Tsugami BW127-II
Key Specifications
max machinable diameter
axes
main spindle speed
back spindle speed
main spindle motor
tool positions
Overview
The Tsugami BW127-II is a 7-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe from Tsugami's Generation II BW series, handling parts up to 12 mm (0.47 in) diameter. It's the entry point in the BW12x-II family — a 7-axis machine without Z-axis movement on the rear tool post, which makes it less capable than the 8 and 9-axis variants but also simpler to program and operate.
The BW127-II uses Tsugami's independent opposed tool post architecture for simultaneous multi-path machining, but with 7 axes instead of 9. Without the Z suffix, the rear tool post lacks its own Z-axis travel. Both the main and back spindles reach 12,000 RPM with a 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 hp) motor, providing strong performance for small-diameter precision parts in brass, aluminum, stainless, and titanium.
Tooling capacity is 28 positions with rapid traverse rates of 24 m/min on Y1/Y3, 15 m/min on Y2, and 12 m/min on X1/X3/Z3. The Generation II designation brings improvements over the original BW127 including automatic programming software as standard. The guide bushing system is selectable for switching between Swiss and guide-bushless modes.
At 2,010 x 1,505 x 1,750 mm and 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs), it shares the same compact footprint as the rest of the BW-II family. For shops that don't need the full 9-axis capability of the BW128Z-II or BW129Z-II, the BW127-II offers a lower-cost entry into the BW platform with reduced programming complexity while still delivering the cycle time benefits of independent opposed tool posts.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Machinable Diameter | 3-12 mm (0.12-0.47 in) |
| Axes | 7 axes |
| Main Spindle Speed | 200-12,000 RPM |
| Back Spindle Speed | 200-12,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Motor | 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 hp) |
| Tool Positions | 28 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 24 m/min (Y1, Y3); 15 m/min (Y2); 12 m/min (X1, X3, Z3) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (selectable) |
| Machine Weight | 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 2,010 x 1,505 x 1,750 mm (79.1 x 59.3 x 68.9 in) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 28 tool positions provide strong tooling capacity for complex parts despite the 7-axis configuration
- 12,000 RPM main and back spindle speeds deliver excellent surface speeds for small-diameter precision work
- 7-axis programming is simpler than 9-axis, reducing CAM software requirements and operator learning curve
- Independent opposed tool posts still deliver cycle time benefits over traditional turret-based Swiss machines
- Generation II improvements include automatic programming software as standard
- Same compact footprint as the 9-axis BW variants, simplifying floor planning
Limitations
- No Z-axis on rear tool post limits simultaneous machining flexibility compared to BW128Z-II and BW129Z-II
- 7-axis configuration means fewer simultaneous operations than the 9-axis variants
- No live tooling specified — parts needing milled features require secondary operations or a different machine
- 12 mm capacity limits the machine to small parts only
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The BW127-II is a 7-axis machine without Z-axis on the rear tool post, making it simpler to program and less expensive. The BW128Z-II adds 2 more axes including Z-axis rear post movement. If your parts don't require the rear post Z-axis for simultaneous operations, the BW127-II saves cost and complexity while still offering independent opposed tool post benefits.
02
The Generation II BW series includes automatic programming software as standard, improved rear tool post Z-axis travel (5 mm for center alignment), and general refinements to the platform. The improvements reduce setup time and make the machines more accessible to operators less experienced with multi-axis Swiss programming.
03
No, the axis count is hardware-dependent. You can't add axes to an existing machine. If you think you might need 8 or 9 axes in the future, it's better to buy the higher-axis machine upfront. However, many shops find that the 7-axis BW127-II handles their needs well and the simpler programming is a lasting advantage.
04
The base BW127-II spec doesn't include live tooling. For cross-drilling and milling capability in the BW12x-II family, look at the BW129Z-II which offers 9-11 live tool positions. If your parts are all turning, threading, and grooving operations, the BW127-II's 28 tool positions handle those tasks efficiently.
