Tornos DECO 20a

$200,000 - $350,000 Updated 2026-03-15

Key Specifications

Rapid Traverse

30 m/min (1,181 ipm)

max bar capacity

20.5 mm (0.807 in)

max machining diameter

20.5 mm (0.807 in)

max machining length

200 mm (7.87 in)

main spindle speed

10,000 RPM

main spindle power

5.5 kW (7.4 hp)

Overview

The Tornos DECO 20a is a high-performance sliding headstock automatic lathe with 20.5 mm bar capacity from Tornos, the Swiss company that essentially invented the Swiss-type lathe over a century ago. The DECO 20a represents Tornos's mid-range production platform, positioned above the SwissNano for micro parts and below the larger DECO models for bigger bar stock. With up to 10 axes and extensive tooling capacity, the DECO 20a handles complex medical, dental, watchmaking, electronics connector, and automotive precision parts in a single operation.

The main spindle delivers 5.5 kW (7.4 hp) at speeds up to 10,000 RPM, while the counter spindle matches at 3.7 kW and 10,000 RPM for back-working operations. The machine accommodates up to 5 independent tool systems with cross-working and back-working capability, allowing simultaneous multi-tool cutting that dramatically reduces cycle times. The guide bushing supports material diameters from 1 to 20.5 mm, making the DECO 20a versatile across a wide range of small precision components.

What distinguishes the DECO 20a from competitors is Tornos's proprietary TISIS programming software and TB-DECO operating system. TISIS provides a graphical programming environment that simplifies multi-axis synchronization — a task that is notoriously complex on Swiss machines. The software automatically optimizes tool paths and synchronization timing to minimize cycle times while preventing collisions. Tornos's integrated connectivity platform also enables real-time production monitoring and OEE tracking.

The DECO 20a is available with various bar feeder configurations and can be equipped with a high-pressure coolant system for improved chip breaking in difficult materials like titanium and Inconel. The machine's thermal stability is managed through Tornos's proprietary compensation system. New DECO 20a machines price in the $200,000 to $350,000 range depending on configuration. The machine competes with the Citizen Cincom L20, Star SR-20J, and Tsugami SS20 in the 20mm Swiss-type segment.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Max Bar Capacity	20.5 mm (0.807 in)
Max Machining Diameter	20.5 mm (0.807 in)
Max Machining Length	200 mm (7.87 in)
Main Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Main Spindle Power	5.5 kW (7.4 hp)
Counter Spindle Speed	10,000 RPM
Counter Spindle Power	3.7 kW (5 hp)
Number Of Axes	Up to 10
Number Of Tool Systems	5 independent tool systems
Guide Bushing	Yes (standard)
C Axis	Main and counter spindle
Rapid Traverse Rate	30 m/min (1,181 ipm)
Bar Feed Range	1 - 20.5 mm
CNC Control	Tornos TB-DECO / TISIS
Machine Weight	3,200 kg (7,055 lb) approx.
Machine Style	Bar, Swiss
Spindle Direction	Horizontal
Operation Type	CNC
Cnc Type	Fanuc PNC-DECO
Main Spindle Turning Diameter Max	1.000"
Main Spindle Turning Length Max	7.870"
Main Spindle Bar Diameter Max	0.790"
Main Spindle Bar Diameter Opt	1.000"
Sub Spindle Turning Diameter Max	0.790"
Sub Spindle Turning Length Max	7.870"
Tail Stock Quill And Body	None
Num Main Spindles	1
Main Spindle 1	RPM:10,000HP:7.50Index Increment:0.100RPM Opt:HP Opt:
Rpm10000	HP:7.50
Rpm Opt	HP Opt:
Main Spindle 2	RPM:10,000HP:7.50Index Increment:0.100RPM Opt:HP Opt:
Sub Spindle	RPM:6,000HP:7.50Index Increment:0.100
Rpm6000	HP:7.50
Primary Tool Carrier	Front Slide
Max Tools	Turning:Rotary:43
Turning	Rotary:
Rotary Tool	HP:RPM:8,000
Hp	RPM:
Second Tool Carrier	Back Slide
Num Simultaneous Cutting Tools	4
Secondary Mill Drill Function	On-CenterOff-CenterWith 'C' AxisWith 'Y' AxisStandardStandardOptionalStandard
On Center	Off-Center
Standard	Standard
Num Axes	8
Number Of Axes Opt	9
Number Of Axes Opt 2	9
X Axis	0.790"
Z Axis	7.870"

Specifications sourced from techspex.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Tornos's heritage as the inventor of the Swiss-type lathe translates into refined kinematics, thermal management, and guide bushing design optimized over decades of continuous development
Up to 10 axes and 5 independent tool systems enable highly complex parts with multiple features to be completed in a single cycle, minimizing handling and secondary operations
TISIS programming software simplifies multi-axis synchronization with graphical programming and automatic cycle time optimization, reducing programming time for complex parts
10,000 RPM main and counter spindles provide the speed needed for small-diameter finishing operations and high-performance drilling in medical-grade titanium and stainless steel
Integrated connectivity platform enables real-time production monitoring, OEE tracking, and predictive maintenance — essential for ISO 13485 and AS9100 regulated production environments
Thermal compensation system maintains dimensional stability during long production runs, critical for medical implant components with tight tolerance requirements

Limitations

Tornos TB-DECO programming system has a steeper learning curve than Fanuc-based controls used on Citizen and Star machines, potentially requiring dedicated programmer training
Parts availability and service response times outside of Switzerland and major European markets can lag behind Citizen and Star, which have larger global service networks
20.5 mm maximum bar capacity is at the lower end for shops that occasionally need to run 25-32 mm stock, requiring a second machine for larger diameters
Higher price point than some Asian competitors in the 20mm Swiss segment, though justified by Swiss build quality and the TISIS software ecosystem

Best For

Medical device manufacturers producing bone screws, dental implants, spinal fusion components, and surgical instrument shafts in titanium and cobalt-chrome Watch and precision instrument companies machining small complex components with tight concentricity and surface finish requirements Electronics connector manufacturers running high-volume production of precision turned contacts, pins, and terminals in brass and phosphor bronze Automotive fuel injection component producers requiring sub-10-micron concentricity on small precision turned parts at production volumes Aerospace fastener and fitting manufacturers producing AN/MS specification parts in stainless steel, Inconel, and titanium with complex geometries

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a new Tornos DECO 20a cost?

New Tornos DECO 20a machines typically price between $200,000 and $350,000 depending on the number of axes, tool system configuration, bar feeder type, and options like high-pressure coolant and oil mist collection. Fully loaded 10-axis configurations with premium bar feeders and high-pressure coolant approach the upper end of this range. Used DECO 20a units trade between $80,000 and $180,000 depending on vintage, hours, and condition.

02 How does the DECO 20a compare to the Citizen Cincom L20?

Both are excellent 20mm Swiss-type lathes. The Citizen L20 offers LFV chip-breaking technology and a Mitsubishi-based control that many operators find more intuitive. The Tornos DECO 20a counters with TISIS programming software that excels at complex multi-axis synchronization, and arguably superior thermal stability from Tornos's Swiss manufacturing heritage. The Citizen has a larger global service network, while Tornos has deeper roots in ultra-precision watchmaking applications.

03 What is TISIS software?

TISIS is Tornos's proprietary connectivity and programming platform. It provides graphical programming for multi-axis Swiss-type parts, automatic synchronization optimization to minimize cycle times, real-time production monitoring with OEE metrics, and predictive maintenance alerts. TISIS connects multiple Tornos machines into a production management dashboard, making it valuable for shops running several Swiss machines in a production cell.

04 Can the DECO 20a run without a guide bushing?

The DECO 20a is designed primarily as a guide-bushing machine, which provides the support needed for precise turning of long, slender parts. Some Tornos models offer guide-bushing-free operation for short parts where material savings from eliminating the remnant are important. Check with your Tornos dealer for the specific DECO 20a configuration options available for guide-bushing-free operation.

05 What materials can the DECO 20a machine effectively?

The DECO 20a handles all common Swiss-type materials including free-machining brass, stainless steels (303, 304, 316L), titanium (Ti-6Al-4V, commercially pure), cobalt-chrome, Inconel, PEEK, Delrin, and other engineering plastics. The optional high-pressure coolant system improves chip breaking in gummy materials like 316L stainless and titanium. Tornos provides application-specific recommendations for tool selection and cutting parameters.

06 How many parts per hour can the DECO 20a produce?

Throughput depends entirely on part complexity and material. Simple brass connector pins might run at 200+ parts per hour, while complex titanium bone screws with milling, cross-drilling, and threading might produce 15-25 parts per hour. The DECO 20a's multi-axis simultaneous cutting capability and counter-spindle back-working minimize total cycle time for complex parts. Tornos can provide cycle time estimates for specific part geometries through their applications engineering team.