Tsugami B073C
Key Specifications
bar capacity
main spindle speed
sub spindle
axes
spindle motor
tool positions
Overview
The Tsugami B073C is a 3-axis dedicated chucker (guide-bushless) CNC automatic lathe with 7 mm (0.275 in) bar capacity. The 'C' designation means this machine is purpose-built for guide-bushless operation — it's not convertible like the B073-VR. That's a feature, not a limitation, because dedicated chucker designs are optimized from the ground up for short parts with low length-to-diameter ratios.
The main spindle reaches 15,000 RPM driven by a 1.1/1.5 kW (2 HP) motor. Up to 21 tool positions on the opposed gang tool post provide generous capacity for a 3-axis machine. The rapid traverse rate of 32 m/min and the FANUC 0i-TF control round out a straightforward, efficient package.
The key advantage of a dedicated chucker versus a convertible guide bushing machine is material savings and bar stock flexibility. You don't lose material to guide bushing remnants (typically 20-30 mm per bar), and you can use standard cold-drawn bar stock instead of the more expensive precision-ground bar required for guide bushing operation. On a 7 mm machine running millions of parts per year, those savings add up significantly.
The B073C's estimated dimensions of 1,035 x 1,585 x 1,700 mm (40.7 x 62.4 x 66.9 in) at approximately 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) match the compact B07x platform. This is a 3-axis machine without a sub spindle, so it's strictly front-side machining only. For parts that need backworking in chucker mode, the B075C adds a sub spindle with 5 axes. The B073C excels at high-volume production of short, simple-geometry parts where material cost and cycle time matter most.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 7 mm (0.275 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 15,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle | N/A (no sub spindle) |
| Axes | 3 |
| Spindle Motor | 1.1/1.5 kW (2 HP) |
| Tool Positions | Up to 21 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 32 m/min |
| Guide Bushing | Dedicated chucker (guide-bushless) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 0i-TF |
| Dimensions | 1,035 x 1,585 x 1,700 mm (40.7 x 62.4 x 66.9 in, estimated) |
| Machine Weight | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb, estimated) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Dedicated chucker design eliminates guide bushing remnant waste, saving material on high-volume runs
- No need for precision-ground bar stock — cold-drawn bar works fine, reducing material cost
- 15,000 RPM spindle provides excellent surface speeds for 7 mm and smaller parts
- Up to 21 tool positions on opposed gang post is generous for a 3-axis chucker
- Compact platform fits into tight production cell layouts
- Simpler setup than guide bushing machines — no guide bushing clearance adjustment needed
Limitations
- No sub spindle — parts requiring backworking need the B075C or secondary operations
- Dedicated chucker can't switch to guide bushing mode — not suitable for long, slender parts
- 7 mm bar capacity limits the machine to small parts only
- 3-axis restricts machining to front-side turning, facing, and drilling — no Y-axis milling
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Choose the B073C when all your parts are short (L/D under 3:1) and you never need guide bushing support. The B073C saves money on bar stock (no grinding required, no remnant waste) and is simpler to set up. Choose the B073-VR if you run a mix of long and short parts, or if any parts have L/D ratios over 3:1 where guide bushing support is needed for concentricity and surface finish.
02
Guide bushing machines waste 20-30 mm per bar end as remnant, plus the bar itself must be precision-ground (typically $0.50-$2.00/ft premium over cold-drawn). On 7 mm bar running 3,000 mm lengths, remnant loss is about 0.7-1% per bar. The bigger savings come from using cold-drawn bar. Over a million parts per year, the savings can be $5,000-$15,000 or more, depending on material and volume.
03
Without a guide bushing, part length is limited by the machine's ability to maintain rigidity with the part cantilevered from the collet. For 7 mm diameter, practical maximum part length is roughly 15-20 mm (L/D of about 2-3:1) for good surface finish and accuracy. Beyond that, you need guide bushing support from the B073-VR or B075-VR. Exact limits depend on material, tolerances, and surface finish requirements.
04
Yes. Both use the same opposed gang tool post system and standard Swiss-type tool holders. Tooling is interchangeable between the C (chucker) and VR (guide bushing) variants. If you run both machines in your shop, you can share your tool inventory. The only difference is the guide bushing-related components.
