Tsugami E0165

$120,000 - $165,000 Updated 2026-03-16

Key Specifications

Rapid Traverse

28 m/min (1,102 ipm)

Accuracy

±0.005 mm

Repeatability

±0.003 mm

max bar capacity

16 mm (0.630 in)

main spindle speed

12,000 RPM

sub spindle speed

10,000 RPM

Overview

The Tsugami E0165 is an economy-class 16 mm Swiss-type automatic lathe designed to deliver Tsugami's core Swiss-type precision at a lower entry price, targeting shops that need reliable small-diameter production without the tooling complexity and cost of the B-series or S-series platforms. The E-series represents Tsugami's value-oriented Swiss-type lineup — fewer axes, lower tool station count, and simplified tooling layout compared to the flagship B and S series, but built on the same Japanese manufacturing standards and supported by the same REM Sales North American service network.

At 16 mm bar capacity, the E0165 is squarely aimed at electronics connectors, micro-medical components, watch parts, and small fastener production where part diameters rarely exceed 15 mm and part complexity falls in the low-to-moderate range. The main spindle runs to 12,000 RPM, appropriate for brass, aluminum, and free-machining steels at these small diameters. Sub-spindle speed is 10,000 RPM. Main spindle power is 1.5 kW (2 hp), sized for the small diameters and free-machining materials this machine targets.

The E0165 operates on a 5-axis configuration with gang tooling — X1, Z1, X2, Z2, and a transverse axis for cross-drilling. Tool capacity is 14 to 18 stations covering OD turning, boring, drilling, and transverse milling. The guide bushing system is optimized for 16 mm and below, maintaining bar support for parts with high aspect ratios common in micro-medical and electronics work.

Fanuc 0i-F control (rather than the 32i-B found on higher-tier Tsugami machines) provides the programming environment — a cost-appropriate control for the E-series application range. The simpler control is easier to operate for shops without experienced Swiss-type programmers. Pricing for the E0165 is in the $120,000 to $165,000 range, making it one of the most accessible Tsugami Swiss-type entry points. Competitors include the Hanwha XE20 II and Star SR-10J.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	16 mm (0.630 in)
Main Spindle Speed	12,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	1.5 kW (2 hp)
Number Of Axes	5 axes
Tool Stations	Up to 18 tools
Guide Bushing	Standard (removable for non-guide bushing mode)
Travel X1	20 mm (0.79 in)
Travel Z1	160 mm (6.30 in)
Travel X2	20 mm (0.79 in)
Travel Z2	70 mm (2.76 in)
Rapid Traverse Rate	28 m/min (1,102 ipm)
Positioning Accuracy	±0.005 mm
Repeatability	±0.003 mm
CNC Control	Fanuc 0i-F
Machine Weight	1,400 kg (3,086 lb)

Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Sub-$165K entry price makes Tsugami-quality Swiss-type production accessible to smaller shops and those adding first Swiss-type capacity
12,000 RPM spindle delivers full-speed performance for brass, aluminum, and free-machining steel parts in the 16 mm and below range
1,400 kg compact machine requires no special foundation and fits in tight shop floor spaces alongside larger equipment
Fanuc 0i-F control is straightforward to operate and program, reducing the learning curve for shops new to Swiss-type production
Tsugami brand reliability and REM Sales service support provide confidence beyond what no-name import Swiss-type machines offer
Guide bushing removable for non-guide bushing mode reduces remnant material waste on short parts

Limitations

16 mm bar capacity is restrictive; shops with any 20 mm or larger parts should evaluate the S206 or B0205 instead
1.5 kW spindle power limits material choices — stainless steel, titanium, and tough alloys require very conservative parameters
18-tool maximum is adequate for simple parts but limits the E0165 for complex medical or aerospace geometries
Fanuc 0i-F control lacks some advanced features of the 32i-B (such as high-speed look-ahead and advanced macro capability) used on higher-tier Tsugami machines
±0.005 mm positioning accuracy is slightly lower than B-series and S-series machines — not a concern for most E-series applications but limits the machine for the tightest tolerance work

Best For

Electronics and connector manufacturers producing brass contacts, terminals, and pins under 16 mm in high volumes Watch and micro-mechanics shops machining small gears, shafts, and housing components from brass and aluminum Small job shops adding first Swiss-type capability for a specific small-diameter part family without committing to a full B-series investment Shops running micro-medical component production of needles, guidewires, and small probe parts where 16 mm capacity is more than sufficient

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is the E0165 suitable for medical device manufacturing?

Yes, for micro-medical components under 16 mm diameter. The E0165 holds ±0.005 mm positioning accuracy, which is adequate for many medical small-parts applications. Shops requiring ±0.003 mm or tighter should evaluate the B0205 or S206. The Fanuc 0i-F control supports the documentation and traceability needed for FDA-regulated environments, though shops should verify control compatibility with their validation protocols.

02 How does the E0165 compare to imported Chinese Swiss-type lathes in the same price range?

At $120K-$165K, the E0165 competes with higher-end Chinese-built Swiss-type machines from brands like Nexturn or similar imports. The Tsugami advantage lies in build quality (Japanese manufacturing), long-term parts availability through REM Sales, and proven performance in regulated industries. Chinese-built alternatives may offer more tool stations or axes per dollar initially, but shops in medical or aerospace sectors typically prefer the Tsugami pedigree for customer audits and long-term reliability.

03 Can the E0165 perform live tooling and cross-drilling?

Yes. The E0165 includes live tooling positions for cross-drilling, transverse milling, and slotting within its 5-axis configuration. While the total live tooling positions are fewer than on B-series or S-series machines, the E0165 covers the essential driven tool operations needed for cross-holes, flats, and simple slots on electronics and connector parts.

04 What bar feeder works with the E0165?

The E0165 is compatible with short magazine bar feeders and hydrodynamic bar feeders designed for 16 mm Swiss-type applications. LNS or IEMCA feeders for 16 mm stock add approximately $15,000-$22,000 to the total investment. For very short runs, a single-bar pusher feeder can be used at lower cost.

05 Is there room to grow beyond 16 mm if business demand increases?

The E0165 is fixed at 16 mm maximum bar capacity; there is no upgrade path to larger diameters within this machine. Shops anticipating growth into 20-26 mm work should evaluate whether the incremental cost of an S206 or B0205 makes more business sense at the outset. The E0165 is best for shops confident their part mix will remain under 16 mm for the machine's life.