindle speed (estimated 10,000 RPM vs 12,000 RPM) and more spindle motor power (estimated 2.2/3.7 kW vs 1.5/2.2 kW). Choose based on your maximum part diameter — the 12 mm machine will be slightly faster on small parts due to higher RPM.
