Tsugami B073-VR
Key Specifications
bar capacity
main spindle speed
sub spindle
axes
spindle motor
tool positions
Overview
The Tsugami B073-VR is a 3-axis Swiss-type CNC automatic lathe with 7 mm (0.275 in) bar capacity from Tsugami's newest VR generation. The VR designation marks a significant upgrade — these machines feature ceramic ball bearings on the main spindle and Tsugami's proprietary chuck mechanism that replaces the traditional toggle design for quicker response and better rotational balance.
The main spindle tops out at 15,000 RPM with a 1.1/1.5 kW (2 HP) motor. That's a strong speed for 7 mm Swiss work, delivering surface speeds over 330 m/min at full bore — plenty for brass, aluminum, and even moderate cuts in stainless steel. The B073-VR is a 3-axis machine without a sub spindle, which means it's strictly for front-side turning operations. If you need backworking, the B075-VR adds a sub spindle and two more axes.
Tooling capacity goes up to 21 positions on the opposed gang tool post, which is generous for a 3-axis machine. The rapid traverse rate hits 32 m/min, and the headstock stroke is 70 mm (2.76 in) with the guide bushing installed. The direct-drive rotary guide bushing is a sliding headstock design, maintaining the concentricity and surface finish that Swiss-type machines are known for.
The VR-series ceramic ball bearings on the main spindle are a real differentiator. They run cooler, resist thermal growth better, and last longer than conventional steel bearings. This translates to more stable turning accuracy over long production runs and better surface finish consistency. The estimated dimensions of 1,035 x 1,585 x 1,700 mm (40.7 x 62.4 x 66.9 in) at approximately 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) make this a compact machine that fits comfortably in most Swiss production environments.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 7 mm (0.275 in) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 15,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle | N/A (no sub spindle) |
| Axes | 3 |
| Spindle Motor | 1.1/1.5 kW (2 HP) |
| Tool Positions | Up to 21 |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 32 m/min |
| Headstock Stroke | 70 mm (2.76 in) with guide bushing |
| Guide Bushing | Direct-drive rotary, sliding headstock |
| Dimensions | 1,035 x 1,585 x 1,700 mm (40.7 x 62.4 x 66.9 in, estimated) |
| Machine Weight | 2,000 kg (4,409 lb, estimated) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Ceramic ball bearings on the main spindle provide superior thermal stability and extended bearing life
- 15,000 RPM spindle speed is excellent for high-speed micro Swiss turning at 7 mm and below
- Up to 21 tool positions on opposed gang post — generous capacity for a 3-axis Swiss machine
- 32 m/min rapid traverse rate minimizes non-cutting time between operations
- Tsugami's proprietary chuck mechanism offers faster response and better balance than toggle designs
- VR generation represents Tsugami's latest technology platform with modern refinements
Limitations
- No sub spindle — parts requiring backworking need the B075-VR or a secondary operation
- 7 mm bar capacity is quite small; shops needing 12 mm+ must move to B012x or B020x series
- 3-axis only limits the machine to basic turning, facing, and drilling — no Y-axis milling
- Dimensions and weight are estimated from the B075-III platform, as VR-specific specs aren't fully published
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The B073-VR is 3-axis without a sub spindle, while the B075-VR is 5-axis with a sub spindle running at 12,000 RPM. The B075-VR also includes 4 live tool positions and 4 sub-spindle fixed positions, plus an interference check function. Both share the same 7 mm bar capacity and 15,000 RPM main spindle. Choose the B073-VR for front-side-only parts and the B075-VR when you need complete part machining.
02
Ceramic ball bearings (typically silicon nitride) are lighter, harder, and generate less heat than steel bearings. On the B073-VR, this means the main spindle maintains tighter thermal stability over long production runs, produces better surface finishes, and extends tool life through reduced vibration. Bearing life is also significantly longer — typically 1.5 to 2x that of conventional steel bearings under equivalent operating conditions.
03
The VR series replaces the III generation with several improvements: ceramic ball bearings (versus conventional bearings on the III), Tsugami's new proprietary chuck mechanism (replacing the toggle design), and guide bushing clearance adjustable from the tooling zone side. The core platform dimensions and spindle specs are similar, but the VR generation delivers better accuracy retention and easier setup.
04
The B073-VR is designed as a sliding headstock machine with a direct-drive rotary guide bushing. While Tsugami offers convertible guide bushing/bushless designs on some models (like the B012x and B020x series), the B07x platform is primarily a guide bushing machine. For dedicated bushless (chucker) operation at 7 mm, look at the B073C or B075C models.
05
Based on the B075-VR specs, the B07x VR series runs on FANUC 0i-TF controls. This is FANUC's mainstream turning control platform, widely supported with extensive training resources and post-processor availability. Most Swiss-type programmers and operators will be immediately comfortable with it.
Videos
Tsugami America
Tsugami America
Tsugami America
