Tsugami B0125-VR
Key Specifications
bar capacity
main spindle speed
sub spindle speed
axes
spindle motor
tool positions
Overview
The Tsugami B0125-VR is a 5-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe with 12 mm (0.5 in) bar capacity, representing the VR-generation upgrade of one of Tsugami's most popular Swiss platforms. With a sub spindle, live tooling, and ceramic ball bearings, it's a complete production machine for complex small parts that need front-and-back machining.
The main spindle runs at 12,000 RPM powered by a 1.5/2.2 kW (3 HP) motor, while the sub spindle matches at 12,000 RPM. Four live tool positions provide cross-drilling, milling, and threading capability at 8,000 RPM. Total tool capacity is 21 positions on the opposed gang tool post. The 32 m/min rapid traverse rate and 210 mm (8.26 in) headstock stroke with guide bushing deliver competitive cycle times.
The convertible guide bushing design is a major flexibility advantage. With the guide bushing, you get sliding headstock operation with 210 mm machining length for long, slender parts. Switch to guide-bushless mode and you get 45 mm (1.77 in) machining length for shorter parts — no ground bar stock required, no remnant waste. Conversion takes roughly 30-60 minutes, making it practical to switch based on job requirements.
Running on a FANUC 0i-TF control, the B0125-VR sits in a 1,665 x 1,125 x 1,700 mm (65.2 x 44.3 x 66.9 in) envelope at 2,000 kg (4,409 lb). The VR generation's ceramic ball bearings on the main spindle significantly extend bearing life and improve thermal stability versus the previous III generation. Tsugami's proprietary chuck mechanism provides faster, more balanced clamping. This is the 12 mm Swiss machine to buy if you want Tsugami's latest technology with sub spindle capability.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Axes | 5 |
| Spindle Motor | 1.5/2.2 kW (3 HP) |
| Tool Positions | 21 |
| Live Tool Positions | 4 |
| Live Tool Speed | 8,000 RPM |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 32 m/min |
| Headstock Stroke With Guide Bushing | 210 mm (8.26 in) |
| Headstock Stroke Without Guide Bushing | 45 mm (1.77 in) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (convertible) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 0i-TF |
| Dimensions | 1,665 x 1,125 x 1,700 mm (65.2 x 44.3 x 66.9 in) |
| Machine Weight | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 12,000 RPM matched main and sub spindles enable fast, balanced front-and-back machining cycles
- Convertible guide bushing design handles both long slender parts (210 mm) and short chucker parts (45 mm)
- VR-generation ceramic ball bearings deliver superior thermal stability and extended bearing life
- 4 live tool positions at 8,000 RPM cover cross-drilling, milling, and threading without secondary ops
- FANUC 0i-TF control is an industry-standard platform with wide support and training availability
- Compact 2,000 kg footprint fits comfortably in Swiss production cells with multiple machines
Limitations
- 12 mm bar capacity limits part size — shops needing 16-20 mm must step up to B020x series
- 5-axis without Y-axis on the main tool post restricts off-centerline milling capability
- 4 live tool positions is fewer than the 8 positions on the 6-axis B0126-VR variant
- 21 total tool positions may be tight for very complex parts requiring many operations
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The B0125-VR upgrades the III generation with ceramic ball bearings (versus conventional steel), Tsugami's proprietary chuck mechanism (replacing toggle design), and guide bushing adjustment from the tooling zone side. Core specs like spindle speed, tool capacity, and dimensions are similar. The VR series delivers better accuracy retention, longer bearing life, and faster setup. It's worth the premium for new purchases.
02
The B0126-VR adds a 6th axis (Y2 on the sub spindle), bumps tool count to 25 with 8 live tool positions, and upgrades to a FANUC 32i-B control. It's the better choice for complex parts requiring Y-axis milling on both front and back sides. The B0125-VR is more affordable and sufficient for parts that don't need Y-axis capability. The B0126-VR weighs less (1,750 kg) despite the extra axis, interestingly.
03
The convertible design lets you run one machine for two types of work. With the guide bushing (Swiss mode), you machine long parts up to 210 mm with excellent concentricity. Without it (chucker mode), you machine shorter parts up to 45 mm using cold-drawn bar — no grinding required, no remnant waste. Shops that run a mix of long and short parts save significantly by having one convertible machine versus two dedicated ones.
04
Absolutely. The Citizen L12/A20 and Star SR-20 are the main competitors at this size class. Citizen's advantage is LFV chip-breaking technology. Star's advantage is their slide-based architecture for high-speed production. Tsugami's B0125-VR counters with ceramic bearings, the convertible guide bushing, and competitive pricing. All three brands make excellent machines — the choice often comes down to dealer support and existing fleet compatibility.
05
Popular pairings include the LNS Alpha 320, IEMCA Boss 332, FMB Turbo 3-20, and Edge Technologies Patriot 320. Any hydrodynamic bar feeder rated for 12 mm stock will work. For best surface finish and reduced vibration, choose a hydrodynamic feeder over a push-type. The feeder should support the bar lengths you run — typically 3,000-4,000 mm for 12 mm stock.
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