INDEX ABC 65

$250,000 – $380,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Max. bar diameter

65 mm

Max. machining diameter

65 mm

Max. machining length

200 mm

Main spindle speed

4,000 rpm

Main spindle power

15 kW

Main spindle torque

120 Nm

Overview

The INDEX ABC 65 is a CNC Swiss-type automatic lathe designed for the high-precision production of complex, slender components from bar stock up to 65 mm in diameter. Unlike conventional Swiss-type machines that top out at 32–38 mm, the ABC 65 addresses a market segment that demands Swiss-type precision and surface finish on larger-diameter parts — making it highly relevant for the medical, aerospace, and energy industries.

The ABC 65 operates on the Swiss sliding-headstock principle, where the bar stock feeds through a guide bushing positioned immediately adjacent to the cutting zone. This arrangement provides near-zero deflection during machining, enabling long, slender workpieces to be produced with exceptional straightness and tight dimensional tolerances even when length-to-diameter ratios would otherwise cause chatter on a fixed-headstock machine.

INDEX equips the ABC 65 with a comprehensive tooling system that includes multiple turning tool positions, live tooling for milling and drilling both from the front and rear faces, and a back-working attachment that machines the parted-off end without secondary operations. The machine's CNC architecture allows all axes to be programmed simultaneously, minimizing idle time and enabling highly optimized cycles.

The ABC 65 is built on INDEX's proven precision base and runs through the iXpanel operator interface with FANUC or Siemens control. For manufacturers that have historically relied on fixed-headstock mill-turns for mid-size bar work but need the straightness and finish characteristics of Swiss machining, the ABC 65 offers a compelling alternative with a broad tooling complement and INDEX's well-regarded application support.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max. Bar Diameter	65 mm
Max. Machining Diameter	65 mm
Max. Machining Length	200 mm
Main Spindle Speed	4,000 rpm
Main Spindle Power	15 kW
Main Spindle Torque	120 Nm
Counter Spindle Speed	4,000 rpm
Counter Spindle Power	7.5 kW
Live Tool Speed	6,000 rpm
Live Tool Power	3 kW
Number Of Tool Positions	up to 30
Guide Bushing	standard (hydrostatic option available)
CNC Control	FANUC 0i-TF / Siemens 828D
Rapid Traverse (Z1-Axis)	20 m/min
Machine Weight	approx. 3,800 kg
Guest Name	Dietary Restriction
David	None
Bob	None
Nancy	None
Mary	Vegetarian
Formula	Formula Output
Index	3
Goal	Formula
Find Marys Dietary Restriction	=INDEX(A1:D6, MATCH("Mary", A1:A6, 0), MATCH("Dietary Restriction", A1:D1, 0))
Find Who Is At Table Number 2	=INDEX(A1:D6, MATCH(2, D1:D6, 0), MATCH("Guest Name", A1:D1, 0))
Spindle Speed Max	6,000 rpm
Spindle Power	27 kW
Spindle Torque Max	145 Nm
Tool Capacity	19 tool mountings plus 5 back-boring stations
Cnc Control	Siemens S840D sl / FANUC 31i-B

Specifications sourced from index-group.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

65 mm bar capacity covers a size range most Swiss-type machines cannot reach
Guide bushing principle eliminates deflection for exceptional straightness on slender parts
Counter spindle enables complete front-and-back machining in a single pass
Comprehensive live tooling for milling and drilling from multiple angles
INDEX iXpanel control simplifies programming with conversational cycle support

Limitations

Larger bar capacity means larger machine footprint than typical 32 mm Swiss-type lathes
Guide bushing requires precise bar stock tolerances — out-of-round material causes issues
Higher price point compared to standard small-diameter Swiss automatics

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing large implant screws, stems, and instrument handles Aerospace suppliers machining slender actuation components from titanium or stainless bar Energy sector producers of precision fittings, valve stems, and instrument parts in larger diameters Job shops handling a range of bar diameters that outgrow standard 32 mm Swiss machines

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What makes the INDEX ABC 65 different from a standard Swiss-type lathe?

Most Swiss-type lathes are limited to 32–38 mm bar diameter. The ABC 65 extends the Swiss sliding-headstock principle to 65 mm, allowing the same precision machining characteristics — near-zero deflection, excellent straightness, superior surface finish on slender parts — to be applied to a much larger range of component sizes.

02 Does the INDEX ABC 65 require a guide bushing?

The ABC 65 uses a guide bushing as standard, which is fundamental to the Swiss-type machining principle. A hydrostatic guide bushing option is available for enhanced performance on very sensitive or hard-to-machine materials. For short parts where bar length is not a concern, some Swiss machines offer a guide bushing-less option, but this depends on the specific configuration selected.

03 Can the INDEX ABC 65 machine the back face of a part automatically?

Yes. The ABC 65 is equipped with a counter spindle that grips the part after parting off and presents the back face to rear-working tools. This enables complete machining of both ends — including turning, drilling, and threading on the reverse face — without any manual intervention or secondary setup.

04 What industries use machines like the INDEX ABC 65?

Primary users are in medical devices (large bone screws, implant components, surgical instrument handles), aerospace (actuation rods, precision fittings, fasteners in titanium), energy (valve stems, metering components, instrumentation), and general precision machining shops that regularly handle bar stock in the 32–65 mm range.

05 How does the ABC 65 handle simultaneous multi-axis machining?

The ABC 65's CNC control allows all axes — headstock Z, cross slides, live tools, and counter spindle — to be programmed for simultaneous motion. This parallel processing of cuts dramatically reduces cycle times versus sequential operation, which is key to making Swiss-type machining cost-effective on larger, more expensive bar stock.