Tsugami SS26
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
bar capacity
number of axes
main spindle speed
sub spindle speed
live tool speed
Overview
The Tsugami SS26 is a 6-axis opposed gang tool post Swiss-type CNC lathe built for high-speed production of complex turned parts up to 26 mm bar capacity. It's part of Tsugami's SS series, which uses an opposed gang tool post layout instead of a conventional turret, giving you faster tool indexing and shorter cycle times on multi-operation parts.
With a main spindle hitting 10,000 RPM and a matching sub-spindle at 10,000 RPM, the SS26 handles everything from free-machining brass and aluminum to stainless steel and titanium alloys at production speeds. The machine packs up to 40 tool positions with 13 live tool stations spinning at 5,000 RPM, so you can knock out cross-drilling, milling, threading, and polygon cutting in a single setup. The 270 mm headstock stroke with guide bushing gives you plenty of working length for longer parts.
One of the SS26's standout features is its convertible guide bushing system. You can run with the guide bushing for long, slender parts where concentricity matters, or pull it out and run in chucker mode for shorter parts where you want to save on bar remnants. That flexibility is a real cost-saver if your part mix includes both long and short components.
The machine runs on a FANUC 32i-B control, which is the gold standard for Swiss-type machines. It's a proven platform with solid support networks. The SS26 weighs in at 3,400 kg and occupies a 2,020 x 1,675 mm footprint, which is reasonable for a machine in this capacity class. Options like thread whirling, gear hobbing, and angular drilling make it particularly versatile for medical device and automotive connector work. The 3.7/5.5 kW main spindle motor provides enough torque for demanding materials without being oversized for the bar stock range.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 26 mm (1.024 in) |
| Number Of Axes | 6 |
| Main Spindle Speed | 200-10,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 200-10,000 RPM |
| Live Tool Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Motor | 3.7/5.5 kW (5/7.4 HP) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (convertible, can run without) |
| Max Headstock Stroke With Gb | 270 mm (10.62 in) |
| Max Headstock Stroke Without Gb | 50 mm (1.97 in) |
| Tool Positions | 24 standard / 40 max |
| Live Tool Positions | 10 standard / 13 max |
| CNC Control | FANUC 32i-B |
| Machine Weight | 3,400 kg (7,495 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 2,020 x 1,675 x 2,020 mm |
| Tailstock Quill Travel | 270 mm (SS26) / 320 mm (SS32) |
| Max Spindle Speed | 10,000 min⁻¹ (SS26) / 8,000 min⁻¹ (SS32) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Convertible guide bushing system lets you run with or without the guide bushing, saving bar stock on shorter parts
- Up to 40 tool positions with 13 live tools covers cross-drilling, milling, threading, polygon cutting, and gear hobbing in one setup
- 10,000 RPM main and sub-spindle speeds deliver fast cycle times on small to mid-range diameter parts
- Opposed gang tool post layout provides faster tool indexing than turret-based machines, cutting non-cutting time
- Thread whirling and gear hobbing options make it particularly capable for medical bone screws and small gear production
- FANUC 32i-B control is well-supported with extensive training resources and aftermarket programming solutions
- 270 mm headstock stroke with guide bushing handles longer workpieces than many competing 26mm-class machines
Limitations
- 26 mm bar capacity won't cover shops that regularly need to turn parts above 1 inch diameter
- 5,000 RPM live tool speed is moderate compared to some competitors offering 8,000+ RPM cross-working
- Gang tool post setup requires careful attention to tool height and alignment compared to turret-based Swiss machines
- 3,400 kg weight and footprint are on the larger side for a 26mm-class Swiss lathe
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The main difference is bar capacity: 26 mm for the SS26 vs. 32 mm for the SS32. Both share the same machine platform, FANUC 32i-B control, and gang tool post layout. The SS26 runs at 10,000 RPM max on both spindles while the SS32 tops out at 8,000 RPM, which is typical since larger bar stock needs more torque at lower speeds. If your parts fit within 26 mm, the SS26 gives you faster spindle speeds.
02
Yes, the SS26 features Tsugami's convertible guide bushing system. You can remove the guide bushing and run in chucker mode for shorter parts with L/D ratios under 3:1. This saves on bar remnants and reduces material costs. The headstock stroke drops from 270 mm to 50 mm in non-guide bushing mode, so it's best for parts under 50 mm long.
03
New Tsugami SS26 machines typically price between $200,000 and $320,000 depending on axis configuration, live tooling package, and options like thread whirling, gear hobbing, high-pressure coolant, and bar feeder. Used units from recent model years sell in the $100,000-$180,000 range depending on hours and condition.
04
The SS26 offers thread whirling for medical screws, polygon cutting for hex and square profiles, gear hobbing for small gears, angular drilling, face drilling, and high-speed drilling options. These make it one of the more versatile machines in its capacity class for complex part geometries.
05
The SS26 handles brass, aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium alloys (Grades 2, 5, 23), Inconel, and engineering plastics like PEEK. The 3.7/5.5 kW spindle motor provides adequate torque for harder materials at reduced speeds. Thread whirling capability is particularly useful for titanium medical implant screws.
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