Tsugami B026V-III
Key Specifications
bar capacity
number of axes
main spindle speed
sub spindle speed
live tool speed
guide bushing
Overview
The Tsugami B026V-III is a 26 mm vertical gang tool post Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe that combines the precision of sliding headstock operation with the speed advantages of a vertically oriented gang tool post. It shares its platform with the B0325V-III (32 mm variant), inheriting the same design philosophy of high precision, high speed, and high rigidity in a compact form factor.
The vertical gang tool post orientation is a deliberate engineering choice. Gravity pulls chips downward and away from the cutting zone, reducing chip recutting, improving surface finish, and extending tool life. On a production machine running thousands of parts per shift, these seemingly small advantages compound into meaningful productivity gains.
With an estimated 5 axes of control, the B026V-III features a sliding headstock with guide bushing for producing long, slender parts with tight concentricity requirements. The main spindle runs at approximately 8,000 RPM, matched by a sub-spindle at 8,000 RPM for back-working operations. Live tooling at 6,000 RPM handles cross-drilling, milling, and threading without secondary operations.
The FANUC 0i-TF control keeps the B026V-III accessible to a wide range of operators and programmers. It's a proven, reliable control platform that doesn't carry the cost premium of higher-end FANUC models while still providing all the functionality needed for Swiss-type production. The 26 mm bar capacity covers a significant portion of small-to-medium turned parts in the medical, electronics, and automotive connector markets.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 26 mm (1.024 in) |
| Number Of Axes | 5 (estimated) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 8,000 RPM (estimated) |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 8,000 RPM (estimated) |
| Live Tool Speed | 6,000 RPM (estimated) |
| Guide Bushing | Sliding headstock with guide bushing |
| Tool Post | Vertical gang tool post |
| CNC Control | FANUC 0i-TF |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Vertical gang tool post lets gravity clear chips from the cutting zone, improving finish and tool life
- Sliding headstock with guide bushing delivers excellent concentricity on long, slender parts
- 8,000 RPM main and sub-spindle speeds handle efficient production across the 26 mm capacity range
- 6,000 RPM live tooling enables cross-drilling, milling, and threading without secondary setups
- FANUC 0i-TF control is cost-effective while providing full Swiss-type programming capability
- Shares platform with B032V-III for parts commonality and maintenance familiarity
Limitations
- 5-axis configuration limits complexity compared to 7-9 axis Swiss machines in Tsugami's B-series lineup
- Estimated specs based on platform sharing with B0325V-III; confirm exact specifications with your Tsugami distributor
- Vertical gang post limits total tool count compared to turret-based or combined gang+turret machines
- 8,000 RPM spindle speed is moderate; some competitors offer 10,000+ RPM in this capacity class
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The vertical orientation uses gravity to pull chips away from the cutting zone. On horizontal machines, chips can pile up around the tool and workpiece, causing recutting marks, premature tool wear, and surface finish problems. The vertical design is particularly beneficial with stringy materials like stainless steel and aluminum that tend to wrap around tools.
02
They share the same platform, with the main difference being bar capacity: 26 mm vs. 32 mm. The B032V-III has published specs showing 29 tool positions and 330 mm headstock stroke. The B026V-III likely has similar or slightly better spindle speeds due to the smaller capacity. Choose based on your maximum bar diameter requirement.
03
The FANUC 0i-TF provides all the functionality needed for 5-axis Swiss-type production at a lower cost than the 31i or 32i controls. Higher-end controls are used on machines with more axes (7-9) where multi-channel programming is required. The 0i-TF keeps the machine price accessible while still delivering excellent performance.
04
The B026V-III may be available through Tsugami America's distribution network, though the closely related B0325V-III (32 mm variant) appears to have wider North American availability. Contact Tsugami America directly for current model availability and pricing in your region.
