Tsugami SS20MH-III-5AX
Key Specifications
bar capacity
number of axes
main spindle speed
sub spindle speed
tool spindle speed
backworking live tool speed
Overview
The Tsugami SS20MH-III-5AX is a full 5-axis simultaneous Swiss-type automatic lathe that pushes the boundaries of what's possible with a 20mm sliding headstock platform. This machine isn't just a lathe with some milling bolted on -- it's a genuine hybrid that combines Swiss-type turning with B-axis machining center capability, all within a single compact footprint. For shops producing complex medical, aerospace, or dental components, it's one of the most capable small-part machines you can buy.
At its core, the SS20MH-III-5AX handles 20mm (0.8 in) bar stock through 8 axes of CNC control with 5-axis simultaneous interpolation. The main spindle tops out at 10,000 RPM, while the sub-spindle runs up to 12,000 RPM for back-working operations. But the real headline is the B-axis tool spindle that reaches 25,000 RPM, giving you machining center-level milling performance right on a Swiss lathe. The FANUC 31i-B5 Plus control handles the complex multi-axis coordination without breaking a sweat.
Tooling capacity is outstanding -- 36 tool positions total, with a 30-tool magazine for the B-axis tool spindle. The backworking side gets 6 modular live tool stations with Y-axis capability, so you can do serious secondary operations without compromising cycle time. Linear scales come standard on X1, Z1, Y1, and X2 axes, which means you're getting machining center-grade positioning accuracy on a Swiss-type platform.
The guide bushing system is convertible, letting you run in chucker mode for shorter parts where guide bushing operation would waste material. Headstock stroke is 170mm (6.7 in) with guide bushing and 45mm (1.8 in) in chucker mode. The machine weighs in at 5,300 kg (11,660 lbs) and occupies a 2,500 x 1,905mm floor space -- substantial for a 20mm Swiss, but you're getting capability that would otherwise require two or three separate machines.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bar Capacity | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Number Of Axes | 8 axes (5-axis simultaneous) |
| Main Spindle Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Sub Spindle Speed | 12,000 RPM |
| Tool Spindle Speed | 25,000 RPM (B-axis) |
| Backworking Live Tool Speed | 10,000 RPM |
| Main Spindle Motor | 3.7/5.5 kW (5/7.4 HP) |
| Tool Positions | 36 total |
| Tool Magazine | 30 tools (B-axis) |
| B Axis | Yes (25,000 RPM tool spindle) |
| Guide Bushing | Yes (convertible chucker mode) |
| Max Headstock Stroke Guide Bushing | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Max Headstock Stroke Chucker | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Linear Scales | Standard on X1/Z1/Y1/X2 |
| CNC Control | FANUC 31i-B5 Plus |
| Machine Weight | 5,300 kg (11,660 lbs) |
| Floor Space Required | 2,500 x 1,905 x 1,920 mm |
Specifications sourced from tsugami.co.jp — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- True 5-axis simultaneous machining on a Swiss-type platform eliminates secondary operations for complex geometries like turbine blades and implant screws
- 25,000 RPM B-axis tool spindle delivers machining center-level milling performance for demanding contoured surfaces
- 30-tool magazine on the B-axis side means you won't run out of stations even on the most complex parts
- Linear scales standard on four axes provide sub-micron positioning accuracy throughout the working envelope
- Convertible guide bushing system lets you switch between Swiss and chucker mode to minimize bar remnant waste on shorter parts
- 12,000 RPM sub-spindle with Y-axis backworking enables complex secondary operations without part transfer delays
- FANUC 31i-B5 Plus control handles 5-axis simultaneous interpolation with smooth, high-speed processing
Limitations
- Premium price point puts this machine well above standard Swiss lathes -- you need the 5-axis capability to justify the investment
- 8-axis programming complexity requires experienced operators or strong CAM support; this isn't a beginner's Swiss lathe
- 5,300 kg machine weight and larger footprint than typical 20mm Swiss machines may require floor reinforcement
- Main spindle motor at 3.7/5.5 kW is modest for heavy cuts in tough materials -- the machine favors precision over brute force
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The key difference is the B-axis tool spindle running at 25,000 RPM with a 30-tool magazine. This gives you true 5-axis simultaneous machining capability -- not just indexed milling positions. You can cut complex contoured surfaces, pockets, and 3D geometries that would be impossible on a conventional Swiss lathe. It's essentially a Swiss lathe and a small machining center combined into one platform.
02
Both are high-end Swiss-type machines with B-axis milling capability. The Tsugami offers a higher tool spindle speed (25,000 vs 10,000 RPM on standard Citizen configurations) and true 5-axis simultaneous control. The Citizen M32 handles 32mm bar stock vs 20mm on the Tsugami. If your parts are under 20mm and need complex milling, the SS20MH-III-5AX has an edge. For larger bar diameters, you'd need the SS38MH-5AX.
03
Yes. The SS20MH-III-5AX features a convertible guide bushing system. In chucker mode, you get 45mm of headstock stroke without the guide bushing, which works well for shorter parts where guide bushing operation would waste bar stock. Switching between modes typically takes 30-60 minutes.
04
ESPRIT, PartMaker (now part of Mastercam), and GibbsCAM are the most common choices for programming the SS20MH-III-5AX. These packages handle the simultaneous multi-channel programming required for overlapping main spindle and sub-spindle operations. The 5-axis B-axis tool spindle work typically requires dedicated post processors tuned to Tsugami's kinematics.
05
Lead times for new Tsugami SS20MH-III-5AX machines typically run 6-12 months depending on configuration and market demand. These are built-to-order machines, not stock items. Used units are rare because shops that buy them tend to keep them loaded. Work with Rem Sales (Tsugami's US distributor) for current availability and pricing.
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