Nakamura-Tome SC-200
Key Specifications
X Travel
Z Travel
Max Spindle
Spindle Power
Max Turn Length
Accuracy
Overview
The Nakamura-Tome SC-200 is a compact, high-precision CNC turning center designed for small-to-medium part production with a maximum turning diameter of 200 mm (7.87 in) and a maximum turning length of 275 mm (10.83 in). Built by Nakamura-Tome Precision Industry in Hakusan, Japan, the SC-200 continues the company's legacy of building exceptionally rigid, thermally stable turning centers that deliver milling-machine-class accuracy in a lathe platform. With a 6-inch chuck and 51 mm (2.0 in) bar capacity, the SC-200 targets precision production of automotive, medical, and hydraulic components.
The main spindle delivers 11 kW (15 hp) with speeds up to 6,000 RPM through a built-up spindle with precision angular contact bearings. Nakamura-Tome's spindle design achieves TIR under 0.002 mm at the chuck face, and the machine's thermal symmetry design ensures that thermal growth is predictable and compensated. The SC-200 features a 12-station turret with BMT (Base Mount Tooling) live tool capability, driven tools with up to 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) power, and optional C-axis for polar interpolation and milling operations.
Nakamura-Tome distinguishes itself through build quality and attention to thermal behavior. The SC-200's cast iron bed is designed with symmetric mass distribution so that as the machine warms up, thermal expansion is uniform rather than creating geometric distortion. This approach, combined with Nakamura-Tome's hand-scraping of critical surfaces and precision assembly methods, produces a turning center that maintains tight tolerances throughout 8-16 hour production runs without requiring operator compensation. The machine runs on FANUC 0i-TF Plus or FANUC 31i-B control depending on configuration.
The SC-200 competes with the Okuma Genos L3000-e, DMG Mori CLX 350, Hardinge Talent 51, and Citizen Miyano BNA-42 for precision small-part turning applications. New SC-200 machines are priced between $130,000 and $190,000 depending on live tooling, C-axis, and bar feeder options. Used Nakamura-Tome SC-series machines from 2015-2022 maintain excellent resale values between $65,000 and $120,000, reflecting the machines' reputation for accuracy and durability.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Chuck Size | 8″ |
| Max Turning Diameter | 200 mm (7.87 in) |
| Max Turning Length | 317.8mm |
| Bar Capacity | φ65mm |
| Max Spindle Speed | 6,000 RPM |
| Spindle Motor Power | 11 kW (15 hp) |
| Spindle Nose | A2-5 |
| Turret Stations | 12 |
| Live Tool Power | 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) |
| X-Axis Travel | 140 mm (5.51 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 275 mm (10.83 in) |
| CNC Control | FANUC 0i-TF Plus / 31i-B |
| Machine Weight | 3,200 kg (7,055 lb) |
| Positioning Accuracy | 0.004 mm (0.00016 in) |
| Repeatability | 0.002 mm (0.00008 in) |
| Max Turning Diameter 12st | 390mm |
| Max Turning Diameter 16st | 340mm* |
| Distance Between Spindles | max.510mm/min.205mm |
| L Spindle Speed | 4,500min-1 |
| L Spindle Motor | 15/11kW, 18.5/15kW(op.) |
| Floor Space | height:2,225mm(Maximum height of moving part) / width:3,195mm / depth:1,967mm |
Specifications sourced from nakamura-tome.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Thermal symmetry design ensures uniform thermal expansion across the machine structure, maintaining tight tolerances through long production runs without operator compensation or thermal drift corrections
- Sub-0.002 mm spindle TIR and 0.002 mm repeatability deliver precision turning that reduces or eliminates secondary grinding operations for many tight-tolerance applications
- Compact 3,200 kg footprint fits into small production cells and allows clustering multiple SC-200 machines in the floor space occupied by a single larger lathe
- BMT live tooling with 5.5 kW power provides genuine milling capability for cross-drilling, hexagon machining, and off-center features, reducing secondary operations on turned parts
- Nakamura-Tome's hand-crafted assembly methods and quality control produce machines with exceptionally long accuracy life, maintaining specifications for 15-20+ years of daily production use
- FANUC control platform provides industry-standard programming, broad post-processor compatibility, and extensive training resources for operators across all experience levels
Limitations
- 200 mm maximum turning diameter and 275 mm turning length limit the SC-200 to small parts — shops regularly working with parts over 150 mm diameter should consider the SC-300 or larger Nakamura models
- 11 kW spindle power is adequate for the 200 mm envelope but limits aggressive roughing parameters on harder materials like Inconel and titanium in the upper diameter range
- Nakamura-Tome's North American dealer network is smaller than Mazak or Okuma, though Methods Machine Tools provides dedicated distribution and service in the US market
- No Y-axis option on the base SC-200 limits milling capability to C-axis radial operations — true off-center milling requires the SC-200MY variant at additional cost
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
New Nakamura-Tome SC-200 machines price between $130,000 and $190,000 depending on configuration. Base 2-axis machines start around $130,000. Adding live tooling ($15,000-$20,000), C-axis ($10,000-$15,000), parts catcher, and bar feeder integration pushes toward $190,000. The SC-200MY variant with Y-axis adds approximately $25,000-$35,000 more. Used SC-series machines from 2015-2022 hold strong resale values between $65,000 and $120,000.
02
The Okuma Genos L3000-e is a larger machine with 300 mm max turning diameter, 8-inch chuck, and more spindle power (15 kW). The Nakamura-Tome SC-200 is more compact with tighter positioning accuracy (0.004 mm vs 0.006 mm) and superior thermal behavior for long-run accuracy stability. Choose the Okuma for larger parts and heavier cuts; choose the Nakamura for maximum precision on parts under 200 mm where thermal stability and accuracy retention are priorities.
03
Thermal symmetry design means the machine's cast iron bed and structural components are shaped so that thermal expansion occurs uniformly in all directions as the machine warms up. Rather than trying to prevent thermal growth entirely (which is impractical), Nakamura-Tome ensures that growth is predictable and symmetrical, so the tool-to-workpiece relationship remains consistent. This approach produces more consistent accuracy over 8-16 hour production runs than machines that rely solely on coolant-based thermal management.
04
The SC-200 is a 2-axis (X, Z) turning center with optional C-axis for polar interpolation. The SC-200MY adds a Y-axis (typically +/- 40-50 mm) that enables true off-center milling, drilling, and tapping — essential for features like keyways, flats, and eccentric holes. The Y-axis adds approximately $25,000-$35,000 to the price. If your parts require off-center milled features, the MY variant eliminates secondary milling operations and improves accuracy by completing parts in one clamping.
05
Yes, the SC-200 is well-suited for bar-fed production with its 51 mm bar capacity. Magazine-type bar feeders from LNS, IEMCA, FMB, or Citizen integrate with the FANUC control for automatic bar feeding and remnant management. Combined with a parts catcher or conveyor, the SC-200 can run unattended for extended periods. Typical unattended runtime depends on bar length, part size, and cycle time, but 4-8 hours of continuous operation is common with a standard 12-foot bar feeder.
06
Methods Machine Tools is the primary distributor for Nakamura-Tome in the United States, providing sales, applications engineering, service, and parts from multiple locations. Methods has service technicians across major manufacturing regions and maintains parts inventory for common Nakamura-Tome models. In Canada, distribution is handled through authorized dealers. The Methods partnership provides a level of local support that mitigates concerns about Nakamura-Tome being a smaller brand compared to Mazak or Okuma.
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