Tsugami BW129Z-II

$290,000 - $420,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

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)

Overview

The Tsugami BW129Z-II is the top-spec machine in the BW12x-II family — a 9-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe with a 12.7 mm (0.5 in) bar capacity, live tooling, and Z-axis movement on the rear tool post. It's the Generation II update to the BW129Z-I, carrying forward the same 3-path simultaneous architecture with refinements and automatic programming software as standard.

This machine is built for parts that need everything: turning, cross-drilling, milling, threading, and back-working, all completed in a single cycle. The 28 tool positions include 9-11 live tool stations, and the main and back spindles reach 12,000 RPM. The main spindle motor is 1.5/2.2 kW — sized for the small-diameter work this machine handles rather than brute-force cutting. Live tooling runs at 8,000/12,000 RPM depending on the station.

The Z-axis rear tool post provides center alignment and additional simultaneous machining capability, while the headstock stroke measures 210 mm with guide bushing and 45 mm in guide-bushless mode. Rapid traverse runs at 24 m/min on Y1/Y3, 15 m/min on Y2, and 12 m/min on X1/X3/Z3, matching the rest of the BW-II family.

The Generation II improvements are meaningful: automatic programming software as standard reduces the CAM learning curve, and the platform refinements improve reliability and ease of maintenance. At 2,010 x 1,505 x 1,750 mm and 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs), it shares the same footprint as the rest of the BW-II lineup. This is Tsugami's answer for shops that need maximum capability on 12 mm parts — the swiss army knife (no pun intended) of the BW family.

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)
Tool Positions	28
Live Tool Positions	9/11
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 with up to 12,000 RPM speed enable cross-drilling, milling, and off-center features
28 total tool positions plus live tooling means complex parts finish complete without secondary operations
9-axis 3-path simultaneous control with Z-axis rear post provides maximum cycle time reduction
Generation II automatic programming software lowers the barrier to entry for multi-channel programming
Convertible guide bushing covers 210 mm machining length in Swiss mode and 45 mm in chucker mode
Current-production model with full manufacturer warranty and support

Limitations

1.5/2.2 kW main spindle motor limits heavy turning cuts in harder materials at larger diameters
9-axis with live tooling is the most complex programming scenario in the BW family
12.7 mm bar capacity restricts the machine to small parts — 20 mm work needs the BW209Z-II
Premium pricing over simpler BW12x-II variants requires high-volume complex parts to justify

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing bone screws, dental abutments, and spinal components with milled features Electronics and connector manufacturers needing cross-drilled, milled, and turned features on precision pins Watchmaking operations producing complex small components requiring both turning and milling in one setup Aerospace micro-component producers making complex parts from titanium and stainless under 12 mm High-value contract manufacturers where secondary operation elimination directly improves margins

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the BW129Z-II compare to the BW128Z-II?

The BW129Z-II adds live tooling (9-11 positions at 8,000/12,000 RPM) and offers 28 tool positions vs 24 on the BW128Z-II. The trade-off is a smaller main spindle motor (1.5/2.2 kW vs 2.2/3.7 kW). Choose the BW129Z-II if your parts need milled or cross-drilled features. Choose the BW128Z-II if your parts are primarily turning operations.

02 What did Generation II change from Generation I?

Generation II adds automatic programming software as standard, 5 mm rear tool post Z-axis center alignment, and platform refinements. The underlying 9-axis architecture and spindle specifications remain the same. The improvements primarily target setup time reduction and operator accessibility.

03 Is the BW129Z-II the most capable 12mm Swiss machine Tsugami makes?

In the BW (independent opposed tool post) series, yes — the BW129Z-II is the top-spec 12 mm machine with 9 axes, live tooling, and Z-axis rear post. Tsugami also makes the B0125 and B0126 series with conventional gang tool post designs, which offer different trade-offs in tooling layout and programming.

04 What CAM software supports the BW129Z-II?

PartMaker (Mastercam Swiss), ESPRIT, SolidCAM Swiss, and GibbsCAM all support multi-channel programming for the BW129Z-II's 9-axis configuration. The Generation II automatic programming software can also handle many parts directly, reducing CAM dependency for simpler jobs.