Tsugami SS327-III-5AX

$440,000 - $600,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

bar capacity

32 mm (1.25 in)

main spindle speed

200-8,000 RPM

sub spindle speed

200-8,000 RPM

spindle motor

3.7/5.5 kW

axes

7 + B-axis

b axis

Servo-driven swiveling B-axis for simultaneous 5-axis machining

Overview

The Tsugami SS327-III-5AX is the flagship of Tsugami's large-bar Swiss-type lineup: a 7-axis machine with 32 mm (1.25 in) bar capacity and a servo-driven swiveling B-axis for true simultaneous 5-axis machining. If you need to produce sculpted surfaces, compound angles, and complex 3D contours from 32mm bar stock in a single setup, this is the machine that does it.

The specs are well-documented and impressive. Main and sub-spindles both run at 200-8,000 RPM driven by a 3.7/5.5 kW motor. The tool zone holds 36 positions with 18/20 live tool stations. Live tooling on B-axis compatible positions reaches 7,000 RPM, while standard positions run at 6,000 RPM. The headstock stroke of 330 mm (12.99 in) with guide bushing and 70 mm (2.74 in) in chucker mode covers the full range of part lengths for the 32mm class.

The B-axis is servo-driven, providing continuous angular motion during cutting for simultaneous 4 and 5-axis machining. This is fundamentally different from indexed B-axis positioning -- the tool angle changes continuously as it follows a programmed path, enabling sculpted surfaces that can't be produced any other way on a Swiss lathe. The FANUC 31i-B5 control handles the multi-axis interpolation with the processing speed needed for smooth surface finishes on contoured features.

At 4,000 kg (8,800 lbs) and 2,150 x 1,280 x 2,010 mm (84.6 x 50.3 x 79.1 in), the 5AX shares the same physical envelope as the standard SS327-III. For medical, aerospace, and watch/jewelry manufacturers producing complex geometries from 32mm bar stock, this machine represents the state of the art in Swiss-type turning capability.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Bar Capacity	32 mm (1.25 in)
Main Spindle Speed	200-8,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Speed	200-8,000 RPM
Spindle Motor	3.7/5.5 kW
Axes	7 + B-axis
B Axis	Servo-driven swiveling B-axis for simultaneous 5-axis machining
Live Tool Speed B Axis	7,000 RPM
Live Tool Speed Standard	6,000 RPM
Tool Positions	36
Live Tool Positions Std Max	18/20
Headstock Stroke With Guide Bushing	330 mm (12.99 in)
Headstock Stroke Without Guide Bushing	70 mm (2.74 in)
Guide Bushing	Convertible (Swiss/chucker)
CNC Control	FANUC 31i-B5
Machine Weight	4,000 kg (8,800 lbs)
Dimensions	2,150 x 1,280 x 2,010 mm (84.6 x 50.3 x 79.1 in)

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Servo-driven B-axis enables true simultaneous 5-axis machining on 32mm bar stock -- the largest diameter with this capability in Tsugami's lineup
7,000 RPM live tooling on B-axis positions provides excellent surface speed for contoured milling operations
36 tool positions with 18-20 live stations handle the most complex multi-feature parts in a single cycle
330mm headstock stroke accommodates long shafts and pins in Swiss mode
FANUC 31i-B5 premium control delivers the processing power for smooth continuous 5-axis interpolation
Same compact footprint as the standard SS327-III despite the added B-axis capability

Limitations

Highest price point in Tsugami's 32mm Swiss lineup -- only justifiable when parts require continuous 5-axis machining
5-axis Swiss programming demands specialized CAM software and skilled programmers
B-axis adds mechanical complexity, increasing long-term maintenance requirements and costs
8,000 RPM max spindle speed is appropriate for 32mm but limits surface speed on smaller-diameter features

Best For

Medical implant manufacturers producing contoured spinal cages, custom joint components, and sculpted orthopedic devices in titanium Aerospace shops machining compound-angle features and sculpted surfaces on 32mm-class structural components Watch and luxury goods manufacturers producing complex decorative profiles and contoured cases from bar stock Shops eliminating Swiss lathe + 5-axis mill two-machine processes for improved accuracy and efficiency Any application requiring continuous 5-axis machining capability on parts up to 32mm diameter from bar stock

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How does the SS327-III-5AX compare to the SS207-II-5AX?

Bar capacity is the primary difference: 32mm vs. 20mm. The SS327-III-5AX has a more powerful 3.7/5.5 kW motor (vs. 2.2/3.7 kW), 330mm headstock stroke (vs. 210mm), and 7,000 RPM B-axis live tooling (vs. standard speed on the SS207). Both run on the FANUC 31i-B5 control. The SS327-III-5AX weighs 4,000 kg vs. 3,745 kg. Choose based on part diameter requirements.

02 What types of surfaces can the B-axis produce that regular Swiss operations can't?

The B-axis enables sculpted freeform surfaces, compound angles (features at non-standard angles to the part axis), helical profiles, contoured thread forms, and 3D shapes like turbine blade profiles or dental abutment geometries. Without the B-axis, you're limited to axial and radial features with indexed angular positioning.

03 Can I still use this machine for standard Swiss work?

Yes. The B-axis is an additional capability. For standard Swiss turning, drilling, milling, and threading operations, the machine works exactly like the standard SS327-III. You only engage the B-axis when parts require continuous angular machining. Many shops run a mix of standard and 5-axis parts on the same machine.

04 What's the expected ROI timeline on the 5AX premium?

If you're currently running a two-machine process (Swiss lathe for turning + 5-axis mill for contouring), the 5AX can eliminate the second machine, the part transfer, and the associated quality risks. The $50,000-$80,000 premium over the standard SS327-III typically pays for itself within 1-2 years through reduced cycle time, improved quality, and freed-up 5-axis mill capacity.

05 What's the surface finish achievable with B-axis contouring?

Surface finish on B-axis contoured features depends on feed rate, step-over, tool geometry, and material. Typical achievable finishes range from Ra 0.8-1.6 micrometers for standard milling operations. With optimized parameters and appropriate ball-nose end mills, Ra 0.4 micrometers is possible on some materials. The 7,000 RPM B-axis live tool speed helps achieve these finishes.