Tsugami P033
Key Specifications
max machinable diameter
main spindle speed
back spindle
axes
spindle motor
tool positions
Overview
The Tsugami P033 is a 3-axis CNC precision automatic lathe engineered for mass production of micro parts up to 3 mm (0.118 in) diameter. It sits in the sweet spot of Tsugami's P-series — big enough to handle common micro connector pins, watch stems, and contact probes, but still compact enough for high-density production cell layouts.
The main spindle tops out at 20,000 RPM, which provides excellent surface speed for parts in the 1-3 mm range. While it's a step down from the 25,000 RPM on the P013, the slightly lower speed is matched to the larger diameter range where you don't need quite as much RPM to maintain proper cutting velocity. The spindle motor is 0.75/1.1 kW (1/1.5 HP) — modest, but entirely appropriate for the micro cutting forces involved at these diameters.
Like the P013, the P033 is a front-side-only machine with no back spindle. That means 3 axes and 11 tool positions on the gang-type tool post. If you need backworking, the P034 is the corresponding model with a back spindle (4 axes, 14 tools). For straightforward micro turned parts that don't require back-facing or back-drilling, the P033 offers a simpler, faster, and more cost-effective solution.
The physical package is identical to the rest of the P0 series: 1,770 x 820 x 1,600 mm (69.7 x 32.3 x 63.0 in) occupying 0.8 m² of floor space. At 1,000 kg (2,205 lb), it's easy to install. The air-regulated chuck gripping system lets you numerically dial in clamping force, which matters when you're holding small-diameter parts that could deflect or distort under excess pressure. Tsugami built this machine for shops that need to crank out thousands of micro parts per shift with repeatable accuracy.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Machinable Diameter | 3 mm (0.118 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM |
| Back Spindle | N/A (no back spindle) |
| Axes | 3 |
| Spindle Motor | 0.75/1.1 kW (1/1.5 HP) |
| Tool Positions | 11 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 20 m/min |
| Dimensions | 1,770 x 820 x 1,600 mm (69.7 x 32.3 x 63.0 in) |
| Machine Weight | 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) |
| Floor Space | 0.8 m² |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 20,000 RPM main spindle provides excellent surface speeds for 1-3 mm diameter micro parts
- Ultra-compact 0.8 m² footprint enables dense production layouts with multiple machines side by side
- Air-regulated chuck gripping force prevents deformation of small-diameter workpieces
- Gang tool post with 11 positions keeps indexing time minimal for fast cycle times
- 3 mm capacity hits the sweet spot for common micro connector pins, watch parts, and contact probes
- Lightweight 1,000 kg design simplifies installation and shop floor rearrangement
Limitations
- No back spindle — parts requiring backworking must use the P034 or a secondary operation
- 3 mm max diameter is extremely specialized; won't cover general Swiss-type turning work
- Only 11 tool positions, which can be limiting for complex multi-operation parts
- No Y-axis capability restricts milling and off-centerline feature machining
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The P033 handles parts up to 3 mm diameter versus 1 mm on the P013. The P033's spindle runs at 20,000 RPM compared to 25,000 RPM on the P013 — the lower speed is appropriate for the larger diameter range. Both share the same footprint, motor power, and 11-tool configuration. Choose the P013 only if your work is exclusively sub-1mm; the P033 covers a wider range of micro parts.
02
The P034 adds a back spindle (20,000 RPM) and increases the axis count from 3 to 4, with 14 tool positions instead of 11. It weighs 1,050 kg versus 1,000 kg. If your parts need any backworking — back-facing, cutoff cleanup, back-drilling, or back-threading — you need the P034. The P033 is for front-side-only parts where you want maximum simplicity and the lowest cycle time.
03
The P033 accepts bar stock up to 3 mm diameter. You'll typically run precision-ground bar stock for best results. At these diameters, bar straightness and surface quality directly affect part accuracy. Standard bar feeders don't typically handle stock this small — you'll need a micro bar feeder or coiled wire feeder designed for small-diameter material.
04
The P033 is most common in connector manufacturing (telecom, automotive, electronics), watchmaking, medical devices (micro implants, surgical pins), and precision instruments. Any industry producing high volumes of turned parts in the 1-3 mm diameter range is a candidate. The machine's strength is consistent, repeatable output over long unattended production runs.
05
Cycle times depend entirely on part complexity, but typical micro parts on the P033 run between 3 and 15 seconds. Simple contact pins might cycle in 3-5 seconds, while more complex multi-operation parts with cross-holes could take 10-15 seconds. The 20 m/min rapid traverse and gang tool post (no turret indexing delay) keep non-cutting time to a minimum.
