Tsugami BW329Z
Key Specifications
bar capacity main
bar capacity sub
max machining length
axes
main spindle speed
sub spindle speed
Overview
The Tsugami BW329Z is a 9-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe built around independent opposed gang tool posts and a back tool post with Y-axis capability. With a 32 mm (1.26 in) bar capacity on both the main and sub spindle, it's aimed squarely at shops producing complex, medium-diameter turned parts that need simultaneous multi-path machining to keep cycle times competitive.
The 9-axis configuration (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Y2, Z2, X3, Y3, Z3) enables true 3-path simultaneous control. That means you can run main spindle turning, sub spindle back-working, and a third operation on the back tool post all at the same time. The independent opposed tool posts minimize tool change idle time since each post indexes independently rather than sharing a turret. Main and sub spindle speeds top out at 8,000 RPM with a 3.7/5.5 kW (5/7.4 hp) main spindle motor, which gives you enough torque for steel and stainless work at this bar size.
Tooling capacity is generous: 29 standard positions expandable to 38, with 11 to 26 live tool positions. Live tools spin at 6,000 RPM, sufficient for cross-drilling and light milling but not for aggressive material removal. The machine handles a maximum machining length of 330 mm (12.99 in) with the guide bushing installed, and it's convertible to guide-bushless mode with a 70 mm (2.76 in) stroke for shorter parts where you want to save on bar stock waste.
The BW329Z runs on a FANUC 31i-B control and features rapid traverse rates of 35 m/min across axes. At 5,200 kg (11,460 lbs), it's a substantial machine with a footprint of 2,655 x 1,640 x 2,000 mm (104.5 x 64.5 x 79 in). Thermal displacement compensation is standard, which matters when you're holding tight tolerances across long production runs. Internal tool tip coolant is available as an option for improved chip evacuation and tool life on difficult materials.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity Main | 32 mm (1.26 in) |
| Bar Capacity Sub | 32 mm (1.26 in) |
| Max Machining Length | 330 mm (12.99 in) |
| Axes | 9 axes (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Y2, Z2, X3, Y3, Z3) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 200-8,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 200-8,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Motor | 3.7/5.5 kW (5/7.4 hp) |
| Live Tool Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Tool Positions | 29 standard / 38 max |
| Live Tool Positions | 11 standard / 26 max |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (convertible to guide-bushless) |
| Headstock Stroke With Gb | 330 mm (12.99 in) |
| Headstock Stroke Without Gb | 70 mm (2.76 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 35 m/min |
| CNC Control | FANUC 31i-B |
| Machine Weight | 5,200 kg (11,460 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 2,655 x 1,640 x 2,000 mm (104.5 x 64.5 x 79 in) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 9-axis 3-path simultaneous control drastically reduces cycle times on complex parts by running three operations at once
- 32 mm (1.26 in) bar capacity on both spindles handles a wide range of medium-diameter turned parts
- Independent opposed tool posts eliminate shared turret indexing delays, cutting non-cutting time between operations
- Up to 38 tool positions with 26 live tool stations means fewer setups and more complete parts off the machine
- Convertible guide bushing design lets you switch between Swiss-mode for long parts and chucker-mode for short parts
- FANUC 31i-B control provides the processing power needed for complex 9-axis simultaneous interpolation
- Thermal displacement compensation maintains accuracy during extended production runs
Limitations
- 9-axis programming complexity requires experienced operators and robust CAM software with multi-channel support
- Live tool speed limited to 6,000 RPM restricts aggressive milling operations on harder materials
- 5,200 kg machine weight and large footprint (2,655 x 1,640 mm) demand solid foundations and significant floor space
- Premium price point puts it out of reach for shops that don't need simultaneous 3-path machining capability
- 8,000 RPM spindle speed is modest compared to smaller Tsugami models that reach 12,000 RPM
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The BW329Z handles 32 mm bar stock while the BW389Z steps up to 38 mm capacity. Both share the same 9-axis independent opposed tool post architecture and run on the FANUC 31i-B control. The BW389Z is the larger-capacity variant for shops that need to work with bigger bar diameters while keeping the same 3-path simultaneous machining capability.
02
The Z suffix in Tsugami's naming indicates Z-axis movement on the rear tool post. This enables center alignment and additional simultaneous machining on the back tool post. Models without the Z suffix lack this additional axis motion on the rear tool post, reducing simultaneous machining flexibility.
03
Yes, the BW329Z is convertible between guide bushing and guide-bushless operation. With the guide bushing installed, you get 330 mm (12.99 in) of machining length for long, slender parts. In guide-bushless mode, the headstock stroke drops to 70 mm (2.76 in), but you save on bar stock remnants and eliminate guide bushing wear — a real advantage for shorter parts with low L/D ratios.
04
The three independent tool posts (front gang, rear gang, and back tool post) each operate on their own path. You can be turning on the main spindle with the front post, threading on the sub spindle with the rear post, and running a back-working operation simultaneously. The FANUC 31i-B handles the multi-channel coordination. Your CAM software needs to support multi-path programming — PartMaker and ESPRIT are common choices for this level of complexity.
05
New BW329Z machines typically fall in the $350,000 to $500,000 range depending on tooling configuration and options like high-pressure coolant, bar feeders, and parts conveyors. The 9-axis independent opposed tool post design commands a premium over simpler 5 or 6-axis Swiss machines, but the cycle time reduction on complex parts can justify the investment for high-volume production.
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