Tsugami BW209Z-II

$310,000 - $450,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

bar capacity

20 mm (0.8 in)

max machinable diameter

3-20 mm (0.12-0.79 in)

axes

9 axes

main spindle speed

200-10,000 RPM

sub spindle speed

200-12,000 RPM

main spindle motor

2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 hp)

Overview

The Tsugami BW209Z-II is the flagship of the BW20x-II family — a 9-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe with 20 mm (0.8 in) bar capacity, live tooling, and Z-axis movement on the rear tool post. It's the fully loaded option for shops that need every possible machining operation completed in a single cycle on 20 mm parts.

The BW209Z-II packs 28 to 30 tool positions with 9 to 11 live tool stations running at 8,000 or 10,000 RPM. The main spindle reaches 200-10,000 RPM and the sub spindle hits 200-12,000 RPM, both driven by a 2.2/3.7 kW motor. The Z-axis rear tool post provides the third independent machining path for true 3-path simultaneous control. Combined with live tooling, this machine can turn, thread, groove, cross-drill, mill flats, and perform back-working all in one cycle.

The headstock stroke measures 170 mm (6.69 in) with guide bushing and 45 mm (1.77 in) in guide-bushless mode. Rapid traverse hits 32 m/min — notably faster than the 24 m/min on the non-live-tooling BW20x-II variants. The machine runs on a FANUC 31i-B control for multi-channel 9-axis simultaneous interpolation.

Generation II improvements include automatic programming software as standard. At 2,010 x 1,505 x 1,750 mm (79.1 x 59.3 x 68.9 in) and 2,900 kg (6,393 lbs), it maintains the same compact footprint as the rest of the BW-II lineup. The BW209Z-II is Tsugami's answer for shops that refuse to compromise — maximum axes, maximum tooling, and maximum simultaneous capability on 20 mm bar stock.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Bar Capacity	20 mm (0.8 in)
Max Machinable Diameter	3-20 mm (0.12-0.79 in)
Axes	9 axes
Main Spindle Speed	200-10,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Speed	200-12,000 RPM
Main Spindle Motor	2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 hp)
Live Tool Speed	8,000/10,000 RPM
Tool Positions	28/30
Live Tool Positions	9/11
Headstock Stroke With Gb	170 mm (6.69 in)
Headstock Stroke Without Gb	45 mm (1.77 in)
Rapid Traverse Rate	32 m/min
Guide Bushing	Yes (convertible)
CNC Control	FANUC 31i-B
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 10,000 RPM enable complete parts with milled and drilled features
28-30 total tool positions cover even the most complex multi-operation parts in a single setup
9-axis 3-path simultaneous control with Z-axis rear post delivers maximum cycle time reduction
32 m/min rapid traverse outpaces the non-live-tooling variants for faster tool-to-tool transitions
FANUC 31i-B control provides robust multi-channel processing for complex simultaneous operations
Generation II automatic programming software reduces setup burden
Convertible guide bushing covers 170 mm Swiss-mode stroke and 45 mm chucker-mode

Limitations

Most complex and expensive machine in the BW20x-II family — overkill for simpler parts
10,000 RPM main spindle is lower than the 12,000 RPM on non-live-tooling variants
9-axis with live tooling demands advanced multi-channel CAM software and skilled programmers
170 mm headstock stroke in guide bushing mode is shorter than some dedicated Swiss machines

Best For

Medical device shops producing orthopedic screws, spinal implants, and dental components with milled features from 20 mm bar Hydraulic and pneumatic fitting manufacturers needing cross-drilled, threaded, and milled parts complete in one cycle Aerospace fastener and connector producers working titanium and stainless parts requiring multi-feature completion Automotive fuel injector and sensor component shops where secondary operation elimination improves margins High-value contract manufacturers running complex 20 mm parts at volumes that justify the investment

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the BW209Z-II compare to the BW209Z-I?

The Generation II adds automatic programming software as standard and includes platform refinements. Core specifications — spindle speeds, bar capacity, axes, and tooling — remain the same. The main benefit of the II generation is improved ease of use and reduced setup time.

02 Is the BW209Z-II the most capable 20mm BW machine?

Yes, in the BW (independent opposed tool post) family. It's the only 20 mm BW-II variant with both 9 axes and live tooling. The BW208Z-II has 9 axes without live tooling, and the BW208-II has 8 axes and more tool positions. The BW209Z-II is the full-capability option.

03 Why is the main spindle limited to 10,000 RPM?

At 20 mm bar diameter, 10,000 RPM provides surface speeds exceeding 600 m/min — well above optimal cutting speeds for steel and stainless. The sub spindle reaches 12,000 RPM for back-working on smaller diameters. Higher main spindle speeds at 20 mm would generate excessive centrifugal forces and bar vibration without practical benefit.

04 What CAM software handles the BW209Z-II best?

PartMaker (Mastercam Swiss), ESPRIT, and SolidCAM Swiss are the most common choices for 9-axis BW machines with live tooling. The critical requirement is 3-path synchronization with live tool coordination. Full cycle simulation before running first articles is essential at this complexity level.