Tsugami BW208Z-II
Key Specifications
max machinable diameter
axes
main spindle speed
back spindle speed
main spindle motor
tool positions
Overview
The Tsugami BW208Z-II is a 9-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe from the Generation II BW series, handling parts up to 20 mm (0.79 in) diameter. The Z suffix means the rear tool post has its own Z-axis movement for center alignment and additional simultaneous machining, and the II marks it as the current-generation platform.
With 9 axes and independent opposed tool posts, the BW208Z-II delivers true 3-path simultaneous control on 20 mm bar stock. Both the main and back spindles reach 12,000 RPM with a 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 hp) motor. The rear tool post's Z-axis travel enables a third concurrent machining operation, which is where the real cycle time gains come from compared to the 7 and 8-axis variants.
The machine carries 24 tool positions with rapid traverse at 24 m/min on Y1/Y3, 15 m/min on Y2, and 12 m/min on X1/X3/Z3. Fewer tools than the 28-position BW208-II, but the additional axis capability compensates for parts where simultaneous operations matter more than tool variety. The selectable guide bushing system supports both Swiss and guide-bushless modes.
Generation II improvements include automatic programming software as standard. At 2,010 x 1,505 x 1,750 mm and 2,850 kg (6,283 lbs), the BW208Z-II is the lightest in the BW20x-II family at 50 kg less than the non-Z variants. This is Tsugami's choice for shops that need maximum simultaneous machining flexibility on 20 mm parts without live tooling — if you also need cross-drilling and milling, step up to the BW209Z-II.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Machinable Diameter | 3-20 mm (0.12-0.79 in) |
| Axes | 9 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 | 24 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 24 m/min (Y1, Y3); 15 m/min (Y2); 12 m/min (X1, X3, Z3) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (selectable) |
| Machine Weight | 2,850 kg (6,283 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-axis 3-path simultaneous control provides maximum cycle time reduction on complex 20 mm parts
- Z-axis rear tool post movement enables center alignment and a third concurrent machining operation
- 12,000 RPM dual spindles with 2.2/3.7 kW motor deliver strong turning performance
- Generation II automatic programming software reduces setup and programming burden
- Current-production model with full manufacturer support and warranty
- Selectable guide bushing provides flexibility for both long and short parts
Limitations
- 24 tool positions is 4 fewer than the 28 on the BW208-II — may limit tool variety for some jobs
- No live tooling in the base spec — milled features require the BW209Z-II
- 9-axis 3-path programming demands skilled operators and capable multi-channel CAM software
- Premium price over simpler BW20x-II variants needs high-volume complex parts to justify
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Depends on your parts. The BW208Z-II gives you 9 axes with Z-axis rear post movement for true 3-path simultaneous machining but only 24 tool positions. The BW208-II offers 8 axes and 28 tool positions without the Z-axis rear post travel. If your parts benefit more from simultaneous operations, choose the Z variant. If you need more tool stations, choose the non-Z.
02
No, the BW208Z-II doesn't include live tooling in its specification. For live tooling capability with 20 mm capacity in the BW-II family, you need the BW209Z-II which offers 9-11 live tool positions. The BW208Z-II excels at turning, threading, and grooving operations.
03
The Z-axis movement on the rear tool post enables a third independent machining path. While the front and rear opposed posts handle main spindle work, the back tool post can simultaneously machine the sub-spindle part with Z-axis travel for center alignment and additional cuts. This third path can reduce cycle times by 15-30% on parts with enough operations to distribute across three paths.
04
The BW208Z-II runs on a FANUC control system suitable for 9-axis simultaneous interpolation, with Tsugami's automatic programming overlay as standard in the Generation II. The FANUC platform ensures compatibility with mainstream CAM software and provides the processing power for multi-channel 3-path programming.
