Tsugami NH4C
Key Specifications
X Travel
Y Travel
Z Travel
Rapid Traverse
Accuracy
Repeatability
Overview
The Tsugami NH4C is a compact 4-axis horizontal machining center (HMC) engineered for high-precision production of small, complex parts that benefit from horizontal spindle orientation and pallet-based fixturing. While Tsugami is best known for its Swiss-type automatic lathes, the NH4C demonstrates the company's precision engineering capabilities extended into the compact HMC segment — targeting the same medical device, electronics, and precision automotive markets served by its Swiss-type lineup, but for prismatic parts that require multi-face milling, deep-pocket boring, and hole patterns that a Swiss-type lathe cannot address.
The NH4C features a 400 mm pallet (or optional 320 mm) and a horizontal spindle rated at 15,000 RPM with 18.5 kW (25 hp) of power. The horizontal orientation and gravity-assisted chip evacuation make the NH4C particularly effective for deep-pocket parts and components with blind holes — configurations where vertical machining centers struggle with chip recutting and coolant drainage. A rotary B-axis table (0.001° resolution) provides the 4th axis for full 4-sided part access in a single pallet load.
The NH4C is sized for small precision parts — the work envelope (X/Y/Z travel) is compact relative to production HMCs from Makino or Mazak, but appropriate for the small-part market segment Tsugami targets. Tool magazine capacity is 40 to 60 tools (depending on configuration), supporting complex part programs without mid-cycle tool changes. The automatic pallet changer (APC) with 2-pallet standard configuration (expandable) enables machine loading during cutting cycles for minimal non-cutting time.
Mitsubishi M80 control is standard on the NH4C, providing 5-axis interpolation capability, high-speed look-ahead processing, and network connectivity for DNC operation. Pricing for the NH4C is typically $350,000 to $480,000 depending on pallet configuration, tool magazine size, and automation options. Competitors include the Brother Speedio M140X1, Matsuura H.Plus-400, and Makino a40.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Pallet Size | 400 mm x 400 mm |
| Main Spindle Speed | 15,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Power | 18.5 kW (25 hp) |
| Main Spindle Torque | 95 Nm (70 ft-lb) |
| Number Of Axes | 4 axes (X, Y, Z, B-axis rotary table) |
| B Axis Resolution | 0.001° |
| Tool Magazine Capacity | 40 tools (60 tools optional) |
| Tool Change Time | 2.5 seconds (chip-to-chip) |
| X-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) |
| Y-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) |
| Z-Axis Travel | 560 mm (22.0 in) |
| Rapid Traverse Rate | 50 m/min (1,969 ipm) |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.003 mm |
| Repeatability | ±0.002 mm |
| Pallet Changer | 2-pallet APC standard |
| CNC Control | Mitsubishi M80 |
| Machine Weight | 8,500 kg (18,739 lb) |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Horizontal spindle orientation provides gravity-assisted chip evacuation, eliminating chip recutting in deep pockets and blind holes that plagues vertical machining centers
- 15,000 RPM with 18.5 kW spindle covers both high-speed finishing and productive roughing on aluminum, steel, and titanium small parts
- 4-axis B-axis rotary table provides complete 4-sided part access in a single setup, reducing fixtures and setups for complex prismatic parts
- 2-pallet APC enables continuous production — one pallet cuts while the second pallet is being loaded, eliminating spindle wait time
- Mitsubishi M80 control delivers high-speed look-ahead and 5-axis interpolation capability for complex contouring on small precision parts
- Tsugami precision manufacturing pedigree transfers to HMC build quality; Swiss-type accuracy standards applied to prismatic machining
Limitations
- 560 mm travel limits the NH4C to smaller workpieces — large parts requiring more than 400 mm pallet size need a production HMC from Mazak or Makino
- At $350K-$480K, the NH4C competes with well-established HMC brands; shops without existing Tsugami relationships may default to proven HMC names
- 40-tool standard magazine may limit flexibility for complex programs; the 60-tool option should be specified for shops with part families requiring many tool types
- Tsugami's HMC service and applications network is less extensive than its Swiss-type support; verify local service coverage before purchase
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Both target the compact HMC segment for small precision parts. The Brother Speedio is known for extremely fast chip-to-chip times (under 2 seconds) and rapid traverse rates optimized for high-mix, low-to-medium complexity parts. The Tsugami NH4C offers a larger standard pallet (400 mm vs Brother's 200 mm or 320 mm), higher spindle power for more productive metal removal, and the Mitsubishi M80 control which some shops prefer for complex contouring. Part size and required program complexity typically drive the choice.
02
The NH4C standard configuration is 4-axis (X, Y, Z, B). Full 5-axis simultaneous machining requires an additional tilting A-axis table or tilting-rotary table option. Tsugami offers this configuration for shops requiring undercut access and complex contoured surfaces. The Mitsubishi M80 control supports 5-axis interpolation natively, so the control upgrade cost is minimal when the mechanical 5th axis is added.
03
The NH4C ships with a 2-pallet APC standard. Extended pallet pool systems with 4, 8, or more pallets are available for lights-out production. Tsugami's pallet pool integration works with the Mitsubishi M80 control's pallet scheduler for automatic job sequencing. For high-volume production, a 10-20 pallet system with an operator console allows days of unattended operation.
04
The 400 mm pallet and 560 mm XYZ travel accommodate workpieces up to approximately 400 mm in diameter and 500 mm in height. In practice, parts should allow clearance for fixturing and tool approach, so effective maximum part envelopes are somewhat smaller. The NH4C is best suited to parts fitting within roughly 300 mm diameter and 400 mm height.
05
In horizontal machining, chips fall away from the workpiece and fixture by gravity, preventing chip recutting that damages surface finish and shortens tool life. This is particularly important in deep-pocket aluminum and titanium parts where chip accumulation in vertical machining centers is a constant challenge. Horizontal orientation also allows coolant to flush chips downward consistently, extending tool life by 20-40% compared to equivalent vertical machining on the same part.
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