Tsugami SS38MH-5AX
Image: tsugamiamerica.com, Tsugami
Key Specifications
max bar capacity
number of axes
guide bushing
chucker mode
max machining length
tool stations
How much does the Tsugami SS38MH-5AX cost?
Estimated price range
Our best estimate for a swiss-type lathe in this class — not a quote from Tsugami. Configuration moves it a long way.
Overview
The Tsugami SS38MH-5AX is an eight-axis, 38 mm (1.5 in) sliding-headstock lathe built around a tool spindle that runs to 20,000 rpm. Tsugami America lists 52 tool stations as both standard and maximum, a FANUC 31i-B5 control and a 5.5 kW (7.5 hp) main spindle covering 200 to 7,000 rpm. At 7,100 kg (15,652 lb) it is a much heavier machine than the 5,300 kg (11,660 lb) SS20MH-III-5AX.
The live tooling is arranged differently from a conventional gang-tool Swiss machine. Six positions are driven: five on the backworking side at up to 6,000 rpm and one on the tool spindle at up to 20,000 rpm. Front-side milling, drilling at an angle and small-cutter work therefore pass through that single high-speed spindle one tool at a time, while the backworking unit handles cross holes and end features on the cut-off part.
The machine can run with a guide bushing or in chucker mode, and the table gives 300 mm (11.8 in) as the maximum machining length. Main and sub spindles share the 200 to 7,000 rpm range. That top speed suits the larger end of the bar range, where surface speed on 38 mm stock is reached at lower rpm.
The SS20MH-III-5AX uses the same tool-spindle layout for smaller work, with 25,000 rpm on the tool spindle, 10,000 rpm on backworking, the 31i-B5 Plus control and a 5,300 kg (11,660 lb) frame. The SS207-II-5AX shares this machine's 31i-B5 control at 3,745 kg (8,267 lb).
Plan the installation carefully. The footprint is 2,930 × 1,940 × 2,160 mm, and the floor must carry 7,100 kg.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max Bar Capacity | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Number of Axes | 8 |
| Guide Bushing | Yes |
| Chucker Mode | Yes |
| Max Machining Length | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Tool Stations | 52 std/max |
| Live Tool Stations | 6 (5 on backworking, 1 on tool spindle) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 31i-B5 |
| Main Spindle Speed | 200 - 7,000 rpm |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 200 - 7,000 rpm |
| Live Tool Speed | 6,000 rpm on backworking, 20,000 rpm on tool spindle |
| Main Spindle Power | 5.5 kW (7.5 hp) |
| Machine Weight | 7,100 kg (15652 lb) |
| Floor Space Required | 2,930 × 1,940 × 2,160 mm |
Specifications sourced from tsugamiamerica.com — verified 2026-10-03
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- 38 mm (1.5 in) bar capacity with a 5.5 kW (7.5 hp) main spindle
- Tool spindle runs to 20,000 rpm for small end mills and drills
- 52 tool stations, standard and maximum
- Eight axes with guide-bushing and chucker modes both available
- Five driven backworking positions at up to 6,000 rpm for cross holes and end features on the cut-off side
Limitations
- Only one driven position on the tool spindle, so front-side live-tool operations run in sequence
- Main and sub spindles top out at 7,000 rpm, which limits surface speed on small diameters
- 7,100 kg (15,652 lb) and 2,930 × 1,940 × 2,160 mm call for a solid floor and a planned rigging route
- The table gives main spindle power only, 5.5 kW (7.5 hp), with no sub-spindle power or rapid traverse figures
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Tsugami America lists 6 live tool stations: 5 on the backworking side, running to 6,000 rpm, and 1 on the tool spindle, running to 20,000 rpm. The machine has 52 tool stations in total, so most positions are static turning and boring tools.
02
The SS20MH-III-5AX is the smaller machine with the same idea: its tool spindle reaches 25,000 rpm, its backworking tools 10,000 rpm, it uses the 31i-B5 Plus control and weighs 5,300 kg (11,660 lb). The SS38MH-5AX trades speed for size, with 38 mm (1.5 in) bar, 20,000 rpm on the tool spindle and 6,000 rpm on backworking.
03
300 mm (11.8 in). The machine can run with a guide bushing or in chucker mode; the table does not give a separate length for chucker mode, so ask Tsugami for that figure if short parts without the bushing are the plan.
04
Main and sub spindles both cover 200 to 7,000 rpm, and the main spindle is rated 5.5 kW (7.5 hp). The tool spindle reaches 20,000 rpm and the backworking live tools 6,000 rpm.
05
A floor area of 2,930 × 1,940 × 2,160 mm and a foundation for 7,100 kg (15,652 lb). Tsugami America gives no inch footprint for this model. Check bar-feeder length separately, since it will extend the line behind the headstock.
Videos
Tsugami America
Tsugami America
Tsugami America
Morris
More from Tsugami
Other Swiss-Type Lathes
DMG Mori SPRINT 20|8
Mazak SYNCREX 32/9X
Hanwha XD38II
Nexturn SA38PYII
Citizen Cincom L20
