Tsugami SS38MH-5AX
Key Specifications
bar capacity
number of axes
main spindle speed
sub spindle speed
tool spindle speed
backworking live tool speed
Overview
The Tsugami SS38MH-5AX is the big brother in Tsugami's 5-axis Swiss-type lineup, handling 38mm (1.5 in) bar stock with full B-axis simultaneous machining capability. If you've ever wished you could run complex 5-axis contours on a part that's too big for a 20mm Swiss but too precise for a conventional mill-turn, this is the machine Tsugami built for you.
The SS38MH-5AX packs 8 axes of CNC control with the FANUC 31i-B5 at the helm. The B-axis tool spindle runs at 20,000 RPM using CAPTO C4 toolholders, backed by a 40-tool magazine that keeps you loaded for even the most feature-rich parts. The main spindle and sub-spindle both run 200-7,000 RPM, which is appropriate for the larger bar diameters this machine handles. Backworking live tools reach 6,000 RPM across 5 stations.
Tooling capacity is generous -- 52 total positions between the main working area, back tool post (10 tools), and the 40-tool B-axis magazine. The convertible guide bushing system lets you run in Swiss mode with 300mm (11.8 in) of headstock stroke, or flip to chucker mode for shorter parts at 100mm (3.9 in) stroke. Linear scales come standard on X1, Y1, and Z1 for the positioning accuracy that 5-axis work demands.
At 7,100 kg (15,652 lbs), this is a substantial machine that needs solid floor preparation. The 2,930 x 1,940mm footprint is larger than a standard Swiss lathe but dramatically smaller than the two or three machines it replaces. For shops doing complex aerospace fittings, large medical implants, or hydraulic manifold components that need both precision turning and 5-axis milled features, the SS38MH-5AX consolidates what used to be a multi-machine workflow into a single-setup solution.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Number Of Axes | 8 axes (5-axis simultaneous) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 200-7,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 200-7,000 RPM |
| Tool Spindle Speed | 20,000 RPM (B-axis, CAPTO C4) |
| Backworking Live Tool Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Motor | 5.5 kW (7.5 HP) |
| Tool Positions | 52 total |
| Tool Magazine | 40 tools (B-axis) |
| Back Tool Post | 10 tools |
| B Axis | Yes (rigid tool spindle) |
| Tool Holder | CAPTO C4 |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (convertible chucker mode) |
| Max Headstock Stroke Guide Bushing | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Max Headstock Stroke Chucker | 100 mm (3.9 in) |
| Linear Scales | Standard on X1/Y1/Z1 |
| CNC Control | FANUC 31i-B5 |
| Machine Weight | 7,100 kg (15,652 lbs) |
| Floor Space Required | 2,930 x 1,940 x 2,160 mm |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 38mm bar capacity with 5-axis simultaneous machining covers complex parts that smaller Swiss machines can't handle
- 20,000 RPM B-axis tool spindle with CAPTO C4 tooling provides serious milling rigidity on a Swiss platform
- 52 total tool positions across three zones means virtually no tooling compromises on complex part programs
- 300mm headstock stroke in guide bushing mode handles longer turned features than most Swiss machines in this class
- Convertible guide bushing system saves material costs on shorter parts by switching to chucker mode
- Linear scales standard on three axes ensure the positioning accuracy that 5-axis contoured surfaces require
- 40-tool magazine eliminates the tool capacity bottleneck that limits most Swiss-type machines
Limitations
- Premium pricing reflects the machine's advanced capability -- this is a significant capital investment
- 7,100 kg weight requires proper floor preparation and may limit placement options in some shops
- Programming 8-axis 5-axis simultaneous Swiss operations demands experienced CAM programmers and proven post processors
- Main spindle tops out at 7,000 RPM, which can limit surface speeds on smaller diameter features
- Larger footprint than standard Swiss lathes may be a consideration for shops running tight floor layouts
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The SS38MH-5AX handles 38mm bar stock vs 20mm on the SS20MH-III-5AX. The larger machine uses CAPTO C4 tooling (vs the smaller machine's B-axis spindle), runs a 40-tool magazine (vs 30), and offers 300mm headstock stroke (vs 170mm). Spindle speeds are lower -- 7,000 RPM vs 10,000 RPM main -- which is appropriate for the larger workpiece diameters. Choose based on your maximum part diameter.
02
The B-axis tool spindle enables continuous 5-axis contouring for features like helical flutes, complex pockets, freeform surfaces, and compound-angle holes. You can machine implant body contours, turbine blade profiles, and complex gear-like forms directly on turned parts. The simultaneous 5-axis capability goes well beyond simple indexed positioning.
03
CAPTO C4 toolholders typically cost $300-$800 each depending on type, which is more than ER collets but less than you might expect. The tradeoff is significantly better rigidity, repeatability, and tool life. Sandvik, Kennametal, and other major tooling manufacturers all offer CAPTO C4 product lines. The initial tooling investment pays back through reduced cycle times and better surface finishes.
04
For parts within its working envelope, absolutely. Shops typically report eliminating one or two secondary operations by bringing milling work onto the SS38MH-5AX. The savings in part handling, fixturing, and WIP inventory often exceed the cycle time differences. Parts that previously required a Swiss lathe plus a 3-axis or 5-axis mill can run complete in a single setup.
05
The SS38MH-5AX has additional maintenance requirements for the B-axis tool spindle, tool magazine, and linear scales. Budget for annual spindle checks on all three spindle systems, magazine mechanism maintenance, and scale cleaning. Overall maintenance costs run about 20-30% higher than a standard Swiss lathe, but you're maintaining one machine instead of two or three.
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