Tsugami B038T

$350,000 - $500,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

bar capacity

38 mm (1.5 in)

number of axes

main spindle speed

200-5,000 RPM

main spindle motor

7.5 kW (11 HP)

sub spindle speed

200-7,000 RPM

sub spindle motor

3.7/5.5 kW (5/7.4 HP)

Overview

The Tsugami B038T is a 9-axis Swiss-type CNC turning center with 38 mm bar capacity that combines both a gang tool post and a turret for maximum tooling flexibility. It's one of Tsugami's most capable Swiss-type machines, built for shops that need to produce complex parts complete in a single operation without compromise on either turning or milling capability.

With 9 axes of simultaneous control and up to 45 tool positions, the B038T can handle parts that would require multiple operations on lesser machines. The turret carries 8 rotary live tool positions, while the gang slide adds 2 more, giving you 10 live tool stations to work with. Live tools spin at 8,000 RPM, which is respectable for cross-milling and drilling operations on a Swiss-type platform.

The main spindle runs at 5,000 RPM with a 7.5 kW (11 HP) motor, providing serious torque for heavier cuts in the 38 mm bar range. The sub-spindle hits 7,000 RPM with a 3.7/5.5 kW motor for back-working operations. That power difference between main and sub-spindle is intentional: the main spindle handles rough turning at full bar diameter while the sub does lighter finish work and back-end features.

Controlled by the FANUC 31i-B, the B038T gives programmers access to more channels and axes than the 32i-B used on simpler Tsugami models. At 6,200 kg, it's a substantially heavier machine than the SS-series, reflecting the added mass of the turret mechanism and the beefier spindle motors. The 250 mm headstock stroke with guide bushing is adequate for most parts in this bar capacity class, and the 3,247 x 1,875 mm footprint, while larger, is still reasonable for the capability it delivers.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Bar Capacity	38 mm (1.5 in)
Number Of Axes	9
Main Spindle Speed	200-5,000 RPM
Main Spindle Motor	7.5 kW (11 HP)
Sub Spindle Speed	200-7,000 RPM
Sub Spindle Motor	3.7/5.5 kW (5/7.4 HP)
Live Tool Speed	200-8,000 RPM
Guide Bushing	Yes
Max Headstock Stroke	250 mm (9.84 in)
Tool Positions	Up to 45
Live Tool Positions	8 rotary (turret) + 2 (gang slide)
CNC Control	FANUC 31i-B
Machine Weight	6,200 kg (13,669 lb)
Floor Space Required	3,247 x 1,875 x 1,840 mm
Turret Stations	8

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

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

9-axis control with up to 45 tool positions delivers complete part production capability for highly complex components
Dual tooling systems (gang post + turret) give you the speed of gang tooling and the flexibility of a turret in one machine
7.5 kW main spindle motor provides serious torque for 38 mm bar stock in demanding materials like stainless and titanium
8,000 RPM live tooling on both turret and gang slide handles substantial cross-milling and drilling operations
FANUC 31i-B control handles the multi-channel programming needed for 9-axis simultaneous operation
38 mm bar capacity opens up a wider range of part diameters than most Swiss-type machines in Tsugami's lineup
Sub-spindle at 7,000 RPM enables efficient back-working operations for complete done-in-one production

Limitations

5,000 RPM main spindle speed is slower than smaller-capacity Swiss machines, limiting surface speed on smaller diameters
6,200 kg weight and 3,247 mm length require significant floor space compared to gang-only Swiss machines
9-axis programming complexity demands highly skilled CNC programmers, particularly for multi-channel synchronization
Higher purchase price puts it out of reach for smaller shops that don't need the full 38 mm capacity
250 mm headstock stroke is shorter than some competing 38mm-class machines

Best For

Aerospace and defense manufacturers producing complex flight-critical turned-milled components up to 38 mm Medical device companies making larger implant components, spinal rods, and surgical instruments in titanium Hydraulic and pneumatic component producers needing complete cross-drilling and milling on turned parts Contract shops running complex multi-feature parts that currently require two or more machine setups Automotive powertrain component manufacturers producing shafts and connectors with secondary milling features

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What does a Tsugami B038T cost?

New Tsugami B038T machines typically price between $350,000 and $500,000 depending on axis configuration, tooling package, and options. The combination of 9 axes, dual tooling systems, and FANUC 31i-B control puts it at a premium over simpler Swiss machines. Used units are relatively rare due to the machine's production-focused user base.

02 How does the B038T differ from the B038V-III?

The B038T uses a combination of gang tool post and turret (hence the 'T' designation) with 9 axes, while the B038V-III is a vertical gang tool post design with 5 axes. The B038T offers significantly more tooling positions (45 vs. fewer on the V-III) and more complex simultaneous machining capability, but at higher cost and complexity.

03 Can the B038T handle titanium at 38 mm?

Yes. The 7.5 kW main spindle motor provides adequate torque for turning titanium alloys at 38 mm diameter. You'll run at lower speeds (400-800 SFM depending on grade) with appropriate carbide or PCD tooling. The machine's rigidity and guide bushing support help maintain dimensional accuracy on these demanding materials.

04 What control channels does the B038T support?

The FANUC 31i-B control on the B038T supports multi-channel programming for simultaneous operation of the main spindle, sub-spindle, gang post, and turret. This enables overlapped operations where the turret machines one end of the part while the gang post works on features at the main spindle, cutting cycle times significantly.