Tsugami BW129Z-I
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
Tool Capacity
Rapid Traverse
Spindle Power
max machining diameter
sub spindle speed
How much does the Tsugami BW129Z-I cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a swiss-type lathe in this class — not a quote from Tsugami. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Tsugami BW129Z-I is the fully equipped 12 mm (0.47 in) BW: nine axes, 28 tools as standard, and both of the options the smaller variants split between them. It has the Y2 axis of the BW128-II and the 60 mm (2.36 in) Z3 stroke of the BW128Z-I on one machine.
That combination matters on parts that need off-centre features and deep axial holes in the same cycle. Y2 lets the second tool group work off the part centreline, and the long Z3 stroke lets the third group drill or bore along the axis without borrowing motion from another slide. On the eight-axis models one of those has to be given up.
All nine axes appear in the rapid traverse row: X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Y2, Z2, X3, Y3 and Z3. The fast ones are Z1, X2 and Z2 at 32 m/min. Y1 and Y3 run at 24 m/min, Y2 at 15 m/min, and X1, X3 and Z3 at 12 m/min.
Spindle figures are shared across the 12 mm group. The main spindle reaches 12,000 rpm with 10,000 rpm rated, the back spindle 12,000 rpm with 8,000 rpm rated, and each is rated 1.5/2.2 kW. The weight is 2,900 kg (6,393 lb), the same as the BW128-II, and the footprint is 2,010 × 1,505 × 1,750 mm (79.1 × 59.3 × 68.9 in).
Its closest relative is the BW129Z-II, which has the same nine axes and 28 tools but only 5 mm (0.20 in) of Z3 stroke.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Machining Diameter | 12 mm (0.47 in) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 12,000 rpm (rated 10,000 rpm) |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 12,000 rpm (rated 8,000 rpm) |
| Tool Capacity | 28 (standard) |
| Z3 Stroke | 60 mm (2.36 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 32 m/min (Z1, X2, Z2), 24 m/min (Y1, Y3), 15 m/min (Y2), 12 m/min (X1, X3, Z3) |
| Spindle Motor Power | 1.5/2.2 kW |
| Sub Spindle Power | 1.5/2.2 kW |
| Floor Space Required | 2,010 × 1,505 × 1,750 mm (79.1 × 59.3 × 68.9 in) |
| Machine Weight | 2,900 kg (6,393 lb) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Nine axes, including Y2 at 15 m/min and Z3 with a 60 mm (2.36 in) stroke
- 28 tools as standard, the larger of the two tool counts in the 12 mm BW range
- Main spindle to 12,000 rpm (rated 10,000 rpm) for bar up to 12 mm (0.47 in)
- Back spindle rated 1.5/2.2 kW, equal to the main spindle, running to 12,000 rpm (rated 8,000 rpm)
- Takes no more floor than the seven-axis BW127-II: 2,010 × 1,505 × 1,750 mm (79.1 × 59.3 × 68.9 in)
Limitations
- Bar capacity is limited to 12 mm (0.47 in); the BW209Z-I takes 20 mm (0.79 in) with the same axis set
- Spindle power is 1.5/2.2 kW, so heavy stock removal is not what this machine is for
- X1, X3 and Z3 traverse at 12 m/min, Y2 at 15 m/min
- At 2,900 kg (6,393 lb) it is the heavier of the two weights in the 12 mm range
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The Z3 stroke. The BW129Z-I has 60 mm (2.36 in), the BW129Z-II has 5 mm (0.20 in). Both list nine axes, 28 tools as standard, 12 mm (0.47 in) bar capacity and 2,900 kg (6,393 lb).
02
For the Y2 axis and four more tools. The BW128Z-I has the same 60 mm (2.36 in) Z3 stroke but no Y2 and 24 tools as standard. The BW129Z-I adds Y2 at 15 m/min and carries 28.
03
32 m/min on Z1, X2 and Z2; 24 m/min on Y1 and Y3; 15 m/min on Y2; 12 m/min on X1, X3 and Z3. The slower X and Z3 rates mean short moves on those axes contribute more to the cycle than their length suggests.
04
The BW209Z-I has the same nine axes and 60 mm (2.36 in) Z3 stroke for bar up to 20 mm (0.79 in). The main spindle of the BW209Z-I is rated 2.2/3.7 kW and runs to 10,000 rpm (rated 8,000 rpm).
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