Tsugami B038V-III
Key Specifications
bar capacity
number of axes
main spindle speed
guide bushing
tool post
control
Overview
The Tsugami B038V-III is the largest-capacity member of Tsugami's vertical gang tool post Swiss-type lathe family, handling bar stock up to 38 mm. It extends the same vertical gang design philosophy found in the B026V-III and B032V-III to a larger bar capacity range, bringing gravity-assisted chip evacuation and gang tool speed to parts that are too big for the 26 and 32 mm variants.
With 38 mm bar capacity, the B038V-III opens up applications in hydraulic fittings, larger automotive components, and industrial fasteners that won't fit in smaller Swiss machines. The sliding headstock with guide bushing maintains the Swiss-type advantage of supporting the workpiece close to the cutting zone, delivering the concentricity and surface finish that guide bushing operation is known for.
The machine runs on a FANUC control and shares the vertical gang platform's core design principles with its smaller siblings. The main spindle is estimated at 8,000 RPM based on the shared platform, providing good surface speeds across the 38 mm capacity range. The 5-axis configuration handles standard Swiss-type operations including turning, facing, drilling, threading, and cross-working with live tools.
As the largest vertical gang Swiss machine in Tsugami's lineup, the B038V-III fills a specific niche for shops that want the chip management benefits of vertical orientation combined with the speed of gang tooling at a bar capacity that most Swiss machines don't reach. It's a production-focused platform for shops running parts in the 25-38 mm range that value chip control and cycle time over raw axis count.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Number Of Axes | 5 (estimated) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 8,000 RPM (estimated) |
| Guide Bushing | Sliding headstock with guide bushing |
| Tool Post | Vertical gang tool post |
| CNC Control | FANUC |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 38 mm bar capacity is the largest in Tsugami's vertical gang Swiss lineup, covering parts that won't fit in 26-32 mm machines
- Vertical gang tool post design provides gravity-assisted chip clearing for cleaner cuts and longer tool life
- Sliding headstock with guide bushing delivers Swiss-type precision and concentricity on larger-diameter parts
- Gang tool speed advantage over turret machines means shorter cycle times on multi-operation parts
- Shared platform with B026V-III and B032V-III simplifies training and spare parts for shops running multiple V-series machines
Limitations
- 5-axis configuration limits part complexity compared to 7-9 axis machines like the B038T
- Detailed specifications are limited since this is primarily a Japan-market model
- Gang tool post capacity may not match turret machines for parts requiring many different tools
- Larger bar capacity means heavier bar stock, which may require more robust bar feeding equipment
- 8,000 RPM estimated spindle speed may limit surface speed optimization on smaller diameters within the range
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The B038V-III is a 5-axis vertical gang tool post machine, while the B038T is a 9-axis machine with both gang and turret tooling. The B038T offers far more tooling positions (45 vs. fewer on the V-III) and more axes for complex simultaneous operations. The B038V-III is simpler, faster on basic operations, and less expensive. Choose the B038T for complex parts; the B038V-III for simpler parts at higher speeds.
02
LNS, IEMCA, and FMB all offer bar feeders rated for 38 mm bar stock. The LNS Alpha 342 and IEMCA Boss 542 are popular choices for this capacity range. Hydrodynamic bar feeders are recommended at 38 mm to manage the heavier bar weight and minimize vibration at higher spindle speeds.
03
For chip management, yes. Gravity pulls chips away from the cutting zone on vertical gang machines, reducing recutting, chip wrapping, and the associated surface finish and tool life problems. The advantage is most noticeable on materials that produce long, stringy chips (stainless, aluminum, copper) and during extended unattended production runs.
04
The B038V-III handles brass, aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, and engineering plastics at 38 mm diameter. Titanium alloys and Inconel are feasible at reduced speeds with appropriate tooling, though the 5-axis limitation means complex titanium parts may be better served by the B038T with its greater tooling flexibility.
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