Tsugami BW129Z-I
Key Specifications
bar capacity
max machinable diameter
axes
main spindle speed
back spindle speed
main spindle motor
Overview
The Tsugami BW129Z-I is a 9-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe with a 12.7 mm (0.5 in) bar capacity and independent opposed tool posts featuring live tooling capability. It's the live-tooling variant of the BW128Z-I, adding cross-drilling, milling, and off-center machining capability to the same 9-axis 3-path simultaneous platform.
The BW129Z-I's main differentiator in the BW12x lineup is its live tooling: 9 to 11 live tool positions spinning at 8,000 or 12,000 RPM depending on the station. Combined with 28 total tool positions, you can produce highly complex parts complete in a single setup without secondary operations. The Z suffix means the rear tool post has its own Z-axis travel for center alignment and additional simultaneous machining.
Both the main and back spindles reach 12,000 RPM, powered by a 1.5/2.2 kW motor. The slightly lower motor power compared to the BW128Z-I's 2.2/3.7 kW reflects the different tooling emphasis — the BW129Z-I trades some turning torque for the addition of live tooling stations. Rapid traverse rates are identical at 24 m/min on Y1/Y3, 15 m/min on Y2, and 12 m/min on X1/X3/Z3.
The headstock stroke is 210 mm with the guide bushing installed and 45 mm in guide-bushless mode. The convertible guide bushing system lets you optimize for either long slender parts or short parts where material waste matters. At 2,010 x 1,505 x 1,750 mm and 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs), it's virtually the same footprint as the non-live-tooling BW128Z-I. This machine excels in medical, electronics, and watchmaking applications where part complexity demands both turning and milling in one cycle.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 12.7 mm (0.5 in) |
| Max Machinable Diameter | 3-12 mm (0.12-0.47 in) |
| Axes | 9 axes |
| Main Spindle Speed | 200-12,000 RPM |
| Back Spindle Speed | 200-12,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Motor | 1.5/2.2 kW (2/3 hp) |
| Live Tool Speed | 8,000/12,000 RPM |
| Tool Positions | 28 |
| Live Tool Positions | 9/11 |
| Headstock Stroke With Gb | 210 mm (8.27 in) |
| Headstock Stroke Without Gb | 45 mm (1.77 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 24 m/min (Y1, Y3); 15 m/min (Y2); 12 m/min (X1, X3, Z3) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (convertible) |
| 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
- 9-11 live tool positions at up to 12,000 RPM enable cross-drilling, milling, and off-center features without secondary operations
- 28 tool positions provide ample capacity for complex parts requiring many different tools
- 9-axis 3-path simultaneous control minimizes cycle times by running three operations concurrently
- 12,000 RPM main and back spindle speeds are excellent for small-diameter precision parts
- Convertible guide bushing with 210 mm stroke in Swiss mode and 45 mm in chucker mode covers a wide part length range
- Z-axis on rear tool post enables center alignment and additional simultaneous machining operations
Limitations
- 1.5/2.2 kW main spindle motor is lower than the BW128Z-I's 2.2/3.7 kW, limiting torque for heavy turning cuts
- First-generation (I) model has been superseded by the II generation with refinements
- 9-axis with live tooling adds significant programming complexity requiring advanced multi-channel CAM software
- 12.7 mm bar capacity restricts the machine to small parts only
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The BW129Z-I adds live tooling (9-11 positions at 8,000/12,000 RPM) and 4 more total tool positions (28 vs 24). It has a slightly smaller main spindle motor (1.5/2.2 kW vs 2.2/3.7 kW) and adds defined headstock strokes (210 mm/45 mm). Choose the BW129Z-I if your parts need milled features like flats, cross-holes, or hexagonal shapes.
02
Different live tool positions run at different maximum speeds depending on their location and drive mechanism. Some positions max out at 8,000 RPM while others can reach 12,000 RPM. The higher-speed positions are typically on the main tool posts, while the lower-speed positions may be on secondary stations. Check the specific tool station layout for your application needs.
03
The BW129Z-I uses a 1.5/2.2 kW motor vs the BW128Z-I's 2.2/3.7 kW because the machine allocates more drive capacity to the live tooling system. For the small-diameter parts this machine handles (under 12 mm), the 1.5/2.2 kW motor provides sufficient torque for most turning operations. Heavy cuts in stainless or titanium may require adjusted parameters.
04
The Generation I has been replaced by the BW129Z-II. New machines will be the II version with improvements. The I generation is available in the used market and can offer strong value. When evaluating used units, check spindle hours, axis backlash, and live tooling condition carefully.
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