Tsugami B0123C
Key Specifications
bar capacity
main spindle speed
sub spindle
axes
spindle motor
tool positions
Overview
The Tsugami B0123C is a 3-axis dedicated chucker (guide-bushless) CNC automatic lathe with 12 mm (0.5 in) bar capacity. The 'C' designation means this is a purpose-built guide-bushless machine — no convertible bushing, no compromise. It's designed from the ground up for efficient production of short parts where you don't need (and don't want to pay for) guide bushing operation.
The main spindle runs at 12,000 RPM with an estimated 1.5/2.2 kW motor. An estimated 21 tool positions on the opposed gang tool post provides solid capacity for a 3-axis chucker. The rapid traverse rate is 32 m/min, and the machine runs on an estimated FANUC 0i-TF control. No sub spindle means this is strictly a front-side machine — if your parts need backworking, you'll want the B0125C.
The dedicated chucker design's core advantage is economics. You save 20-30 mm of bar stock per bar end (no guide bushing remnant), and you can run cold-drawn bar instead of the more expensive precision-ground bar that guide bushing machines require. On a 12 mm machine running production volumes, those savings are meaningful. Setup is simpler too — no guide bushing clearance to worry about.
The estimated footprint of 1,665 x 1,125 x 1,700 mm (65.6 x 44.3 x 66.9 in) at roughly 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) matches the B012x platform. Note that specific B0123C specs aren't published separately by Tsugami — values are estimated from the well-documented B0125-III platform. For shops running high volumes of short, simple 12 mm parts without back-side features, the B0123C offers the lowest cost per piece in the 12 mm Tsugami lineup.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle | N/A (no sub spindle) |
| Axes | 3 |
| Spindle Motor | 1.5/2.2 kW (estimated) |
| Tool Positions | 21 (estimated) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 32 m/min |
| Guide Bushing | Dedicated chucker (guide-bushless) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 0i-TF (estimated) |
| 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) |
| Live Tool Front Post Max Speed | 8,000 min⁻¹ |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Dedicated chucker eliminates guide bushing remnant waste and the need for expensive ground bar stock
- 12 mm bar capacity covers the most popular Swiss turning size range for medical, electronics, and automotive parts
- 12,000 RPM spindle provides good surface speeds across the full 12 mm diameter range
- Estimated 21 tool positions gives generous capacity for a 3-axis front-side machine
- Lower acquisition and operating cost than convertible guide bushing models
- Simpler setup and maintenance — no guide bushing clearance adjustments required
Limitations
- No sub spindle — backworking requires the B0125C or a secondary operation
- Dedicated chucker can't machine long, slender parts that need guide bushing support
- 3-axis only — no Y-axis milling or off-centerline feature capability
- Detailed specs are estimated from the B0125-III platform; not separately published by Tsugami
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Choose the B0123C when all your 12 mm parts are short (L/D under 3:1) and you'll never need guide bushing operation. You save on material cost (cold-drawn vs ground bar, no remnant waste) and benefit from simpler setup. Choose the B0123-VR when you need the flexibility to run both long Swiss parts and short chucker parts, even if most of your work is short.
02
Without a guide bushing, the part length is limited by collet rigidity. For 12 mm diameter, practical max is roughly 30-36 mm (L/D of 2.5-3:1) for parts needing good surface finish and tight tolerances. Looser tolerance work can push to 4:1 L/D. For anything longer, you need the guide bushing support of the B0123-VR or B0125-VR. Material hardness affects this — softer materials allow slightly longer parts.
03
The B0123C is purpose-built for high-volume production of small parts from bar stock. It offers gang tool post speed (no turret indexing), Swiss-type precision, and automatic bar feeding. A conventional small CNC lathe (like a Haas CL-1 or similar) offers more flexibility and larger part capacity but can't match the B0123C's cycle times on sub-12mm parts. The B0123C is the better choice for dedicated high-volume small-part production.
04
The B0123C shares the B012x platform with the well-documented B0125-III and B0125C. Bar capacity, spindle speed, and rapid traverse rate are consistent across the platform. The estimated values for tool count, motor power, and control are highly probable based on the platform architecture. Request the official spec sheet from your Tsugami dealer for final confirmation before purchasing.
