Tsugami SS207-II-5AX
Key Specifications
bar capacity
main spindle speed
sub spindle speed
spindle motor
axes
b axis
Overview
The Tsugami SS207-II-5AX is the flagship of Tsugami's 20mm Swiss-type lineup, adding a servo-driven swiveling B-axis to the already capable 7-axis SS207-II platform. The B-axis enables true simultaneous 5-axis machining -- not just indexed positioning, but continuous tool path control for sculpted surfaces, compound angles, and complex geometries that would otherwise require secondary operations or dedicated milling centers.
The base platform carries the same specs as the SS207-II: 200-10,000 RPM on both main and sub-spindles, 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 hp) spindle motor, 37 standard tool positions with 13/15 live tool stations, and the convertible guide bushing system offering 210 mm (8.65 in) with guide bushing or 45 mm (1.77 in) in chucker mode. The FANUC 31i-B5 control handles both the 7-axis coordination and the B-axis interpolation.
The B-axis itself is servo-driven, meaning it provides continuous angular positioning rather than fixed indexing. This is what makes true 5-axis simultaneous machining possible. Combined with the X, Y, and Z axes on the main spindle side, the B-axis lets you machine compound angles, helical features, and contoured surfaces directly from bar stock. Think of producing a turbine blade profile, a sculpted implant surface, or a custom thread form -- all in a single setup on the Swiss lathe.
At 3,745 kg (8,267 lbs) and 2,325 x 1,270 x 2,010 mm (91.54 x 50 x 79.13 in), the 5AX version shares the same footprint as the standard SS207-II. The machine demands capable CAM software and skilled programming, but for shops producing parts that genuinely need 5-axis capability from bar stock, it eliminates the need to transfer parts from a Swiss lathe to a 5-axis mill.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 20 mm (0.79 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 200-10,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 200-10,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor | 2.2/3.7 kW (3/5 hp) |
| Axes | 7 + B-axis |
| B Axis | Servo-driven swiveling B-axis for simultaneous 5-axis machining |
| Tool Positions | 37 |
| Live Tool Positions | 13/15 |
| Headstock Stroke With Guide Bushing | 210 mm (8.65 in) |
| Headstock Stroke Without Guide Bushing | 45 mm (1.77 in) |
| Guide Bushing | Convertible (Swiss/chucker) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 31i-B5 |
| Machine Weight | 3,745 kg (8,267 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 2,325 x 1,270 x 2,010 mm (91.54 x 50 x 79.13 in) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Servo-driven B-axis enables true simultaneous 5-axis machining for sculpted surfaces and compound angles from bar stock
- Eliminates the need to transfer parts from a Swiss lathe to a 5-axis mill for complex geometry features
- 7-axis base platform with Y1 and Y2 handles simultaneous front and back machining operations
- 37 tool positions with 13-15 live stations provide ample tooling for complex multi-feature parts
- FANUC 31i-B5 control has the processing power for smooth 5-axis simultaneous interpolation
- Convertible guide bushing system maintains flexibility for both long Swiss and short chucker parts
Limitations
- Highest price in the 20mm Tsugami Swiss lineup -- only makes sense when parts genuinely require 5-axis capability
- 5-axis Swiss programming is specialized; requires quality CAM software and experienced programmers
- B-axis adds mechanical complexity, increasing maintenance requirements and potential service costs
- Not all tool positions can utilize the B-axis, so programming must account for which stations are B-axis capable
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The servo-driven B-axis provides continuous angular motion during cutting, enabling true simultaneous 5-axis machining. This means you can machine sculpted surfaces, compound angles, helical features, and complex 3D contours. Indexed positioning only moves to fixed angles between cuts. The B-axis moves during the cut, which is what makes continuous surface machining possible.
02
PartMaker (Autodesk), ESPRIT, and GibbsCAM support 5-axis Swiss-type programming with B-axis simulation. You absolutely need a capable CAM package for this machine -- hand-programming 5-axis simultaneous tool paths isn't practical. Look for a CAM system that provides full machine simulation including the B-axis to verify tool paths before cutting.
03
The 5AX does both operations in one setup, eliminating the part transfer, re-fixturing, and datum alignment between machines. This reduces cycle time, improves accuracy (no re-chucking error), and frees up the 5-axis mill for other work. The trade-off is that the B-axis on a Swiss lathe has less travel and power than a dedicated 5-axis mill, so very heavy milling operations may still need a separate machine.
04
It's built for production. The 37 tool positions, modular cartridge system, convertible guide bushing, and FANUC 31i-B5 control are all production-oriented features. The machine handles sustained production runs with the same reliability as the standard SS207-II. The B-axis adds capability without compromising the machine's production characteristics.
05
Expect to pay roughly $50,000-$80,000 more for the 5AX variant over the standard SS207-II, depending on configuration and options. The B-axis mechanism, additional servo drive, and the FANUC 31i-B5 software license for 5-axis interpolation account for most of the premium. Whether it's justified depends entirely on whether your parts need continuous 5-axis capability.
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