Tsugami SS32L
Key Specifications
Max Spindle
bar capacity
number of axes
main spindle speed
sub spindle speed
live tool speed
Overview
The Tsugami SS32L is the chucker variant of the SS32, designed to run without a guide bushing for shops that primarily produce shorter parts in the 32 mm bar capacity range. By eliminating the guide bushing, you cut down on bar remnant waste and simplify setup, which can significantly reduce per-part material costs on shorter workpieces.
The SS32L shares the same mechanical DNA as the SS32: 6 axes of control, FANUC 32i-B, 8,000 RPM main and sub-spindle speeds, and the same opposed gang tool post layout with up to 40 tool positions. The 3.7/5.5 kW spindle motor provides the same torque characteristics, and the 320 mm headstock stroke matches the standard SS32. Where it differs is the headstock configuration, which is optimized for direct chucking without the guide bushing support sleeve.
For shops running parts with L/D ratios under 3:1, the SS32L makes a lot of financial sense. You're not burning 6-8 inches of bar remnant per bar on every changeover, and the setup is a touch simpler without guide bushing alignment. Surface finish on shorter parts is comparable to guide bushing operation since the cutting zone is close to the collet.
The trade-off is straightforward: you lose the superior concentricity and finish quality that a guide bushing provides on longer, slender parts. If your mix is predominantly short parts with occasional longer ones, the SS32L with its 3,400 kg platform is the economical choice. If you need to handle both long and short parts regularly, consider the SS26 with its convertible guide bushing system instead.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 32 mm (1.26 in) |
| Number Of Axes | 6 |
| Main Spindle Speed | 200-8,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 200-8,000 RPM |
| Live Tool Speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Motor | 3.7/5.5 kW (5/7.4 HP) |
| Guide Bushing | No (chucker/guide-bushless) |
| Max Headstock Stroke | 320 mm (12.6 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 | 320mm |
| Max Spindle Speed | 8,000 min⁻¹ |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Guide-bushless design eliminates bar remnant waste, saving significant material costs over high-volume production runs
- Simpler setup without guide bushing alignment reduces changeover time between jobs
- Same 40-position tooling capacity and 13 live tool stations as the guide bushing SS32
- Identical FANUC 32i-B control and gang tool post layout to other SS-series machines for operator familiarity
- Lower per-part material cost makes it particularly economical for shorter parts in expensive materials like titanium and Inconel
- Shared platform with SS26/SS32 means common spare parts and maintenance procedures
Limitations
- No guide bushing means reduced concentricity and surface finish on long, slender parts with high L/D ratios
- 8,000 RPM max spindle speed is lower than some competing chucker-style Swiss machines
- Can't switch to guide bushing mode for occasional long parts like the convertible SS26 can
- Gang tool post setup still requires more skill than turret-based CNC lathes
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Choose the SS32L if your parts are predominantly shorter (L/D ratio under 3:1) and you're running expensive materials where bar remnant savings add up. The SS32L eliminates the 150-200 mm of wasted bar stock per bar that guide bushing operation requires. For long, slender parts needing tight concentricity, stick with the standard SS32.
02
On shorter parts close to the collet, surface finish is very comparable to guide bushing operation. As you get further from the collet chuck, deflection increases slightly, which can affect finish on longer parts. For most parts under 3:1 L/D ratio, you won't notice a meaningful difference in finish quality.
03
The SS32L is built as a dedicated chucker machine, so converting it to guide bushing operation isn't a straightforward retrofit. If you think you might need guide bushing capability in the future, consider the SS26 with its factory-designed convertible system instead.
04
Eliminating the guide bushing typically saves 150-200 mm of bar remnant per bar. On 12-foot bar stock, that's roughly 4-5% material savings. At high volumes with expensive materials, those savings can pay for the machine's price difference within a year or two.
Videos
Jeff Boulden
Tsugami America
