Tsugami B038-III

$380,000 - $550,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

bar capacity

38 mm (1.5 in)

main spindle speed

200-6,000 RPM

sub spindle speed

200-7,000 RPM

spindle motor

7.5/11 kW

axes

6 (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Y2, Z2, C1, C2)

live tool speed

6,000 RPM

Overview

The Tsugami B038-III is the largest opposed gang tool Swiss-type CNC lathe in Tsugami's B-series lineup, offering 38 mm (1.5 in) bar capacity across multiple sub-variants: B0385B (5-axis), B0385LB (5-axis long bed), B0386 (6-axis), and B0386L (6-axis long bed). This is a machine built for parts that push the upper boundary of what Swiss-type turning can do.

The 6-axis configuration runs on axes X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Y2, Z2 with C1 and C2 spindle axes, all coordinated by the FANUC 32i-B control. Main spindle speed reaches 200-6,000 RPM and the sub-spindle runs 200-7,000 RPM -- lower than the smaller B-series machines, but appropriate for the larger workpiece diameters involved. The 7.5/11 kW spindle motor is significantly more powerful than anything in the 20mm or 32mm lineup, providing the torque needed for aggressive cutting on larger-diameter stainless, titanium, and high-temp alloys.

Live tooling runs at 6,000 RPM across up to 26 live positions from a maximum of 42 total tool stations. The standard configuration starts at 32 tools with 15 live stations. With the guide bushing installed, headstock stroke reaches 320 mm (12.6 in); in chucker mode, 70 mm (2.75 in). The 'L' long-bed variants extend the headstock stroke for even longer parts.

At 4,850 kg (10,694 lbs) and 2,240 x 1,515 x 2,050 mm (88 x 60 x 81 in), the B038-III is a substantial piece of equipment. It competes with the Citizen L38 and Star SR-38 in this bar capacity class. For shops producing parts in the 32-38mm range that demand Swiss-type concentricity and surface finish, this is one of few machines that can deliver.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Bar Capacity	38 mm (1.5 in)
Main Spindle Speed	200-6,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Speed	200-7,000 RPM
Spindle Motor	7.5/11 kW
Axes	6 (X1, Y1, Z1, X2, Y2, Z2, C1, C2)
Live Tool Speed	6,000 RPM
Tool Positions Std Max	32/42
Live Tool Positions Std Max	15/26
Headstock Stroke With Guide Bushing	320 mm (12.6 in)
Headstock Stroke Without Guide Bushing	70 mm (2.75 in)
Rapid Traverse Rate	32 m/min
Guide Bushing	Convertible (Swiss/chucker)
CNC Control	FANUC 32i-B
Machine Weight	4,850 kg (10,694 lbs)
Dimensions	2,240 x 1,515 x 2,050 mm (88 x 60 x 81 in)

Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

38mm bar capacity is among the largest available in the Swiss-type class for turning precision parts from bar stock
7.5/11 kW spindle motor provides serious torque for aggressive cuts in stainless, titanium, and Inconel
Up to 42 tool positions with 26 live stations handles complex multi-feature parts in a single setup
320mm headstock stroke with guide bushing accommodates long shafts and pins
Long-bed variants (B0385LB, B0386L) extend stroke for even longer workpieces
Convertible guide bushing system with 70mm chucker stroke supports both part types

Limitations

6,000 RPM max spindle speed limits surface speed on smaller features machined on the larger bar diameter
4,850 kg weight requires substantial floor loading and installation planning
Higher material costs at 38mm bar diameter make scrap and remnants more expensive
Larger footprint and weight increase tooling investment and maintenance costs compared to 20mm machines

Best For

Orthopedic implant manufacturers producing large bone screws, hip stems, and spinal fusion cages in titanium Hydraulic manifold and valve body producers machining complex fittings up to 38mm diameter Aerospace fastener and fitting shops working with large-diameter Inconel and stainless components Industrial shaft and pin producers needing Swiss-type concentricity on parts exceeding 32mm diameter Energy sector component manufacturers producing precision valve and fitting components Any application requiring Swiss-type accuracy and finish on parts in the 32-38mm range

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What are the sub-variants of the B038-III?

The B038-III comes in four sub-variants: B0385B (5-axis standard bed), B0385LB (5-axis long bed), B0386 (6-axis standard bed), and B0386L (6-axis long bed). The '5' variants are 5-axis without Y2, the '6' variants are 6-axis with Y2. The 'L' variants have extended headstock stroke for longer parts. Choose based on part complexity and length requirements.

02 Why does the B038-III have lower spindle speeds than the smaller B-series machines?

At 38mm bar diameter, the workpiece mass is significantly higher than 20mm or 32mm stock. Running large-diameter stock at high RPM creates dangerous centrifugal forces and exceeds practical surface speed needs. At 6,000 RPM on 38mm stock, surface speed is already approximately 715 m/min -- more than enough for any common workpiece material.

03 How does the 7.5/11 kW motor compare to smaller machines?

The B038-III's 7.5/11 kW motor is roughly 3x the power of the 2.2/3.7 kW found on 20mm machines and double the 3.7/5.5 kW on 32mm machines. This extra power is necessary for the larger cutting forces generated when machining 38mm bar stock. It enables productive feed rates on stainless and titanium without stalling.

04 What does the long-bed variant add?

The 'L' (long bed) variants (B0385LB, B0386L) extend the headstock stroke beyond the standard 320mm, enabling Swiss-type machining of longer parts. If your parts are long shafts, pins, or rods that exceed the standard stroke, the long-bed variant eliminates the need for secondary operations. Exact extended stroke length should be confirmed with your Tsugami dealer.

05 Is 38mm the largest Swiss-type machine Tsugami makes?

In the standard B-series opposed gang tool lineup, 38mm is the largest. Tsugami also makes the BW329Z and BW389Z with independent opposed tool posts that handle similar diameters. For parts larger than 38mm, you'd typically move to a conventional CNC lathe or mill-turn machine, as Swiss-type benefits diminish at larger diameters.