Tsugami FMA3-III
Key Specifications
Rapid Traverse
type
x axis travel
y axis travel
z axis travel
pallet size
Overview
The Tsugami FMA3-III is the proven workhorse in Tsugami's compact HMC lineup that established the benchmark for semi-attended and unattended small-part production. Running a vertical bed design with a 20-pallet vertical magazine and up to 190 tools, this machine has been the go-to choice for shops that discovered they could run lights-out on small parts without buying a million-dollar FMS system.
The machine's working envelope of 360 x 330 x 400mm (X/Y/Z) with 300 x 300mm pallets is tailored for precision work on small components. The 15,000 RPM spindle with 10 HP handles aluminum at high speeds and cuts steel at sensible rates. Tool changes at 1.0 second tool-to-tool and 5.0 seconds chip-to-chip keep the spindle running, while 9-second pallet changes minimize the downtime between different setups.
What made the FMA3-III a success story is its approach to automation. Instead of bolting a pallet system onto a standard HMC, Tsugami designed the machine from the ground up around its vertical pallet magazine. The vertical bed construction provides natural chip clearance -- chips fall away from the work zone by gravity rather than accumulating on horizontal surfaces. This matters enormously during unattended operation when there's nobody around to clear chip buildup.
The non-contact binary pallet identification system handles program selection automatically, and the 20-pallet magazine means you can load an entire shift's worth of different parts and walk away. Up to 190 tools give you the capacity to serve all 20 pallets without sharing tools between programs. Running a FANUC 18i-MB control, the FMA3-III has proven itself in thousands of installations worldwide. While the newer FMA3-V has taken over as the current production model, the FMA3-III remains widely available on the used market and represents exceptional value for shops entering pallet-automated HMC production.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Horizontal machining center with pallet system |
| X Axis Travel | 360 mm (14.17 in) |
| Y Axis Travel | 330 mm (13.0 in) |
| Z Axis Travel | 400 mm (15.75 in) |
| Pallet Size | 300 x 300 mm (11.75 x 11.75 in) |
| Pallet Magazine | 20 pallets |
| Pallet Change Time | 9.0 seconds |
| Spindle Speed | 200-15,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor | 10 HP |
| Tool Magazine | 62, 126, or 190 tools |
| Atc Tool To Tool | 1.0 second |
| Chip To Chip | 5.0 seconds |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 24 m/min (994 IPM) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 18i-MB |
| Machine Weight | 11,500 kg (25,300 lbs) |
| Floor Space Required | 4,040 x 2,485 x 2,740 mm |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Proven 20-pallet design with thousands of installations worldwide provides confidence in unattended production reliability
- Vertical bed construction ensures natural chip evacuation by gravity -- critical for sustained unattended operation
- Up to 190 tools and 20 pallets support full-shift lights-out production across dozens of part numbers
- 9-second pallet changes and 1-second tool changes maximize spindle utilization during automated runs
- Non-contact binary pallet ID eliminates operator error in program selection during multi-pallet production
- Strong used market availability makes the FMA3-III an accessible entry point for pallet-automated HMC production
- 11,500 kg machine mass provides excellent vibration damping for consistent accuracy
Limitations
- FANUC 18i-MB control is an older generation -- lacks some features available on current FANUC 0i and 30i series
- No longer in active production -- replaced by the FMA3-V with updated pallet system and control
- 360 x 330 x 400mm travels limit workpiece size to small parts only
- 10 HP spindle power constrains heavy cutting in tougher materials
- Replacement parts for the pallet system may have longer lead times as the machine ages
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Absolutely. The FMA3-III is a proven machine with a strong track record. Used units from 2010-2020 typically sell for $150,000-$300,000 depending on hours, tool capacity, and condition. The core mechanicals -- spindle, pallet system, and axis drives -- are robust and well-proven. Check pallet magazine condition, spindle hours, and verify all 20 pallet positions cycle correctly before purchasing.
02
The FMA3-V is the current production model that replaces the FMA3-III. Both share the same axis travels, spindle speed, and tool capacity options. The FMA3-V updates the pallet handling system, uses a newer FANUC control, and incorporates refinements to the vertical pallet magazine. For new purchases, the FMA3-V is the model to buy. For used purchases, the FMA3-III offers similar capability at a lower price point.
03
Very reliable. The FMA3-III's pallet magazine has a track record spanning thousands of installations across multiple industries. The mechanical design is straightforward, and the non-contact binary ID system has few failure modes. Regular maintenance of the pallet locating pins, air system, and hydraulic clamps keeps the system running trouble-free. Most shops report 95%+ uptime on properly maintained units.
04
The vertical bed design orients the machine's main structural casting vertically rather than horizontally. This means chips fall away from the cutting zone by gravity into the chip conveyor below. On a horizontal bed HMC, chips can accumulate on guide ways and in the work zone during extended unattended operation. The vertical bed eliminates this issue, which is especially important during lights-out production.
05
Control retrofits are possible but expensive -- typically $30,000-$60,000 depending on the new control and integration work required. For most shops, the FANUC 18i-MB is perfectly adequate for the type of work this machine does. If you need newer control features, buying a used FMA3-V with a newer control may be more cost-effective than retrofitting an FMA3-III.
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